Julep December 2013 Bombshell Review

This was a really tough month to decide what style I wanted from Julep- everything was so pretty!

I ended up picking the Bombshell profile.  You can pick whatever style you want each month, or skip any month.  You can also add on products at a discount, or upgrade to the whole collection (and now, there is an option to upgrade to just get all the polishes and not the beauty products!).  Julep is $20 per month for nail polish and beauty/skincare items.

Glittery Tissue Paper?!

I was already excited when I saw the silver holiday box and the glittery tissue paper inside.

Twistbands as a bonus!

This month's bonus item was two Twistband hair ties, which are the only things I wear in my hair now.  (Don't pay full price for these! Search Etsy for fold-over elastic and cut it down to size and tie knots in it... make 100 hair ties for like $8).

Packaging

This month's beauty item was a neutral eyeshadow palette.  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the eyeshadow, and a little disappointed in the quality of the palette packaging itself.  The cardboard case feels flimsy.

Eyeshadow: swatched once with finger, no primer.

The eyeshadow is nicely pigmented and feels really creamy when you apply it.  Every color blends into the next very easily.  Plus, who doesn't need more neutral shadow? I know I do!

The nail colors in this month's bombshell box were Andrea and Cara.  Andrea is described as a full-coverage bronze glitter, and Cara as a cranberry frost.  I think these are appropriate descriptions, but Andrea has much more depth to it than just one color of bronze- there is gold in there, too.

Julep Bombshell December 2013
Neutral Eyeshadow Palette, Andrea, and Cara

In addition to this month's two colors, I added on another one! I had the Jules for it, and it was so pretty that I couldn't resist.  I don't own anything like Celia, so I'm glad I went for it!

Polish and Add-Ons, Top to Bottom:
Celia, Andrea, Cara

Labels

Celia is an icy green metallic and is stunning.  Sometimes with foil-looking polishes, you see every single brush stroke.  That is not the case with Celia.  It has a perfect formula and you could totally get away with one careful coat, but I usually do two anyway.  This is an amazing holiday color and I'm really glad that I added it on!

Julep Celia (2 coats)

I've been wearing Cara with Andrea as an accent nail for two days now, and I've gotten a number of compliments on the combination.  I can't stop looking at the glitter! It's so pretty!

Julep Cara with Andrea accent

I again used two coats for both polishes, as well as OPI Natural Nails base coat and Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat.  I have some tip wear, but I can't bring myself to take this off, it's just too pretty and festive.  Even though Cara is a frost, like Celia, it doesn't show any brush strokes.  It went on so smoothly.

If you want to sign up for Julep, please use my link here.  I'll get 1000 Jules (Julep points) for referring you, which is enough for a free polish.  You can get your first box for free with the code FREEBOX.  After that, you can cancel at any time!  You can also skip each and every month and remain a Maven to get their discounted pricing on their site.

All items in this post were paid for by me, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.  No compensation or special consideration was received for this post.  This post contains a referral link, see details above.

The Week in Nails, December 1

This week was a lazy one for nails.  With Thanksgiving, I didn't bother going crazy.

I Theodora You

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and 3 coats of OPI's I Theodora You.  No top coat.  This is a really cute sheer pink.  It is on the bubble-gummy side without being too young-looking when it is on.  I wore this for two days (last Sunday included).  I think 4 coats would bring it to full opacity, but I was fine with visible nail line.

I sadly had naked nails for the next three days.  Work got crazy, I was tired, and I didn't feel like painting my nails for Thanksgiving, only to have it chip off with all the food prep and dish washing.

My Very First Knockwurst

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and 3 coats of OPI's My Very First Knockwurst.  No top coat.  I really love this color.  It is very subdued and makes me feel like my nails look demure.  That is the word that comes to mind.  I have been wearing this for three days, and I barely have any tip wear.  I plan on keeping this on for at least one more day.

No special consideration or compensation was received for this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. All items mentioned within were paid for by me.

Wantable Intimates December 2013 Review

Wantable always ships really early, so my box usually shows up just before the first of the month!  It's what starts off the influx of sub boxes, and I'm happy to see it! 

This is my third month, which is when I usually decide whether or not to continue to subscribe.  Wantable is $36 per month for subscribers, so it is a little more expensive than other (just) underwear subscriptions.  I feel that because the quality of this box is higher, and they send other items, it is worth a go every now and then.  I think I'll be skipping two months, and get this every third month instead.  That will make me feel better about the cost.

On to the items...  

Bella + Canvas Two-Tone Raglan Hooded Sweatshirt

This is a nice sweatshirt from Bella + Canvas.  I just wish it was a solid color!  I'm not really a fan of the baseball-style two-tone colors.  The main part is baby blue and the sleeves and hood are navy blue.  It fits well, besides being a teeny smidge too short, and is comfy.  It isn't lined with fleece or anything, which I would have preferred.

Bella + Canvas Hoodie on a person (me).

Bella + Canvas Hoodie, MSRP $38

Next up is a pair of briefs.  You can adjust your profile so that Wantable will send items you "love" and "like", but not items that you "dislike."  This month I switched around my profile so I would get more loungewear, hosiery, and non-thong underwear, and fewer tights, camis, shapewear, and absolutely no socks, soft bras, and accessories.  This seemed to work, as I only got items from my "love" preferences.

Montelle Boyleg in Aqua

This pair of boyshorts is really nice!  I like the aqua color and the lace details.  They are really comfortable and look great on.  Sometimes you have underwear that rides a little low in the back, but not this pair!  These are my new favorites.

Montelle Boylegs, MSRP $28.

OnGossamer Bikini in Tangerine

This pair of bikini-style underwear is something I normally would not buy.  It is extremely thin material, and with my paleness I tend to stay away from neon orange clothing.  These also look super tiny, almost like they won't fit.  However, I am happy to report that they are very stretchy and are really comfortable.  I still am not crazy about the color, but I can deal with it.

OnGossamer Bikinis, MSRP $22.

Kix'ies Thigh High Stockings in Kimmie

I was really happy to see these thigh highs in this month's box!  They have an interesting argyle pattern, but feel like they are made well.  These will be cute to wear under some of my winter dresses from Golden Tote.

Kix'ies Thigh Highs, with stay-up tops

The tops of this set of stockings are made from a wide stripe of silicone, so they will stay put without needing a garter belt (or a lot of tugging).  This is a nice feature that I appreciate.

Kix'ies Stockings, MSRP $18.95

Wantable Intimates Box, December 2013

All together this box had a value of $106.95 and I paid $36.  I think if the colors of the sweatshirt were better, I would be more satisfied with this box.  Right now, I'm a little disappointed that I only loved two items, and the other two are just ok. 

Like I said, I think I'm going to skip most months, and just get this once a quarter.  Fortunately, Wantable's system lets you do this without any penalty- skip or cancel at any time.

If you would like to try Wantable, now is the time!  If you sign up for any subscription (Makeup, Accessories, or Intimates) before December 3rd, you will get your second box FREE.  After your first box is paid for, you will get $36 credited to your account for the second month.  That means you get 2 months for only $36, which is an *awesome* deal.  If you would like to sign up using my link HERE, I will get a $10 credit.

The items in this post were paid for by me, and all opinions are my own.  No special consideration or compensation was received for this post.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Thank you

Many thanks to Caitlyn who signed up for Ipsy and the anonymous person who signed up for Stitch Fix! I appreciate you using my referral links :)  Let me know how you like your first bag/fix!

It's crazy to me that there are people reading my blog.  Thanks, internet!

Golden Tote November 2013 Review

It's everyone's favorite time of the month! Golden Tote Day!

Since I was in desperate need of winter tops (ok, so hyperbole is fun) I decided to budget myself and NOT buy iced coffee every day, and instead, buy a Golden Tote.  It's *almost* the same thing, right?

I picked the $149 tote, which comes out to about $157 after shipping for me.  I bought it the first day of the sale (Nov 4), got a shipping notice the 13th, and it arrived today, the 25th.  If I didn't like the clothes so much, I would be a little angry with the shipping times!  Three weeks?

What did I get?!

Since I picked the $149 tote, I got to pick two items to start, and GT sent 4 more as a surprise.  If you pick the $49 tote, you choose the first thing and get 1 more item of clothing and usually 1 accessory.  They claim that the big tote will have up to a $600 value and the little tote will have up to a $200 value.  It seems a little inflated to me, but if you work it out per piece, they are about $25 each.  I would pay $25 for most of the things I've gotten from GT.

Square Knit Sweater in Black/Ivory from Mak by Mak B

This sweater was an item I picked out.  Unfortunately, by the time I was able to order my tote, my first choice dress had already been sold out in my size.  I picked this (my third favorite item) instead.  It's much thicker of a knit than I expected, which is awesome! (Even though it makes it look like I've instantly gained 15 pounds.)  It was about 9*F today with windchill and I definitely wished I had a warmer outfit on.  This is warm and cozy and the navy/cream combination is right up my alley.  

Made in China, 100% acrylic, hand wash/lay flat to dry.

Baseball Tee from Renee C

This shirt is the softest shirt I think I own.  Seriously, it's like wearing a baby bunny.  The colors are hard to see in my picture, but the neckline and waistband are black, the middle of the shirt is cream, and the arms are gray.  I wasn't crazy about this when I saw pictures on other blogs, but its total and utter fuzziness has won me over. I'm wearing it to work tomorrow.  End of story.

Made in USA, 62% polyester, 34% rayon, 4% spandex.  Hand wash/hang dry.

Blouse by Peach Love Cream

This top is probably my least favorite item in this tote.  The print is navy (sensing a theme this month?), cream/taupe (yup, definitely a theme), and teal, which is fine.  This fits nicely and drapes well, but the shoulders are a little puffy.  It was hard to take a picture that showed the shoulder poufs, but they are there, trust me.  I would need to wear a sweater over this, but it will be good for a day when I need to dress up a little bit.  I don't hate this shirt, it's just not my favorite.  The button detail on the back is nice, I appreciate little touches like that.

Made in USA, 100% polyester.  Hand wash, hang dry.

Sweater by Ellison

This sweater is cute, even with the shoulder designs.  The back is the same knit as the sleeves, and it definitely needs a tank underneath.  It's not the warmest thing GT sent, but it is still appropriate for winter.  The open knit counter-acts the heaviness of the fabric, and I think this would be perfect for fall.  Too bad fall weather has left New England :(

Made in China, 60% cotton, 40% polyester.  Hand wash.

Lace Swing Dress by In Clover

This was the spoiler item that GT released shortly after their November sale started.  It is really pretty in person! I wish my camera would take better pictures of black clothes.  I think you could get away with wearing this dress without a belt, but the belt provides a little more shape definition.  I like that the sleeves are lace, it adds a nice touch and will cover my inner arm tattoos.  The skirt has a lot of movement, and the fabric is on the heavier side; perfect for holiday parties.

Made in USA, 80% cotton, 20% nylon.  Dry clean only.

Printed Shift Dress by Honey Punch

This was the second item that I picked to put in my tote, and my favorite of everything I got!  It's dark navy with a floral print and long sleeves.  This is awesome!  As always, everything I received fits perfectly, and this is no exception.  It's flowy without being clingy, and dressy without being overly Christmas-y.  Definitely a winner in my book.

Made in USA, 100% polyester, hand wash.

All in all, I'm pleased with this month's tote.  I have some new party dresses and some cozy sweaters to keep me warm in my freezing-cold lab.  Would I pay $25 for each item I got?  Yes.  On average.  Some I would pay a little more for, and some a little less.  It all works out!

Golden Tote will most likely launch their December sale in about a week.  As always, there will be a $49 and a $149 tote to choose from.  You pick the first item(s), and they will do the rest based on your style profile.

All items in this post were purchased by me.  All opinions are my own and no special consideration or compensation was received.

The Week in Nails, November 24

Zoya Mason with Julep Cynthia 

This is what I ended up doing to cover the chips on my tips.  I wore this combo for 2 days.  I put a layer of Julep Polymer Top Coat over everything.

No-sponge glitter gradient with OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls and Julep Erica 

I then decided to do a little glitter gradient.  2 coats of OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls (an EXTEREMELY pale blue) with Julep Erica (orange/black/gold mystery glitter from the New Year's Mystery Box).  The above picture shows the process.  I first wiped off almost all of the glitter from my brush and lightly painted 2/3 of my nail with it.  When that was dry, I went back over about 1/2 each nail with another coat.  Lastly, the top third of my nail got more glitter, making it more opaque.  I find this easier than using a makeup sponge to fade the glitter onto my nail.

OPI and Julep

I wore this for 3 days.

Julep Reece

I had Julep Reece on my nails for the last two days of this week.  As usual, no base coat (I *still* haven't found one I like), and Julep Polymer top coat.  

This post contains items purchased by me.  All opinions are my own and no special consideration or compensation was received for this post.

Julep Diamond Mystery Box Review

On Columbus Day, Julep announced a new mystery box! Based on the two guaranteed polishes, and the promise of a value of at least $120, I bit.  This cost $24.99 and took 11 days to get to me.  Way to go, DHL, way to be slow.

What's inside?!

I got Mystery Box #1.  The pink thing under the little catalogue is a Scrub Mitt ($2.99 on sale).  I have mixed feelings on this.

Scrub Mitt

The Contents!
All polishes in little pink bags

First up is a familiar item:

Julep Pink Grapefruit Body Frosting, 4 oz

I received this in an earlier mystery box, so this will be saved for a holiday gift.  This smells like grapefruit and has a whipped texture.  It's on sale for $9.99.

Julep Mini Eyelash Curler

This mini eyelash curler is so cute!  I like that it is nice and compact; my big one takes up a lot of space in my makeup bag.  I may have to switch it out for this one!  I couldn't find this by itself, it is sold as part of the "travel essentials" set with a foundation/concealer brush and a makeup bag for $28.  I'll estimate this at $2.99.

Julep Doublestep Foot Treatment & Friction Stick

The doublestep foot treatment is for hydrating and preventing blister-causing friction on your feet.  This smells like peppermint and comes in a twist-up stick applicator.  I'm hoping it works, I have some pretty uncomfortable shoes!  Maven price $17.60, regular price $22.

The "extra"!
Grape Rock Candy

Sooo this lasted all of 40 seconds before I devoured it.  It was grape-flavored sugar and made my mouth purple...just like I had hoped.

Now, on to the polish!

The Polishes!

Left to right: Antonia, Helen, Coco, Kristy, Reece, Geo, Marion

Diamond Mystery Box #1

Let's see some swatches!

Julep Marion, 2 coats

Marion is from February 2013 It Girl.  It is a blue-leaning teal with a silvery shimmer.  This is super-pretty, but it will stain!  I'm glad the shimmer is as apparent on the nail as it is in the bottle, often times the bottle looks so much prettier than the dry polish.

Julep Reece

Oh my gosh, you guys, I have Reece!  I have wanted this polish *so* badly, but couldn't ever bring myself to buy it on its own.  This was an add-on in September 2013 and was part of the It Girl collection.  I got the September box, but didn't have the money or the Jules to get this as an add-on.  I was so glad to see it in this mystery box! It's even prettier in person.

Reece is a purple/green holographic duochrome.  It's amazing.  I am in love.  It looks muted and gray in some lights, but then other lighting brings out the purple or green and all of the sparkles.  Pictures don't do this one justice.  Ok, I'm done waxing poetic.

Julep Kristy

Julep Kristy is a midnight blue creme from the September 2013 Boho Glam collection.  This is a very, very dark navy, so of course I love it for the winter.  I've been using OPI Russian Navy a lot, but this is not shimmery at all, so I'm going to justify keeping it.  Yeah, it looks like some of my really dark purples, but it's technically blue, right? So I can keep it?

Julep Coco

I know this is blurry, but I've featured Coco before.  I got this color in my Popsugar Must Have for October, so it's nice to have a polish to give away.  I love this oxblood creme!  It's such a classy color to me.  This was from the It Girl collection in May 2013.

Julep Helen

Speaking of classy colors, I think my second favorite of this box is Helen.  This is from the Classic with a Twist from February 2013 and is a smoky lavender, according to Julep.  I think it is a great pink for my skin and I'm surprised I don't have anything like it already!  Two coats was almost unnecessary, I think I could pull off one with a top coat!  Even better.

Julep Marion, Reece, Kristy, Coco, and Helen

All in all, there was not a dud in the bunch! I was afraid I'd get a weird yellow or other unpopular color, but these were all amazing.  I am so happy that I bought this mystery box!

The two promised polishes were two diamond top coats.

Julep Geo

Geo is a lavender holographic diamond glitter top coat.  Whew, that's a mouth full.  It has a clear base with holographic and lavender glitter and lavender holographic diamonds.  It's so sparkly!

This is Julep Geo over Kristy (middle nail)

Twinkle, twinkle, little star....

Julep Antonia

Antonia is a pale pink holographic diamond glitter top coat.  This is very similar to Geo, but the glitter is all pink-based, and the diamonds are not holographic.  It's a little less flashy than Geo, but just as pretty.

Julep Antonia over Helen (bottom)

As with any other chunky glitter polish, it takes a little bit of effort to apply.  You need to dab on and position the diamonds without getting too much of the polish base on your nail.  It takes a little practice but is hardly rocket science.

Each of the 7 polishes is worth $11.20, Maven pricing, or $14 without. ($78.40 or $98)

Julep Marion, Reece, Kristy with Geo, Coco, and Helen with Antonia

This was a very nice mystery box, especially for $25!  I got $111.97 (Maven pricing) worth of goodies, including a polish I had been drooling over for months.  Not quite the $120 promised, but I did estimate on the eyelash curler, and with full pricing would have been way over the stated value.

Of course, I changed my polish to Reece after I swatched everything... how could I not?

Way prettier in real life! Yay Reece!

Julep is a monthly nail polish/beauty product subscription service.  They also do mystery boxes just about once a month, and members get special pricing on any products from their website.  If you are interested in trying Julep, please consider using my referral link here.   I will get 1000 Jules (Julep's point system for purchasing items).  You can get your first box for free using code FREEBOX.  If that doesn't work, FREEFB might.  You can skip any months you want and cancel at any time.  Their polish is great, and is 4-free.  

This post contains items I purchased myself.  All opinions are my own, and no compensation or special consideration was received for this post.  This post contains a referral link.