Unboxing Beauty

Wow, it just FELT like I got my October box!!  That is because they sent out the October box late and November is on time ~ haha.  I really love The 3B Box, as it keeps me up to date on popular products and new trends without having to deal with a full size of everything! If you are looking for an Asian beauty box subscription that contains deluxe size products with a full sized item now and then, this sub is for you ~ they don’t just do K-Beauty, so you will get Taiwanese and Japanese skincare products too.  What is 3B (Beauty Beyond Borders)?  It is an Asian sample monthly subscription box and is very affordable at $14.00/monthly ~ if you sign up for a longer subscription, you can save more money.  It is similar to ipsy and Birchbox, where you get 4 to 5 deluxe samples (and sometimes a full sized item!)

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/)

The 3B Box has an online shop now!  You can purchase full size AND deluxe sized samples ~ in case you missed out on a sample or you just want to try it.  Check it out!

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 The 3B Box has really stepped up their game in the last few months and are now curating cohesive boxes.  This month is all about K-Beauty Skincare using 5 easy steps (more like Asian Beauty Skincare..as one of the items is from Japan 😉 )

 

Manyo Factory Deep Pore Cleansing Soda Foam  I LOVE Manyo Factory (see my reviews here) This brand doesn’t get enough love in the K-Beauty world, but I am hoping they are taking off in popularity.  Now, whenever I see Deep Pore Soda Foam in a cleanser, I kinda expect this will have a higher pH level.  I have decided to do a quick pH test on this and wow ~ I first want to say that this cleanser is beautiful!  It is pale green shade and has herbal bits in it and is very dense.  A little goes a long way ~ I have a horrible cold right now, so my sense of smell is off,  but it does smell a bit herbaceous and medicinal at the same time.  It isn’t bad at all ~ I like it!  This foams up nicely with big bubbles and the pH level is as I expected ~ looks to be a 9.

I do pH testing for those who are interested in the level. Now, I know that there are those who swear that low pH is the way to go with cleansers, but I am of the school that unless your skin is compromised, this isn’t going to hurt you.  Yes, if you are acne prone and have tried everything, then I would say try a lower pH cleanser.  Yes, if you have desert dry skin, a lower pH level might work for you.  However, if your skin is in good shape and the cleanser doesn’t strip or dry out your face, I am not sure why you shouldn’t use it.  The lovely Sample Hime had a great blog post a year ago that discussed this and the amazing Japanese skincare blogger Ratzilla tweeted out a study (found here) that showed that the skin’s pH level was not significantly raised by with cleansers, regardless of the cleansers pH level. 

Look, everyone’s skin needs are going to be different, and yes, I used to poo-poo higher pH levels when I started testing and then thought.. but I used that high 10 level cleanser for years with no issues….wait, what?  I took a hard look at it and now am of the opinion that low vs high = neither bad or good.  It all depends on your personal skin care needs. I know this is not a popular opinion and your own personal needs might show that a lower pH cleanser is best suited for your face, and that is fine.  No argument from me that what works for you  is what works for you.  I am just not going to throw out a high pH cleanser just because of a number ~ there could be other reasons why I want to toss it, but that number won’t be the only reason.  Okay, off my soapbox on cleansers!! 

This foaming cleanser has natural sodium bicarbonate to help create a bubbling action on your skin.  It contains natural oils such as grapeseed and olive to help moisturize. It has herbal bits that will help polish and exfoliate your skin. This is also made with green tea and aloe vera leaf water, not just plain ol’ water ~ it also has clay to help absorb toxins and excess oil along with slew of skin soothing and nourishing botanical extracts, including licorice for soothing and brightening, wild yam for firming and toning, ginseng for anti-aging and most important, lavender and tea tree as an antibacterial, anti fungal and wound healing. Now, this is just a cleanser, so it isn’t on your face that long, so that is why I feel the most important ingredients are the oils due to their antiseptic properties.  It also has herbal bits that will help polish and exfoliate your skin.  Sample Size 20 mL  RV $2.20

I swear, I don’t cleanse my face like this ~ I just put it on my pore brush and massage it around my face!!

 Description: A creamy skin-freshening cleansing foam with natural herbs that gently yet effectively cleanse to remove oil, makeup, and impurities and leave skin soft and balanced. Combines several effects: peeling + mask + acne treatment. This cleanser penetrates deep into the pores without over-drying to gently remove makeup. This cleanser formula is a unique blend of time-tested apothecary herbs, botanical ingredients and natural cleansing agents that are gentle and non-stripping on skin. Ideal for combination to oily skin types, the cream-texture instantly foams on skin when water is added for an effective deep-cleansing result and refreshed, smooth, healthy-looking skin.  Natural herbal complex stimulates regenerative and metabolic processes, helps to eliminate inflammation, improves the complexion and boosts elasticity. Cleansing soda foam softens and soothes sensitive skin prone to irritation. 

Ingredients:  Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lauric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Diatomaceous Earth, Kaolin, Isoamyl Laurate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium PCA, Glycol Distearate, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Morus Alba Root Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Powder, Red Ginseng Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Powder, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Powder, Lactuca Scariola Sativa (Lettuce) Leaf Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Dioscorea Opposita (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil cosDNA analysis

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Etude House Honey Cera Toner  oooohhhh, more from Etude House’s Honey line!   Back in September, I received a facial cream (too rich) and an eye cream (lovely) from this line.  This is an anti-aging skincare line that helps nourish and firm your skin, while helping your skins elasticity.  This also has royal jelly, full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, that will help tone and firm your skin as well.  This contains “Immortelle” flower (Helichrysum Italicum), which is actually an ingredient that L’Occitane uses quite a bit in several of their lines ~ it is also called the everlasting flower, as it doesn’t fade after it has been picked.  It also has Tremella Fuciformis, snow fungus, which helps draws water to the skin, just like hyaluronic acid, helping keep your skin hydrated and moist, plumping up fine lines and wrinkles. It is supposed to be 120% more efficient than HA, as its particles are smaller than hyaluronic acid ~ it penetrates your skin better and more easier.  Snow fungus is a natural organic alternative to hyaluronic acid.  Snow fungus is also an antioxidant, helping combat and reserve free radical damage,  including lightening of hyper-pigmentation spots.  Toners add hydration to your skin and prep your skin for the next steps in your routine.  This particular toner is a milky white type and not watery.  15 mL  RV $1.70

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Honey Extract, Ceramide 3, Royal Jelly, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Adenosine, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-20 Glyceryl Isostearate, PEG- 60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985) cosDNA analysis

Etude House Honey Cera Emulsion  I am going out of order in the skin care routine, as there is another Honey Cera item in this month’s box ~ the emulsion (the circle is now complete!)   Emulsions are great for all skin types ~ for normal and dry skin types, it is a great additional layering skincare product and for those with oily skin, it can replace the cream or lotion step ~ I know for me, I love emulsions as my last step-before-sunscreen in my daytime skincare routine.  This is made with skin loving key ingredients of honey, royal jelly, ceramide, Immortelle flower and snow fungus as well as shea butter  and hyaluronic acid. This emulsion will nourish and firm your skin.  It is also supposed to strengthen your oil-moisture balance.  Now, based on my experience with the Honey Cera line, the scent is going to be a strong honey-floral.   15 mL  RV $1.70

Ingredients:  Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, C14-22 Alcohols, Honey Extract, Ceramide 3, Royal Jelly, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Adenosine, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Tromethamine, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985) cosDNA analysis

 

 

Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Hydrator  (Japan)    I love it when The 3B Box adds products from other Asian countries ~ Hada Labo is a very popular Japanese brand here in the USA and this hydrator is actually found at Target ~ and that is the best price you will find as well ~ other shops, like Ulta, charge double! I think this is because Target has the old packaging.  This product is supposed to on before the emulsion, adding a punch of hydration to your skin ~ and this is very hydrating! When I did tests, it increased my moisture levels by 51%.   It is like an ampoule or thick serum ~ very lightweight and quickly absorbs into my skin.  Hada Labo Hydrator contains a complex called Super Hyaluronic Acid™, which is made from three types of hyaluronic acid:  hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate ~ not only providing your skin with moisture, but locking in that hydration and reducing inflammation.  It also has sunflower and meadowfoam seed oils, which are emollients and an actual retinol ~ retinyl palmitate ~ retinols are rare in K-Beauty products but seem to be more popular in Japanese skin care product.  This has no scent to it, which is fantastic!  Sample 15 mL RV $5.40

Description: Hada Labo Tokyo™ is a new generation of lightweight and deeply hydrating anti-aging solutions for a beautifully radiant and youthful complexion. Provides deep hydration with Super Hyaluronic Acid™ that works in synergy with Retinol Complex and Collagen to repair and fight the signs of aging. Formulated to help increase skin’s firmness and elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Absorbs instantly so skin feels velvety smooth, tighter and renewed. Unique liquid formula with extra anti-aging benefits.  Lightweight and fast absorbing. On the go moisture replenishment, can be applied over makeup

• Super Hyaluronic Acid (SHA): Proprietary combination of 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid. Powerful hydrator and plumper that provides multi-layer long lasting moisture to restore and strengthen skin’s natural hydrating levels.
• Retinol Complex: Stimulates elastin and collagen production to perfect the skin’s appearance and help reverse the effects of aging.
• Beta Carotene: Reduces skin irritation and increases cell turnover, a supplement to the Retinol complex.
• Collagen: Improves skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Collaplus G: A proprietary soy peptide to help promote skin renewal.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Beta-Carotene, BHT, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer Homopolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen (Marine), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Methylisothiazolinone, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil cosDNA analysis

Ladykin Affinitic Snail Cream  I love these snails! I actually love the Ladykin Wild Yam version (which still comes in a snail container) as this one has rose extracts in it.  I actually gave one of these to my mother and she loved it!  This is a lightweight gel cream that has .. you guessed it.. snail slime in it.   Here is my original review on this product about a year or so ago:  Why snail slime? Snail secretion extract will increase skin elasticity and increase firmness,while helping repair skin from blemishes, reducing acne and working to lighten hyper-pigmentation scarring.  It really works for me and many others. The Affinitic Snail cream contains 80% snail secretion filtrate, and is supposed to lessens the appearance of wrinkles, whether they are deep or fine, due to anti-wrinkle ingredients of adenoisine and snail slime which will also keep your skin elastic and firm. The red rose wine and morning glory extracts will help lift and firm your skin, while protecting it from external damages. It will also soften skin and repair sun damaged skin because of the rosemary, chamomile, allantoin and tea tree ingredients, while moisturizing and soothing your skin with its herbs of lavender, peppermint and rosemary. This is free from parabens, synthetic pigments, mineral oil, benzophenone, and BHT.  If you are not sure about snail secretion filtrate, but want to try a similar product, the Ladykin Affinitic Whitening Moisturizer (Yam Cream) is very hydrating, very moisturizing and is a good substitute as yam extracts are supposed to be just as effective as snail secretion filtrate.  Mini 5 mL RV $4.00

Ingredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate (80%), Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclomethicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) Butter, Panthenol,  Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Ipomoea Hederacea (morning glory) Callus Culture Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) extract, Chamomilla Recutita (matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (peppermint) Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) Extract, Rose Extract,  Wine Extract, Sucrose, Mineral Salts, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 60, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract,  Adenosine, Allantoin, Fragrance  cosDNA analysis

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This month is wonderful!  More from the popular Etude House Honey Cera line, a great product from Manyo Factory (so pretty too!), FANTASTIC Haba Labo hydrator (love it!) and even though I cannot use the snail cream, most people can ~ and that snail is SO CUTE.   The theme is great and I hope they will continue to curate boxes around themes ~ I think that makes their boxes so much more fun and interesting.   I paid $12.00 for this and received a RV of almost $15.00 ~ This month’s value is about the same as you would pay for the box, but I think that these products are really solid and I love how they curated it