Thursday, August 2, 2012

Julep Maven August 2012 Unboxing & Piper Swatches

 My August Julep Maven box came yesterday, right on the dot. :)  It came in a cute pink box!

It's Julep Maven's 1 year birthday!  Hence the cuter packaging. :)

glittery tissue paper! :D
I got Boho Glam this month, which is my subscribed style.  And here's what I got below:

I already used the remover a few times.  I was really excited about getting it, and I love how it's in a pump bottle.  I'm definitely saving the bottle to use it again with other removers.  I think I heard that this new Julep remover looks similar to Zoya's Remove Plus?  I'm really curious about how they compare, since I've never used the Zoya one.  So far I really like this Julep one.  It's an acetone free, conditioning polish remover.  The smell was okay and it removed my polish very well.  The pump is of course, a big plus, as it's very convenient.

Moving on to the polishes...  Here are my two shades:


Isla: "Soft milky white metallic."  I would describe it as more of a silvery-white metallic with a subtle gold shine that gives it a touch of warmth.  I haven't used it yet, and don't intend to open it.  I think I will give purge it since I don't think I will like it. :P

Piper, I have swatches of. ;)




Piper, 4 coats: "Mint-teal metallic chrome."  I would say that description is pretty close.  It's a very pale mint-teal that leans more green or blue depending on the lighting.  I love how the chrome finish makes it look lighter and therefore, more delicate.

My verdict on this polish is that I like it.  I love the idea of this polish; this color, this finish.  But I hate how sheer it is and, oh, the brushstrokes.  So that's why I like it, but don't love it.  I wish it had a better formula, because I would have loved it to death then.

I was really disappointed after the first coat because I thought it would never be opaque.  Fortunately, (or is it unfortunately) it did reach opacity in four coats.  You can also see the brushstrokes clear as day when the light hits it at an angle.  Otherwise, while visible, it's not so apparent after the polish is dry and sealed with top coat.  To make the strokes less apparent, it's essential that you apply the fourth coat in straight lines.  It's one of those polishes you have to work for.

I do love the color though.  This might actually be one of my favorites so far.  I can't think of any dupe either.  If you know of a good dupe that's more opaque and less brush-strokey, please let me know! :P


If you like what you see and would like to join, you can use my link to sign up at Julep Maven*.  Please note that your first box will be an introductory box.  I believe you can use code COLOR2012 to get your first box for only a penny. :)


Liz
Links followed by an * are affiliate links.

7 comments:

  1. I've seen people sponge on metallic polishes after the full coat with an eye shadow brush to remove streaks. :)

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  2. Wow, really? Thanks for sharing! :D I'll give it a whirl. :)

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  3. Zoya's remover is definitely better, and it's cheaper (if anyone out there is inclined to buy one of these removers) and brings more product. Julep's remover left my nails dry which was disappointing since I was expecting it to be like Remove +.

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  4. I had an inkling Zoya's might be better, if not cheaper. Thanks for letting us know! :)

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  5. I really like that polish on you! Very cute color

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  6. That is a gorgeous color. I would LOVE to try the Isla too. The Piper looks very much like Teal Marble Kleancolor and I've read in several places that one of the hottest summer trends is "wearing polish colors to fit a mermaid." I say Piper fits that perfectly! Love it. Would love to have had this box. Hoping to sign up once my husband recovers from his spine injury, my daughter's school stuff is bought and this Mama gets a bit of money back into my pocket for myself.

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