Julep May 2014 Review

My May Julep box arrived a bit early (actually near the end of last month) because I was part of the crowdfunding thing for Julep's new Plie wand. I'm not sure if it's because I got my initial box early or if everyone had the same thing this month, but my box choice shipped separately from my addons, which they haven't done in a while. But it was less than a week apart, so not a big wait or anything (though if you're going to ship them less than a week apart, just ship them together! Save some money and some boxes and some packing!).

Opening the box

A couple ads, coupon codes, and the usual monthly quote

I was surprised to see that because I was part of the crowdfunding, I got a little bonus gift - a free polish! Now, it's possible that when I originally signed up for the crowdfunding, I knew that would be included, but that was a few months ago, so if so, I had forgotten, so it was a nice surprise. I do already have the polish, Yumi, but it's a pretty one, so I may keep it as a backup.

Thank you gift, Julep Yumi.

Onto the main product! The Plie Wand. I was definitely intrigued when I heard about this initially since I always have trouble doing my right hand with my left since I'm right handed and this new design is supposed to make it easier. I already had a fresh coat of polish on when it arrived, so I still haven't gotten to try it yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Not that it's really essential, but I thought the packaging was pretty nice too with the padded holder that slides out of the main box.

Julep Plie Wand, extra cap with brush (just a back up), and extra cap without brush (to make any Julep brush fit the Plie wand)

With my right hand, using the wand straight, like a normal brush

With my left hand, with the bent wand for extra stability in the pointer/thumb crook

I'm also super happy they listened to all the complaints from customers about having to buy all new caps to accommodate this new wand - ick, right? My Julep collection is embarrassingly big (like, I have 2 large polish wall racks, one of which is full of Julep and is now going into a second row in front of the original row!). It would've cost me a small fortune to replace ALL the caps! So, they made it so all you have to do is take off the top square cover cap to reveal the little nubby cap and put the extra empty (no brush) plie cap on top and then you can just stick the wand onto the magnetic bit! Super easy.

Instructions for converting a normal Julep brush into a Plie wand brush.

There were a few polishes that looked interesting to me this month, so I went with the Boho Glam box, which included Jeanne, a light blue creme, and Paulette, a light purple with a golden shimmer in addition to adding on Maddy, a raspberry shimmer, and Laree, a pink with a golden shimmer. I didn't really see much shimmer in Maddy, which was a tad disappointing, but it's still a pretty shade of dark pink. Paulette and Laree were both really awesome because the golden shimmer shows up really well. Jeanne is pretty, but I mostly got it for Emily, who usually won't wear anything but blue polish.

Julep Paulette and Jeanne

Julep Maddy and Laree

Swatches

I also added on the Plie Wand Creativity Kit, which includes a dotting attachment and a striping attachment for the Plie Wand. Technically, I already have quite a few nail art tools, but I thought it might be nice to have the attachments for the wand if the wand turns out to work really well.

Julep Creativity Kit

May 2014 Julep box (with addons)

I'm excited to try out the Plie Wand. I really hope it does make it easier to paint my nails with my right hand. If you'd like to sign up, I'd love it if you'd sign up with my link! AND! If you use promo code, FREEBOX, you can get your first box free! You just pay shipping! I started my subscription with a similar deal! :) If you already get Julep, which box and add-ons, if any, did you pick this month?

(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself and was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I have included referral links.)