It’s time to check in with the first sub box I ever signed up for, my beloved Julep Maven subscription. Before I get into all the details, I’ve got some great coupon codes and offers. For 20% off your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20 (expires on 10/31/16). If you’re interested in subscribing there are some fabulous free gift sets, just jump down to the backstory for my affiliate links and coupon codes.
Before we get into the May Box, there’s some Julep gossip to dish. Beauty box controversies seem to be the buzz this summer, as Julep, like Birchbox has had some bad press. Their July box collection featured SPF lip sheers that mavens had been totally pumped up about trying. They arrived stamped with an expiration date of August 31st. Cue the many confused social media posts to Julep. It turns out that one of the SPF ingredients will start to be less effective, so the product itself is safe to use, but not for sun protection. In addition, Canadian mavens couldn’t receive the products at all due to regulations regarding the SPF ingredients. As you can imagine there were many angry customers. Julep offered refunds or replacements to folks that contacted them, so they did their best to make it right. The products themselves actually got a lot of positive response, so hopefully Julep will be able to re-formulate the product without SPF. I got two in my July box so I’ll be able to tell you all about them soon.
May’s collection offered a rainbow of polish and some new lip oils. Because I have a ginormous polish collection, all of these shades were similar to colors I already own so I opted to try out one of the lip oils and stock up on another product.
MY CUSTOMIZABLE MAVEN BOX
Your Lip Addiction – Tinted Lip Oil Treatment in Obsessed
(Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “A healing blend of lip-loving oils formulated for weightless, wear-all-day comfort. Super shine meets zero stickiness in your new favorite nourishing lip product, boosted by a sheer tint of color (or clear, for when you want to go au natural).”
This oil left behind a really pretty lip stain type look. It felt quite moisturizing and I was surprised at the staying power it had. This is a nice product for summer when you want a little color on your lips, but don’t want the stickiness of gloss or the heaviness of cream lipstick.
Lock Down Your Brows – Iconic Brow Gel
(Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “A clear setting gel infused with brow-boosting peptides and nourishing Power Cell Complex™.”
I love Julep’s brow products and I had run out of their clear gel. This product does a great job of keeping your brows tidy without giving them a strange texture. (Anyone else ever had “crunchy” brows?) Since Julep offers so many options to swap into your box, the subscription is a great way to restock your favorites.
MARCH FREEBIE!
Free Candy!
Free is always Fun!
OVERALL:
Verdict: Hit!
The retail value on this box comes out to $44.00 while the Maven Value was $35.20. I paid $21.39 and while this was a small box, I like both of the products and will use them. I think they are definitely worth $10 each, so I’m quite happy with what I received.
Be sure to come back for my next Julep reviews, including swatches of the aforementioned, oh so controversial SPF Lip Sheers.
In the meantime, what are your favorite lip products to use for summer?
COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Coveted 12-Piece Mini Polish Gift With Purchase when you Join Julep
(expires 8/31/16)
Get this 12-Piece set when you join Julep!
COUPON CODE: GIFTCOVET
Summer Brights Beauty Gift for New Subscribers
(expires 8/28/16)
Get your free Summer Brights 6-piece gift when you join Julep Beauty Box. Features four vibrant nail colors, a bold lipstick, and a luminous highlighting powder – everything you need to brighten things up for summer. A $106 value.
COUPON CODE: HEYSUMMER
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.
Lisa Preziosi 