Unboxing: Julep Maven March 2015

Even with my reminders to cancel, I forgot to for the month of March.  Well, it was a good mix of beauty and polish so I didn't mind too much.  The Pop! Collection for this month were creamy, springtime colors on your tips with a semi-matte finish, brights on your lips and an eyeliner and makeup corrector combination.  I received the Nayely polish in the Peaches and Gleam manicure, Light On Your Lips in Twirl and Get In Line Invisible Lip Liner.  I didn't get to try the lip products yet, but will soon.  Twist looks so pretty!  I already have an invisible lipliner from Urban Decay so I imagine it will be similar.

The cap on the Light On Your Lips Lipstick is magnetic!  Love to hear that click and know that it is secure in my purse or make up bag.

But what is this Julep?  A cheap plastic cap for the liner.  I know this will end up cracking after some time.  It would have been nice to have a metal cap instead.  Ugghh chintzy!

Cost:
Color Treat - Nayely $14 / $11.20 Maven
Light On Your Lips Lipstick - Twirl $22 / $17.60 Maven
Get In Line Invisible Lip Liner - $16 / $12.80 Maven

Would I recommend these to a friend?  Skip or find something similar.  I wasn't completely wowed and feel that these could be found in other brands and at a more affordable price.  If you are a Maven and can snag these, its a good deal if you can get the box, but individually, the prices are pretty steep.

Beauty Mail: March Julep Maven

I forgot to cancel. Argh! Even with the reminder on my calendar. 

Unboxing: Julep Maven January 2015

I have way too much regular nail polish and have been doing gel manicures lately, so I have been skipping out on Julep's Maven boxes since August.  Changed my mind about ordering one for January 2015 when I was able to choose the Modern Beauty box which included the Brilliance Glycolic Hand + Body Scrub and Luxe Lip Treatment.

I love the applicator tip to this gloss!  It feels really nice and cool applying.  Wish more glosses had this applicator instead of a doe foot one.

 Swatched under the Foldio LED lights.

 Swatched in daylight.

 Pretty cool conditioning treatment combination.  We shall see how this wears, especially alone without any balm.

Just from a quick whiff, it smells similar to the Rock Star Hand Cream that I'm not too fond of.  :\  At least this is a scrub and I can wash off the scent or just follow up lightly with my body wash.

Cost:
Glycolic Hand + Body Scrub - $32 / $26.50 Maven
Luxe Lip Treatment - $24 / $19.20 Maven

Pros:
-Lip treatment has an awesome applicator!
-If you got this as your Maven box, it is a steal at $22!

Cons:
-Scrub has the smell of the Rock Star Hand Cream that I don't like.
-Pricey!  The prices if you're not a maven are really steep, but even as individually purchased as a Maven, it is still expensive.

Would I recommend this to a friend?  I will have to do a wear test for the gloss, but sadly from first whiff of the scrub, I wouldn't recommend it because I don't like the smell.

Beauty Mail: Julep January Maven

It has been a long time since I had a Maven box selected.  There hasn't been much to get me excited, but did order one for January 2015.  Unboxing soon!

POTW: Fresh coat of paint!

I have been so lazy with the manicure and pedicures lately.  I went bare nails on Christmas and NYE! Finally topped the toes with one of my favorite reds, Julep's Demi.  Thinking of doing the same color on my tips to be all matchy matchy.  Still rocking winter jammies, after all, winter just started!

What are you wearing on your toes?

Julep Mask Noir

Do you mask weekly?  I have to honestly say that I don't and it shows.  While my skin is relatively clear, I do get clogged pores, blemishes and my complexion has been lacking luster.  These have been attributed to the "lack of" in my life...better diet, exercise and enough rest.  Self-care is important and I try to do when I can on a weekly basis.

I have had Julep's Mask Noir just waiting for me to use and finally got the chance to try it a couple times.  The Beeb has tried it and I am having my Soul Sista try it out too because its fun!

What the website says:

Peel to reveal brighter, softer skin.

What it is:
An antioxidant-rich peel-off black mask that leaves skin smoother, brighter, and deeply hydrated.

What it does:

• Kaolin clay absorbs excess oil.
• Hectorite (a derivative of black volcanic ash) lifts away pore-clogging debris and dead skin cells.
• Julep's exclusive Power Cell Complex blends the benefits of three 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.

To use:

Apply generously in an even layer to clean, dry skin.  Avoid eyes, eyebrows, hairline, and lips.  Leave on for 15-20 minutes or until completely dry. Gently peel mask from outer edges, chin to forehead.  Rinse off any residue with warm water.  Follow with your favorite skin care routine.  Use 1-2 times per week.

Here is the routine:

Started off by cleansing with my Clarisonic Mia2, then applied the mask.  It is super thick and sticky.  You have to work fast to get it applied.

I let it dry for over 20 minutes.

Scary!

What was left after I peeled it off.  LOL at the soul patch.

I then followed up with my usual eye cream and moisturizer and mixed in some Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Oil.

This was after the 2nd time trying the mask. Looking a little greazy, but my skin felt so good!

Cost: $32.00 ($26.50 Maven price)

Pros:

-Easy to use

-Skin felt so soft after

Cons:

-EXPENSIVE!

Would I recommend this to a friend:  No.  For such a small amount, it is an expensive purchase.  There were mixed reviews on the website and most said they would recommend.  I would like to test out some other masks that are similar and revisit if they compare, maybe at a different price point.  

Unboxing: Julep Maven July 2014

This month's Julep Maven choice was the 'Modern Beauty' box with product rather than polish.  I have a ton of polish already and I've been getting gel manicures lately and my collection has been just sitting.  I skipped June's box because I didn't find any of the products offered to be of interest, but July's had the Bare Body Milk that sounded wonderful!  I still have last summer's Beach Tonic Dry Body Oil that smelled fantastic.  I also liked that this was paired with Mint Condition Pedi Creme for a full body smoothing experience.  Checked my Jules account, I had enough for a box, so this box was FREE!

Julep Maven boxes are always festive!

Promotion for Body Polish or Body Milk

The Poolside Collection promotional cards.

Full size Mint Condition Pedi Creme 3 fl oz and Bare Body Milk 6.8 fl oz

Pedi Creme information

Pedi Creme 

What the website says:

Formerly known as The Best Pedi Creme Ever!, our much-loved foot moisturizer is back with a new name and the same fast-acting formula.

Features & Benefits:

• Provides soothing moisture and gentle exfoliation for rough, dry skin
• Formulated with alpha hydroxy acids, shea butter, coconut oil, essential oils and vitamin E

I tried the Pedi Creme after showering and wore these Earth Therapeutics Aloe Socks and wore them to sleep.

Results? Smooth feet! I'm sure with continued use since there are alpha hydroxy acids, this will make my feet more supple.  The summer weather can cause really dry skin on my heels and around my toes.  Since it has been really warm, I don't think I can use my aloe socks while sleeping every night, so I'll maybe do this routine every other day or every 3 days as needed.

Body Milk information

Body Milk ingredients

What the website says:

What it is:
An ultra hydrating body lotion for thirsty skin. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula leaves a soft, silkyfinish that's not heavy or greasy, and our signature Beach Tonic fragrance lets you smell like summer all year long.

What it does:

• Milk thistle locks in moisture and helps protect against environmental factors.
• Olive oil delivers essential fatty acids to hydrate and repair.
• Grapefruit oil promotes cell turnover.
• Orange peel oil brightens dry, dull skin.

Pros: -Fantastic scent
         -Paraben & sulfate free
         -Body milk leaves my skin soft and lightly scented
         -Pedi Creme leaves my feet soft

Cons: Steep in price.

Cost: Mint Condition Pedi Creme - $20, $16 Julep Maven
         Bare Body Milk  - $24, $19.20 Julep Maven

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes to the Bare Body Milk because of the unique scent if you liked the Beach Tonic fragrance.  No to the Pedi Creme because of the price, even with the Maven discount.  It is a great product, but I feel you can find other foot creams with the same results.

Test Run - Goal: Longer Nails!

Trying this duo in attempt to grow some longer tips!

I have weak nails that peel. I usually just keep them super short, but have been wanting them longer. I'll give this a shot for a month and report back my findings. *crosses gingers*

Flakie obsessed!

Finger Paints Flecked over Julep Toni. Pass me a flakie over a shattered polish please!

Share Beauty And Hope

For those local gals that have not had a chance to indulge at Julep, they are now offering a special promotion for a Porch Pedi & Organic Facial for $98 and they are donating 10% of the proceeds to Haiti Relief. IMO there are several other charities that would have been better suited. *shrug* Otherwise, this is a great time for you ladies and gents to try Julep and see why I rave about their service...*ahem* Kate Gene! ;)

NOTW: Rihanna & Blake

Spent a rainy Seattle afternoon in DT Seattle. I got my brows waxed by my girl Yani & also got a manicure at Julep. Mary did my mani & I had a great time chatting with her.

I decided to go bright and do Rihanna with Blake as the odd one out. The flash washes some of the color out and it looks more like a bright purple/magenta. I really think I'm going to buy a bottle of this! I'm glad that it is in their permanent line. I do like Blake, but I'm not in love with it to buy it. Blake is from their Fall line which will be gone once they sell out.

Hmmm? The more I look at it, these colors remind me of my alma mater UW Huskies! Love how this color looks with the top coat on. Very patent leather.

Always remember to put another coat of top coat on your nails the day after your manicure and every other day if you can. This will help your polish last longer! Also, use gloves if you can while doing housework. :)

NOTW: Winter Shimmer

You know I couldn't go to Julep and NOT get a mani! Along with the Gingerbread PDQ Pedicure, I got my manicure on as well. I love how they incorporated glitter top coats for their winter season colors. Just makes everything fun and festive! I think I'll be doing glitters for a lil bit longer. :)

Red is it this season. Out of all of the holiday colors Julep had to offer, I was drawn to their shimmery red Marilyn. The odd one out is a shimmery white Kate.

The glitters I had applied on top was Gold Shimmer from Creative Nail Design over Marilyn and a loud silver calles Sex Symbol from Color club over Kate.

Up close.


I love getting my nails done. They look so perfect! I'm still trying to have a more steady hand when I do my at-home manicures.

NOT(P)W: Julep Maggie - Revisited

I wanted to show some pics of how gorgeous Maggie is on! I really need to head to Julep and pick up a bottle!


I really thought this may be a bit ghetto, but I was wrong. Loves!