My Julep box contained two bottles of nail polish and one tube of hand cream. Typically this box would sell for $19.99 and is valued at over $40. If you're a Julep Maven member, you'll receive a new box each month with the option to skip any month or send your box to a friend as a gift.

So what did I think? My initial impression was that the box and packaging was very pretty but essentially all you're getting is two small bottles of nail polish for $20. Each bottle holds 8 mL or 0.27 fluid ounces of product. In contrast, you get 14 mL or 0.5 fl oz in a typical bottle of China Glaze nail polish and 18 mL or .6 fl oz in a typical bottle of Orly nail polish (so roughly double the amount you get in a bottle of Julep).

So how was the polish? According to Julep, the brand offers "the most exciting runway colors and the most effective and innovative hand, nail and foot care products." Additionally, all Julep polishes are free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin. And after using both polishes, I will say it's good polish and comparable to other brands I've tried.





The first color I tested, Maya, is a "peachy pink seashell, like a shimmering pearl." It looked good after one coat and achieved bottle color in two coats. This color instantly reminded me of Deborah Lippmann's "Glamorous Life" and Orly's "Rage" - it's almost a rose gold metallic. It's really pretty but it's a "soft" color - I've noticed that this particular color always seems to get scratched easily, whether it's the Lippmann or Orly. I think it's just that pigment that comes out softer than other colors. "Glamorous Life" was used on the Badgley Mischka runways last season so I can attest to Julep's claim of having the latest runway colors - but this pink isn't my favorite hue. It's really pretty but not very fashion forward.





The second color I tested, Taylor, is the "perfect periwinkle creme" and I have to agree with that description. It's definitely one of those can't-stop-staring-at-my-hands colors. As my nail polish expert friend @TheFabFatale tweeted, this color seems to glow. It's a color that will get definitely get noticed and has become an instant favorite for me. It's similar to China Glaze "Secret Periwinkle" but more vibrant. Two coats does the trick.





A note about the bottles: The design is luxe and chic but the tall skinny upright shape makes them liable to tip. On the other hand, they fit easily into small pockets and clutches, which is great when you're on the go. The applicator is average, my favorite brush is still the tapered brush in the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure line. And since many of you ask me about odor, Julep polishes are stinky as usual, use in a well ventilated area.

So in conclusion, these are great nail polishes if you want to treat yourself to something special each month. But don't forget the overall price and the fact that you'll probably still want to buy other colors from other brands. I think sending Julep as a gift is the best feature about this brand.

Ok, now you've heard my two cents. Time for a giveaway!

Julep would like to give one lucky Budget Babe reader a complimentary Julep Maven intro box (valued over $40).

To enter:

• Tell us in the comments what's one nail polish color you'd like to see from Julep in the future.
  


• Tweet this post using the Twitter button below (leave one additional comment for one additional entry)
  


• Like this post using the Facebook button below (leave one additional comment for one additional entry)
  

Giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers. Entries must be posted by 12 noon on February 14th to be eligible to win.

Why wait? Give Julep a go and see what everyone's buzzing about. Use code THEBUDGETBABE at checkout at julep.com to receive your first Julep Maven Sneak Peek Box for just $5! (valued over $40).


Disclosure: As stated above, I receive one free Julep Maven box for the purpose of this review. This is not a sponsored post.