Julep mystery box – Lisa Preziosi

Julep Maven: August 2016 Endless Summer! A Halloween Mystery Box Plus 20% Off!

At long last, I’ve gotten to the last August box review that’s been sitting on the shelf.
Julep Maven offered their “Endless Summer” collection which is perfectly appropriate for today since it’s like 80 degrees in NYC in mid October. Before I jump into all the info on a new mystery box, my review and more Julep gossip, I’ve got some awesome coupon codes and offers. For 20% off your julep.com purchase use coupon code LETSGET20 (expires on 10/31/16). If you’re interested in subscribing there are some great free gift offers, just jump down to the backstory for my affiliate links and coupon codes.

BEWITCHED GLOW MYSTERY BOX

(Price: $24.99 – Estimated Retail Value $106)
Description: “Something wickedly fun this way comes. This intriguing mystery box includes a fan-favorite black polish, a glow-in-the-dark top coat, and more. Don’t be left in the dark!”

This mystery box definitely includes:

Xena (Boho Glam)
Description: “Glow-In-The-Dark Glitter Top Coat”

Johnny (Bombshell)
Description: “True Black Crème”

Plus Additional mystery items of beauty products and polish
Hurry this offer ends 10/19/16!

MY CUSTOMIZABLE MAVEN BOX

Sadly, it seems these days we can’t get a month without another Julep issue. This collection offered an invisible sunscreen gel called “No Excuses”. It did not live up to its name because like Julep’s other sun-related products, it was delayed and didn’t come in this box. Julep did go big on making it up to mavens, by sending those who ordered the sunblock (myself included) a $50 credit for their site. That seemed like a very generous solution and my only issue was that there was an expiration date to the credit that wasn’t clearly listed. If not for all my Facebook friends who are mavens I might have missed out on using mine.

The Missing Product:

No Excuses Invisible Sunscreen Gel
(Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Description: “completely transparent, fast-absorbing face sunscreen in an essence-gel base that delivers Broad Spectrum SPF 40 protection from UVA/UVB rays. This lightweight gel goes on smoothly and dries quickly to a satin finish, making it perfect to wear under makeup. To use: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. Reapply at least every two hours.”
Verdict: Isn’t it ironic, don’t think?
Seems like this product is full of excuses. It only became available for sale, fairly recently so I opted not to order this since my Fall/Winter sunblock needs are pretty well met. This product was also not available for the Canadian mavens at all. While I appreciate Julep’s ambition, they need to focus on doing the things they can do very well, rather than attempting things they can’t truly pull off with the resources they have.

Stephanie
(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Juicy cherry holographic”
I’m a sucker for red polishes in general so I had to snap up this holo polish. I think it will be fun come Christmas time.

Zori
(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Cotton candy holographic jelly”
What’s better than a jelly polish? A holographic jelly polish! I find sweet pinks and nudes holos to be super flattering and a more understated way to do holos. This one is just so pretty.

MARCH FREEBIE!

Free Candy!

OVERALL:

Verdict: Good
So this box is a tough one to calculate. If I’d gotten the box I ordered (with the sunblock) it would have had a retail value of $56 and a maven value of $44.80. For the retail polish prices + my $50 credit, I got a $78 value. With the maven value + store credit, we come out to $72.40. I used Jules I’d saved up for this box so I ended up getting it for free. The only reason this box doesn’t have a “hit” rating is because of Julep’s disorganization. I appreciate that they try to make it right, but problems have turned into the rule rather than the exception, and that needs to change. I wish I could tell you that Julep’s problems stopped in August, but there’s more Julep gossip to share in my next reviews, so be sure to come back.

Have you ever tried a holographic polish?
What did you think?

COUPON CODES & LINKS:

Free $132 Always Sunny Beauty Gift with New Subscription
(expires 10/31/16)

Free 8 pc Beauty Gift with New Subscription
(expires 10/31/16)
Get this 8 Piece set when you join Julep!
COUPON CODE: COLOR8

Join Julep and Get Your First Box Free (Limited Time Offer)
(expires 11/3/16)
COUPON CODE: Treat

Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20. (Expires 10/31/16)
Spring Polishes for $5 each! Check out the great selection here!

THE BACKSTORY
(Just remember this signs you up for a monthly subscription. If you don’t wish to receive boxes you will need to call Julep to cancel. You can also opt to skip a month and you will not be billed.)
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.

Monthly Maven Options:
My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

The options (Take the quiz here):
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.”
Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.”
Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.”
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.

Julep will email you with the contents of your regular box selection, and at that time you can opt to keep it as is, change it, or skip. Every time you purchase a box you get the option of add-ons along with access to Julep’s “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 Julep’s website along with free Shipping.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven Luxe: November 2015 – The Switch-Up Collection & A New Mystery Box!

Today brings us back to my quick push to get through the last of my 2015 boxes. It’s time for the subscription that began it all—Julep. For the last few months of 2015, I opted to try out the Luxe subscription option which offers more items in your box and customization. I’ve been using it to hoard, err, stock up on my favorites plus try new things. For November, Julep introduced the Switch-Up Collection that included a new skincare product and an assortment of polishes in the matte metallic finish. Let’s dive in.

MAVEN LUXE BOX

Love Your Bare Face – Age-Defying Cleansing Oil (Retail $28.00/Maven Price: $22.40)
Verdict: Love
Description: This ultra-lightweight, age-defying cleanser melts away even stubborn long-wear makeup in just seconds. Don’t be afraid of oils – this one leaves behind no oily residue, just clean, nourished skin.
This is hands down my favorite Julep product. I use this every night and it melts off my mascara and eyeliner with incredible ease and leaves my skin super soft. It’s particularly great in the Winter when the cold leaves my face raw. If you can only try one Julep product this is the one you need to nab.

Take a Breather – Sheer Shimmer – Oxygen Nail Treatment: (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: Still waiting to decide
Description: Don’t be fooled by appearances—this subtle, glossy pink tint is actually a powerful strengthening treatment that lets your nails breathe. Our nutrient-rich formula also includes nail-boosting Hexanal, anti-aging plant cells, and a protective UV filter.
I’m using a Julep photo for this item because it wasn’t in my box. I actually didn’t even realize it was missing until I started to work on my review. I emailed Julep and they are sending me one asap. I opted to try this because some days I’m just too tired to go through the whole base coat/2 coats of polish/topcoat procedure and this looks like a nice alternative to use in between regular manis.

What Your Skin Needs – Restorative Facial Milk (Retail $38.00/Maven Price: $28.00)
Verdict: Like
Description: This ultra-lightweight facial moisturizer is a high-tech blend of five skin-boosting oils that absorb into your skin in under 10 seconds to treat, hydrate, and replenish. Use daily, gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
I love the Bareface Oil so much that I’m always up for trying new Julep skincare products. The first thing that struck me about this was that the packaging felt very luxe. My biggest issue with Julep products in the past has been packaging. I’ve had so many containers that break easily, are hard to use or mess up the product (like how the quick dry drops evaporate at an alarming rate). I tried this out and for me it definitely feels more like a treatment and something I’d use at night because it is a bit heavier. It does a nice job of softening and smoothing so folks with dry skin may be able to use it more frequently.

Cheyenne: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Auburn matte metallic
I figured I had to try one of the new matte metallic finishes so I opted for Cheyenne. It’s a really pretty red brown that sort of reminds me of my hair color.

ADD ONS!

Janice: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Carnival full-coverage microglitter
This shade was exclusively an add-on and I couldn’t resist the glitter plus the mix of colors. I think this would be so pretty paired with a darker grey and used just on the tips.

NOVEMBER FREEBIES!

We start with some candy – a caramel apple lollipop. It was very tasty!

Melody: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description:
Julep offered this as a freebie, you just had to confirm via email in advance that you wanted it. I love it when we get polish as a free gift. This is a fun glitter topcoat that you shake in order to get the coverage you want. Shake it like a Polaroid picture for more glitter coverage, for less just shake it like…a salt shaker? I don’t know, just you know, shake it less.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!
The retail value on this box was a whopping $116.00 and the maven value was $108.40. I paid $50.27 and I got a great skincare set, a nail treatment, a polish and a fun topcoat. That’s an incredible amount of product for the price. I also think my November picks had a nice balance of fun and practical items. Because I use so many Julep products, Maven luxe has proven really cost effective for me. Nearly every product you could want is included in the customization options. If you find you need to restock your Julep favorites regularly, consider a Maven Luxe subscription, it might save you money as well. To lower the cost even more you can prepay a 3 month Maven Luxe subscription for a discount.

I’ve got one just one more 2015 Julep box to finish so be sure to come back for more fun swatches.

Do you find you use heavier skincare products in the Winter months or does your skincare routine stay relatively the same?

JULEP NEWS!

Tote-tally Awesome Mystery Box!
Julep is offer a Tote-tally awesome mystery box featuring two new polishes and a tote. There are 3 Tote options to choose from and the new polishes are Posey, a Lavender fog crème and Andie, a pastel confetti matte glitter top coat.

Personally Andie is really calling my name, but after the Holidays my wallet is telling Andie to shut the hell up. What do you think the of the new Julep new colors? Worth taking a chance on the mystery bag?

THE BACKSTORY

COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Subscription Box Offers & Discounts:
(Just remember this signs you up for a monthly subscription. If you don’t wish to receive boxes you will need to call Julep to cancel. You can also opt to skip a month and you will not be billed.)
Winter Ice Beauty Welcome Box:
Join Julep and get a FREE Winter Ice Beauty Box (just pay shipping)

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: September 2015 – Kisses, London Collection – It Girl & the LA Mystery Box!

With my travel, birthday and writing projects I’ve been neglecting some of my tried and true boxes so today let’s catch up with Julep. For September, I opted for the It Girl box from their Kisses, London Collection, and when they offered an LA mystery box featuring a travel kit that was perfectly timed with my California trip, I couldn’t resist

So let’s get to the polish!

THE IT GIRL BOX

Delores: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Iris linear liquid holographic
I know a lot of folks complain about Julep’s holos, but I actually really love them and this purple shade is absolutely gorgeous. The photo just doesn’t do it justice.

Aubrey: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Rosewood shimmer
Shimmers are one of my favorite finishes and I really like the unusual hue of this color. I think it’s nice for Fall and will work as an unexpected neutral. I think it will pair really well with rose gold.

Zooey: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Sea spray crème
This shade was one of the reasons I had to go with It Girl. There was something about this shade of blue that I just fell in love with. It’s got this perfect pale ocean vibe and the formula went on beautifully. If you like pastels, you should definitely grab one of these for your collection.

AUGUST FREEBIE!

Julep sent us a signature polish named…Julep! Free is always great, but I really love it when we get free polish items instead of candy (my waistband also loves that). This is a pretty color and I love having a signature polish in my giant Julep horde.

THE ADD-ON:

Hallie: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Ocean Blue Holographic
Verdict: Love!
Description:
This was available as an add-on for 6.99, and isn’t currently available for individual sale so I’m going to assume the price point is the same as Julep’s other non-sale polishes. I’m obsessed with ocean shades so I had to grab this and it didn’t disappoint. I love the color and if you’re looking to do a “Frozen” inspired mani, this would be an awesome polish choice.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

This box actually looks like a cohesive and awesome collection just on it’s own. I love all these shades and I know I’m going to have fun trying them out. I paid $28.87, and without even counting the Julep freebie polish, my retail value comes out to $56, and my maven retail is $44.80. I think that’s a great value for my box and I can’t wait to pick up some more Julep holographic polishes.

Now onto the mystery box!
I knew it would include a Julep travel case and a new polish shade called Bianca. The rest could be anything!
We had to choose between LA and NY. Since I’m NY pretty much all the time and I’d be visiting LA, I opted for the latter.

THE LA MYSTERY BOX

Bianca: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Textured silver holographic glitter
This is so so sparkly. It’s like a giant Christmas glitter ornament and I adore it.

Julep Travel Caddy: (Retail $???/Maven Price: $???)
Verdict: Like
Description: Compact design has plenty of pockets to keep nail faves organized on the go.
This case was one of the reasons I decided to grab this mystery box. I thought it would be fun for travel and a nice way to organize some of my most commonly used tools for easy access. I can’t find this on the Julep site so I don’t have a retail value. I’ve included pictures of it closed, open and with tools in it so you can get an idea of the size.

Julep Emery Board: (Retail $5.00/Maven Price: $4.00)
Verdict: Like
Description: Our sturdy, two-sided emery board features a medium-coarse grit for filing and a fine grit for shaping.
These are nice quality emery boards, although a bit pricey. I can always use more even if I wouldn’t normally grab them at full price.

Orange Sticks: (Retail ???/Maven Price: $???)
Verdict: Like
Also not on the website, but they are useful and a nice size for travel.

Becky: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Oil slick duochrome silk
This is an awesome color, which is why I already own it. I have a friend that I think will adore it so I’m going to pass it along to her.

Julep Plié Wand: (Retail $25.00/Maven Price: $20.00)
Verdict: Gift
Description: An ergonomic nail polishing tool designed to solve common polishing pain points and give you better results.
While I like that this box seems to include tools, a lot of mavens already have this item (including myself). I’m going to gift this to a friend.

Joanne: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Smoky plum crème
This is a pretty color as we head into Fall and another shade that I own, so this is going to a friend. (Don’t I have lucky friends?)

Brighter Is Better – Oxygen Brightening Nail Treatment: (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: Gift
Description: A breakthrough nail treatment infused with optical brighteners that hide discoloration, plus lemon extract that, over time, makes your whites whiter and your pinks pinker. Meanwhile, Oxygen Technology delivers oxygen to your nail beds, encouraging strong, healthy growth.
I already have this..(are you noticing a theme?) and I think this work well in a Christmas gift rather than languishing in my stash as a backup bottle.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!

I really liked that this box included tools since they paired well with the featured travel kit. I thought the colors were nice for Fall, but I wasn’t quite getting an LA vibe. I would have liked to have seen something bright or more beachy as one of the polish choices. I paid $29.99 for the box and am satisfied with what I received. Without knowing the cost of the travel caddy it’s hard to come up with a retail value, but excluding it we get a maven value of $46.40 and a retail value of $58.00 so I think the 29.99 was well spent. Even though I can’t use a lot of the items, they are going to make great gifts.

I’ve got lots more Julep boxes on the way, including trying out their Maven Luxe option, so be sure to check back!

Have you ever tried the Julep Plié wand? If so, what did you think?

THE BACKSTORY

COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Subscription Box Offers & Discounts:
(Just remember this signs you up for a monthly subscription. If you don’t wish to receive boxes you will need to call Julep to cancel. You can also opt to skip a month and you will not be billed.)

November Birthstone Welcome Box :
Join Julep beauty box and get the November Birthstone Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

4-piece Metallics Welcome Box:
Join Julep and get the 4-piece Metallics Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

4 Piece Brave Pretty Bold Eye Welcome Box:
Join Julep today and get the 4-piece Brave Pretty Bold Eye Welcome Box FREE ($58+ value)

4-piece Brave Pretty Red Lips Welcome Box
Join today and get the 4-piece Brave Pretty Red Lips Welcome Box FREE ($58+ value)

Bridal Welcome Box
Join Maven now and get the Bridal Welcome Box FREE. ($58 value – just pay $2.99 shipping)

4-piece Ombre Welcome Box
Join Maven and get the 4-piece Ombre Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

Boho Glam – “You’re a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye.”

Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.”

Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.”

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.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: August 2015 – The Muse Montreal Collection – Boho Glam Box

With all my new boxes, I’m woefully behind on reviewing some of my longtime favorites so for Tuesday we’re going to catch up with Julep – the sub that started my addiction. For August, Julep introduced “The Muse Montreal Collection” which featured their new stick style blushes.

Julep included some special inserts which included their mission statement from their founder Jane. It’s actually pretty fabulous so I thought I’d include it for you:
Pretty is previous.
It’s dainty. And polite.

Pretty follows the rules.
Never speaks out of turn.
And always asks for permission first.

Let’s stop it with the pretty, please.

It’s time we take that box of crayons
we call makeup.
And draw outside the lines.

Whether we’re doing the boldest eye
Or nudest lip.
All that matters is that we’re trying it.
And having fun with it.
Knowing that there are no mistakes.
No judgments.

Because pretty shouldn’t be something
we define for you.
It’s whatever you choose to show us.

BRAVE PRETTY

As if we didn’t need another reason to love Julep?
A beauty mission statement in poetry that tells us to do whatever the hell we want? Rock on, Julep.

Now on to the makeup!

THE BOHO GLAM BOX

When Pencil Met Gel in Deep Raisin
Long Last Gel Eyeliner
(Retail: $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Clinically proven to last for 10+ hours, this easy-to-use eye pencil delivers the creamy formula & intense color payoff of a gel eyeliner. The waterproof formula glides on, sets in 30 seconds, and then stays put. Because eyeliner shouldn’t stand in the way of adventures.”
I’ve been collecting all of Julep’s eye gliders which is one of the reasons I opted for this box. The raisin color is actually really wearable and comes off as this almost wine like brown (rather than purple). I really like it and I think it will complement my brown eyes and red hair quite nicely.

Skip the Brush in Golden Guava
Crème-To-Powder Blush Stick
(Retail $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A one stick wonder made for luminous, dewy cheeks, but versatile on eyes and lips, too. This soft-focus powder has ultrafine color pearls that go on creamy then set to a long-lasting powder finish. Easy to apply, easy to blend (no brush needed!), easy to keep in your clutch for on-the-go beauty touch-ups.”
I am a bit cooler toned and I went back and forth over which blush to try. This shade reminded me of the orange color on Benefit’s Fine One One which actually looks really great on me, so I gave this one a shot. It gives a nice warm glow to my cheeks but it doesn’t work for my eyes or lips. It’s super easy to apply and gives a natural, shimmery color. I think these are great for travel and I’m going to grab some of the other shades to take with me on an upcoming trip.

Cally: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Festival fuchsia iridescent chrome
The iridescence on this polish is lovely and I think the color was perfectly appropriate for August.

AUGUST FREEBIE!

Love! I love it when Julep includes nail decals or decorations as a freebie.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

I really loved all the items in this box and I thought the colors definitely had a summer boho vibe. I will use everything in this box. Normally my box costs me $19.99, but I’ve was able to use jules so this bad boy was free. The retail value of the box is $54 and the maven value is $43.20 so this would have still been a really great value at the regular price. If you’re interested in subscribing check out my list of coupon codes below. Julep has lots of great options for your first free welcome box (just pay $2.99 for shipping).

What do you think of Julep’s mission statement and what does “Brave Pretty” mean to you?

I’ve got lots more Julep on the way including trying out their Maven Luxe option, so be sure to check back!

Vampy Halloween Welcome Box:

Join Julep and get the 4-piece Vampy Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

4 Piece Brave Pretty Bold Eye Welcome Box:

Join Julep today and get the 4-piece Brave Pretty Bold Eye Welcome Box FREE ($58+ value)

October Birthstone Welcome Box :
Join Julep and get the October Birthstone Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

White-Hot Neutrals Welcome Box
Join Maven and get the White-Hot Neutrals Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

4-piece Brave Pretty Red Lips Welcome Box
Join today and get the 4-piece Brave Pretty Red Lips Welcome Box FREE ($58+ value)

4-piece Pretty Spooky Welcome Box
Join Maven and get the 4-piece Pretty Spooky Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

Free Custom 4-Piece Welcome Box
for New Maven Subscribers – Just Pay $2.99 Shipping

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

Boho Glam – “You’re a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye.”

Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.”

Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.”

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.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: July 2015 – The Full Drenched Collection!

I usually only splurge on an ultimate upgrade once a year, but Julep’s colors and products in the “Drenched Collection” totally won me over so I went for it. There are lots of swatches and add-ons so get ready for tons of pics.

My Big Julep Box packed with lots of goodies!

THE ULTIMATE UPGRADE

Rethink Your Shower Hydrating Body Cleansing Oil
(Retail: $38.00/Maven Price: $30.40)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Our ultra-hydrating, lightweight body cleansing oil that reaches deep to dissolve impurities and prep skin for exfoliation, then rinses away to reveal silky, nourished skin.”
I’ve been begging Julep all over social media to make this because I love the bareface oil so much. I was thrilled to see this get included in their skincare line up. It has a lovely citrus scent and leaves your skin soft, clean and hydrated. I do think it’s a tad overpriced for the size, so I’d probably wait until you’ve got a Julep code or a sale offer to grab this one.

It’s Fun To Exfoliate All-Natural Body Konjac Sponge
(Retail $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “We took our cult-favorite, all-natural Konjac face sponge and made it big enough to use from top to toe.”
I swear I have gone through so many different types of shower sponges, poofs and brushes and I’ve hated them all. This one is awesome. It’s soft with just enough exfoliation to make you feel clean, but not so much that it bothers your skin. It really gives your shower a spa like experience and definitely worth the cost at the maven discount.

Your Cuticles Look Thirsty Fast-Absorbing Cuticle Crème
(Retail $20.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “A super-charged mixture of honey, shea butter, vitamin B5, and salicylic acid that hydrates and heals dry, damaged cuticles.”
This felt really nice going on and absorbed quickly. It had a fresh scent and I thought the size was excellent.

Brighter Is Better Oxygen Brightening Nail Treatment
(Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: Like
Description: “A breakthrough nail treatment infused with optical brighteners that hide discoloration, plus lemon extract that, over time, makes your whites whiter and your pinks pinker. Meanwhile, Oxygen Technology delivers oxygen to your nail beds, encouraging strong, healthy growth.”
I’ve heard some mavens say that this treatment can really make your nails look blue in the light when you use it. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but I could use a treatment for in-between manicures so I’m happy to see this in the collection.

Poppy: (Retail $14.00/Maven Sale Price: $6.99)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Chili pepper jelly
Jellies are my fave and this one is so bright and cheerful. It makes an awesome shade for pedicures. I also think it’s a great transitional shade into Fall.

Lainey: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Summer berry shimmer
I love shimmers and this saturated berry color is beautiful.

Corinne: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Disappointing
Description: Sandcastle stardust
I had high hopes for this. I thought it would be more like Zoya’s nude pixie dusts, but it’s just more sand and less sparkle. If you want a better version of this, try out Zoya’s Godiva.

Alexa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Hyacinth crème
I don’t typically gravitate toward pastels but the dusty quality in this one really appeals to me.

Brittany: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Bleached apricot ghost shimmer crème
I wish there was a touch more shimmer (maybe it’s called ghost because it’s invisible?). I still like the color and I think it could be a nice base for some nail art or a good neutral for the office.

Julianna: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Pink grapefruit sheer iridescent
This is such a unique shade of orangey pink and I love that it’s sheer so you can build up the coverage. This is definitely one of my favorites from this collection.

Alyssa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Beachside turquoise crème
This is a sweet, beachy shade that I think will complement a lot of different skintones.

Mara: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: On the Fence
Description: Thistle blossom stardust
I like this stardust better than Corinne, but I still don’t think it’s as nice as Julep’s previous ones. I’m not sure if they changed the formula or what, but these just aren’t as nice.

JULY FREEBIE!
Candy! It’s free so, yeah for free stuff!

ADD-ONS:

It’s Balm (Plush Pout) in Vintage Mauve
(Retail: $16.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A full-coverage lip crayon with a moisturizing treatment core in the middle.”
I really love the consistency and coverage of Julep’s plush pouts. They are moisturizing while still having excellent staying power. I’ve been searching for a neutral lip shade so I added on the mauve. It runs on the cooler side and suits my coloring really well. I think it’s a perfect every day pink.

Ginger: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Back from the vault! Sand linear liquid holographic
This was the “back from the vault” choice for July. I love nude polishes with unique finishes so I added this on. This is definitely a more subtle holo than what you might find in other brands, but I do like it and I think it’s a way to do holos that is work appropriate.

Nail Diamonds: (???)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Nail Art Diamond Stickers
These aren’t for sale on the Julep site, but I thought they were adorable and I couldn’t resist. I’m a mess with nail art so little stickers like these are an easy way for me to fancify my mani.

ADD-ON FREEBIE:
If you take 3 or more add-ons, Julep offers a free mystery gift.

Ilsa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Ink blue crème
I love dark blue cremes, which is why I already own this one so I’m giving it to a friend who will love it.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

I thought this was a really wonderful collection full of awesome beauty products as well as different finishes and shades. There were nail products for the mani enthusiasts and bath products for the beauty addicts. My only disappointment was with the stardust finishes, but they may improve with some topcoat. Excluding the value of the diamond stickers, I received a retail value of $220.00 and a maven value of $174.99. I paid $102.68 and it was definitely worth it for the variety and quality of the items.

What did you think of the July collection? Did you like the variety as much as I did?

If you love Julep swatches, be sure to come back because I’ve got the August Boho Glam box and the September It Girl reviews coming soon!

THE BACKSTORY

COUPON CODES & LINKS:

Free Custom 4-Piece Welcome Box for New Maven Subscribers – Just Pay $2.99 Shipping
August Birthstone Welcome Box: Join Maven and get the August Birthstone Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping
Korean Skincare Welcome Box: Korean Skincare Welcome Box Free for New Julep Maven Subscribers – just pay $2.99 shipping
Lipstick Welcome Box: Join Julep Maven and get the Lipstick Welcome Box FREE! ($68 value) Just pay $2.99 shipping.
Bold Color Welcome Box: Free Bold with Color Welcome Box for NEW Julep Maven Subscribers!
Treat Me Nail Art Welcome Box: Join Maven and get the Treat Me Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping
Poolside Beauty Box: Join Maven and get the Poolside Beauty Box FREE ($78 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

Boho Glam – “You’re a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye.”

Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.”

Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.”

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.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: June 2015 – The Deep End Collection & Coupon Code!

It’s Julep time again and while I skipped my May box, I grabbed a box for June when Julep introduced their “The Deep End” collection which featured new jelly polishes and lip products. I’ve also got a great coupon code for $10 off orders of $30 or more at Julep.com (expires August 7, 2015). Just enter 10OFFYAY must be entered at checkout. (For discounted subscriptions and special offers jump down to The Backstory).

Because I am obsessed with Jelly Finishes, I opted for Julep’s specialty June box called “Jelly Much?” featuring the two Jelly polishes from the June set.

JELLY MUCH? BOX

When Pencil Met Gel – Long Last Gel Eyeliner in Radiant Amethyst
(Retail for each: $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Clinically proven to last for 10+ hours, this easy-to-use eye pencil delivers the creamy formula & intense color payoff of a gel eyeliner. The waterproof formula glides on, sets in 30 seconds, and then stays put. Because eyeliner shouldn’t stand in the way of adventures.”
I love Julep’s eye gliders and I’ve been collecting all the new colors. This is a really fun purple that can easily transition into Fall. The only downside to the product is that Julep gave it a new, ridiculous name.

Lori: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Pressed marionberry jelly
Jellies are my favorite finishes and I love various shades of red and berry so this was a must have for me. Julep’s new jellies can become pretty opaque in only 2 coats, so don’t be scared that these are super sheer (like their previous rock candy glazes). Jellies are great for easy nail art (just layer glitter between at least two layers of jelly polish for a jelly sandwich) and can transform other shades when you add a different color of jelly polish over your base color. If you haven’t tried a jelly polish, I recommend nabbing one and having some fun.

Tiffany: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Pink radish jelly
This is a much brighter color than Lori and perfect for summer. The squishy, almost juicy quality that jelly finishes have works so well in cheerful shades like this one.

JUNE FREEBIE!

Candy! It’s free so, yeah for free stuff!

ADD-ONS:

Bare Face Cleansing Oil
(Retail for each: $28.00/Maven Price: $22.40)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A lightweight, antioxidant-rich cleanser for all skin types. What it does: Gently and thoroughly dissolves makeup, dirt, and excess oil without over-drying. Leaves skin soft and hydrated with no oily residue. Treats your complexion to a nourishing formula that includes grapeseed oil, olive oil, and Power Cell Complex™, a Julep-exclusive blend of age-defying, skin-boosting, ultra-hydrating ingredients: Rosehip seed oil delivers essential nutrients to soothe and repair.Malvaceae Lipid Extract™ improves barrier function so skin retains moisture.Green coffee bean oil invigorates skin & promotes cell turnover..”
This is a holy grail product for me. Not only will this cleanse your skin but it will break down even your most hardcore makeup on contact. I love winged liner and lots of mascara and Julep’s Bare Face gets it all off easily. It also leaves my combination skin, really soft. This is hands down my favorite Julep product and since I’d just cracked open my backup bottle, I nabbed an extra for a great price.

Luxe Up Your Lips in Blushing Rose
(Retail $19.20/Maven Price: $19.20)
Verdict: Disappointing
Description: “Enriched with natural ingredients that soothe, hydrate, and plump lips, this silky-smooth treatment delivers major moisture with a hint of tint.”
Julep first introduced these with a light tint of color and I know a lot of mavens were unhappy with the texture, taste and coverage. I actually liked the previous one and was excited when Julep revealed they were releasing a version with more coverage. Unfortunately, I’m not seeing the “more coverage” aspect. This seems just as sheer as the previous color I purchased (Sheer Fig) and while it is a good size, it’s not close to worth the retail price. This is one Julep Product you can skip.

Polly: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Vibrant azalea shimmer
This is such a pretty, shimmery fuschia and it just screams out summer. The subtle blue shimmer really makes the shade pop. This one is a perfect summer pedicure color.

ADD-ON FREEBIE:
If you take 3 or more add-ons, Julep offers a free mystery gift.

Marcy: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Prosecco silk (semi-matte opalescent)
Despite my giant Julep collection, I don’t actually own Marcy. It’s a really sophisticated way to do a shimmer and I’m so happy to have it in my collection.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

Except for the luxe lip product that was too sheer, I loved everything else in this box. Julep’s jelly polishes are easy to apply and have an excellent color saturation. The other shimmery shades were gorgeous, and the eye glider and Bare Face were wonderful as usual. I paid $56.67 and received products with a retail value of $116.00 and a maven value of $102.40.

Have you ever tried a polish with a Jelly finish? If so, what did you think?

If you love Julep swatches, be sure to come back because I’ve got the full July “Drenched” Collection swatches and the August Boho Glam box review coming soon!

THE BACKSTORY

COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Take $10 off orders of $30 or more at Julep.com
Just enter 10OFFYAY must be entered at checkout. (Expires August 7, 2015)

Subscription Box Offers & Discounts:
(Just remember this signs you up for a monthly subscription. If you don’t wish to receive boxes you will need to call Julep to cancel. You can also opt to skip a month and you will not be billed.)
August Birthstone Welcome Box: Join Maven and get the August Birthstone Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping
Korean Skincare Welcome Box: Korean Skincare Welcome Box Free for New Julep Maven Subscribers – just pay $2.99 shipping
Lipstick Welcome Box: Join Julep Maven and get the Lipstick Welcome Box FREE! ($68 value) Just pay $2.99 shipping.
Bold Color Welcome Box: Free Bold with Color Welcome Box for NEW Julep Maven Subscribers!
Treat Me Nail Art Welcome Box: Join Maven and get the Treat Me Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping
Poolside Beauty Box: Join Maven and get the Poolside Beauty Box FREE ($78 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

Boho Glam – “You’re a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye.”

Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.”

Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.”

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.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: April 2015 – The Paradise Collection – Modern Beauty

I’ve still got a few April boxes to share with you guys including my Modern Beauty box from Julep’s ”The Paradise Collection”, which features brand new brow products and some tropical inspired polishes.

Right after my box shipped out, I received an email from Julep saying they accidentally sent me an extra “Don’t leave your brows at home” instead of the brow gel product I was supposed to receive. They told me to keep my extra product and that they were shipping out my missing item asap. Usually my Julep snafus don’t include free items so this was a nice surprise. Mistakes happen and it’s great when companies are right on top of correcting them.

MODERN BEAUTY BOX

Don’t Leave Your Brows At Home in Warm Brown: (Retail $24.00/Maven Price: $19.20)
Verdict: (Almost a love)!
Description: “Everything you need to fill in and define your brows. This two-in-one tool includes brow powder and an angled brush.”
The consistency on this is fabulous, it goes on easily, blends well and stays put. I also love that it has an easily included applicator brush. Unfortunately, there are a few problems that kept me from absolutely raving about this.
First, the little pot that you dip the brush into is just a touch too small. It makes it super awkward to apply and get the right amount onto your brush. If Julep just made the bottom piece a little bit wider it would be perfect. Second, Julep’s selection of colors is just not there. They had an incredibly convoluted chart to tell you which shade to pick and it honestly made no sense. It asks you to select based on skin tone, but what happens when your hair color is in opposition to your skin tone? I’m a super pale natural redhead with pink undertones. My hair is warm, my skin is cool and following their charts was like trying to do Calculus. I opted for the “warm brown”, but it’s a tad dark for a natural look. I had actually sent Julep an email when I first heard they were developing brow products begging for an auburn shade. Please someone represent the damn redheads. We may have no souls, but we still need frick’n makeup. I’m going to try out the taupe and see if that works for me, but Julep really needs to create more shades between their “taupe” and “warm brown” options and include something for the gingers. I’m passing along my extra tube to my sister who is also a redhead, we’ll see how she likes it.

Lock Down Your Brows: (Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “A clear setting gel infused with brow-boosting peptides and nourishing Power Cell Complex™.
This product is a nice compliment to the brow powder and I found it did a great job of keeping my brows in place without getting hard or weirdly crunchy.

MARCH FREEBIE!

Candy! It’s free so, yeah for free stuff!

ADD-ONS:

Gel Eye Gliders in Indigo and Forest Green Shimmer
(Retail for each: $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Clinically proven to last for 10+ hours, this easy-to-use eye pencil delivers the creamy formula & intense color payoff of a gel eyeliner. The waterproof formula glides on, sets in 30 seconds, and then stays put. Because eyeliner shouldn’t stand in the way of adventures.”
I’m kind of obsessed with Julep’s eye gliders so I’ve made it one of my makeup priorities to collect them all. These go on really smoothly and stay on me fairly well (when I use an eye primer). I think both of these shades will make my brown eyes and red hair pop.

Danielle: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Cerulean wave duochrome
I don’t have any shades in a really tropical blue and I’m a sucker for duochromes so I opted to try this polish out. I like the color although I’m not seeing much of a duochrome affect.

ADD-ON FREEBIE:
If you take 3 or more add-ons, Julep offers a free mystery gift.

Julep Lip Gloss in Vivid: (Retail $16.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: Gift
Description: “ A gorgeous lip gloss that offers subtle color, unstoppable shine, and luscious hydration. (Iridescent burgundy shimmer with Power Cell Complex™)”.
This is a really pretty shade and a lot more wearable than it seems at first glance. Unfortunately, I have a ton of glosses right now so I’m going to add this to someone’s birthday gift.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

Despite some small issues with Julep’s brow powder, I really love the product and use it regularly. The gel works well, the eye gliders are lovely and the polish is a nice shade for summer. The Vivid gloss was definitely a nicer freebie than I’ve gotten in other boxes so April proved itself to be a great month to nab a Maven box. I paid $43.83 and received products with a retail value of $108.00 and a maven value of $89.60.

Have you tried Julep’s new brow products? If so were the colors a good match for you?

THE BACKSTORY
COUPON CODE: If you love Julep’s products, you can try out a box for free just use the code: FREECOLOR
Just remember this signs you up for a monthly subscription. If you don’t wish to receive boxes you will need to call Julep to cancel. You can also opt to skip a month and you will not be billed.

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

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.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: March 2015 – The POP! Collection – Modern Beauty

In March, Julep introduced “The POP! Collection” featuring their new lipstick line and lots of bright shades. I couldn’t resist the new beauty products so I opted for Modern Beauty with a bunch of fun add-ons.

MODERN BEAUTY BOX

Light On Your Lips – Primp: (Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “A full-coverage lipstick that floats on and feels weightless. Primp: Marsala crème”
Julep swatches are really awful for choosing colors so I took a gamble that Primp would be more of a nude pink, than a hardcore warm brown. Thankfully, my gamble paid off and I got a lovely wearable nude. The lipstick isn’t super moisturizing, but it’s not drying either. Personally I’d wear it over some type of hydrating base or balm. The packaging on this lipstick is quite substantial (it has a magnetic cap) which gives it bonus points.

Fluid Eye Glider: (Retail $20.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A jet black eyeliner pen with a no-fray precision felt tip that makes it easy to create thin or thick lines.”
I’ve always been skittish with liquid black liners because it’s just so easy to give yourself raccoon eyes instead of the awesome cat eye you were hoping for. I love, love, love this liner. It has a superfine tip which makes it easy to use and it stays put on my super oily lids. This is my favorite liquid liner from any brand that I’ve tried. Julep really hit a homerun with this.

Get In Line Invisible Lip Liner: (Retail $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Like!
Description: “A clear, waterproof lip liner that works with any lip color or gloss.”
I’m in the camp that lip liners need to be either nude or invisible. There is nothing more hideous that a super dark line around your lips that does not go with your lipstick at all. I think this will work fabulous with my vampy red lip products. The invisible liner will keep the red from feathering while ensuring I don’t have that dated mismatched liner look.

MARCH FREEBIE!

Candy! I’m generally not a Smarties fan, but free is always good!

ADD-ONS:

CTRL + Z Eye Makeup Eraser: (Retail $10.00/Sale Price: $8.00)
Verdict: Like
Description: “An opthalmologically-tested corrector pen featuring a precision tip loaded with gentle eye makeup remover.”
Oh the pains of perfecting a cat eye. Does anyone ever get both eyes to look the same on the first try? I was so psyched to see this pen because I need all the help I can get when it comes to getting my liner just right. You have to use a light touch with this since the applicator tip is kind of hard and you don’t want to tug much on your delicate eye area. It generally worked but if you remove too much at once then you can end up sort of smearing it around. I love the idea of it, and the execution is mostly there so I’m giving it a “like” rating.

Harmony: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Holographic jagged-cut glitter top coat
I love jagged glitter so I had to grab this. I think it will be fabulous for jelly sandwich style manicures where you layer glitter between sheer polish.

Ming: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Sheer wild orchid jelly
Jelly polishes are my favorite finish, so the moment I heard Ming was a jelly it was going in my box. This is such a pretty romantic shade for Spring. It makes me think of Monet paintings and wildflowers.

Ali: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: On the Fence
Description: Hint of mint soft focus (semi-matte)
I wanted to try at least one of Julep’s new “soft focus” finishes, so because I love mint I opted for Ali. I’m not quite sold on it, since it can read a little more white than I would like. I’ll need to experiment with it a bit to see how really feel.

Lucky: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like!
Description: Kelly green and gold coin multi-dimensional, full coverage glitter
I grabbed this because I don’t have much in bright greens and I thought it would be nice to have a St. Patrick’s day polish amongst my stash.

ADD-ON FREEBIE:
If you take 3 or more add-ons, Julep offers a free mystery gift.

Francis: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Déjà vu anyone?
Description: Celery green crème
Poor Francis, she’s like a social awkward cousin that your mother keeps forcing you and your friends to hang out with even though no one wants to. Julep has been handing out Francis in all kinds of mystery bags and freebies. The saddest part for me is I purchased Francis when she first came out, and now I’ve lost track of how many I’ve received. I just give them out as gifts and this is a freebie, so it’s all good.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

I’m in love with Julep’s new liquid liner and their beauty offerings this month were practical picks that will get a lot of use. I adore the Ming polish and I’ll have some fun playing with the other shades. This box had a ton of product and I only paid $56.65. The regular retail for this haul would be $133.60 and even with the regular maven discount, I’d still have to pay $114.80

Have you tried Julep’s new liquid liner or any of their new lipstick line?

JULEP NEWS!
Julep has a new mystery box for April! There are two options, one with all beauty and one with all polish. They also feature two new polishes: Pamela & Cora. You pay $24.99 and are guaranteed to receive $100+ product value. Some lucky folks will also find a Markkit necklace along with their Julep goodies! Good luck!

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

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.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: February 2015 – The Afterglow Collection – It Girl

For February, Julep introduced “The Afterglow Collection” which I gave you a sneak peek of in my NYC Maven meet up post. This month’s makeup fix highlighted, well, highlighters. Since I’ve got plenty of those in my makeup bag, I opted for a polish heavy month and chose the 3 polish It Girl Box. I also went a little nuts with polish add ons.

IT GIRL BOX
My Tiny It girl box came nestled inside my bigger Julep box like those cute Russian stacking dolls

Carla: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Tea rose crème
For some reason Julep’s paler pinks never photograph true to life for me. This shade isn’t as pale as it looks and is a lot more of a sweet petal pink. The formula went on so easily and I think this is a nice subtle Spring option.

Becky: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Oil slick duochrome silk
Becky reminded me of Julep’s Borealis shadow that I am in love with so I had to have it. If you like edgier shades, this one is a must have for you. I can’t wait to experiment with it using some different topcoats.

Colton: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Eh,Okay
Description: Black iris crème
This is a black shade with a purple undertone. There’s nothing wrong with it but it’s just not super exciting. I really consider it a bonus because I wanted the other two colors in this box and it will work well as base for a lot of my cool topcoats. For full disclosure, this bottle and one of my add-ons came leaking (all the excess was under the caps and around the rims) I sent Julep out a pic and they immediately responded and sent me out new ones.

FEBRUARY FREEBIE!
Julep has a tradition of sending us a free Valentine’s themed polish and this year we received the adorable Hartleigh.

Hartleigh: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Holographic heart glitter top coat
You can never have too many polishes with glitter hearts in them, seriously folks. This is free so automatically it’s a win. In terms of application, I had a hard time getting a lot of hearts out. You’re going to have to do a little calculated digging if you want a certain number of hearts. But the polish is pretty and it’s a great freebie.

ADD-ONS:

Elixir Organic Argan Oil: (Retail $24.00/Sale Price: $12.00)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: A lightweight, fast-absorbing organic moisturizer known for its healing, conditioning, and anti-aging effects. Use a couple drops to hydrate a thirsty complexion (it’s good for all skin types), smooth split ends, or soften rough cuticles.
Argan oil is a lifesaver during the winter season. You can add a few drops to your regular beauty products for a great moisturizing boost and you can use it directly in tons of ways. From scalp treatments to combatting frizz, Argan oil is a beauty multi-tasker. It’s typically on the expensive side, but it showed up as a $4.99 add-on and I jumped right on it. It’s a great value at that price and I know I’ll need it during this winter of our discontent.

Hazel: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: It had to be you..it had to be you….
Description: Wild violet and bronze duochrome
The moment I saw Hazel I knew she would be mine. She just has this amazing glow about her. The duochrome effect isn’t that obvious to me, but it’s such a beautiful shade. I’m going to be trying this one out with a matte topcoat.

Ada: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly..
Description: Bright rhubarb fizzy
A new finish! And it’s called “fizzy”! How could I not get this? (Clearly that is a rhetorical question.) I love jelly polishes so this one was a must have. It goes on very easily for a jelly polish and looks great with only two coats. It has a unique speckled finish which makes it different from my glitter jellies. If you like jelly polishes, you should definitely give this one a shot. Ada was the other polish that had some leaking and was replaced promptly by Julep.

Metamorphic Top Coat Trio: (Retail $40.00/Sale Price: $30.00)
Tyra – Magenta pearlescent silk top coat
Tilda – Green pearlescent silk top coat
Bjork – Blue pearlescent silk top coat

Verdict: Girls just wanna have fun..
Last month Julep sent out one of these three topcoats to maevns for free. I got Tilda and vowed to finish out the collection when they were available for sale. The full set was an add on and it was more cost effective to pick up the whole set than the two bottles I was missing so I nabbed it.

I’ve got swatches of them on their own then a before and after with Colton.

I think these topcoats are a ton of fun to play with and the ladies that are adept with nail art could do some really phenomenal designs. On their own (or with lighter shades) they give a subtle sheen. Over darker colors they do change the shade quite a bit. Personally I think the current price is a bit high so I’d wait until there was a sale or a coupon code to grab them.

ADD-ON FREEBIE:
If you take 3 or more add-ons, Julep offers a free mystery gift.

Tatiana: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Golden burnt orange microglitter
I’ve actually lost track of the number of Tatianas I’ve given away. I think it’s up to three. Tatiana is one of Julep’s go-to shades for freebies and mystery boxes. On her own I don’t think she works so well with my vampire complexion but I caught someone wearing it underneath a matte topcoat and I thought it was amazing, so Julep you win. I am finally keeping a Tatiana in my collection. We both knew if you just kept sending her to me, eventually I would break.

Queen Anne: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Lilac confetti microglitter
Queen Anne is another polish Julep likes to give away. I already have one, so I didn’t swatch this and instead saved it for a gift. This is a really pretty shade with a lovely sparkle. It will be a nice transition shade into spring.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!
I picked up some really interesting polish shades that aren’t too similar to what I already own. This box had a lot of product and I only paid $53.45. The regular retail on all these items is $176.00 and with maven prices and sales the cost still comes out to $130.40.

Did you pick up anything from Julep’s February box? Did you opt for beauty products or was it polish all the way?

JULEP NEWS!
Get a free glam clutch & polish with your $25+ Order – Just use code: REDCARPET at Checkout!

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

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.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

Julep Maven: January 2015 – The Chrysalis Collection – Modern Beauty

For January, Julep introduced “The Chrysalis Collection” which was chock full of beauty products I wanted to try so I nabbed the Modern Maven box and maybe (just maybe) went a bit overboard with the add-ons.

So let’s dive into some products and some swatches.

MODERN BEAUTY BOX

Brilliance Glycolic Hand + Body Scrub: (Retail $32.00/Maven Price: $25.0)
Verdict: Love for Product/Miss for Packaging
Description: “This dual-action exfoliating scrub instantly reveals brighter, smoother skin—like a facial for your hands and body! 90% of users noticed softer, younger-looking skin after just one treatment.”
This is the same formula as Julep’s awesome hand scrub but megasized so you can use it for your body. I love this scrub. It’s super gentle and the ability to squeeze it from a tube (as opposed to the many jarred scrubs) is a huge bonus. Unfortunately, as soon as I used mine I got a tiny bit out, then no more would come. I did everything I could (including standing on the tube) and still nada. The hole is super super small and the scrub is pretty dense. I have a call out to Julep about it, but I think I’m going to need to bust out my exacto knife to cut a bigger opening. Others seem to have no issue with it so it may just be my version that is defective. This is also available in the original smaller size and I’ve had no packaging issues with that version.

Luxe Lip Treatment in Fig: (Retail $24.00/Maven Price: $19.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “Enriched with natural ingredients that soothe, hydrate, and plump lips, this silky-smooth treatment delivers major moisture with a hint of tint. The cooling tip soothes lips and boosts microcirculation.”
This product has gotten a lot of mixed reviews and even though I really like it, I can see why other folks might not. Let’s start with the positives. This is a slightly tinted lip treatment that has a thin consistency. It’s not at all sticky and gives just a shimmery hint of color. I found it to be very moisturizing and the oil like consistency and organic taste didn’t bother me as it did with some other reviewers. I also would have loved just a touch more pigment to it. On the negative side, the price listed is way too high. The product is generously sized, but for a lip treatment with so little color payoff, I think $12 would be a more appropriate price point. (Although I have no issue with it in a maven box since that has a huge discount).

ADD-ONS:

Orbital Eyeshadow – Borealis: (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: You had me at hello
Description: Charcoal with peacock pearlescence
Once I saw this shadow as an add-on option, I knew it would be mine. Then I got it home and fell instantly and completely in love. This is possibly my favorite eyeshadow ever. It should be labeled “smoky eye for dummies”. You just apply it to your lid and boom you look like you have a smoky eye from a magazine. (No need to blend with other colors or add layers – it does the job all on its own). As a pale ginger, smoky eyes are difficult for me to pull off without looking like a zombie and this shade is damn perfect. It’s got a mix of colors that work so well with my brown eye and red hair. Based on swatches from other folks it also seems to works on a ton of other skin tones. If you’re thinking about grabbing this, go for it, you won’t be sorry.

Gel Eye Glider in Navy Smoke and Olive: (Retail $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Clinically proven to last for 10+ hours, this easy-to-use eye pencil delivers the creamy formula & intense color payoff of a gel eyeliner. The waterproof formula glides on, sets in 30 seconds, and then stays put. Because eyeliner shouldn’t stand in the way of adventures.”
I’ve become obsessed with Julep’s eye gliders and determined to collect all the shades (All I need is graphite shimmer and my quest will be complete!) They go on so easily and have great staying power. I’d put them up against any high end makeup brand’s gel liners. Both navy and olive are great colors for me so I nabbed them both. The navy looks a bit black with my skin complexion but it pairs perfectly with the Borealis shadow. The olive works compliments my brown eyes. I know I’m going to have a great time playing with these.

Luna: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Light blue duochrome with jagged cut glitter
I have an unhealthy obsession with beauty products named after the moon and this polish really does have a moonlit ethereal feel. I couldn’t resist trying this one out as soon as I got it and it was lovely over Julep’s Shenae.

ADD-ON FREEBIE:
If you take 3 or more add-ons, Julep offers a free mystery gift.

So along with this lovely candy I received…

Glycolic Hand Scrub: (Retail $23.00/Maven Price: $18.40)
Description: “Whisk away dirt and oil and reveal noticeably softer and younger looking hands after just one use. You’ll be surprised that something so effective smells so good! (Insider tip – try this gorgeous scrub all over your body, it’s even gentle enough for your face.)”
This is the original scrub in its smaller packaging. Since I love this product I’m happy to have an extra.

ANOTHER FREEBIE!
Freebie Metamorphic Topcoat

Julep had an email sign up where we could grab a free “metamorphic” topcoat with our box. These are sheer, tinted topcoats that change the polish beneath them. There are three different shades (blue, green, magenta) and you’d randomly get one in your box.

Tilda: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Green pearlescent silk top coat
These topcoats have not made an appearance yet on the Julep site, but they are add-ons for the February box. I went ahead and estimated the price based on what Julep typically introduces new polish for.

So that we could see what this topcoat can do I swatched it over Julep’s Jet (Black) and Julep’s Amity (Silver).
Below is a before and after side by side.

Tilda gives light colors a slight sheen, but has a much more noticeable effect on darker shades. I can’t wait to try out the other two.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

I think this is one of my favorite Julep boxes ever. I love and will use everything I ordered. I paid $56.66 for all these items (including all the freebies) and received a retail value of $157.00 and a maven value of $125.60.

I can’t recommend the Borealis shadow or the eye gliders enough and I’ve already had a ton of fun playing around with the Luna and Tilda polishes.

If you want a sneak peek at Julep’s February collection, take a look at my blog post about Julep’s NYC Maven meetup which is chock full of swatches. I’ve ordered the full set of Metamorphic polishes for February so be sure to come back if you want to see how the other two metamorphic shades fare.

Did you pick up any items from the Julep January collection? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

JULEP SIGN UP OFFERS
Join Maven and get 50% off and FREE Shipping on your Winter Escape Welcome Box!

Beauty-Full Welcome Box: Join Julep Maven and get the Beauty-Full Welcome Box FREE! ($42 value) Just pay $3.99 shipping

Birthstone Welcome Box: Join Maven and get 50% off and FREE Shipping on your Birthstone Weclome Box

Valentine Welcome Box: Join Maven and get 50% off and FREE Shipping on your Valentine Welcome Box

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

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.

Julep will email you with the contents of your regular box selection, and at that time you can opt to keep it as is or change it. Every time you purchase a box you get the option of add-ons along with access to Julep’s “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 Julep’s website along with free Shipping.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.

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