Julep Nail Polish - Julianne

Ah, I am so sad that Julep is closing down their Maven program. I used to be a member for a few years and liked that they offer an affordable option to get two nail polish and a skincare/makeup item for around $25 a month. I liked that you were able to customize and skip a month. If I had known they were going to discontinue the program, I would have definitely stocked up during their sales. Although the store is still open, I feel like the inventory won't last or they won't add new products. Granted I feel $14 normal price is a bit expensive for this nail polish as it has less than a product than it's competitors. I am usually able to get three uses of two coats before the nail polish becomes goopy. And maybe another two uses before the bottle is done while other brands I get at least 10 or more uses. Well enough of my diatribe and on to my review!

The smokey grey creme nail polish goes on smoothly. However, it goes on a bit thick than other colors. One coat does give semi-full coverage with a few opaque spots but, two coats provide full coverage. However, any more than two coats cause the nail polish to become very thick and takes forever to dry. I consider this a neutral (compared to my bright neons and colorful glitter nail polishes) that perfect to wear for work.

Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smokey Eye Palette

I was recently asked to try out this palette. I love trying new brands so I jumped at trying this palette and since it was a holiday theme it is a win - win. The palette had four eyeshadow and one blush. When I swatched the colors I noticed that the eyeshadows were gritty  and bit difficult to apply; unlike other makeup that goes on smoothly and blends easy. The colors were not highly pigmented and doesn’t last very long. While the palette had a tutorial that did go in detail, the colors didn’t match up in the tutorial and in the set. The palette contains a nice tutorial, it felt a bit lacking. It promoted using their brushes, but it didn’t recommend following up the smokey eyes with mascara or  any lip product. Everyone knows, to make a good smokey eye you need layers upon  layers of mascara! Overall, this was mediocre set for the $45. The consistency and quality reminds me of those cheap drugstore gifts set they have around the holiday. If the price was lower [$10]  it would be a good set for a teen or a novice makeup user. I don’t see myself ever purchasing this again but I might give their other products a try.

Reader Discount: 10% Off

Reader Discount Code: SGHOLIDAY

Note: This code does not expire and is good for 10% off your entire order on www.studiogearcosmetics.com.

Pure Madness Smoky Almond Chocolate

 Peel back the foil and unravel the madness or better yet  watch sweet happiness unfold. The creamy chocolate that just melts in your mouth. The little bits of slivered almonds with hints of hickory smoked surrounded by silky chocolate is the perfect harmony of sweet and salty. It makes the perfect treat when watching movie during a rainy day. Then again it is chocolate and that’s perfect any time! Unless of course you are diabetic or allergic, then can I have your share?

*Disclaimer - I received a sample of this product and a media kit to give my honest feedback. This had no impact on my review. Any squeals  of joy or pains of agony that I had gotten from using this product are my own. Receiving this sample had no impact on my review of this product and these views are my own.*