Underrated Beauty: The Best of Julep

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Hello friends! Today I wanted to cast a spotlight on one of my best kept makeup secrets and favorite underrated beauty brand: Julep. I was first introduced to Julep waaay back in 2013–probably because I saw it in a magazine. Initially, I signed up as part of their Julep Maven subscription program–a subscription service that focused on nail polishes. There was actually a point in time I tried to cancel (and I will say the subscription cancellation is horrible), but I’m kind of glad it never worked out that way. Because I have been introduced to so many products I love now.

Julep is one of those brands people either don’t know a lot about or simply gloss over without second thought. But I love discovering underrated brands, so keep reading to find out what I consider to be the best of the best within Julep’s product line!

Makeup

• It’s Whipped Matte Lip Mousse: I’ve mentioned these lip mousses before; they’re my favorite liquid lipstick formula. The super-pigmented whipped formula provides saturated, long-lasting color without feeling dry or heavy on the lips.
  • My favorite color? XOXO + Beso

 

• Skip the Brush Creme-to-Powder Blush Stick: I love a product that takes no effort to apply, and this is one of them. I like to put some of this on the back of my hand and then blend it onto my cheeks with a brush, but you can totally dot in on your cheeks and blend out with a finger. I also love using these on my eyes and lips for a really monochromatic look. There’s ultra-fine pearls within the formula, so it glides on easily and has a natural luminosity on the skin. There’s also glitter in the formula, but I’ve honestly not had any issues with my face looking glittery.

 

• Eyeshadow 101 Creme-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick: Stick shadows are just so easy to use and are perfect for a one shadow kind of look. Julep’s formula is waterproof, long lasting, and doesn’t crease. I apply on my eyes straight out of the pen and pat in with my fingers or the attached smudger. There’s a ton of color payoff, and these are available in matte and shimmer shades!

 

• It’s Balm Full Coverage Lip Crayon: Lip crayons aren’t my absolute favorite method of applying lip color, but I just can’t help but love the It’s Balm. Sunflower seed oil and vitamin E make this full coverage balm hydrated and moisturized while also depositing and opaque coverage with a glossy finish.

 

• Cushion Complexion 5-in-1 Skin Perfector: This sort of reminds me of the Touche Eclat from YSL with more coverage. It conceals, illuminates, corrects, blurs, and brightens the skin without being heavy. They claim this is a full-coverage product, but I think it’s lingers on the fuller side of medium. But it looks natural on the skin with a demi-matte finish. This is great under the eyes, but is also amazing all over the face used as a spot concealer or even foundation! I also love that there are a boat load of shades in this range.
  • My shade — 100 Alabaster

 

• Length Matters Lengthening Mascara: I always reach for this mascara when I want a natural, wide eyed look. The formula is jet black and a little wet (which isn’t my favorite), but is buildable and definitely lengthening. I will say, don’t wiggle the bristles on your lashes. The bristles tend to tug when I do that, and it get clumpy. But upward strokes leave my lashes long, dark, and softly curled without flaking or smudging.

Skincare

• Triple Quench Deep Hydration Sheet Mask System: I cannot live without this mask in my bathroom! When my face needs a major pick me up, this is the first thing I reach for. It’s a 3 step mask, but it very easy to use and doesn’t take a whole lot of time. After cleansing, apply the lightweight ampule essence. Then place the mask. It’s a little gel thing mushed between mesh backing, so make sure you remove both of them! Leave it on for 15 minutes. Once you’ve removed the mask, apply the sleeping pack. I usually don’t follow up with any skincare aside from an eye cream after!The mask itself is so cooling and feels amazing on the skin. I really can’t explain it. And my skin immediately looks brighter, plumper, and more hydrated. When I wake up in the morning, it’s like I drank a huge glass of water!

 

• No Excuses Invisible Sunscreen Gel: You know me, I don’t believe there’s an excuse to not protect against the sun. I received this sunscreen in a box, and I’m glad I did because I’d have never picked it up on my own. Not for any particular reason, I’m just a slave to habit. This sunscreen is completely transparent and in a fast absorbing gel formula. It feels lightweight and won’t irritate the skin. The broad spectrum SPF 40 protects against UVA/UVB rays.

 

• Love Your Bare Face Cleansing Oil: Cleansing oils are my jam. Rarely do I feel like I’m not thoroughly removing my makeup when I use an oil, and this, my friends, is a good one. The lightweight, antioxidant rich oil melts away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. Apply it to a dry face to absorb makeup, dirt, and oils from the skin. Then rinse off with warm water!

 

• So Awake Eye Gel Cream: I’ll admit, this isn’t my #1 eye cream, but I do like to keep it handy for days when my eyes are extra puffy in the AM. It’s really lightweight and depuffs like a dream. It also brightens the under eye area and makes you look like you actually got a decent amount of sleep (Netflix, it’s our little secret).

Nails

• Ta Da Quick Dry Drops: This is a bold statement, but this might be my favorite product from Julep, ever. If you do your nails at home, you need this! About 30-60 seconds after applying my top coat, I’ll apply 1-2 drops to each nail. It dries quickly and reduces drying time to minutes!

 

• Oxygen Nail Treatment: I get a lot of compliments on my nails; most people think I have acrylics! I’ve always had weirdly great fingernails. But I also take care of my nails with products like the Oxygen Nail Treatment. It’s a strengthening treatment that treats and protects the nails while Oxygen Technology allows the nails to breathe. A few times a week, I apply a coat of this to clean nails. It comes in a few different colors, but I like the sheer pink option.

The Subscription

You do NOT have to be a Maven subscriber to use Julep’s products. They’re available for purchase on their website, but even more excitingly are available at Ulta as well! But in case you are a fan of subscription boxes or wanted a fun way to introduce yourself to the brand, I wanted to give you the information.

How It Works:

Though Julep started with nail polish, they’ve expanded to cosmetics, skincare, and K-Beauty. You’ll start by taking a preference quiz — stating whether or not you’d like to receive nails, makeup/skincare, or a little bit of everything. Then you’ll choose your payment method.

You’re alerted each month when the time comes to edit your box. You can leave it as is or swap out products to curate your own box.

What It Costs:

Monthly: $24.99/month

Prepay 3 or 6 Months: $19.99/month

A typical beauty box contains about $40 worth of full-size products.

Rewards + Perks:

What I love about being a Julep Maven is the perks you receive. Not only can you purchase individual products at a discounted rate, your box contains all sorts of perks as well.

• You have the ability to swap out products to create a box that’s exactly what you want.
• Don’t like the products offered that month or need to cut back on spending? You don’t have to cancel! You can skip your box free of charge (or send it to a friend if you’re feeling generous!)
• Each purchase (including your box) gets you points that translate to dollars you can use toward full size-products or future boxes.

Receive a free gift with your subscription (12 full-size nail polishes worth $168– use POLISHGIFT at checkout): here

If you already love the brand, join me as an ambassador: here

Up Next: The Best Products I’ve Received In Subscription Boxes