I have two Asian Beauty Subscriptions ~ Miss Tutii and The 3B Box and I have decided to drop one of them for now. Which one will it be? I based this decision on June’s box plus past performance. What is 3B (Beauty Beyond Borders)? It is an Asian sample monthly subscription box and is very affordable at $12.00/monthly. It is similar to ipsy and Birchbox, where you get 4 to 5 deluxe samples (and sometimes a full sized item!)
If you are interested in 3B, you can sign up for their waitlist ~ it took me almost 2 months to get off their waitlist, which is fine, because they are being very careful not to have their service suffer by over subscribing customers. More about 3B’s monthly service:
Each box contains a collection of deluxe samples that are new or popular in Asia but hard to get your hands on. The products will change each month, and you’ll get to try new skincare, haircare, nailcare, and cosmetic products. Sample products range from go-to brands such as Lioele, Etude House and Skinfood to high-end premium brands like SK-II, Kanebo, and Sulwhasoo. Don’t worry about not being able to read Japanese or Korean – we’ve got you covered with English translations of descriptions in each box. (https://the3bbox.com/the-box/)
This month looks very pink and purple!
Informational Card
PurpleTale 5 Steps to Lovely Skin I have tried this before and this is a pretty cool idea. I’ve used 2 and 3 step masks but never 5 steps before PurpleTale: foam cleanser, ampoule, sheet mask, face cream and neck cream. This is a great product to take on vacation or a business trip, as it really is a mini spa. I will repeat my original review
This mask will states it will leave my skin nourished, firm and provide deep hydration. It uses RGII, an ingredient that is extracted from fermented ginseng saponin (ginsenosides) and complex peptides ~ Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 ~ which help boost your collagen production and will aid in leaving my skin feeling toned and brighter. I did do a step by step initial impressions below, but overall, I think this is a fun mask! I actually would think these would be great to take with you on a business trip or vacation ~ just to unwind at the end of the day in your hotel room, camping (hahaha, got to pamper your face in the great outdoors!) or even when you stay over with friends or family ~ a little mini-spa. Bring extras to share ~ it is a total night care package. RV $8.00
- Centella Asiatica is a common herbal ingredient that is used medicinally to help speed up wound healing, such as blemishes and skin rashes. It also helps minimize the appearance of pores, and since it stimulates collagen production, it will make your skin more supple and firm.
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 ~ all peptides! Peptides are made of amino acids and based on the name, that is how many amino acids it contains ~ hexapeptide = 8. tripeptide = 3. pentapeptide =5. Peptides send signals to your skin to help repair and produce new collagen and by applying them to your skin, it sends those signals to create more. Collagen helps make your skin firm and elastic.
- Ginsenosides are compounds from ginseng and act as an anti-inflammatory and stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 1: Cleanse with foam cleanser. Lather foam cleanser in hands and wash face and neck. Rinse and gently pat dry.
This has a fresh scent to it ~ foams up nicely. pH level is a 10. Very high for those who are interested in pH levels.
Foam Cleanser Ingredients: Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Polysorbate 20, Alcohol Denat., Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance cosDNA.com analysis
Step 2: Treat with anti-wrinkle ampoule. Apply a thin layer to face and neck and wait for the product to sink in.
This is a serum ~ the scent is a bit strong and medicinal. I placed this all over my face and waited for it to dry before apply the mask.
Ampoule Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance cosDNA.com analysis
Step 3: Pamper with cellulose sheet mask. Peel away protective film on one side, place the mask on face and then peel away the other protective film. Leave on face for at least 20 minutes. Remove when ready.
Oy! This is a two piece bio hydrogel. Of course the lower half will slide off my face ~ ha! This has a fresh scent to it and it was pretty easy to put on and adjust to my face. The essence is amazing ~ it is so thick and gel like ~ tons of it in the packet ~ I put it on the mask, my neck, my arms and hands! I like the essence better than the ampoule 😀 After 25 minutes, I removed this mask and my face is smooth, hydrated and my pores didn’t look huge ~ I find hydrogels tend to do that more often than not with my skin type ~ so I am happy about that!
Bio-cellulous Sheet Mask Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Betaine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glyceryl/Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate/Behenate Esters, Panthenol, Potassium Hydroxide, Alcohol Denat., Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Ginsenosides, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance cosDNA.com analysi
Step 4: Moisturize with anti-wrinkle and whitening facial cream. Dab facial cream on face and apply evenly.
This is very rich cream ~ it has the same scent as the ampoule, but that scent disappears quickly. This would only be a night cream for me, as I can really feel how moisturizing this is.
Ode to Hydration Facial Cream Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Betaine, Polyglutamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alcohol Denat., Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Ginsenosides, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance cosDNA.com analysis
Step 5: Nourish neck with anti-wrinkle neck cream. Massage neck cream onto neck with an upward motion.
This is somewhat similar to the facial cream in texture, but it is not as thick or rich. I think I would like this as the face cream instead!
Once Upon a Neck Cream Ingredients: Water, Panthenol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Phytosqualane, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Beeswax, Beta-Glucan, Arginine, Carbomer, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alcohol Denat., Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Fragrance cosDNA.com analysis
Milky Dress Premium Brightener I always get one or two foils of this product in orders, but have never tried it. The 3B Box gave me 7 foils, and now that I’ve researched into it, I will not try it ~ first, it does have rose extract in it (allergic) and second ~ this does sound to me like Skin Factory Skin Angel Milky Star Premium White, which I have tried and disliked. The idea behind this is that it temporarily lightens your skin because of the titanium dioxide in it ~ it leaves behind a white cast. This has snail secretion filtrate, beta-glucan, sodium hyaluronate and fermented ginseng, so it does have some nice anti-wrinkle and anti-aging ingredients in it. This is supposed to be a huge seller in S. Korea ~ why, I am not sure, but there it is! You apply on your skin ~ it can be your face or other body parts, massage it in and then let it dry for 2 to 3 minutes. Then wash off with just water, no soap, and towel dry. I never found these types of products to be very effective, quite frankly. 7 foils @1.5 g RV$3.10
Description: Milky Dress The White Premium is absorbed into skin softly like fresh cream. Snail secretion filtrate and panax ginseng root ferment filtrate that brighten skin tone and make natural skin, help to keep moisturizing and protect skin from various harmful substances. Premium soothes irritated skin and improves brightness to highlight skin glow.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Dimenthicone, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane,Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Arbutin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Morus Alba (Mulberry) Bark Extract, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Betaine, Mannan, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Lecithin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Squalene, Phytosterols, Ceramide 3, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Placental Protein, Saccharomyces/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tropolone, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Beta Glucan, Centella Asiatica Extract, Adenosine, Human Oligopeptide-1, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance cosDNA.com analysis
Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum (Light) I have tried the original formula and love it ~ so I am excited to try this light version. This serum is a first essence as it is watery and has a very light scent ~ you actually will use this two ways: first, soak a cotton pad with the serum and wipe along your face, helping to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and excess oil. Flip the pad over and pat in serum. These normally come with cotton pads ~ one side is textured and the other side is smooth, but any pad will do. This will help make your skin smooth and clear. It is made with black sugar, which is rich with moisture and Cheongju, a traditional Korean wine. The original formula was a bit sticky on my skin, which why I use that serum in the cooler months. This is a lighter formula, quick absorbing and will still provide hydration, brighten your skin and help plump your skin, so wrinkles and fine lines are less apparent. 30 mL RV $4.00
Ingredients: water,black sugar extract, alcohol, niacinamide, butylene glycol, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, galactomyces ferment filtrate, opuntia ficus-indica stem extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, glycerin, arginine, citrus limon (lemon) fruit extract, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, carica papaya fruit extract, lactobacillus/aspergillus/prunus mume fruit ferment filtrate, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, rice ferment filtrate (sake), glycolic acid, hizikia fusiforme extract, salicylic acid, maackia fauriei stem extract, adenosine, sucrose, disodium EDTA, tamarindus indica seed gum, lepidium meyenii root extract, sarcodon aspratus extract, glucose, citric acid, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PPG-26-buteth-26, lactobacillus ferment lysate filtrate, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, phenoxyethanol, caramel, fragrance cosDNA.com analysis
Mirai Clinical Body Spritzer (Purifying & Deodorizing) This is a body purifying and deo spray. It is a Japanese brand and this small spritzer is made with persimmon tannins which will help eliminate body odors. Just in time for the summer! The scent is not that pleasant at all ~ they claim it is a light grapefruit scent, but I don’t smell that at all ~ it smells more like a mix of alcohol and salicylic acid to me ~ but it it disappears quickly. This seems to work on neutralizing odors, including its own ~ haha. Actually, it does ~ it won’t mask odors, but will eliminate them. The key ingredient is Japanese persimmon tannin, which according to Mirai’s FAQ, will not penetrate the skin, but dissolves the cause of the odor on the surface. It eliminates nonenal/aging odor: Aging Odor, sometimes called “old people smell”, is a troublesome type of body odor, caused by a substance called Nonenal, that cannot be eliminated by conventional soaps. It can start as early as age 40. This spray has had studies where it will reduce nonenal odor by 97% ~ in comparison, Dove body wash only reduces nonenal by 30%. I am really glad to get this, as summertime usually means… body odor ~ I shower daily, but heat produces sweat and sweat means odor. 30 mL RV $14.00
Description: Japanese Persimmon Extract eliminates troublesome body odors, including nonenal/aging odor, on the spot. Green Tea and Astaxanthin extends the effectiveness of the Persimmon Extract to keep you fresh, all day long. Keeps you dry, and provide superior deodorant protection. Refreshens with a light, all natural grapefruit scent. Portable, pen-sized spray tube.
- Astaxanthin: Harvested from micro algae, astaxanthin is the most powerful known antioxidant. Mirai’s astaxanthin is 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C, 550 times stronger than Vitamin E, and 800 times stronger than CoQ10, in providing antioxidant protection and anti-aging support.
- Persimmon Tannins: A potent antioxidant and loaded with vitamins, Persimmon extract is prized for its naturally purifying and deodorizing benefits, and is particularly effective in eliminating Nonenal, the source of hormonal imbalance body odor, leaving your skin clean and freshly hydrated.
- Green Tea: While in itself a powerful antioxidant, highly purified green tea is used in Mirai products primarily to boost and maintain the efficacy of our natural ingredients. Green Tea is also a potent antiseptic and helps protect the skin by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation.
Ingredients: water, SD alcohol 40B, aluminum chlorohydrate, lactobacillus/ persimmon fruit juice extract, glycerin, camellia sinensis leaf extract, vinegar, vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, astaxanthin, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate
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It’s Skin Todak Todak Pack Nutrition This is the Manuka honey and coconut extract version of It’s Skin Todak Todak series of wash off masks. I have the full size tube and this is pretty good ~ I have used the Egg & Apple Pore Pack and I really like that one a lot and this one is also really good ~ this is more moisturizing and it does smell like honey. This is a great little travel size and it will moisturize your skin nicely, while smelling fantastic! You can also use this as a sleeping pack as well, just massage in well. You can get 2 uses out of this pod. 10 mL RV $3.00
Ingredients: water, glycerin, butylene glycol, alcohol denat, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, honey extract, royal jelly extract, mangifera indica (mango) fruit extract, cocos nucifera (coconute) fruit extract, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, sodium polyacrylate, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, sodium arcylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, caprylyl glycol, PEG-7 caprylic/capric glycerides, isohexadecane, allantoin, octyldodeceth-16, polysorbate 80, xanthan gum, disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparben, isobutylparaben, fragrance, Yellow 5 (CI 19140) cosDNA.com analysis
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Despite the Milky Dress product, I love this month’s box! The PurpleTale 5 step mask is a lot of fun to do on your spa night, love the Skinfood item ~ I’ve been interested in the light version for a while now, as it is more suited for oily skin, It’s Skin Todak Todak mask pack is a nice travel size and I have used it in the past and Mirai Clinical deo spray is perfect for the hot, muggy months ahead. Well, I am sticking with 3B and have dropped Miss Tutii ~ I just feel that 3B has stepped up its game and I like the products better and it is less expensive. This is a great curation this month ~ you cannot go wrong with honey and black sugar! I paid $12.00 for this and received a RV of over $32.00, which is almost 3 times the amount I paid for it.
Did you receive The 3B box this month? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below!
[ descriptions in italics from linked product website ]