The Julep Summertime Mystery Box Reveal

A few days ago I received an email from Julep notifying me their Summertime Mystery Boxes were now available.  Being new to Julep, I was curious to find out more about what a mystery box entailed.

Summertime Mystery Box choices

After clicking the link that was included in the email and googling past mystery boxes I came to the conclusion that I wanted one had to have one.  Basically, Julep will guarantee a specific color (in this case, two) and there will be a minimum dollar amount assigned to the box.  Usually, Julep will offer a couple of different boxes and you really won't have any idea what will be in them.  Because of this, nail polish addicts everywhere will commonly order both boxes, often resulting in duplicate polish colors and/or products.  Alas, Julep made it easier for people who want to try it all and not get duplicates.  This time around they gave us three different box choices.  Summer Days, Summer Nights or a combination of Day & Night.  I went with the combo box.  Of course, the bigger box cost a bit more ($39.99) than the individual Day/Night boxes ($24.99), but I was okay with that.  For $39.99 I was guaranteed to receive $125 - $300 retail value of products.  This amount actually becomes a bit less with my Julep Maven discount, but as I am trying to build my Julep collection, I felt like I would still be getting a great value for my money.

As usual, the products came packaged super cute - ready for gift giving if that's your thing. :)  Okay, so what did I get in my "Mystery Box"?  Here are all the details:

Julep Summertime Big Box Version 2

Colors (the tag for Felicity was missing upon arrival)

 

 

Product Breakdown:

I have listed the nail colors in the order pictured above.  The descriptions for each product come directly from Julep's website.  Also, as of this post all of these polishes currently retail for $14.00 or $11.20 if you are a Julep Maven Member.

• Emmanuelle: Sheer warm pale pink crème
• Raegan:  Electric dark pink crème
• Nicolette: Opaque french white
• Monica: Multidimensional pink glitter (Exclusive to the Summertime Boxes)
• Kyla: Coral orange glitter (Exclusive to the Summertime Boxes)
• Felicity: Yellow gold metallic chrome
• Amber: Golden bronze suede
• Double Duty Makeup Brush: This unique 2-in-1 tool contains two stackable brushes—a large tapered brush for streak-free foundation application and a flat concealer brush that offers precision coverage and control. ($28.00/Maven Price: $22.40)
• Toe Separators (they do not sell these individually, but I would guesstimate a price of $1.00)
• Glycolic Hand Scrub Sample: This "facial for hands" packs a 10% glycolic acid punch. Whisk away dirt and oil and reveal noticeably softer and younger looking hands after just one use.  (Since this is a sample size, I will guess $1.00 here, as well)

 

Price Breakdown:

(7) Julep Polishes =  $98.00 / $78.40
Double Duty Makeup Brush = $28.00 / $22.40
Toe Separators = $1.00
Glycolic Hand Scrub Sample = $1.00

Grand Total Retail / Maven Subscriber Price = $128.00 / $102.80

Even if I purchased these individually at my Maven discounted price, it is still a decent deal.  Would I choose these specific colors?  Probably not, however, I really do like some of them.  There is always the chance I will try the colors I think I don't like and end up loving them (and vice versa).

When I ordered my Summertime Mystery Big Box, I also added a special "add-on" to my Julep order.  I got this sparkly little number for $6.99!

America

America:  Sterling silver stars with shiny red and royal blue glitter (Currently on sale for $9.99)


So, what do you think?  Would you order a "Mystery Box" and risk getting things you don't really love?  Until I receive duplicates or have a ton of Julep polishes, I am pretty sure I will keep trying my luck.  :)

Would you like to find out what your Julep Maven Style is?  Use this link to access Julep's style quiz and a special offer just for you!

If you did order a Summertime Box, please comment below and feel free to link to your pictures/blog/etc.  I would love to see what you received in yours!

Influenster's SunKissed VoxBox Final Product Reviews

Remember last week when I posted my exciting news?  I had received my very first VoxBox from Influenster!  My box contained four exciting new-to-me products and I started using them almost immediately.  Well, it has been a few days and I have some information to report.

#SunVoxBox

 

PRODUCT REVIEWS:

 

Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles

$10.99

Recently, I was involved in a car accident which resulted in a back injury.  Because of this, I passed this specific product along to my mother-in-law who has a favorite pair of heels she purchased from Nordstrom, but recently have been hurting her feet.  I have seen her wear these sandals and within 20 minutes she takes them off under the table.  No joke.  She wore them for quite a few hours with the inserts and said her feet felt great the entire time!  Score for Dr. Scholl's!!

   

 

Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics 

$3.99 - $4.99

These hair ties are awesome!  I have slept in them, worn them in the pool and even used them on my 6 year old niece.  They stretch well, don't pull your hair and look cute, too!  For thicker hairstyles, use your fingers to stretch it out a couple of times before placing in your hair.  I always buy Goody hair bands and these Ribbon Elastics live up to Goody's good name.  (See what I did there?)  Go get some!!

Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15

$12.99

Excerp from Olay's site:  Finish your daily beauty regimen with the all-in-one solution with 6 skin perfecting benefits:

• Refreshes skin instantly
• Brightens for a radiant glow
• Evens tone with a splash of sheer color
• Hydrates for 24 hours
• Smoothes for softer feeling skin
• Protects against UV damage with SPF 15 

The things I do for this blog...

Out of all of the products, this was my least favorite.  It seemed to work OK, however, I didn't notice that much of a difference in the way my skin looked.  Sure, it did help (somewhat) to even out the overall texture and color, but the scent was a bit much for me.  Fair to note, I am super sensitive to any and all types of fragrance.  Also, it made my skin feel a bit on the oily side - and that is never a good thing.  This product can be purchased through Olay and Amazon.

SinfulShine with Gel Tech Nail Polish

So many colors to choose from!!

I love me some nail polish and at $2.99 each, what's not to love about this polish?!  I have to say, the color went on smoothly, dried well and was super shiny!

Color: Mardi Gras

It started to chip within 48 hours, but that is the norm for me.  I was cleaning our pool and doing dishes - so kind of my own fault.  The most important thing was that it removed easily with gentle polish remover.  That is not always the case with some of my other polishes.  These 32 shades are available for a limited time, so I will be purchasing more of these from Walgreens ASAP.  What are you waiting for??  Get your Summer mani and pedi on!

In conclusion, I really enjoyed receiving and trying out all of these fun and exciting products.  So, what do you think?  Will you be purchasing any of these products for yourself this Summer season?

Disclaimer: I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

Black Ops II: Vengeance Maps with Detailed Call-outs

Here they are...the third installment of maps for Call of Duty Black Ops II.

Vengeance Map Pack with detailed call-outs.  You can thank me later.  :)

Black Ops II Cove Map with Call-outs

Black Ops II Detour Map with Call-outs

Black Ops II Rush Map with Call-outs

Black Ops II Uplink Map with Call-outs

I don't mind if you would like to share, post to your site or use in any manner, but please link back to this original post.

Disclaimer:  All of the map images were obtained through the Call of Duty Elite website.

Julep Maven "Classic with a Twist Starter Box"

Guess what was delivered to my house today?  Yep, my very first Julep Maven box!  This is something I have been wanting to be part of for about the past year...and finally, one day last week I went for it.  I couldn't be happier.  Julep has this neat little tool on their site that helps you find out what your "Maven Style" is.  My style is "Classic with a Twist", which surprisingly really IS my style.

Isn't the packaging pretty?

Some of the reasons I decided to order from Julep are because their colors and products are toxin-free, the website is very user-friendly and I love the idea of having new polishes and products shipped directly to me each month without even having to think about it.  However, if I I do think about it - I have options.  I can skip or change an order with no questions asked.  Mama likes that.

What is a Maven, you ask?  The following information can be found on the Julep website, but I decided to make life easy for you:

"Becoming a Julep Maven gives you exclusive access to COLOR. Each month we hand-pick trendsetting new nail colors, cult faves and cutting-edge beauty products that are just right for you. Commitment shy? No problem. YOU decide how often to receive your Julep Maven box, and you can cancel at any time.

We'll send an email previewing your upcoming Julep Maven Box on the 20th of each month. Love what we've chosen for you? Do nothing and your box is on its way. Want to try a new style, send your box to a friend or skip the month (and the bill)? Just log into your account between the 20th and the 24th to submit your request.

Earn on! Earn Julep Jules for referring friends who become Mavens.
Enjoy 20% off all products plus free shipping.
Send your monthly box to a girlfriend! Maven Boxes make perfect gifts.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you're ever unhappy with your Julep Maven box, email maven@julep.com or call 1-877-651-3292, and we will personally take care of you!"

After you take their Style quiz, they will send you an email with your style and a special offer code to try out Julep at a discounted rate.  I got my first month for FREE.  Yep, for FREE!  Do you see why I am so excited to try Julep out?  Upon checkout they have all these mini-offers you can take advantage of (if you desire to do so).  You are allowed to choose up to four of their "mini-deals" and I chose two.  I ordered their Pedi Prep Set which includes a roll-on callus remover and a Julep Foot File.  The callus remover uses Alpha Hydroxy Acids along with chamomile extract to "soften and prepare calluses for foot filing".  It was something I had my eye on anyway and at the discounted price I had to try it out.  I also ordered their Freedom Polymer Top Coat, a product that has gotten rave reviews and is supposed to extend the life of your manicure, make your nails ultra-shiny, dry quickly and is removable with any regular polish remover (including non-acetone formulas).

The picture below is everything I received in my first Julep package.  My cost was less than $15.00 for everything you see.  They even included a free sample of their hand cream.  Say whaatt?!

To be clear, my "Classic with a Twist Starter Box" shipment included:

• Two Julep Polishes in Niecy, a bright pink crème & Kennedy, a khaki crème
• A full size bottle of Julep Essential Cuticle Oil
• A sample size of Rock Star Hand Crème

This is representative of the type of things that come in the monthly Maven boxes.  According to the Julep website, "Each box will feature over $40 worth of never-before-released polishes, cutting edge treatments and cult favorites".  The other products shown (Pedi Prep Set & Top Coat), I purchased separately.

My first Maven Box and a few other products I ordered.

I have to say, I am an Essie Girl at heart.  Other than the occasional Sephora by Opi, Essie is all I use.  I also do 99% of my own manicures and pedicures at home, so I was super curious to try the Juelp brand and see if I even liked it.

The applicator brush on the Julep polish is different, however I was pleasantly surprised at how fast I got used to it (by my fourth toenail) and at how well the application process went overall.  I applied two coats, but could have gotten away with only one if I was in a hurry.  I used my trusted Essie base and topcoat and then applied the Julep Top Coat I purchased.  I really like the color and the way my pedi turned out.  Also, I liked the "Pedi Prep Set", but I want to use it a few times before I write a formal review on it.  I am curious to see if the Top Coat really extends the life of my pedicure - only time will tell and then I will tell you...

My at-home pedi using Julep color in "Niecy"

Mani using Julep color in "Kennedy"

As you can see, Niecy is a bright, pretty pink and Kennedy stays true to its name - meaning it totally looks like the color of khaki safari pants!  The cuticle oil takes a bit of maneuvering to get it out of the bottle at first (it has one of the roller ball applicators), but once you get it going, it works well.  Also, the cuticle oil has more of a medicinal smell than a fragrance, which I actually prefer.  Overall, I am very happy with my first Julep order.

Would you like to find out what your Julep Maven Style is?  Use this link to access Julep's style quiz and a special offer just for you!  You're welcome.  :)

What colors are you rocking this Summer season?  Please, feel free to comment and tell me below.