Julep’s October boxes feature their new Rebel set which is billed as “a collection to light up your dark side.” Well, my dark side must need an LED because I fell in love with nearly everything in this set, so for the first time since I’ve been a maven I did the full upgrade and got both add-ons, so you folks get to look at all the goods.
If you want more info on Julep’s maven subscription service and a coupon code, skip down below, but now to the review.
Julep ran into some packaging issues and their Mask Noir was left out of the upgrade boxes, so it shipped out asap in its own little box.
Mask Noir: (Retail $32.00/Maven Price: $25.60)
Description: A peel-off mask of gentle kaolin clay and black volcanic ash.
Verdict: Hit!
This was one of my must have items from the box. I have a great charcoal mask from Origins, but it isn’t peel-off and I can’t tell you how messy and awful it is to remove. My white bathroom sink ends up looking like a swamp, so you can understand why I am so excited to see a mask that can be peeled off. I’m going to use this along with my Julep foot masks and have a spa day.
Kajal Eye Glider & Sharpener: (Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Description: Two intensely pigmented colors—carbon black and brown shimmer—that glide on smoothly and blend like a dream.
Verdict: Miss/Gift
I was surprised Julep opted to feature this as the main beauty Item in its boxes (instead of the more compelling mask). This liner just seems pretty boring and it’s not waterproof which is a requirement for me if I don’t want to do my raccoon impression approximately 5 minutes after application. I prefer gel liners and most people I know tend to prefer liquid/gel/cream. I think Julep is better served by focusing on more unique beauty and makeup items. There are a million eye pencils, and this one doesn’t seem particularly special. I do think the fact that it’s packaged with two different colors (one on each end) and with a sharpener makes it a bit nicer than an average liner. I’ll be packaging it up with some other makeup to give as a gift.
Missy: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Titanium metallic
Verdict: Miss/Gift
This color is an uber shiny silver. It’s not bad, but not something I would use for a full manicure. It would probably go great as a fun tip on a French manicure or with some cute nail art. Since my polish collection is growing by leaps and bounds, I’m going to gift this to someone who will use it far more than I will.
Winona: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $7.99)
Description: Buff greige crème
Verdict: Hit!
This shade is one of the reasons I love the maven boxes. They force me to both step out of my comfort zone and not to ignore the “boring” shades. It’s easy for me to grab something fun and interesting, but everyone needs a basic. This is a great neutral that will work with so many different fun topcoats. I can’t wait to try it out with Julep’s Paris.
Dahlia: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Goldenrod microglitter
Verdict: Hit!
This shade is just a pure golden sparkle. I think it would work great paired with a simple dress for holiday and New Year’s parties.
Anisa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Deep burgundy crème
Verdict: Hit!
This is a lovely shade of red that I think will complement a lot of skin tones. I think I’m going to get a lot of use out of it come Christmas time.
Valerie: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $7.99)
Description: Teal with iridescent microglitter
Verdict: Hit!
This is a pretty color that seems to walk the line between teal and emerald.
Ciara: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Vampy magenta with teal microglitter
Verdict: Love!
Somehow this polish manages to be both vampy and ethereal. It’s a beautiful color and very unique. It’s my favorite item from this collection and a must have for a Julep maven.
Stevie: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Concrete gray frost
Verdict: Hit!
This polish has a gun-metal feel to it, which I think is a great edgy alternative to black nails which for some of us pale girls can read a bit goth.
Cleopatra: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Black latex crème (*no latex in formula)
Verdict: Love!
The unique latex finish on this polish makes it edgy without trying too hard. I recommend wearing without a topcoat for the full effect. Just swatching this one made me feel a little badass so I can’t wait to try a full manicure.
Kendra: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $7.99)
Description: Army green frost
Verdict: Hit!
The second I saw the name on this all I could think of was Kendra the vampire slayer from Buffy and I think this color would have suited her. Of all the shades in this collection, this one is the most difficult to discern from just looking at the bottle. The olive coloring makes it a dark neutral alternative for the go to black or gun-metal nails.
Casper: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Glow-in-the-dark shimmer. Can be worn alone or–better yet–on top of color.
Verdict: Hit!
A shimmery glow in the dark polish? How could I possibly resist. I didn’t swatch this since I figured it wouldn’t show up in the photos anyway, but the shimmer on it is actually quite lovely so even if doesn’t glow in the dark it’s still a damn pretty topcoat. This was one of the two add on polish options.
Beatrix: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Coal black with multidimensional glitter
Verdict: Love!
This was the other add-on to the maven boxes. If you’re like me and you think nail art is cool, but when you attempt it you just look like a toddler who got into the finger paints, then you should pick up Beatrix. I’ve swatched it over Dahlia, but I think it will look amazing over some pale crème polishes in whites, blush pinks, greys and beiges. People will think you spent hours on your nails when all you did was add this topcoat.
Freebie: Candy Corn!
Because who could have a Halloween box without candy corn?
Overall
I am thrilled with this collection and it’s my favorite since joining Julep. It’s dark steampunk with a hint of Halloween that’s just perfectly me. Since my birthday is in October I was able to treat myself to the full collection without feeling guilty. The retail value of this collection is $194.00 and with the Maven discount it would be $145.57. As part of the monthly maven subscription I was able to buy it all for $69.52. This included 10 products I will use and 2 products I will be giving as gifts.
What did you think of the rebel collection? Did it appeal to your dark side?
If you love Julep’s products, you can try out a box for free just use the code FREEBOX
Just remember this signs you up for a subscription that you will need to cancel or opt out of each month.
THE BACKSTORY
Julep specializes in toxin-free nail color but also features beauty products. They are a small company based in Seattle and have been featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things List.
They have a monthly maven box that costs $19.99. You simply take their beauty quiz and it will match you up with a specific style.
The options:
Modern Beauty – (For those who prefer beauty items over nail color) – “You’re a savvy tastemaker obsessed with the art and science of beauty.” Get two full-size beauty products in every box.
Boho Glam – “You’re a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye.” Get two limited-edition nail colors and one full-size beauty product in every box.
Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.” Get two limited-edition nail colors and one full-size beauty product in every box.
Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.” Get two limited-edition nail colors and one full-size beauty product in every box.
It Girl – (For those who want polish only) “You’re a colorful trendsetter who’s not afraid to be bold.” Get three limited-edition nail colors in every box.
The real beauty of a maven box is that you only get what you want. You can change profiles each month or simply opt out of a box. Julep will email you your monthly box selection, at that time you can choose a different box than your regular beauty profile or opt out entirely. Every time you purchase a box you get the option of add-ons at a huge discount along access to their “Secret Store” that lets you get other products at great prices. Another perk is that when you’re a maven you get 20% off anything you purchase from their store along with free Shipping. Julep polishes retail at $14.00 each, so a Maven box of two to three brand new polishes for under $20.00 is a great steal.
Coupon: To try out a box for free, use the code FREEBOX
(you’ll just have to pay for shipping this time). Just remember this is a subscription service so your free box will sign you up to get a box every month. Either opt out each month when you don’t want a box, or cancel by calling Julep’s customer service.
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Lisa Preziosi 