Julep Maven review

    As a mom, it's important to remember to take time for yourself, for a little alone time or some pampering. It's hard for me to make that a priority so it's rare that I buy stuff for myself or take time to go get a manicure or pedicure. When I ran across Julep Maven the other day with a promo code to receive my first box for just a penny, I figured it would be a fun way to spoil myself with a little gift in the mail. And to feel a little pretty even when I normally have all manner of snot and other baby residue on me. 

     Julep Maven is a beauty subscription box similar to Birchbox, except it's just for nail products and you get full-sized products. Also, instead of the contents of the box being a surprise, you get to choose which box you receive or skip it that month entirely. It's perfect for someone who likes to receive mail, but is a little hesitant about paying for a surprise every month that they may or may not like. Or for someone who wants to only receive a box when their budget allows. 

    I signed up for Julep Maven and the box came within a week and was packaged nicely. The two nail polishes I received were wrapped in bubble wrap and I also got toe separators and Julep The Best Pedi Ever pedicure cream. Also in the box was a welcome letter from the Maven program and a card detailing all the products in my box. If purchased separately on the website, all of the contents of the box would have cost more than $40. The polishes are priced at $14 normally. Because I used a promo code when I signed up, I got it all for a penny (see below to get the code).

     The two nail polishes that I got were: Niecy, a bright pink color, and Susie, a mint green creme. The polishes are typically named after celebrities and a lot of them are based on a color that the celebrity wears a lot or of an iconic look they wore to an award's show. For instance, the nail color Blake (named for actress Blake Lively) is yellow, a color she wears frequently. And the color Gwyneth was inspired by the dress Gwyneth Paltrow wore to the Oscars.

    The formula goes on well, if a little thin, and dries quickly. All of Julep's polishes are four free, meaning they do not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP. I really love the mint green color and think it is a perfect color for spring. I was a little apprehensive about it at first because I'm normally a red, pink, or nude polish girl, but I am digging this color. As far as chipping goes, the polish lasted for several days, though it got chipped while I was working on the cabinets. Oops!

   The Julep Maven program is very easy to sign up for. You start by taking a style quiz [here] so the company can best tailor your monthly boxes to your preferences. When you complete the quiz there are five styles that you could fall under - Classic with a Twist (mine), Boho Glam, American Beauty, Bombshell, and It Girl.  

    The Maven program is really neat compared to other monthly subscription boxes. What's great about this program is that they let you see what products are available before they are mailed out for that month so you can make your own decision to either keep the box based on your style, switch to a different style, gift your box to a friend, or skip the month entirely and not be charged. The subscription is $19.99 a month if you choose to receive a box. Of course, if you just want to get the first box for a penny and then cancel, you can do that too. 

      If you use the codes PENNY or COLORS4ONE or COLOR2012, you can get your first box for just one cent. You may have to pay tax depending on what state you live in, but your box should still be less than a couple dollars. 

     * Julep did not pay me for the review. I just really enjoyed the products and wanted to share the deal with you.