I know all of you have already heard about Julep's Maven program, so I won't launch into a huge post with all of the details, but if you haven't signed up for it, I urge you to give it a try! I joined at the end of November, and was able to get my Introductory Maven box for just $5.00! If you plugin the code Welcomemv5 at checkout, you too can receive your intro box for just $5.00! Maven boxes normally cost $19.99/month, but you receive well over $60.00 worth of products, and if you don't want to participate that month, you can either skip the month (just log in and select skip a month before the 20th), or send the box to a friend. Easy as pie, no long term commitment, and incredible products at a fabulous price? What's not to like? Now I know someone will mention the previous issue with referral links, but I assure you that problem has been solved, and all is well in Maven Land. I did sign up for a referral link, and I'll update with that here when I receive it.
I received my first Maven box a few days ago. When I took the online style quiz, I got the "It Girl" profile, and my box contained 3 polishes as well as Julep Nail Therapy. I was thrilled, and checked my mail obsessively until it arrived. Shipping takes about a week and is free of charge. The moment it arrived I whipped it out of the box to check it all out. My products were beautifully packaged in a Julep bag complete with red ribbon, and the polishes were snugly bubble wrapped. I had checked out the colors online on other blogs, but the swatches just did not do them justice. They are even more gorgeous in the bottle, and I just had to see what they looked like on the nail.
I simply had to try out the Julep Nail Therapy first, and I used that as a basecoat for my swatches. It glides on effortlessly and is so glossy that I could see myself in the finish! I was amazed at how quickly it dries as well. By the time I had finished the pinky on my right hand, my left hand was already dry. When it was time to polish, the color slid onto my nails as smooth as silk. I am used to having a bit of drag with my base coats, but Nail Therapy had zero drag. I have used this as my base coat with every mani since I received it! I can't rave about it enough!
The first polish I tried was my namesake, Kim. Julep describes this as a Dark Gunmetal Grey, smoky and mysterious. It is rather mysterious, as it tends to deepen depending on the light. This polish does require a light hand (which I don't have! haha!) in order to avoid obvious brush strokes, but the color is gorgeous, the formula is smooth and flows over the nail effortlessly, and is opaque in 2 easy coats.
Here is "Kim" shown in the lightbox (Sorry! No sunlight for these! Snowy weather when I sat down to swatch!):
I simply adore this color! I love grey's, and this grey does not disappoint! It is perfect for fall/winter and I'll certainly be wearing this baby often!
The second polish in my Maven box is Christina, a "shimmery, deep Orange". I don't feel that this description does this color justice. It is a fabulous red-based Orange loaded with shimmer that I can only describe as "Juicy". Seriously, this color makes me hungry. This was the color that I thought I would like the least, but I ended up loving this color so much that I left it on after swatching. (Of course, being me, I had to add to it, despite its being incredible on its own. I ended up using Mash plate MASH-08 to stamp on some white flowers, and colored them in using teal and lime stripers. But that is another post!) I actually swatched this color last, and there was some sunlight the next morning, so I'm able to show you how glowy and juicy this color is!
"Christina" outdoors, direct sunlight:
And one indoors, natural light:
This is simply the most gorgeous Orange I have ever worn, and I am madly in love with it! Formula was just as wonderful as "Kim", gliding on easily with no drag. At 2 coats there is still a bit of VNL, which I expected since this applies like a jelly (although it's technically not a jelly), but it's so minimal that I wasn't bothered. Besides, look at this color!! Isn't it worth a tiny hint of barely there VNL??
Last, but certainly NOT least, is "Trina". Julep describes this polish as "Deep Aubergine". It is a breathtaking Eggplant with incredible matching shimmer. When the light plays off this color it is simply stunning. I had pegged this one for just another deep purple, but as soon as I laid eyes on the bottle I knew I was way off base. In some light it looks very plummy, others a rich Burgundy. Once on my nails, I couldn't take my eyes off them! The shimmer gives this color amazing depth as well as sparkle, and despite my ever expanding collection, nothing I own even comes close to this stunner. I am 100% in love with this girl, and she will be worn many, many times over this holiday season. I know I'm going to be needing backups of this one! I do wish that I had swatched this one last, since I am dying to see her in the sunlight, but the lightbox actually does her justice.
"Trina", shown in lightbox:
I dare you to tell me that this color is not flat out stunning! The formula for Trina was just as impressive as her color, applied like butter, no drag, no streaking, and fully opaque in 2 coats. In fact, you may be able to get away with 1 heavier coat, but I always use 2.
I have to say that I am highly impressed with Julep at the moment. These colors are just amazing, highly saturated, wonderful formula, and great wear. I wore Christina for 2 days, and had no wear issues - not even tip wear! Julep's polishes, as well as Nail Therapy retail at $14.00 for .27 FL OZ. at Julep.com. I'll admit that's a bit steep considering they are half the size of other polishes, but IMHO they are worth every penny. And, if you sign up to be a Julep Maven, you're getting some serious value for your $19.99/month.
Happy Polishing!
-Kimber
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