So if you are a nail polish fanatic like me (I counted two days ago, I have over 60 polishes, eek!), you would know about the Julep Maven program.  Yes, my friends, another beauty subscription service, however, this time it’s nail polish and hand-related products and you get to pick the polishes you want.  I mentioned in a few blog posts back that Julep was having a promotion for new members where you could get your first box for only a penny.  That’s right, a penny… with free shipping to Canada.  So naturally, being the beauty buff that I am, I signed up.

Like every other subscription service, you do a quiz so they know what kind of style you are.  I didn’t like the polishes that Julep thought would suit me so I chose the Bombshell box instead.

In my Bombshell box I got a Julep-branded nail file, a glycolic hand scrub, and two polishes, Natasha (a coral-red colour) and Sofia (a sheer green polish with micro glitter).

Natasha

Sofia

Alright, so my opinions on my Julep Maven March 2012 box — I liked it but I wish I would have chosen different polishes.  I absolutely loved the green colour online, and although it’s nice in the bottle, this goes on super sheer.  It’s a nice layering colour, but I wish it applied like how it looks in the bottle.  As for Natasha, it’s pretty,  but I have a lot of similar colours already.  I haven’t actually tried the colours yet, so maybe they will blow my mind when I have them on my nails (like China Glaze’s Electric Beat).  I also wanted to note that Julep nail polishes retail for $14 on the Julep site, so they are pretty pricey compared to other ones other there (OPI, China Glaze, Essie, etc.).  They are also .27 fl.oz., whereas by comparison, a China Glaze polish is .5 fl.oz., so you are getting less polish than other popular brands.

As for the other two products, a nail file is a nail file and those are always needed so I was glad to get that, and the scrub it amazing.  I was a bit hesitant at first because I have so many scrubs already, by oh my gosh, I’m obsessed with this stuff.  First of all, it smells great and the tiny beads feel so good when you massage them on your hands.  Wash it all off and you are left with baby-smooth hands.  The scrub alone retails for $32 on the Julep site, so if you got it in your box, you got a great deal. I will be using this every time I paint my nails from now on, I’m obsessed.

So would I recommend the Julep Maven program?  If you have $19.99 to spend every month on nail polishes, then sure!  I actually cancelled my membership after I got my box because I would rather spend that $20 a month on polishes that I can see in person (not that I spend $20 a month on nail polish anyways).  The program is pretty pricey compared to others out there; however, you do get a few perks.  You get to see what you are getting beforehand so it’s not a surprise (which could be a pro or con if you like surprises), and you don’t like your box you can choose another or skip the month entirely.

In case you are interested in the program, here are some other perks with becoming a member:

• Being a Maven, gives you exclusive access to COLOR!  You get it first, and YOU decide how often you want to receive your beauty editor Sneak Peek Box
• For just $19.99 a month, you’ll receive over $40 worth of trendsetting polish colors and cutting-edge treatment products each month customized in a gift-able Sneak Peek Box
• Each Sneak Peek Box features new, never before released colors and treatments FIRST to you, before anyone else
• Your box also includes hits and cult favorites – the products we like to keep on the top of editors’ minds
• 20% off all julep.com purchases
• FREE shipping on ALL your purchases
• Each box also comes with a surprise and delight element- something to look forward to!
• Receive additional membership perks throughout the year

I’m glad I got to try the Julep Maven program (for the low, low cost of a penny), but I think I’ll take my money elsewhere.

Keep a lookout for nail of the day posts featuring the polishes.  You never know, maybe I’ll change my mind based on the results!

Oh, and before I forget, Sephora has their Chic Week going on until April 6, 2012.  You can get 15 per cent off in stores or online (not for Canadians though, boo!).  I picked up a back up of Laura Mercier’s Silk Creme foundation in Bamboo Beige (I’m almost out of the one I have) and Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Eyes eyeliner in black.  I went during the VIB event on March 29, but unfortunately they ran out of umbrellas by the time I got to the store :(.  What did you pick up?

This Week Only: Beauty Insiders Get 15% Off! Use Code: CHIC

Have you tried the Julep Maven program?  Are you a subscriber?  Leave me a comment below!

Also, don’t forget to enter my March 2012 Loose Button Luxebox giveaway!  **Canadians only!

Like what you read?  Check out these related posts:

• NOTD: China Glaze Electric Beat
• March 2012 Topbox
• Shoes of the month club: Shoemint
• NOTD: Urban Outfitters Hot Tub