Just Kortney: Julep Maven: June 2014

This post is late due to some issues on Julep's end. Multiple issues. More on that in a moment. June's theme is: "The Three Wishes Collection."

The monthly quote card:

This month was the first time mavens could opt to change to My Maven; which allows one to customize their products rather than picking a standard style profile. This option is $5 more per month, unless you opt to prepay three months in advance.

The usual style profiles:

Oxygen Smoothing Base Coat: A breathable, perfecting base coat that creates a matte canvas for long-lasting color
Natalia (Boho Glam): Refined copper metallic
Harlow (Boho Glam): Golden dragonfly iridescent chrome

I am not a fan of Harlow, so this was an easy pass.

Oxygen Smoothing Base Coat: A breathable, perfecting base coat that creates a matte canvas for long-lasting color.
Colette (Bombshell): Poetic violet shimmer
Sera (Bombshell): Celestial fog iridescent chrome

I like Sera, but it reminds me a lot of Cameron. Colette is such a deep purple, and I already have similar purples I never wear. So again, pass.

Phia (It Girl): Alluring orchid iridescent chrome
Savoy (It Girl): Antique gold chrome
Jennine (It Girl): Full-coverage borealis blue stardust (matte glitter)

This is my usual profile, but I wasn't loving the colors. And I don't think I would wear any of them very often. Plus, I wanted to try the new base coat.

Oxygen Smoothing Base Coat: A breathable, perfecting base coat that creates a matte canvas for long-lasting color.
Oxygen Nail Treatment: A perfecting pink tint that lets nails breathe and encourages strong, healthy growth
Buffer Blocks - 4 pack: Beautify your manicure with these two-sided buffer blocks. Use the finer grit to file, buff, and shape. Use the coarser grit to smooth deep nail ridges.

I already have the Oxygen Nail Treatment, so pass.

All this I passed up, and opted for:

Oxygen Smoothing Base Coat: A breathable, perfecting base coat that creates a matte canvas for long-lasting color
Bergen (Classic with a Twist): Hazy blue-grey shimmer
Ariana (Classic with a Twist): Enchanted berry iridescent chrome

About those issues I mentioned... The first was a billing one. Julep said my charge was declined. I called my bank and was assured my account was fine and no charge from Julep had been received, let alone declined. This caused my box to ship late and denied me access to the Secret Store. Then my box arrived.

Notice anything? That would be a Modern Beauty box, not a Classic with a Twist box. So frustrating! One of my add-ons was missing too. I emailed Julep three times over an eight day period before I finally received a response. My missing items finally arrived today. One day after the July selection window opened.

Oxygen Smoothing Base Coat

$18/$14.40 maven

"Lay the foundation for beautiful nails.

What it is:
A perfecting, hydrating base coat powered by breakthrough Oxygen Technology and smoothing silica minerals.

What it does:

Allows oxygen to permeate the nail bed, encouraging strong, healthy nail growth
Refines nail texture to hide ridges and imperfections
Help color last longer and prevents it from staining your nails
Works with our Color Treat nail polish andOxygen Performance Top Coat to create a long-wear system that lets your nails breathe"

I am excited to try this base coat. I haven't yet found one I love, and I think my nails really would benefit from the use of one.

Bergen

"Hazy blue-grey shimmer"

$14/$11.20 maven

Bergen was my favorite polish this month, and really the reason I chose this style profile. She's more blue than grey, which is a bit disappointing but still really pretty.

Ariana

"Enchanted berry iridescent chrome"

$14/$11.20 maven