Julep Maven Program Review

Okay, so a friend told me about this ah-mazing company called Julep.  Julep creates and sells nail polish that is free of toxins and harsh chemicals (like formaldehyde, a common nail polish ingredient) and all of the colors are named after inspiring women.  Not only that, but all products are made here in the good ole' USA.  One of the amazing things about Julep is that they have this awesome program that allows you to become a "Julep Maven."  You may have seen many types of "boxes" advertised lately (beauty boxes, snack boxes, even dog boxes).  Julep has their own which will send you at least two nail polishes and sometimes a beauty product is included.  It is so easy (and fun) to sign up.  First, you take the Julep Maven Style Quiz.  Taking the quiz helps to determine your likes and dislikes so that they can pick colors that are perfect for you.  After that, you will be introduced to your style profile which gives an overview of what you like and selects at least two nail polishes for you.  Then you're a Maven!  Within 3 business days, Julep will ship you your first box to you.  There are 5 different style profiles you can get.  Four of those will send you two nail polishes and one full size beauty product, and the fifth will send you three nail polishes.  Not happy with your style profile?  Not a problem.  You can change at any time.  After taking my quiz, I got the Bombshell profile.  But when I took a look at the colors for October's boxes, I decided that I liked the colors for the It Girl profile better, so that is the one I chose.  Don't want to get a box one month?  No problem!  You can skip a month any time you choose.

Now on to the fun part.  Here is where I will show you my first box and an overview of the products.

As soon as your box has been shipped, they will send you a tracking number so you can stalk the mail carriers until your box of goodies arrive.

The day finally came when my box arrived.  Yay!

It finally came!  Hooray!

A note overviewing the Maven program.

I'm a Bombshell

My full size product (a pedi creme) and a free sample

The package of my two nail polishes

 

 I was super excited to start opening my packages.  Here are a few pictures of my new nail polishes and my pedi creme.



My polishes in Oscar (top) and Madison (bottom).
The back of the boxes read:
"TREAT YOURSELF TO:
Our 4-free formula (with none of the bad stuff)
Superior coverage with a high gloss finish
Highly pigmented, long-wearing color"

Each bottle contains .27 fl oz. (8 mL) of polish.

I love that each bottle has a "SWATCH ME!" spot on the top
so that I can swatch each polish.

The contents of my first box.



Like what you see?  Take your style quiz and sign up here!  Even better?  You can get your first box FREE by using the code FREEBOX when you check out!  Try it out and I promise you won't regret it!  Not happy?  You can cancel at any time.

 

Stay tuned and I will post a review of the polishes and pedi creme soon!  These polishes are available for sale individually on the Julep website.

 

 

Have you tried the Maven program before?  If you decide to sign up, be sure to let me know what you think and which profile you got!

Three for Thursday: In my Makeup Drawer

Okay, readers. It's back-to-school time for this girl, so I have been spending the last week setting up my classroom. Moving boxes in and out of a second floor classroom in the heat, rain, and suffocating humidity of a typical Florida summer. And the kicker? I've been rearranging furniture, decorating, and organizing in a classroom that hasn't had AC for most of the time. Let's just say that it hasn't been pretty. Many of my fellow teachers have been complaining of sweating their makeup off. While the heat and humidity have made me feel uncomfortable, I haven't had any trouble with my makeup. In fact, I wear the same makeup whether I'm going out to eat, to work, or even to Disney or an outdoor concert... Not to mention the fact that I have oily skin AND I'm working with a teacher's budget! Since my makeup selections have proven that they can withstand some rough conditions without melting off, I thought I'd share three of my favorites. Here we go!

1. Covergirl 3 in 1 Liquid Foundation in creamy natural
Choosing a liquid foundation can be tricky. It can sometimes be difficult to match it to your skin tone and blend in without feeling caked on or chalky. Plus, it can be messy to pour out onto your fingers or a sponge and apply. However, this foundation was super easy to blend and it comes in a user-friendly pump. It only takes one pump (which is about the size of a dime) to cover my face and totally even out my skin tone. I also love the 3 in 1 aspect! This one product is a primer, concealer, and foundation! And as a bonus, it also contains an SPF 20 sunscreen... In Florida, that is a must! This makeup feels very light and natural on my skin and I even wear it with a little lip balm when I go to the beach.

2. Covergirl LashBlast Fusion
I've been using this mascara for a couple of years now and refuse to switch unless they discontinue the product... In which case, I will right a very strongly worded letter. Haha! But seriously, this mascara is easy to apply, it makes my lashes look thicker, longer, and more defined. It really makes my eyes pop while still looking natural. I love that! Want to know what I love even more? It doesn't flake off or even run when I sweat or cry. Mascara can't get much better than that!

3. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Up until a couple of months ago I was a die-hard Covergirl fan. As in, I never bought another brand. But my curiosity about Revlon's Balm Stain finally got the better of me and I had to try it... And I'm so glad I did! It doesn't get goopy or wipe off easily like a gloss does, and it also doesn't dry out your lips. I apply it once in the morning, blot with a tissue to remove the excess and make it look more natural, and I'm good for the rest of the day even after eating, drinking, brushing my teeth, etc. The color remains and so does the moisture to keep your lips smooth and kissably soft. My favorite shade to wear everyday is Honey, which is a natural rose color. But when I like to have more of a pop of color or retro look, I wear Romantic, which is a reddish-coral shade. Both colors are pictured below.

So those are a few of my favorite beauty products in honor of Three for Thursday... Do you use any of these products or plan to try them out? Do you have any other favorites? I'd love to hear all about them!