Mave Luxe – Lisa Preziosi

Julep Maven: May 2016 Rainbow Brights! Plus 20% Off!

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 31^st. 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.

Julep Maven: April 2016 Vivid Brights! Plus 20% Off!

It’s time to catch up with some of my longtime subs, so today I’ve got a review and swatches Julep’s April 2016 collection featuring their vivid brights. I can’t resist jelly style polishes, so I snatched the whole set of colors. Prepare yourself for lots of swatches! I’ve also got a great coupon code even non-mavens can use: Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20 (expires on 10/31/16). For more on the special offers jump down below.

In addition to Julep’s new finish, they introduced a new Cleansing stick, which I also had to have. I did some calculus (at least it felt like it), came up with the best configuration of box choices and add-ons that got me everything I wanted for the lowest price.

MY CUSTOMIZABLE MAVEN BOX PICS

Love Your Bare Face – Detoxifying Cleansing Balm Stick
(Retail $28.00/Maven Price: $22.40)
Verdict: On the Fence
Description: “A blend of natural oils and fruit enzymes that removes dirt, oil, and impurities while gently exfoliating for a deep-down clean. To use: Generously apply cleanser to wet hands, then massage over wet face. Rinse thoroughly. For best results, use with a Konjac Sponge.”
I’m in love with Julep’s Bare Face oil cleanser, so when they came out with a stick version, I knew I had to give it a shot. I’m still trying to figure out quite how to use it. I didn’t quite like using it with the sponge or with my bare hands. I’m going to need to keep experimenting to see if I can find a method that works for me.

Don’t Leave Your Brows At Home in Cool Brown (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “Everything you need to fill in and define your brows. This two-in-one tool includes brow powder and an angled brush. What it does: Tapered brush allows for precise application Long-lasting formula glides on like a gel, dries to a powder, and holds like a wax. Travel-friendly design takes up less room in your makeup bag.”
I love Julep’s brow product and I’ve been using the warm brown shade because I have red hair. However, I have a cool complexion so I decided to try the cool brown. It’s still not a perfect match, but I do like it and I think it gives a much more dramatic look than the warm brown.

Be Strong Nail Therapy (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A conditioning treatment that heals and hardens nails with five botanical oils and Oxygen Technology.”
My nails tend to peel, so I tried using this as a basecoat and every time I use it, I feel like my nails are a lot stronger. The bottle I already had was running out so I nabbed another in my box. Maven boxes are a great way to stock up on the basics at a lower price. If you use Julep products regularly definitely consider becoming a maven. (It will save you a ton of money.)

MARCH FREEBIE!

Free Candy!
Free is always Fun!

I went with the Polish Lovers Upgrade so I could get all the shades. If you purchased any of the vivid sheers, Julep threw in a free Brigitte (white polish) that you can use as a base.

The Vivid sheers are designed to be layered for fun nail art looks. They are similar to jellies but a bit sheerer. The Julep blog has some great nail art ideas for these finishes.

Now for some long awaited swatches!

THE ADD-ONS
POLISH LOVERS UPGRADE

Brigitte: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Bright white crème
I already own this shade so I’ll be using this as part of a gift. Julep included this with any purchase of a vivid sheer, so it was just a nice bonus.

Gigi: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Zesty mandarin vivid sheer
Typically, I’m not a big orange polish person, but something about the tangerine shade plus the sheerness makes it a lot more wearable. I think this would be fun paired with a navy blue.

Brynn: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Ripe tangelo vivid sheer
This color is like if red and orange had a baby. I love it and think it’s perfect for summer. I may try pairing this with some glitter for a jelly sandwich look.

Ari: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Extreme fuchsia vivid sheer
Hot pink shades plus a jelly sheer finish are always a winning combo. I think this is a great color for summer.

Kimball: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: High-voltage watermelon vivid sheer
I think this is just a touch more red than watermelon would be, but reds are my fave so this one is still a hit for me. If you want a more pink watermelon shade, go with Ari (pictured above).

Shanna: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Botanical violet vivid sheer
This shade really does make you think of flowers, and I think it would be gorgeous in floral themed nail art.

Delaney: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Blue atoll vivid sheer
I love blue polishes and this one reminds me of bright oceans in Greece. This is another one I think will work great sandwiched with glitter.

Marissa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Electric clover flower vivid sheer
This shade has a bit of dustier feel to it and I think it will be a nice transition shade when we move from Summer to Fall.

Striping Tape: (Retail $???/Maven Price: $???)
This was included in the Polish Lovers Upgrade. You can’t buy it on its own from the Julep website so I’m not sure on the price.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!
The retail value on this box comes out to $168.00 while the Maven Value was $134.40. I paid $64.18 and got all of the polishes in the collection, plus restocked some Julep products and got to try their new cleansing stick, so I think this is one of the best values I’ve gotten from Julep.
I love playing with sheer and jelly polishes and they can be layered beyond just the included white polish. Try them over a silver for a foil effect, or layered over other colors to change the overall shade.

Except for the cleansing stick (which I’m still trying to figure out), everything works really well for me and were great additions to my beauty collection. The one fault I can find in this set, is that there are a lot of pinks/reds/oranges and no green or yellow. Hopefully Julep will release some different colors in this same finish.

Have you ever tried any sheer or jelly polishes? What did you think?

COUPON CODES & LINKS:

Get a Free 8 Piece Star-Spangled Beauty Gift when you join Julep
Get a free Star Spangled 8-piece gift when you join Julep Beauty Box. Includes four patriotic polishes, a hot pink lip gloss, a peony pink blush stick, a bronze eyeliner, and white chevron nail decals. A $122 value. Use code FIREWORKS at checkout. (Expires 7/5/16)

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!

SUBSCRIPTION THERAPY NEWS!
I’ve finally gotten off my rump and started an Instagram. Writing posts takes lots of time to research and find links, meanwhile impatience is setting in to see what’s inside. So now I’m posting Instagram spoilers as soon as I get my boxes! So for the scoop before the scoop, follow me on Instagram at subscriptiontherapy. I’ve got full spoilers for my most recent boxes (including Rachel Zoe’s Summer Box of Style) plus some fun pics from my travels.

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

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 2016 – The Lighten Up Collection, Plus 20% Off!

It’s Maven time and today along with review of Julep’s March “Lighten Up” collection I have some great offers. If you sign up now for your own maven sub, you can get a fabulous $150 set. (I wish they had this one when I signed up!) If you don’t want a sub of your own, you can save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20 (expires on 5/31/16). For more on the special offers jump down to below.

I’ve been a maven for several years now and been clinging to my un-customizable $19.99 a month box. Julep decided that our years of devotion meant that we could keep our $19.99 price tag but customize for free. So now I can make each of my boxes exactly what I want and not have to pay extra! I am now a very happy sub box addict.

So let’s get to my handpicked box:

MY CUSTOMIZABLE BOX

When Pencil Met Gel – Long-Lasting Gel Eyeliner in Ocean
(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.”
Julep’s eye gliders are wonderful. They go on easy and have excellent staying power. I love blue liners and I think this one is a terrific shade for summer.

Cecile: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: I love this like Kim Kardashian likes taking naked selfies
Description: Caribbean breeze holographic jelly
Yes, you read that right: holographic jelly. Jellies are my favorite finish and with a holo added, it’s like my nail polish dreams have all come true. If Julep keeps making more of these I’m going to need to make room in my nail polish cabinet. Teal is one of my fave polish colors and I can’t wait to rock this during the warmer weather.

Yiyi: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like Unicorn Tears
Description: Pink freesia holographic jelly
Another holo jelly! This one is a sweet purple pink that screams Springtime. The holo jellies are probably the most cheerful finish I’ve seen. There’s something so fun and lighthearted about them. I highly recommend given them a try.

MARCH FREEBIE!

Free Candy!
I love me a good Blow Pop and this was gone five minutes after I took all this picture.

THE ADD-ONS

Andie: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Pastel confetti matte glitter top coat
This polish was introduced in a Mystery box for January and not currently available for individual purchase, so I’m estimating the value at the regular price for Julep polishes. I thought this was a fun shade and would be fun in nail art.

Créme of the Crop Add on Set
Julep regularly offers cool sets in the add-on options and this one had a bunch of polish I wanted and some cute little pearl nail art so I nabbed it.

Trudy: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Botanical teal crème
This is like a slightly smokier Tiffany Blue and I absolutely adore it. The formula went on really easily as well.

Kenna: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Dove grey crème
Something subtle and soft for Spring time. I think this will make a nice base for some funkier topcoats.

Abby: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Honey almond sheer crème
My niece is named Abby so I had to get this for the name alone. I really love nude sheers and I want to try this one with a bit of glitter at the tips.

Yen: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Concord grape crème
I love the smoky quality to this purple and I think it would complement a wide variety of skin tones. It’s also a way to go a bit edgier without using a super dark shade.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!
Excluding the pearl stickers which aren’t on listed on the site, the retail value on this box comes out to $114 and the Maven Value was $91.20. I paid $45.98 and I got a ton of awesome products. I thought Julep did a great job with this collection. It felt seasonally appropriate and the new holo jelly finishes were wonderful. I hope to see them pop up in more boxes.

Have you ever tried a jelly polish? A holographic polish? Or a Holo Jelly Polish?
What did you think?

COUPON CODES & LINKS:
$150 Beauty Gift is FREE with Julep subscription!

Get this 8-piece beauty gift valued at $150+ when you join Julep beauty box.

Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20. (Expires 5/31/16)

Get Your First Beauty Box Free With A 3-Month Subscription to Julep

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

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 2016, 20% Off & April Spoilers!

It’s time for the sub box that kicked off my entire addiction: Julep subscription. (Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20 which expires on 3/31/16). For more special offers jump down below.

For February, I opted for one of the curated boxes.

CLASSIC WITH A TWIST BOX

Eyeshadow 101 – Olive Shimmer Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick
(Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A crème-to-powder shadow stick on top with a smudger on the other end. Expect huge color payoff and crease-proof, stay-all-day power…”
I thought this shade would complement my fair skin and red hair and it does. It also goes on really easily. It’s a great color that’s not too dark, or too light and I think it would complement a lot of skin tones. It reads very bronze and it has this art deco type vibe I adore.

Meghan: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Flaming red crème
Reds are my favorite and this one reminds me of a 50s pinup. It will be great for summer pedicures.

Kay: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Warm taupe with gold microshimmer
I’m a sucker for shimmery nudes and I thought this would be a really pretty base for some nail art.

FEBRUARY FREEBIES!

Free Candy! &
Hartleigh: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Holographic heart glitter top coati
I already have this topcoat so I’m going to hoard this extra as a gift. I love it when we get polish freebies and this one is perfect for Valentine’s Day.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!
The retail value on this box was $60 and the maven value was $48.00. I paid $21.39 with tax and I feel like I got a great value for my money. Julep has now graciously upgraded their long time mavens to customizable boxes for the same price, so I should have all kinds of goodies from Julep to review in my upcoming boxes.

JULEP APRIL SPOILERS!

For April Julep is introducing a Vivid sheers collection and a cleansing stick. Here’s a pic of the “whole shebang”. I’m a sucker for sheers and jellies, so you know I’ll be snapping up a ton of polish, and I can’t resist trying that new cleanser…looks like April will be pricey for me.

COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20. (Expires 3/31/16)
Spring Polishes for $5 each! Check out the great selection here!

Free Eye Shadow Gift with Subscription ($54 value)! Get the RSVP Palette when you sign up for a subscription.

Get Your First Beauty Box Free With A 3-Month Subscription to Julep

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 Luxe: January 2016 – New Year, Fresh Look Collection & a 20% off Coupon Code!

It’s time to kick off my 2016 Julep subscription with their New Year, Fresh Look Collection. Julep also currently has a great coupon code that’s valid through 2/28/16 –You can save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20.

Since there were so many great holiday polishes, I opted to keep my Maven luxe box for another month. Prepare yourself for lots of swatches!
Let’s get to it!
MAVEN LUXE BOX

It’s Balm – Dusty Orchid Shimmer (Retail $20.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: Okay
Description: “A full-coverage lip crayon with a moisturizing treatment core in the middle..”
I’ve been hunting for the perfect pinkish shade for every day and I thought this might be a great match. Unfortunately, the shade isn’t quite what I expected. It turns a slightly odd shade of pink. (I’ve swatched it in two kinds of light). This does look nice layered with other colors and the formula on the “It’s balm” (I HATE that name) is excellent. This is moisturizing for your lips which is great during these cold winter months.

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.”
This item was a restock for me. This shower gel has a light citrus scent and doesn’t leave my skin feeling super dry like some cleansers can. It’s quite pricey (even with the maven discount) so I love being able to add it to my Maven box.

Janie: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Whisper pink sheer crème
I am sort of obsessed with pink and nude sheers. I like to use them for jelly sandwich and negative space manicures.

Mariah: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Plum eclipse microshimmer
This polish reminded me of my very favorite Julep shade Ciara, so I had to snap it up. I love polishes with contrasting microshimmers and this one is lovely. I’d like to see Julep make more like this but with higher contrast. (Like I’d love to see a dark red, with a dusty seafoam shimmer).

Tali: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Glacier breeze linear liquid holographic
The holo on this is lovely and I think the light shade is a nice transition from Winter to Spring.

Shay: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Celadon iridescent chrome
As soon as I saw this one I knew I had to have it. I love these seafoamy greenish shades and this one has wonderful sparkle.

Jamie: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Iridescent mylar jagged-cut glitter top coat
I really like the iridescence of mylar and I think this topcoat will be great paired with some jelly polishes.

ADD ONS!

Celeste: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Cosmic gray iridescent glitter
Cosmic gray iridescent glitter? Who could say no to that? This was only available as an add-on, and I just loved the mix of colors so I had to add it to my collection.

Jennifer: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Sheer soft pink crème
This is an older Julep color and I’ve had it on my wish list for a long time. Another pink sheer, but this one is a bit warmer and more opaque. I think this one will be great for interviews.

Melinda: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Fuchsia berry liquid holographic
Another Julep holo! I loved the saturated dark raspberry color of this one. I think this will be another great transition shade as we move toward Spring.

JANUARY FREEBIES!

Yah for Free Candy!

ADD-ON FREEBIE!

Janae: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love/Gift!
Description: Cool charcoal crème
I love charcoal shades of polish. They are a great way to look edgy and polished without the harshness of black. I have a lot of shades similar to this so I’m on the fence about keeping this one for myself or giving it as a gift. Decisions, Decisions.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!
The retail value on this box was a whopping $184.00 and the maven value was $147.20. I paid $60.95, to get 9 polishes, a lip product and a container of shower gel. I think that’s a great deal. For February, I’m heading back to my curated boxes, but it’s hard to resist the pull of Maven luxe with its many discounts, so we’ll see if I don’t opt to upgrade again.

JULEP SPOILER
Julep should be revealing it’s products and shades for March soon and I’ve heard that a new featured product will be…drumroll….a Detoxifying Cleansing Stick! I have no idea what that is but I want it!

What products do you want to see Julep come out with? Different polish finishes? Haircare? More skin items? Dish!

COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20. (Expires 2/28/16)

50% of the Valentine’s Welcome Box when you join Julep Beauty

Get a FREE GIFT ($42 value) when you join Julep by 2/14

Get Your First Beauty Box Free With A 3-Month Subscription to Julep

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

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: December 2015 – All Night Long Collection

It’s time to review my last Julep box for 2015. I once again stuck with my luxe upgrade and went a bit crazy with makeup and add-ons but I figured they could be a Christmas gift to myself. December brought us the All Night Long Collection filled with new orbital eyeshadows and Julep’s brand new matte lip mousse in an array of shades. Let’s get to it.

MAVEN LUXE BOX

It’s Whipped – At Midnight – Matte Lip Mousse (Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Verdict: Hit
Description: “Fireball Red hydrating, liquid-to-matte mousse that glides on mess-free, grips for all day vibrancy, and has a weightless finish.”
A limited edition fireball red matte lip for the Holidays? Sign me up. This goes on nicely and isn’t super drying like most matte lip products. It’s a bright pin-up type shade that is a lot of fun.

It’s Whipped – Ooh La La – Matte Lip Mousse (Retail $20.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: On The Fence
Description: “Sepia taupe hydrating, liquid-to-matte mousse that glides on mess-free, grips for all day vibrancy, and has a weightless finish.”
I’ve been searching for an everyday pinkish brownish shade and while this is lovely, it truly is a sepia color and when I wear it I feel like it washes me out a bit. The formula is quite nice, but I’m just not sure it’s a good color for me. I may just end up using it with some shimmery gloss on top to offset the issue.

SWATCHES:

Dial Up Your Glam Multidimensional Orbital Eyeshadows (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Our multidimensional eyeshadow with triple the pigment for intense brightness, incredible stamina, and endless looks.”
Julep’s orbitals are glittery shades that can be applied wet or dry. I’ve found they go on best with a smaller eyeshadow brush and if you’re applying dry, tap any excess off the brush before you begin.

Luna: White Gold with Gold Pearlescence
This is my favorite of three. It’s a white gold and perfect for highlighting or for Holiday looks. I love it paired with a classic black cat eye.

Cosmos: Moss Green with Gold Pearlescence
I love that we have a green in the collection and I think this will work well with my brown eyes and red hair.

Eclipse: Slate with Silver Pearlescence
I’ve been experimenting a lot this winter with different shades of grey eyeshadow so I thought I’d add this to my collection. I’m a bit worried I’m going to look crazy goth, but I’ll need to experiment a bit to make it work.

ADD ONS!

Elsa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Snowdrift iridescent stardust
Doesn’t this look exactly like frost on a windowpane? It’s a unique fun shade for winter and I don’t have anything like it in my giant polish horde.

Brooklyn: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Ruby red microglitter
Red Microglitter just screams out Christmas. This shade reminded me of Zoya’s Delilah (one of my faves) so I decided to snap it up and try Julep’s version.

Brenna: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Blue glow-in-the-dark iridescent microglitter top coat
I bought this because it was such a pretty blue jelly and the whole glow-in-the-dark thing is just a secondary perk. I want to try layering this with other shades for fun Spring looks.

Brandy: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Steel grey with blue microglitter liquid holographic
This polish is absolutely gorgeous. I love that it’s both edgy and feminine and I think the holo on it is lovely.

Silver Nail Studs: (Retail $8.00/Maven Price: $4.99)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Excellent staying power and three dimensions of cool.
This product only seems to be available as an add-on during the Maven window. I keep snapping these decal type things up and then forgetting to use them. I think I’ll start simple and try using these for an accent nail first.

DECEMBER FREEBIES!

Free sweets are free sweets! Yah for candy!

ADD-ON FREEBIE!

Katie: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love/Gift!
Description: Orchid iridescent chrome
I really really wanted to keep this because the shade looked so gorgeous but it was needed to round out a Christmas gift. I think this was a great add-on freebie that many ladies would love to receive.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love
The retail value on this box was a crazy $178.00 and the maven value was $140.00. I paid $73.77, which is a bit pricey but I got 3 shadows, two lip products, five polishes and some nail studs. That’s a ton of product for the price and I really like all the items I received. I’m definitely going to have some fun playing around with all the new makeup. I’ve got another Luxe box for January so be sure to come back and see what goodies I got.

Have you tried any matte lip products? If so, what are your favorites?

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 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 Luxe: October 2015 – New York Never Sleeps Collection

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m playing catch up with reviews of some of my tried and true subscriptions. In October, Julep introduced their New York Never Sleeps Collection featuring new eyeshadow sticks. Since there was some other Julep makeup I was interested in as well, I opted to try out Julep’s higher tier subscription option, Maven Luxe. I had been hoarding jules, so I was able to snag this 39.99 box for free.

MAVEN LUXE
Maven Luxe is a customizable sub with tons of options so it’s a great choice for folks that use Julep products regularly as you can stock up on the things that are running low. I opted to try a couple new things and stock up on some items I’ve been wanting.

Don’t Leave Your Brows At Home in Warm Brown: (Retail $24.00/Maven Price: $19.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Everything you need to fill in and define your brows. This two-in-one tool includes brow powder and an angled brush.
This is a restock item for me. The only reason this product isn’t a “love” is just because the shade is slightly off for me and Julep doesn’t really offer a real red/auburn option. The brush is also a bit oddly sized for the product tube, but its super easy to apply once on the brush and stays all day. I was new to doing my brows and this product was a breeze to work with. I highly recommend it.

Skip the Brush in Moonlit Sand (Retail $24.00/Maven Price: $19.20)
Verdict: Hit!
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.
I liked the consistency of the Guava Julep blush stick I got so I wanted to experiment with Moonlit Sand as a highlighter and Desert Rose as a blush/bronzer. Unfortunately Julep sent me to Moonlit Sands. I called them and they sent a replacement Desert Rose and let me keep the extra item, so really great customer service. As to the product itself this gives a lovely highlight and has a touch of glitter (but not too much). It’s easy to apply and goes on smoothly. It’s also great to use on your eyes – just add it to right below your eyebrow or the corner of your eye for a touch of shimmer.

Skip the Brush in Desert Rose (Retail $24.00/Maven Price: $19.20)
Verdict: Hit!
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.
This one arrived later in its own box. This brownish pink looks super natural on me as a blush and I love the easy application. I can use it on my eyes as well, but it reads a little too warm as a lip color.

Eyeshadow 101 in Stone (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Eyeshadow 101 in Taupe Shimmer (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: On the Fence
Description: A crème-to-powder shadow stick on top with a smudger on the other end. Expect huge color payoff and crease-proof, stay-all-day power.
This is the new featured makeup product for this collection so I opted to try out two different shades. I really wanted matte colors but there was only one to choose from. I was hoping these would be similar to the Laura Mercier eyeshadow sticks that I have but to me they were a little difficult to work with. There are smudgers on one side but I didn’t really have much luck getting them to smudge and I felt like I had to layer on a lot of the product to get the color I wanted. I do think these probably have a learning curve so I’m looking forward to playing with them more. I’d also love to see Julep introduce more matte options in this product.

OCTOBER FREEBIE!

While I hate candy corn, free is free and I’ll be passing this along to my niece and nephew who for some reason love the stuff.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!

The picture above is the box minus the cheek product that was missing and came later. The retail value on this box was a whopping $108.00 and the maven value was $86.40. I got this for free with my jules, but it would still be a great deal at $39.99. I think I’m going to be trying out the maven luxe for a bit since I’m running low on a lot of my Julep faves. If you really like Julep’s makeup and skincare products, it’s very cost effective to sign up for maven luxe and grab what you need once a month.

I’ve got two more Julep boxes for you this year, including the December one which only showed up yesterday so be sure to check back.

Have you ever tried an eyeshadow stick? If so, what did you think?

JULEP NEWS
Julep is featuring lots of holiday specials during their “12 days of deals” plus free shipping on all of their 2015 Holiday Collection, so be sure to check out their site.

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.)
Jingle Bells Welcome Box
Join Julep and get the 4-piece Jingle Bells Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping
Winter Ice Beauty Welcome Box:
Join Julep and get a FREE Winter Ice Beauty Box (just pay shipping)
Bridal Welcome Box
Join Maven now and get the Bridal Welcome Box FREE. ($58 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

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.

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