April Julep Maven Box

Available at: HERE


Box: April Bombshell


Price: $20


Overall Box Value: $


Packaging: Julep is still offering their reduced sized black box, but this month's goodies was wrapped for Easter! It looked similar to a Easter Basket with green grass shreds, bright pastel colors, nail goodies, and chocolate candy eggs!


Items Received:
-2 Nail Polishes in Annette (a dove grey creme) and Parker (a golden tangerine cream). Both are valued at $14 a piece.
-Julep Best Pedi Creme Ever; a mint and cucumber scented lotion for soft sandal ready feet. Valued at $22.
-2 Toe separators in cute Easter colors.(Free perk, not offered on the site)


Liked: 
I must admit, when we received our preview email of this month's boxes, I was not impressed with my box AT ALL. The colors didn't look impressive; they seemed too bland for spring.
However, I decided not to skip the box or trade for another style. I am glad I did not skip, the colors turned out to be very charming; the picture on the preview did not do them any justice!


Another thing I loved this month is that Julep has made a few improvements to the quality of the boxes. 
-They now close the bubble wrapped bags with clear elastic bands which are easy to slip off and on. Much better than the tape which would tear the bag and spill your products everywhere!
-Julep has also added the option of adding additional polish to your box for $5 a piece--STEAL! 


Disliked: 
Luckily I was very satisfied with this month's box, I have no "dislikes"!

March Julep Maven Box

**Live footage of the box is available on my channel and below; I will also post a video of my allergic reaction at the bottom of this blog post**

Available at: HERE


Box: March Bombshell


Price: $20


Overall Box Value: $52


Packaging: Julep is still offering their reduced sized black box, but this month's goodies was wrapped in a pretty purple paper bag for spring!


Items Received:
-2 Nail Polishes in Sofia (a sheer cream green with blue glitter) and Natasha (a orange cream perfect for tootsies!). Both are valued at $14 a piece.
-1 Julep Maven Emory Board/Nail File (free perk, not offered on the site)
-1 Bottle of Julep's newest salon treatment, "Julep Elixer". An Organic Morrocan Argan oil for hands, face, and hair.


Liked: 
I loved the nail file! (I collect nail files.. hehe) It's simple and black, but I don't mind.


I also loved the polish! Julep is already busting out shades for spring and I will be ready this season with these shades!


Disliked: 
Every time I review a Maven box, I have only good things to say about it. Except this time! The sole item I have to complain about this month is the Elixer. I was extremely excited to try this out because I LOVE argan oil products and use them all the time!! However; I was disappointed in this becuase:
1. It didn't smell like anything
2. I did not notice an improvement of my skin when using this (I didn't try it on my hair)
3. It caused a horrible allergic reaction on my face that landed me in the ER!


I have no idea why that happened, I've used argan oil before with no complaints. Julep's Elixer even states that it is anti-inflamitory, hypo-allergenic, and non-irritating. I wanted this to work for me so badly, but the doctor said to steer clear from it. 


Did anyone else have trouble with the elixer this month? Even though I had that mis-hap, it didn't take away from the over all value of the box for me. This is the first time I've ever disliked a Julep product. I do not plan on canceling my subscription, I will just have to be a bit more careful!

MY FACE GOT ALL SWOLLEN!

January Julep Maven Box

Here is my January Maven Box!

Available at: Julep

Box: Bombshell

Price: $20

Overall Box Value: $62

This month's reduced sized box
Back to black!

Packaging:
This month's packaging was similar to December's Holiday packaging.
The boxes are no longer gift wrapped, I think they are leaving the gift bags for special orders; like skipping the box for yourself and sending it to a friend for that month.
The boxes are not shoe box sized this month either, they are much smaller but still packed with great goodies!
It seems these will be wrapped in a plastic bag wrapped in ribbon and confetti from here on out, which is just fine with me!

I love opening these every month!

Items Recieved:
This month we were given 2 polishes and a scrub, along with a little extra sample, AND we were given a choice of a free nail color!

Although, I am a bit confused. See, in December we were sent an email asking us to choose a free complimentary nail color of our choice in reward for being one of the first Julep Mavens. I chose a yellow shade.

But in my box, instead of the yellow polish, I found a nail therapy along with a coupon that read, "Our popular nail color Gayle is out of stock until February, until then please enjoy this nail therapy along with this coupon code for a free polish at checkout!".

So I'm guessing that I can recieve the polish AND the nail therapy? Hm I do not know, but I am OK with freebies!

Pomegranite Body Scrub
3 Polishes

My box included--
-Nail Therapy $16 (freebie)
-Pomegranite Body Scrub $18
-Carrie nail color, a baby soft pink $14
-Megan, aquamarine blue, NEW from the Resort Collection $14
-Sample of Julep's nail polish remover wipes 

Liked:
I Loved everything in my box this month! I can honestly say I am NEVER dissappointed with Julep. They have quality products and amazing customer service. I'm so glad I found this subscription service!

Disliked: I only wish I could have more boxes!

What did everyone else get? Did you enjoy your box this month?? I know our lucky giveaway winner did!

Love and lipstick,
Monique

JULEP MAVEN WINNER!

Hello everyone!! Good morning and Merry Christmas! It is 12:12 AM, make a wish!! ;)

I am very excited to announce to everyone that I have chosen a winner using Random.org!

And the winner of a 3 month subscription to Julep Maven is....

ASHLEY206!!

Congratulations, I'm so excited for you! Please contact me by the 1st of January or I will be choosing another winner.
So shoot me an email and I can get those goodies sent to you :)

For everyone else, remember that there is a prize for everyone!! If you still want to try out Julep Maven, you can use coupon code VixensLovee at checkout to get your introductory box for only $5!!! This coupon expires on the first so hurry in while you can!

Thank you so much everyone for entering! It was so much fun! I will be doing another giveaway in January and this one is going to be about skincare so stay tuned!

Everyone have a blessed and safe holiday.

Stay Lovely,
Monique

December Julep Maven Box and GIVEAWAY!

A few lovely shades from Julep
Click to enlarge

I LOVE going for the mail everyday! :) There's always something to brighten my day. Monday's are always slow and icky, but I got my December Maven Box this Monday so it wasn't too bad of a day :)

Win 3 months of Maven boxes in my GIVEAWAY!
http://vixenslovee.blogspot.com/2011/11/julep-maven-giveaway.html

December's Box choices
You can win these!
Click to enlarge

I was really excited to get my box this month because its Christmas themed! It was wrapped so beautifully! And came with a few exclusives!


Available at: Julep


Box: Bombshell


Price: $20


Overall box value: $46

Take a style quiz to decide what box suits you best!
My style is Bombshell, what will you be?

Packaging: This months box was red. Inside there was TONS of black confetti/stuffing? My products were tucked into a red and white snowflake bag. The bag was wrapped in a white ribbon (although my sister put that in her hair as soon as I opened the box!), and under the ribbon there was a little card that read  "Happy Holidays from Julep". Super cute! Very impressed by this months packaging, I hope there are more themed months planned ahead!


Items Recieved:
-Julep Nail Vernis in Demi, a beautiful deep wine burgandy; perfect for the holiday season.
-Julep Fast Dry Top Coat, helps prevent yellowing and chipping, seals and drys polish in record time.
-Pomegranete Body Creme, hydrates and exfoliates the skin. Smells yumm! Formulated with pomegranete, papaya, shea butter, jojoba (yay!), avocado (double yay!), and kukui oils. Paraben, Sulphate, and Phthylate free.
-EXTRA: Green nail glitter, sprinkle some over wet nails and let dry before applying top coat.

The cutest packaging ever!

Liked: I loved the top coat! Funny because-- Just last Friday I was painting my nails with my sister when she asked to borrow my topcoat. I handed it to her and said "Hm, I need a new one. Hopefully I get one in this month's maven box." And I did!

I was also very happy to get the polish in Demi, I love deep red polishes. I have only one bright poppy red polish, all my other reds are deep, dark, vampy colors. And now I have a new one to add to my collection!

Next thing I was eager to try was the body creme. I always get super dry skin during winter and I liked that this isn't just a lotion, it is a thick hydrating creme. It doesn't hurt that it smells delicious either. :)


As far as the little extra glitter goes, it was a really cute idea, I know that other girls got glitter too in different colors. I liked that mine was green. Sprinkled over the red polish, it would be cute to wear on Christmas day :)

Products in my December box!
Click to enlarge

Top Coat

Disliked: I heard/saw other girls were getting nail appliques in their Maven boxes! Mega jealous! LOL. These are similar to the Sally Hansen Salon Effects strips. Julep doesnt have that many styles yet, I believe they run about $14 a piece. Hopefully I get some in my next box :)
Another thing I was a little dissapointed in was that the creme wasn't as exfoliating as I thought it would be. I would have liked it to be just a little bit grainy.

Demi

Cant wait for January's box! That month is my anniversary and hopefully I can get something fun and pretty for my special night out :)


What do you guys think/like? Would you rather have gotten the body creme or the nail appliques? Did you appreciate the mini glitter extra or would you have liked something better? Let me know if you got something different this month!

AND dont forget, you can win 3 months of these awesome monthly gifts by entering my GIVEAWAY! :)
http://vixenslovee.blogspot.com/2011/11/julep-maven-giveaway.html

Julep Maven GIVEAWAY!!

Hi there beautifuls! So I hope you've gotten a chance to see my recent unboxing of my first Maven box!
If you havent than have a look at it here (http://vixenslovee.blogspot.com/2011/11/julep-maven-november-it-girl-box.html).

If this was something you liked or wanted to try; you can for only $5!! Use the code vixenslovee at checkout to get this amazing offer.

If you're still hesitant to try this out, you can win a 3 month subscription for free!


Rules:
1. Must subscribe to this blog either by email or through the link in the upper left hand corner.


2. Must leave a comment on this post describing what you would hope for in your first Maven box. (Take a look at their website and choose your favorite product) [FIRST WAY TO ENTER!]

You can checkout all the exciting products here:
http://www.julep.com/Home.htm


3. Follow VixensLovee on twitter and tweet me that you have entered (If you dont have a twitter account then email me so you are not disqualified!) [SECOND WAY TO ENTER!]

You can follow me on twitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/VixensLovee

4. Like VixensLovee on Facebook and share with your friends! [THIRD WAY TO ENTER!]
You can do so here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VixensLovee/332864153394118


5. You may enter as many times as you want!


6. Entries along the lines of : "Enter me/I subscribed" will be disqualified

Additional details:
-Contest will end on December 24th at 11:59 PM.
-I will choose and announce a winner on Christmas morning!
-This IS open to US and Canada entries! YAY! :)


If you have any questions concerning the giveaway, feel free to send me an email or contact me on twitter!

This is just my way of saying THANKYOU to the beauty community and all my subbies; Love you guys!! :)

And of course, a special thanks to Julep and the Maven program for the amazing partnership!


GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!
-Monique :)

Julep Maven November "It Girl" Box

Hello ladies! So I have been waaaay off track these past weeks (It feels so much longer!) but here I am feeling refreshed and with tons of ideas for posts in my head! I wish I could get them out as fast as I thought them!
But anyway, what I have been wanting to get out is news about this company! And my first Maven box!
Here's my thoughts on the box overall.

Julep Maven box

Packaging: This cute little black box (looks like a shoe box) is what gets delivered to your doorstep. Open it up to find a few papers and notecards sitting atop a paperbag tied with ribbon (their idea of "giftwrapped"). I believe each month features a different colored ribbon. Mine was pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month I believe. And all your goodies come inside the bag, no tissue paper like BirchBox or LuxeBox.

Polish comes gift wrapped

Items recieved: This month I got two nail polishes; Zoe and Samantha. I also recieved a full sized Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub. The last thing I found at the bottom of my bag was 2 mini travel samples: the hand scrub again and their Everyday SPF Handcream; which I thought was nice o have in  my purse just in case.

Hand Scrub
$32

How much was paid: This was my introductory box that I got for free, but is available to everyone with coupon code vixenslovee for only $5!

Mini samples; perfect to toss in my purse!

Overall box value: All items add up to an overall value of $60. If you use the code and get this for $5, this is a Steal!


Liked/disliked: I liked the two nail polishes. Im not the type to wear pink polish, but my sister is so she liked that alot. The orange fall color was perfect for Halloween and even for Thanksgiving. I will definitely be sharing this with family and girlfriends over holiday parties! The hand scrub smells citrus-ey and leaves my hands very smooth and soft; especially helpful during winter months when my hands dry and crack from the cold.

Polishes.
Left: Zoe $14
Right: Samantha $14

Overall: For my first box, I am very pleased with what I got. For the price, it is phenomenal, and even for the regular price of $20, this is still a good deal in my opinion. I hope my next box is just as great!

What do you girls think? Did you like this? Would you try it? Let me know! and don't forget, use coupon code vixenslovee for an introductory price of $5! Happy shopping! :)

Julep and the Julep Maven (It Girl) Box!

Hey ladies, any of you fans of BirchBox, New Beauty Test Tube, Eco-Emi Box, Luxe Box, and other sampling companies? Then you'll LOVE Julep's Maven Box!

For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, these are sampling companies. You pay a monthly subscription fee of about $10 and they send you a box with about 5 deluxe sized beauty, skin, and haircare samples (With the exception of Test-Tube which sends about 15-30 samples once every 3 months for 30 dollars).


These are great because its like a mini christmas every month! But sometimes they're not so great for various reasons. Most people feel that they're not getting their $ worth.

Julep is another company that sends monthly samples, but these are not samples from different companies. These are samples from their company alone. You can check out all of Julep's nail polishes, and spa treatments here:
http://www.julep.com/Home.htm

Some of Julep's gorgeous nail colors!

Here's what sets Julep (like tulip) apart from the other companies:
-Like I said before, these are only Julep products: nail polish, hand and foot spa treatments 
-Julep sends a box every month for $20. For some this seems like way too much; keep reading and I'll show you why its not!
-Additional 20% off your Julep purchases (apart from your Maven box)
-Free shipping on ALL purchases
-You can skip a box anytime you want (Like if you spent your stash on a "just becuase" gift)
-You can skip the box for yourself, and have it sent to a friend instead that month (In case you forgot to get Mom or Sis a gift!) Plus: Every box comes already gift wrapped!
-A percentage of the proceeds from each product in your box is donated to charities that empower women; a new charity is selected every month.
- Julep offers FULL sized products every month.
-And, each month is gauranteed to have more than $40 in product.

Julep featured in Lucky magazine.

Julep made the "It" List in Elle magazine.

A few articles and magazines that Julep Maven has been featured in.

Some may want cosmetics, hair and skincare over hand and foot products; but if this is something you want to try or you just want to get your moneys then maybe this is for you.

Stay tuned, I'll do a full review on my first Maven Box and I'm doing a GIVEAWAY!

Is this something you would be willing to try? Or would you just test it through the giveaway first? Let me know in the Comments section below!

Stay Lovely,
Monique