Unboxing Beauty

I know that The 3B Box’s IG account was teasing us with brands and products lately, but I wasn’t sure if they were going to be in this month’s box or not.  Before diving into the unboxing, I want to let folks know that is one of the best discovery Asian boxes out there, imho.  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

Informational Card

MASKS!! I love masks.

 

SkinRx Lab MadeCera (Re-turn) Express Mask (Korea)  This is a new brand for me and it will help heal and sooth damaged skin.  Its name ~ MadeCera ~ gives clues to its two main ingredients ~  madecassoside (centella asiatica), which 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.  Ceramide is the second key ingredient and  they are a lipid found in our skin cells and we produce less ceramides as we get older ~ this will cause dry and flaky skin.  This ingredient will help lock in moisture to your skin. This microfiber sheet mask will help with dry skin, pores, blemishes, wrinkles, dull skin and irritated skin.  RV $6.00

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus Ferment, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycereth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium EDTA, Fragrance, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside  cosDNA  analysis

image source

image source

image source

Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask (China)  I have tried this before and I did like it! Wei products are expensive, but my gawd, did this ever work!  I am really happy to have another chance to try this again.  I will post my original pic (it is crappy) and review here.  

This is Wei’s mud mask and it is an ultra soft mask, that will help detox, clean your skin without drying. It has pure China clay which will help absorb debris, dead skin cells and excess oil. It also has Golden Root (Rhodiola Rosea) which contains antioxidants to help repair skin damage. Reishi mushroom is also a fine antioxidant as it will help soft fine lines and wrinkles and angelica root will help reduce hyper-pigmentation so skin is brightened. This looks like Nutella when I open up the pod, but it is scentless so no chocolate scent here. I used the brush that came with the set and it applied so smoothly on my skin, I felt like I was painting on my face! This does dry down but without tightening the skin or making my skin feeling itchy. It dries down to a smooth finish that is not sticky and after 25 minutes, I rinsed off with warm water. This mask really does make my skin feel very smooth and wow, it does minimize my pores quite a bit! My face looks clean and refreshed. I haz sad cause these are so expensive – one pod is over $5.00. These are REALLY nice and if you want a luxury mud mask, this one is it. I am sure this works wonders on dry and sensitive skin as it was so gentle on my skin, but effective.  RV $5.25

Description: This super soft facial mud mask is formulated with seven herbs led by Golden Root that deeply penetrate into skin and help counteract cell damage. It minimizes pores, diminishes breakouts, refines skin texture, and renews lifeless-looking skin.

Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) Extract, Angelica Acutiloba (Chinese Angelica) Root Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba (Jujube) Fruit Extract, Chrysanthemum Sinense (Chrysanthemum) Flower Extract, Lilium Longiflorum (White Lily) Bulb Extract, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Benzoic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI77492, CI77499)  cosDNA  analysis

23.5°N Rice Soothing Gel Mask (Taiwan)  I love this mask too!!  I actually use this as a sleeping pack, not as a wash off mask pack.  This isn’t just a rice mask, as it also has Job’s Tears (adlay) ~ rich in B vitamin complex, calcium, iron and it will help brighten and smooth your skin.  It also has oat extracts, which are very soothing to your skin.  Ceramides are lipids (fats) which are important in helping to repair and protect your moisture barrier. They will keep your skin hydrated and plump as they retain water. This jelly mask is great for when your skin is irritated.   Travel Size 20 mL RV $6.00

Description: Abundant in Vitamin B1, B2 and Ceramide. Intensely soothing irritated and dull skin with a hydration bath to reveal a brighter compexion. Sooth, calm, and brighten irritated skin  Origins:  Douliou City, Yunlin County/The Child in the Field. One of the most sought after brands in Taiwan, 23.5N is a natural line of skincare with all locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their gel masks especially and this Rice Soothing Gel Mask is their bestseller! Packed with vitamins B1, B2, and ceramide, this mask is magic for those with sensitive or irritated skin. It soothes dull and problematic skin like no other treatment we’ve tried. This brand is the rising star of Taiwanese skincare and if there’s one mask you don’t want to miss out on, it’s their Rice Soothing Gel Mask.  

Ingredients: Aqua,Rice Extract,Aloe Extract,Sodium Hyaluronate,Adlay Extract,Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract,Carbomer,Ceramides,Benzyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone cosDNA analysis

image source

 

For Beloved Girl Extreme Moisture Mineral Cloud Silk Mask (Taiwan)    This line from For Beloved One is made with 6 different minerals for your skin’s health.  This mask is for dehydrated skin and will help capture and retain moisture in your skin, so your skin is plump and glowing.  It contains 3 hydrating ingredients:

1. Sodium hyaluronate molecule enables skin to capture, lock, and retain water circulation, making skin to show plump watery glow. 
2. Sodium PCA replenishes skin with essential mineral nutrition to strengthen skin barrier, creating smoother skin and improving metabolism. 
3. Sodium lactate balances pH value also maintain skins moisture ability. 

Based on a rough translation, the essence in this mask is equal to 1.88 bottles of mineral spring water.  Not sure if that is the correct wording or not!  However, it does contain 6 minerals

1. Iron (Fe) Speeds up wound healing and clears up blemishes
2. Sodium (Na) Moisture
3. Calcium (Ca) Brightness/Whitening; for dull skin
4. Zinc (Zn) Oil Control
5. Vanadium (V) Helps enhance the absorption of iron, zinc and copper minerals into your skin. 
6. Copper (Cu) Helps with skin elasticity, hyper-pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles

I am in the winter months now ~ cold, dry ~ I am really glad to have this mask!   I do not have a full ingredient list as I couldn’t find it anywhere ~ it wasn’t on the package nor on the The Beloved One’s Taiwanese website.   RV $3.00 (The 3B Box really underestimated this one ~ it is over $6.00 per mask)

image source

 

Maskeraide Weather Warrior Mask (Canada/Korea)  Maskeraide is a Canadian company that does make its products in Korea, using Korean technologies and practices.  This is considered an eco-friendly mas, with 100% biodegradable mask and recyclable mask packet.  This mask is for weather beaten skin ~ from being out in the sun, regardless if you were skiing, hiking, sunbathing or sailing ~ this will help soothe and moisturizing your skin.  RV $5.32 (exchange rate from CAD to USD)

Description: Whether you’ve spent the day baking on the beach or skiing down the slopes, your skin has taken a beating. Exposure to damaging elements such as harmful UV rays, wind and extreme cold can leave your skin dry, flaky and screaming SOS! Caring for and moisturizing your skin after exposure to the elements is essential. Apply our WEATHER WARRIOR mask with Aloe, Green Tea, Witch Hazel and Argan Oil to help soothe, calm and heal your skin allowing it to breathe a sigh of relief

 Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) FruitOil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Phyllostachys Nigra Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract,Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Adenosine,Sorbitol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, C14-22 Alcohols, Polyacrylate-13, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate,Polyisobutene, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Arginine, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol cosDNA analysis

image source

 

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti Aging Facial Mask (Japan) 🎭🎭🎭  I actually tried this many months ago and I did like it a lot!!  So, I am happy to get another one ~ believe it or not, the Hada Labo Tokyo series is sold at Target!!  I will repeat my original review here:  Hada Labo is a popular Japanese brand here in the USA and was the first Japanese skincare line to launch at mass retailers. I usually I don’t have good vibes with Japanese masks ~ their sheet masks are usually really thick and stiff. I want to say that I love their packaging ~ the cherry blossom branch over a pond, causing ripples in the water. Yeah, really pretty. This mask was named Product of the Year USA for 2015 in the Anti-Aging skincare category.

Good news~ the 100% cotton sheet mask is not stiff or overly thick ~ it is still thicker than most Korean or Taiwan sheet masks, but it is soft and pliable. It is soaked in essence ~ Hada Labo claims there is a bottle of serum in here (.7 oz) which is scentless. Bad news ~ the unfolding of this sheet mask means you need an origami degree ~ so many folds and cuts in the sheet mask and I was losing track of how to put it on properly! I finally did, and whereas I think there are too many cuts in the mask and the eye holes are too big, it fit pretty well. This contains hyaluronic acid which helps boost hydration, reduce inflammation and lock in moisture. It also contain soy, vitamin E and marine-derived collagen to help with aging concerns and to help plump up your skin. I left this on for 15 minutes and the mask was still damp when I removed it. I didn’t notice anything special but my moisture level was at 53% so it did amp it up a bit. These masks are mid-range in price ~ around $2.00 to $3.00, depending on where you purchase them. RV $2.00

Description: This soft, single-use, 100% cotton mask drenches skin with a full bottle of serum (0.7 fl. oz.) to boost hydration, smooth fine lines, and restore firmness and bounce to your skin. A refreshing, relaxing and indulgent experience for radiant and visibly younger skin.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, BHT, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Collagen (Marine), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Methylisothiazolinone, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine cosDNA analysis

 

I know that there was some grumbling on the interwebs about an “all-mask” box, but I found it to be really nice ~ as there are brands here that are new to me, plus 2 of the masks are not facial sheet masks, but a wash off mask and even a sleeping mask pack.  This month has quality items ~ they aren’t junk products.  23.5° is an amazing new brand and I am so glad to see it in a beauty subscription box!   And once again, we got products from Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China and even a Canadian/Korean hybrid!  I paid $12.00 for this and received a RV of over $30.00 ~ I did factor in the over and under-estimation of prices here, but it all works out