I became a Julep Maven back in August when the program started. Now I'll be brutally honest, their Maven program has had some errors... first the referral system was not working and while they did offer ALL Maven's a free box one month ($20 savings for the user), not all were happy with that apology. There have been other issues with their PR writing a blog posting using blogger pictures that were not credited. That is a huge unspoken NO in the blogging world as bloggers work hard to photograph and edit their pictures and then to not be credited was very frustrating. For the record, I was not one of the bloggers whose pictures were used, but I did recognize some of the nails. They have also changed their referral system from $15 store credit to a point type system. Your friend has to remained enrolled for 30 days after their first Maven box for you to get your 1 credit. After 2 credits, you get a free box. I know that they were also offering Maven boxes for 1 cent using the code SHAREON, but I do not know if that offer is still valid. Please note that the above Julep link is linked to my referral link, and if you join the Maven program using my link, I will get 1 credit providing the above was adhered to. Oh and finally, I learned that my blog was being used in a court case against Julep because they are using the same "naming" system as Zoya Nail Polish - using women names for their polishes. Last I heard the court case is still pending.
That being said, I haven't had any personal problems. My box changes have always gone through without any issue (you can change what kind of box you receive), I haven't had any charging issues (once had 2 pre-authorizations but only one charge), haven't had any shipping issues, and I'm really happy with the way that people who go into the salon, are treated (they have salons in Seattle).
Enough about that, let's get to the polish. Trina is a shimmery deep aubergine (eggplant) from the November "Polish Lover" box. I'm originally an "American Beauty" Maven boxer (heh), but I couldn't resist switching to the Polish Lover that month (3 polishes, no other beauty products). Please note in my bottle picture that the top of the polish does come off like Chanel, Illamasqua or Dr.'s REMEDY to reveal a smaller round handle, but it's not necessary for polishing.
I used the Julep Base Coat ($14), 1 coat of Trina and a top of CND Air Dry. I do have the Julep Fast Dry Topcoat but couldn't find it when polishing my nails. This polish was so super thick that I'm going to have to add some thinner. I had to wipe my brush several times.
Here in the sun you can see how deep of a color this is. I really like that while it's a dark plum, it doesn't have the red and blue sparkles that you typically see in colors like this (think China Glaze Let's Groove).
The shade just kinda is "ick"... the color is so dark that it doesn't translate well on camera. It's a great fall color and I always love darker color on shorter nails. I don't see me pulling this one out too many times this year though.
Finally indoors with the flash and you can see how pretty this purple truly is, but it is just a bit dark for me. Vampy purples aren't really my thing, but this is a pretty one! Just thick formula'ed.
You can purchase Trina on Julep's website for $14.
Julep is available on their website for $14 a bottle. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
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I love this color!!! I love their Maven program but I too see some flaws in it. Not sure about the Zoya thing...how can you sue for naming your polish after women...wouldn't that be nearly all of the nail polish brands out there? Back to your post. I have found that Chloe was thick as well and had to thin it out. As far as the Fast Dry Coat...it smells to me, you can see the brush strokes of the color coats & the top coat and it is not as shinny as some top coats. So I am all things Seche Vite. But the color looks good on you...I might have to see if I too get this in a Maven Box or my Mystery Box before I just outright order it. (:
ReplyDeleteI didn't read the entire court case, but I think it was just taking the idea - not sure how it will play out. I'll have to definitely thin out this color before wearing it again. Thanks for the info on the top coat! I'll have to test it out soon!
DeleteMy mom's name is Trina!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAww! Polish for her!
DeleteI like the Julep program, but I haven't had any troubles either. I think they just didn't really expect such a huge take-off for this program and were unprepared to give away from much free polish and that's why the change in the referral system? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteBut I do like their polishes.
Yeah I think it was just a "Hey, this is a great idea". Then it was like "Holy crap, this was too good of an idea." :]
DeleteI signed up in August and got a few boxes I liked them but the polishes are dupable. However, as the holidays approached I decided to pause my box, which the typically send an email after. I tried to cancel my January box twice and never got an email til yesterday saying they had a problem charging my card, so apparently there is a glitch somewhere.
ReplyDeleteEep! I hope you get it all worked out! I've found that their email address gets answered pretty quickly.
Deletelol wow I never realized you could take the cap off like you can with others. At first I thought the post was going to be about the cap breaking or something haha.
ReplyDeleteI love this color though, I have it too!
Heh! :] Nope, just removable. That's been pretty common of square bottles. :]
DeleteThere is nothing monumentally moving about Julep to me. They're not original in their colors or naming. I will stick to Zoya...who just happens to be cheaper, too!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Zoya does have a lot more choices and the price is cheaper for sure!
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