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.