Julep Nail of the Day Contest!

As I have said in so many posts, I'm really kind of  obsessed with Julep nail polishes. I follow them on all their social media outlets, including their facebook page... Where they are currently holding a Nail of the Day contest. So I've decided to try it out.

I'm not incredibly good at doing my nails yet. Even just the basics because while my left hand looks pretty good, my right hand usually looks blah. And I've been playing around with different at-home techniques for doing my nails. One technique I've wanted to try was the fade, where you fade one color into another color. So today I got some cosmetic sponges and decided to try it out for the contest.

And this is the result:

Julep Nail of the Day entry

Not an amazing job but I figured that for a first time, it's ok. At a distance, it looks better than all up close like in the picture. Here is what I used  to do this:

- Tweezers

- Cosmetic sponge [some cut up pieces]

- Julep Gloria [which is not available on the Julep site]

Julep Blake

Julep Mandy

Either way, I entered it into the contest. If you'd like to vote for my look, you can click here and it will take you to my entry on the Julep page. You can also view other entries by hitting "View Entries." You can vote once an hour. Any votes would be appreciated.

Speaking of contests, I won a Zoya polish from the FEEL collection during their random selecting of 1000 people to get a free polish. I've only used one Zoya polish before from the holiday Birchbox [Izzy]. The collection has 6 colors and I decided on Kristen.

Zoya Kristen

In reality, this is much bluer than this picture, which makes it come off a solid grey. It's a pretty color recommended to me by The Nail Files. 

And for those interested, below is Izzy.

Zoya Izzy

Birchbox January 2012

Birchbox January 2012 - Clarity
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In my opinion, Birchbox has just convinced me to stay another month. I know I was questioning getting rid of it in my last post but this is the best Birchbox I have gotten yet just by looking at the products inside without trying. For the most part, these are all products that will be used.

stila - Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish
It's time to put down the black liner. This colorful pigment makes eyes stand out and stays put for hours

It is like the universe heard me and decided to give me this eyeliner. I've been meaning to get a new one because I think my old L'Oreal one has been making my eyes red when I wear my contacts. While I've since determine that is not the case [thinking it's the mascara], I was still interested in trying something else. For the most part, I was down to this stila liner and the Urban Decay glide-on pencil. The best part about this? It's a full sized eye liner which retails for $20. And yes, there are sample sized eye liners out there that are tiny and you can get maybe 3-4 uses out of them.

And I can't believe I wrote all that without mentioning anything about the color. Lionfish is completely usable as an every day kind of liner. It is a dark brown-bronze color that is very nice without being too out of the box. I currently use brown eye liner, so this isn't too far off. But it has a nice shininess to it. Not only that, but having test it on my hand, it seems like it is going to last throughout the day and not smudge as much as my current eye liner. I do find that I have to use a very light hand with this liner. I usually do a very light liner line, especially if I'm not using mascara. I can see myself unintentionally using way too much at once.

Origins - Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
What if your skin has dry patches and oily spots? Alleviate both concerns with this multi-tasking cleanser 

I have been eyeing Origins products for quite some time now. I'm on one of my many beauty quests to find the perfect face wash for me. So far, nothing has blown me out of the water yet but I had seen MissGlamorazzi had referred to this product in a few videos. So I'm hoping that this product does a good job. Since I'm currently trying to use more X-Out Wash-In Treatment, I won't get to try this one out too soon.

Archipelago - Pomegranate Body Soap
Laced with good-for-you pomegranate extracts, this triple-milled soap smells divine and leaves skin feeling clean, not stripped

And my transition from peppermint smells to pomegranate smells continue [though I'm still searching for the perfect peppermint candle]. While this is not nearly as heavily fragrant as the Julep Body Crème or the Body Scrub, it still smells nice and you get the same notes. To make it stand out a little from the competition, there is a nice little design crafted into the soap bar. A very nice touch but I probably would not consider buying this product after this unless it performs miracles [which hey, that could happen]. It's pricey at $12.50, especially when there are many soap options out there at more reasonable prices.

Again, the family is currently still working our way through the Softsoap coconut scrub bar so it may be a bit before it gets used.

Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture
Juicy's signature fragrance is a blend of sweet floral notes. Sophisticated and feminine, it's perfect for day or night

This is the product I'm least excited about. As I've mentioned, I don't really use much perfume. This hasn't changed much. When I do use perfume, it is either my sample of Harvey Prince's Eau Flirt or my DKNY Be Delicious or Be Delicious Fresh Blossom [I have the two sided roller ball]. The Juicy Couture scent is a little bit strong to me and bit like traditional perfume [which I have no interest in]. After having it on my wrists for a little while, it gets lighter and smells better. I don't know how much I'm going to use this product seeing as I still have quite a few perfume samples lying around.

Lärabar - Mini Bar in Carrot Cake
You won't find any artificial fillers in these natural bars: just dried fruits, nuts, and other wholesome ingredients. They're as tasty as they are healthy

Is it weird that I was actually really happy that this was in my Birchbox? If you read my Influenster Holiday Voxbox post, you'll know I got the Lärabar in Coconut Creme Pie and it was so good! Also, I still have my coupon, so having tried more kinds will help me choose. ^_^ I think I'm going to throw this in my bag for tomorrow to eat on my break. Nom nom nom!

Also, while I have found Lärabars in one of my 3 local grocery stores, they are in limited varieties. Dx I got to quick look at them at Target, who seems to have the biggest selection. However, that is kind of far to be going for a snack. I still have one more local grocery store to check out so I'll keep up my hopes. Fingers crossed!

Birchbox Magnet

Also got a little Birchbox magnet to put on my fridge [when I move out of here that is]. Cute but I don't think it could really hold up a piece of paper like they suggested on the back of the next card I got from them.

List of their favorite mind, body and soul detoxes

 Basically, this is just a few little tips the team wanted to include in each box. Just a nice little touch to find.

Overall, definitely happy with this box. I did kind of have one little issue with the box. With every box, they like to wrap a few of the items together in more tissue paper and a small little ribbon. Well, they decided to wrap the Lärabar in with the Juicy Couture perfume... Just saying, that if you are going to put a food item with beauty products, don't put it super close to a super fragrant product. It's like if you buy those little sheets for the dryer, keep them in a separate bag from your food. You want your food to smell like food, not perfume.

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Much better pictures this time in my opinion! I used natural light and my cellphone. Also, the background for all the products is the Birchbox box and the tissue paper that comes in it. Definitely going to keep working on my cellphone photography skills though.

Julep Maven - January 2012

Whoot! Got my Julep Maven box today! I was definitely getting kind of worried because I didn't get any tracking confirmation [which they are usually good about sending]. I had e-mailed them on New Year's day [or maybe the day after] and didn't realize that they were off for those two days [at least the digital customer service]. Either way, as long as I got my box is good condition, I don't really mind. Plus, being the holiday season, I'm sure that they are completely swamped.

Went with my standard Boho Glam box this month. Which reminds me that I just wanted to mention a change in the program that I probably didn't mention before. From now on, the It Girl box will be solely nail polishes. So if you maybe don't like some of the mani/pedi products or aren't interested in the ones offer that month, they'll be an awesome all nail polish option to choose! And while I don't agree with the customer referrals change, this is one I can completely stand behind.

January 2011 Boho Glam 

Heather
Chic platinum greige with a metallic glow

This is the preview color I got in this box. It's a bit more shiny in person than it is with my awesome photography skills. -sarcasm- I'm thinking once I've chipped off enough of the Michelle that is currently on my fingernails, I'll try out Heather. In certain lights, it can come off with a bit of a purple hue. But subtle enough to keep it more metallic than shiny purple. 

Julep Pomegranate Body Scrub
Exfoliate and moisturize in one simple step

Seriously, I want this scent as a perfume... Now. Julep's pomegranate products smell amazing! I absolutely love them. Basically, I got this month's box for this scrub alone... Regardless of how well it actually works. I'd just leave the top off to put the scent throughout my room.

Blake
Sunny butter yellow crème

I was super excited for this, mostly because The Nail Files named it as her favorite yellow and I don't own any yellows. However, when I opened it to use, I noticed there was a steak of orange/red inside! D= Thankfully it was minimal and I got most of it out with a cotton swap. I'm surprise it wasn't worse because I roll my nail polishes before I use them [example in the beginning of this Julep video, which is the Julep way of doing your manicure].

After fixing that little boo boo, I put it on and it's gorgeous. While maybe not entirely necessary, I used 2 coats for this. It's a really nice, opaque yellow. I'm certainly going to be ready for summer. However, while looking at it in the artificial light of my room, it is very pale/borderline white. I think it would come off really nicely in natural light though.

Nail Polish Remover Pad

Definitely all sorts of happy about this. I find that I have been going through so much nail polish remover lately.... Mostly because I've been getting so many awesome nail polishes from Julep! So I was definitely happy to see this product. I've never used a Julep nail polish remover or any remover pads like this one. I'm curious to see if it will really work as well as they say it will. They currently are not for sale on the website but if you're interested in a product like this, definitely be on the lookout!

Demi

A very popular Julep color that does not appear to be on the website right now. If I try and look up Demi, it is currently listed as unavailable/out of stock. This was a bonus item in my box [a free upgrade according to Julep] that I chose. There had been 3 options and I picked this one. This picture does not show it like it is at all. It's a much more deeper red than this. On my nails, it almost looks like blood red with a tinge of pink in it. Very nice shady for winter. ^_^


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Question!

Do you like my version of the pictures or do you think it would be better for me to just stick to Julep's when available? All of these are taken with my camera phone. I could try some shots with my digital camera but I can't really promise they would be better.

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Currently on nails:
Incoco Nail Applique in Showstopper* [on ring fingers]
Julep's Michelle

Close up of the Incoco Nail Applique

My hands look so ooooold!

Influenster Holiday VoxBox

So, I signed up for this site called Influenster. Basically, you get badges and it helps you to get free stuff. Here's how they describe their site:

Community of trendsetters invited to share their lifestyles and show their influence to qualify for personalized product shipments, special rewards and exclusive deals from the brands they love. Members love testing the latest products, giving insightful feedback, and spreading the word on their favorite finds!

I personally really like it because it requires no money spending from me. I do get that they ask for me to review products in return, but I doubt that would influence how I feel about the products. I also feel like it helps that I get the products from Influenster, which is kind of third party in it all. I say kind of because I'm assuming they go to businesses at this point, to make contributions to their boxes. It will probably take a little longer for them to really have companies asking to put their products in the boxes. This is just how I am feeling about it all at this point and doesn't reflect the actual process.

Overall, I was happy with this box. Definitely worth the time and effort I've put into making this post anyway. And it is always nice to try new products that I wouldn't have really thought about before.

Also, all the links lead to the products websites, not necessarily somewhere you can purchase the product.

X Out Wash-In Treatment - bonus item
This stuff is made by the same people who make Proactive. This is their new one step treatment that contains 8.5% benzoyl peroxide and beads to clean and exfoliate the skin. This isn't the kind of product you can really give a review for unless you have used it for at least a week.

I wasn't really be able to do this much for a little while. I had a bad cold and my nose is pretty raw right now. This cleanser is a bit on the rougher side when it comes to skin and my nose was not having it.

Either way, I have tried it a few times. If you have even remotely sensitive skin, I would not recommend using this as a mask. I had it on for about 3 minutes before I felt burning. Of course, that was probably because my nose was still a little raw. But using it as a cleanser was fine. What is really nice is that if you have a smartphone with a QR reader app, you can watch the daily video. The daily video is something to watch while you are washing your face, since they recommend washing for about 2 minutes.

Since I haven't been using this regularly, I can't really say if this product is really fighting my breakouts. I've had one breakout on my cheek for a while and that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. I'll have an update at some point if I can get myself into a regular routine.

Pros:
Exfoliates while cleaning
Great size
If Proactive works for you, this probably will too
Good price [$19.95 for one month]

Cons:
A bit harsh for sensitive skin
Still need moisturizer afterwards


imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails
This is a great idea that I'm surprised no one really came up with it before now. Essentially this are fake nails, with a twist from the traditional: no nail glue. You press the nails on like you would press on a piece of tape.

I tried one of them on today just to get an idea of them. I did have nail polish already on when I put it on. And it did not feel like it was going to come off like main other fake nails feel like [save for when they are done by a professional]. When I did room it, the process was fairly easy. It was a little tough but when I looked at my nail after I took off the fake, I was amazed that the polish was still in-tact.

Unfortunately, while I can get away with nail polish at work, fake nails are a big no-no. So I won't get to really test out the lasting ability of the nails for a while. And of course, this would not replace my usual addiction of Julep [working on the January post after this].

Pros:
No messy with nail polish or nail glue
Doesn't look messy [nail glue can show through some fake nails]
Quick and easy [aka hard to screw up]
Easily available
Inexpensive [$5.99 for colors, $7.99 for patterns]

Cons:
Nicole Scherzinger is the face of the product [I really don't care for her]
No holiday styles
Limited color selection

Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap
My mom is definitely excited for this one. She doesn't use any special face washes on her face, just bar soap. So right now it is what we are using in our bathroom. In college, it was pretty much the standard liquid soap we would keep in the bathroom. They always smell the best! Basically, this was probably my favorite product in the box.

Pros:
Nice to wash with
Nice to exfoliate with
Doesn't dry out hands
Available everywhere!
Well priced [$4.49 + 5.99 s&h for 4 count at drugstore.com, free s&h if you purchase over $25 worth of stuff]

Cons:
Doesn't smell much like coconut
Exfoliants are beneath initial surface of bar


Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask
I always love trying new face masks. The last two masks I've gotten from Birchbox and loved them both. I haven't actually tried the mask yet. Between all the face products I've had to try and being sick [making me lazy], I simply have not had the time or energy. I'm hoping to maybe use it tonight or tomorrow.

I got the Juiced Cucumber Peel Off Masque, which makes me hesitant to use it. I bought a similar product [different brand] a while ago... And it is a mess. After using this other product, I feel like I have to re-wash my face. And peeling it off was a nightmare. Hopefully Montagne Jeunesse's version will be easier to peel and not leave my face yucky.

Pros:
Vegetarian/Animal friendly product!
Cute sample packaging

Cons:
One time use sample [I like at least 2 tries before I make a decision on something like a mask]
Picture of girl with mask is kind of creepy



New York Color [NYC] Liquid Lip Shine
If you have read my previous posts, you know I don't care much for lip products, particularly glosses. They are usually too sticky and make me want to take them off immediately. So far, I am not having that problem with this product. I got it in the shade Nude York City, so it's pretty sheer. I still probably won't wear it much but it will probably be the go-to lipgloss should I choose.

Pros:
Not super sticky
Would actually wear this product out

Cons:
Doesn't make me a fan of lipgloss
Don't go out enough to warrant wearing it


Mentos Pure Fresh Gum
Honestly, you generally can't go wrong with a Mentos products. I don't really buy gum or mints that often, so this was definitely a nice surprise in my box. I don't really have much to say about it because gum has never been high on my purchases. As for whether or not I'll consider it over some other gums, definitely.

Pros:
Minty fresh!

Cons:
I always need 2 pieces of gum


Larabar
I got this bar in the Coconut Creme Pie flavor and it was delicious. I don't know if any of the local stores have it but I'm going to be on the lookout.

Pros:
Delicious
Simple ingredients [they only use a max of 9 ingredients]
Got a coupon for $1.00 off two

Cons:
Pricey on website [Including shipping, $33.40 per 16 bars/2.09 per bar]
Website does not contain a store finder [though apparently you can get a limited selection at Walmart or Target]

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Also, I should note that Influenster is more exclusive as of 2012. I don't know exactly when this is going to happen. You will need to get invited, so if you still can, I'd recommend signing up as soon as possible!

Julep Box of Mystery

As I mentioned before, I ordered a Julep Box of Mystery. Basically, during one of the Julep sale days [there was 5 total], they were selling the box of mystery for $19.99 [normally $60]. And you were assured that you would get at least $60 in Julep stuff [including at least 2 polishes]. I still had one $15 voucher left and thought "How can I pass up this deal!" So I got the box of mystery for just $4.99!

And it is the best investment into Julep I have made yet! I wish I had bought a second one [and it was tempting when they released a second batch of these boxes for $19.99 as well]. I also got lucky because none of my colors were duplicates of what I already have [though I wouldn't say no to another Sienna].

Here are the things I've already talked about in previous Julep posts, so I won't go into detail about/post pictures of them [links are to the item on Julep's website]:

Fast drying top coat
I actually have been using this since I got it. It works nicely, like all the Julep polishes. But honestly, this fast drying top coat doesn't do anything amazing. Read as: Not worth the price.

Essential Cuticle Oil
This stuff still smells so good to me! I need to get into the habit of using it more.

Peacock Nail Appliques
I was so excited to see this in my box! Because it means that maybe I can use one of them sometime soon without being so afraid of wasting it.

Vera

Vera appears to be a much lighter brown than Olivia. It looks like it would be really nice if I want to do some nail art like trees. I'll probably wait a little while before using this on my nails. Maybe in combination with Charlotte.

Charlotte

I don't own any bright purples but I think this will be a really nice color for spring. Love pastels in the spring. Though overall, I'm more of a dark polish lover. I'm thinking that using this with some of my other purples when I finally decide to try marbling.

Mandy

Way pinker than this picture. It looks way too orange in this picture. Kind of a darker than bubble gum look.  This would also probably go really well marbled with Charlotte.

Ellen

Ellen definitely comes off as red in the bottle. Like bright bold red. But once I pulled the brush out of the container, it looked like it would come off as a reddish pink. Very berry-ish like Julep describes.

Lucy

The bottle is definitely a bit deceptive. When I first looked at Lucy, I though it was another brown. It's a pretty deep, burgundy color. It's a tad more purple than it is red when in the light. I don't think I'll get a real good idea of what it looks like until I see it on my nails. I'm thinking of investing in a nail wheel to swatch all my polishes.

Gloria

I'll try to get a picture of this one in the bottle. It would seem as though Gloria is not on the Julep website. Maybe a discontinued color? Anyway, this is a orange pink color. Kind of coral in the bottle. Another spring color. I'm thinking these colors may have been from their spring line and they are cleaning house with the mystery box.

Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Invite

Going to be very honest: I am so glad I decided not to get this in a Maven box. I'm not into lip plumping lip glosses even more so than regular lip glosses. I don't feel like I need it nor do I care for the almost painful tingling that comes with these products. I usually can't keep it on long enough to know what it looks like.

Crystal Nail File

I don't think I can go back to the throwaway nail files anymore. I won a beautiful glass nail file in a contest run by Sweet Libertine a while ago and it's absolutely amazing. I haven't gotten to use this nail file yet but I'm sure it's going to be good.

I also got another glitter pot that is silver and chunky. Dunno if I'm going to really use this. I could do the gold glitter because it was very tiny and I knew it wouldn't come off. This glitter pot is a bit too big and I wouldn't use big glitter on my toes. I also got a glitter pot of little pink stars. Dunno if I'll ever use those either but we'll see. They're a bit more usable since they are flat.

Anyway, time for the dramatic price reveal! So the total value for my box was... $153.99! Holy smokes that is a lot of savings!

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I'm going to try to post what is on my nails every time I post about nail polish. Maybe I'll even take pictures but again, my pictures are done with my camera phone. It's not all that great in quality.

Currently on nails:
Incoco Nail Applique in Showstopper* [on ring fingers]
Julep's Michelle

*This isn't the exact pattern. My version doesn't have nearly as many of the little sequins. I got this one with one of my Birchboxes.

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Also, still working on the Holiday VoxBox piece. Hoping to post it sometime soon.