Unboxing Beauty

Any box that has a hashtag from one of my favorite episodes of Parks and Rec has to be MINE

I have a whole section in my blog,  devoted to Memebox, so if you want to know more, check out the Memebox category.  If you are new to Memebox, you use my referral link here and get 20% off your first order of $25.00 or more!  At the end of the blog post, check out the deal that Memebox is running until Monday, August 9th, 2015.

Spa Retreat Box #TreatYoSelf

When you don’t have time for the spa, this box is the next best thing! It’s important to de-stress and take care of yourself, and we’ve made it easy to do with some spa essential products. Beautiful skin starts here, find out the secrets of relaxation and #TreatYoSelf for once.

Informational Card

 

The Face Shop Calming Seed Mild Bubble Foam Cleanser So……another foaming cleanser with the reports that it is mild and for sensitive skin.   I haven’t had a lot of luck with foaming cleansers lately, as their pH levels have been in the 9+ range.   I will happily accept those at 7 and below and on occasion, go as high as an 8, depending on the brand and ingredients.  Imagine my surprise when I did a pH test on The Face Shop’s Calming Seed Mild Bubble Foam Cleanser (TFSCSMBFC) and it was between 6.5 and 7!

Yeah!  A cleanser that I can use on my face ~ it isn’t as if cleansers with a higher pH level aren’t good or anything, it is just a personal preference for me ~ I have used ones that were at a 10 with no ill effect, but I would rather use brand new-to-me cleansers that range from 5.5 to 7 on the pH level.   This cleanser foams up nicely and has a lovely lightly lemon scent to it and is made with 95% natural ingredients.   It does not leave a tight feeling to my skin and it contains tamanu seed, which is hypoallergenic pH balanced formula, non irritating, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant properties, making this a great ingredient for anti-aging concerns as well as sensitive skin and blemish prone skin.  This also has licorice extract, which soothes and calms your skin, and it has brightening properties as well.  This formula is made without 10 additives: no synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrance, artificial color, ethanol, animal-sourced ingredients, mineral oil, triethanolamine, benzophenone, silicone, sulfates.    This cleansing foam also has  some lovely herbal and fruit oils ~ lemon, orange, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, bergamot, olive.  It also contain rose oil, but it is the 2nd to the last ingredient, and when I did a skin patch, I did not have any adverse reaction to it.  Full size 150 mL Value $15.00

Ingredients: Water/Eau , Glycerin,Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate , Propanediol , MyristicAcid , PEG-100 Stearate , Glyceryl Stearate , Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Lauric Acid , 1,2-Hexanediol , PEG-120 Methyl GlucoseDioleate , Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate , Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil , Potassium Hydroxide , HydroxypropylMethylcellulose,Sodium Chloride , Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl AcrylateCrosspolymer , Polyquaternium-7 , Disodium EDTA,Titanium Dioxide , Citrus Limon Peel Oil , Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil , Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil , Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil , Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil , Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot)Fruit Oil , Rose Flower Oil, Olea Europaea(Olive) Fruit Oil  cosDNA.com analysis

 image from https://thefaceshop-america.com/en/calming-seed-mild-bubble-foam-cleanser

 image from https://thefaceshop-america.com/en/calming-seed-mild-bubble-foam-cleanser

image from https://thefaceshop-america.com/en/calming-seed-mild-bubble-foam-cleanser

 

Mediheal Foot Paraffin Foot Mask   I love my feet and I have used foot peeling masks, foot moisturizing masks and foot scrubs, but paraffin treatments are reserved for special times and I get them at my local day spa.  I am really interested in seeing how these work and Mediheal is a great brand. I am pretty happy to get a foot mask that is a bit different from some of the others I have received.  Full Size 18 mL Value $3.00

Description: Use the Home Aesthetic Paraffin Treatment Foot Mask to treat cracking and buildup of dead skin. It’s soaked with highly-enriched foot essence to treat  hard, rough skin while moisturizing and supply essential nutrients. Natural plant oils and urea ingredients smooth skin for baby-soft feet. Lemon and ginger extracts refresh feet.

How To Use : After washing feet, pat dry. Separate masks and put on feet. Tape opening of masks onto feet with included stickers to keep masks in place. Remove after 15-20 minutes. Lightly pat remaining essence into feet for optimum absorption. For best results, use 2-3 times a week.

Ingredients: water, dimethicone, glycerin, mineral oil, SD alcohol 40-B, butylene glycol, cetyl ethylhexanoate, glyceryl stearate, cetearyl alcohol,  polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, urea, cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, triethanolamine, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, propylparaben, polyacrylate-13, dimethiconol, polyisobutene, fragrance, disodium EDTA, salicylic acid, allantoin, rubus idaeus (raspberry) fruit extract, beta-glucan, centella asiatica extract, zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, tocopheryl acetate, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf extract, paraffin, panthenol, mentha arvensis extract, polysorbate 20, propylene glycol, acacia senegal gum extract  cosDNA.com analysis

 

The Face Shop Raspberry Lines & Lift Collagen Eye Patch  I am really happy that Memebox gave us two eye patches here instead of one!  I love my eye masks and I haven’t tried any by The Face Shop before and this one has wild Himalayan raspberry root extracts which helps lift the skin, while tightening and firming.   It also contains aqua collagen which will moisturize and hydrate.  Another ingredient of note is chitosan, which is found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and it has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and skin regenerating properties.   These eye patches are to be left on your face for 30 to 40 minutes, so it is a longer time commitment.  I always store all of my masks in my frig ~ one vegetable crisper bin is dedicated to my masks and it is starting to overflow ~ as I like the cooling sensation on my skin.  Using the masks cold like this help intensify the benefits of

• reducing puffiness
• reducing redness and even out skin tone
• tightens skin and pores
• helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and slows down the aging process

So, even if you don’t like cold masks on your face, you might want to try it out slowly to take advantage of the benefits!  

Memebox thoughtfully gave us 2 mask packs, so don’t open both packages at once.  I think they might have thought that one package was one eye mask, as these eye patches are not $2.50 each ~ they are more expensive than that ~ but after all the times I have dealt with overinflated prices from Memeboxes, I am not complaining!  One pack contains 2 masks for your eyes.    These patches are not soaking in essence, they are pretty dry and they have a mesh design surrounded by gel and they are protected by plastic disks.  On one size, the gel is thicker, so that is the side you paste to your skin.   These have a cooling sensation, even after wearing them for 40 minutes, which by that time, I can tell that the gel/essence has pretty much absorbed into my skin.   When I removed them, I could tell that my eyes were less puffy and the really fine lines had “filled” in and were softened.  I know this is a temporary effect, but I am very pleased with these eye patches!     Full Size 3.5g  (2x) Value $5.00

 

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Portulaca Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rubus Ellupiticus (Yellow Himalayan raspberry) Root Extrat, Machilus Odoratissima Bark Extract, Mallotus Philippinensis Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylbaraben, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Gelatin, Hydroxyethyl Chitosan  cosDNA.com analysis

 

 

 

 

PhytoTree Cucumber Gel   I have to admit, this was one of the reasons why I purchased this box ~ I needed this huge phallic symbol in my life!   I love my soothing gels ~ I have Aloe Vera, Coconut and Bamboo ~ and now I have a cucumber one that I cannot take out in public!  haha  I love cucumber ingredients ~ my deodorant is in a “fresh” cucumber scent!  This soothing gel is made from 95% cucumber extracts and it will help calm and cool your skin.    It is also reported to be a brightening product (Vitamin C content), and will help soothe sun burns, control oil production (white birch sap is an astringent)  and help heal blemishes.  What else does it do?  Well, according to PhytoTree, this will also moisturize (yes, it does) and shrink pores, promotes skin metabolism and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, as it does contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin.  I really love the scent of this gel ~ it is like freshly cut cucumbers and it also absorbs pretty quickly into my skin, leaving no tacky residue behind.   You can use this directly on your skin after you shower or whenever, or you can use it in the following ways:

• Apply thick layer of gel to skin and rinse off after 5-10 minutes
• Mix with 1-2 drops of oil and massage gently into skin
• Mix with 5-6 drops of oil to provide moisture and nutrition to hair and body
• Mix with makeup base or foundation for dewy skin

BTW ~ I think Mr Gel needs to meet up with Ms Lip Mask, that I received in my July’s MaskGenie.  I see a budding romance there.

Full Size 250 mL Value $16.00 

 Ingredients:  cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit water, glycerin, glyceryl polyacrylate, carbomer, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, betula alba (white birch) juice, PEG-60  hydrogenated castor oil, triethanolamine, betaine, allantoin, disodium EDTA,  sodium hyaluronate, phenoxyethenol, water, fragrance  cosDNA.com analysis

 image from http://www.rakuten.com.my/shop/beautysstory/product/M0061/

 

 

 

Missha Super Aqua Moist Peeling Lotion  I have received peeling gels before, but not a peeling lotion.  I am actually swatching this and seeing how it works.   I am a fan of the Super Aqua series and this has “oxygen” particles that will remove the dead skin cells, while soothing, softening and brightening your skin, gently exfoliating but also hydrating your skin at the same time.  I did follow the instructions ~ I applied the lotion to my hand, spread it around and let it dry completely.  Took about 10 minutes and in the meantime, Obi came around and wanted to be petted, so that is why there is a cat hair in Photo 3 below.   Once the lotion was dry on my hand, I then moistened my hand and started to rub in a circular motion, which immediately  the lotion just balled up in long strings.  This is totally different from regular peeling gels that I have used before, as those actually take a minute to ball up.   What I think this peeling lotion is doing

I think that by applying a thin layer and letting it dry is acting like a sticky tape.  It is very tacky to the touch and it is probably picking up dirt and oil.  When it is completely dry, you add water and the “sticky tape” turns into a gooey gel that rolls up the dirt, debris and oil. 

Do I think this is better than a normal peeling gel? I am not sure yet. I will use this and see what it does.  I think that it is a different concept and it probably safe to use several times a week, as I think this is a gentle exfoliation.   More information from Missha

• Soft Moisture Massage: Containing fresh oxygen and milk lipid ingredients, it helps caring the aged skin cell softly
• Papain enzyme ingredients and papaya extract provide peeling benefit, adhering dead skin cell
• By using this lotion, aged skin cells and sebum get adhered and absorbed, so that they become lump, that easily can get washed away
• Papaya extract and milk lipid remove aged skin cells, while milk lipid also provides a brightening benefit
• Papain enzyme not only removes aged skin cells, it also creates a protection for your skin
• Skin moisturizing without tight: Soft and flexible skin texture care for dried and sensitive skin

Full Size 100 mL Value $16.00

Sorry for the different lighting conditions.  Photos 1 & 2, which show the freshly applied peeling lotion, was taken where I normally take my photos with my light box.  Photos 3 & 4, which show the dry lotion and lotion being “peeled”, were taken in my bathroom, so the lighting was different.

Description: Lotion type peeling gel with fresh feeling oxygen particles removes dead skin cells while providing nutrients to the skin. It removes dead skin cells while soothing, softening, and brightening skin to a silky surface by providing moisture and critical nutrients to the skin.

How to Use: Wash face and dry. Apply an appropriate amount over face, avoiding eye and lips. When completely dry, wet fingers and massage the face following skin texture until dead skin cells and impurities are removed. Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water. For best results, use 1-2 times a week.

Ingredients: Water, acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer, dipropylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, propylene glycol,  hydrogenated poly (C6-14 olefin), alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate , morus alba (mulberry) bark extract, carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) water, milk lipids, camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, chlorella vulgaris extract, actinidia chinensis (kiwi) extract, oxygen, glycerin, cetyl ethylhexanoate, stearic acid, PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-20 glyceryl isostearate, caprylic glycol, PEG-75, butylene glycol, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, potassium hydroxide, sodium citrate, citric acid, mannitol, pentylene glycol,  Sodium PCA, disodium adenosine triphosphate, lactic acid, serine, sodium lactate, sorbitol, urea, 1,2-hexanediol, algin, sodium chloride, bromelain, allantoin, papain, carbomer, caffeine, disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, fragrance   cosDNA.com analysis

 image from http://kbeautymart.com/index.php?id_product=1596&controller=product&id_lang=1

So, did I treat myself?  This wasn’t a mystery box, but I had wanted to try out that cuc gel, plus foot & eye masks ~ I’m in!  I am really pleasantly surprised by the The Face Shop cleansing foam and the pH level ~ this is great, as I rarely get cleansers that are around 7 or under.  Another big winner for me are the eye patches as I noticed right away that the fine lines were softened and my eyes did look more refreshed.  I paid $25.00 for this box and the MemeValue is $55.00.    I am really happy to have discovered the cleanser and eye patches and I had wanted to own that cuc gel (and no, I am not taking a selfie kissing it!! OMG)   The  Spa Retreat Box  is still available for sale at Memebox.

Did you purchase the Spa Retreat Box and what did you think of it?   Any favorite products?

Memebox is running a special deal this weekend that ends on 8/10, where you can grab some Memepoints for future purchases ~ each Memepoint is worth $1.00 on their site.  I found the Memecat and here you go!

 

Promos for August

I would love it if you used my links below, as any small commissions I make will be put right back into blog for beauty reviews and more!

• Free shipping off your order of $30 or more
• If you are new to Memebox, you use my referral link here and get 20% off your first order of $25.00 or more!
  
• WELCOME for 15% off for your first purchase
  
• MAKEUPLOVE for 15% off any order
• Take $4 off the Nylon x Memebox #ItGirlPalette using ‘NYLON4‘
• Get 20% off your order over $100 including the Nylon x Memebox #ItGirlPalette using ‘NYLON20‘

 

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