Julep Maven: August 2014

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Hello All!  It's Mani Monday on...Wednesday!  Sorry about that, I thought I had this set to post on Monday, but obviously something went awry.  Note to self, double check a post went live sooner rather than later!

The first weekend of the month, my August Julep Maven box arrived, and it was a great way to start off the month.  It came wrapped in the prettiest tissue paper with a metallic medallion design and at first glance, I was a lot more impressed with the colors than I thought I would be.

Along with the normal two bottles of nail colors, the third item this month was a Gel Eye Liner.  We each got to pick the shade and I got it in Smoky Taupe Shimmer.  I just could not resist the preview image and it did not disappoint.  I love how it defines without the harshness of black.

When the Maven window opened and subscribers can pick their box, I wasn't feeling any of the choices but once I realized one of the color choices for Classic with a Twist was actually named Katie, well I had to stick with that one!

On three of my nails above is Avni, an African violet shimmer.  This is a true deep purple shimmer and not as blue as it's appearing on my monitor.  It's super pretty, but I would probably be more excited about it if I didn't already have Purple with a Purpose by OPI.  While not an exact dupe, the OPI shade is a lighter purple shimmer it's not enough of a difference to really need both in my opinion.

On my ring finger accent nail is Katie, an orchid iridescent shimmer.  This is a pretty color but the formula is difficult to work with, a little clumpy.  It also looked bumpier on the nail and even a top coat didn't smooth it out as much as I'd have liked.  This was kind of disappointing since it's my "name" polish.

I am skipping the September box, even though that was a tough one to forgo, so this might be the last Julep Maven review for awhile.  I just didn't like any of the combinations of polish in the boxes, even though I loved the make up bonus - a super Plush Pout Lip Crayon.

Not sure about the future of my subscription for this one.  I don't really want to commit to another three months or pay the $5 up charge to customize on a monthly basis.  Since I'm not getting two colors I absolutely love each and every single month and there are so many other polishes I want from OPI, Essie, and all the gorgeous fall colors coming out from Zoya, etc...well, there are only so many bottles of polish that I have room for.

I don't know if it's worth it to continue getting what are essentially two mini bottles of polish and a third item for the same price I could get two full sized bottles of colors I absolutely love and can pick out in person.  The main thing holding me back from cancelling completely, is that I do love the unique polishes and finishes that I have gotten from Julep.