Memebox – Secret Key Premium Red Edition

The blurb:

‘SECRETKEY is back & this time, it’s decked out in Valentine’s Day colors – red & pink!’

This is the second version of a Secret Key Value Set that they did (I think) and this one was apparently themed around the colours of Valentines Day (or perhaps more romantically and less commercially, also the colours of the marriage equality symbol!).

As this was likely to be the only ‘Valentine’ I would get this year I decided to treat myself, having already tried one of the products before and really enjoyed it. This box cost $35 including shipping (£22.70 approx) and contained 6 products (3 sheet masks count as one) at a Memevalue of $156 (£101.10 approx) ….not at all bad, but obviously the products can be found cheaper elsewhere as usual.

The Box

The Brand

After a bit of judicious googling I found the Secret Key website, which is very lovely and in keeping with their ethos of ‘cosmetics which have nature in‘.

(Source)

They promise to – always pursue healthy beauty, to always supply customers with high quality products at a reasonable price, use natural and environmentally friendly ingredients which can be used safely for every skin type and they will continuously support the environment campaign to leave a clean and beautiful environment for our descendants.

That sounds pretty damn good to me!

The company logo (at the top of the page) represents the following:

(Source: Secret Key Brand brief)

Secret Key makes a wide range of products arranged into different product lines. I have used some of the different lines before. I especially like the Lemon D Toc Peeling gel.

(Source: Secret Key Product Brief)

The Contents

1. Super Plumping Jelly Cream
Full Size Product: 50ml ($38.40 / £24.90)
This super plumping jelly cream will erase the years off your face.  Facial contours appear plumper and newly defined, lines and wrinkles look nicely smoothed, and skin is moisturised to perfection.  Over time, skin’s strength, resiliency and volume appear renewed and you’ll see a remarkably younger, revitalized look.
– Contains the 10 best super foods in the world ~ Salmon Egg, Blueberry, Orange, Sweet Almond fruit, Broccoli     and Pumpkin.
– It is a jelly-type Cream and helps to keep your skin supple.
– It contains beta-glucan which is good for moisturizing and repairing the skin.
– Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is especially helpful keeping moisture in your skin.
– Whitening and Wrinkle Improvement  – It is a dual functional Cream.
– Adenosine helps to improve reduction of wrinkles.
– Niacinamide inhibits producing melanin in the skin so helps to keep the skin clean and clear.
– 5 Free – does not contain  paraben, mineral oil, benzophenone, phenoxyethanol animal oil or alcohol.

This product, along with their Let me Know CC Cream, passed the US FDA stability testing in 2013.

How to use: After washing or basic skin care, dispense an appropriate amount and apply evenly along the skin texture. If you feel dry on the skin, apply it more than usual and then go to bed. You can apply it not only on the face but also on the neck.

Ingredients: in Korean but the key ones are Niacinamide, Adenosine, Beta Glucan, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Extract of Salmon egg, Blueberry, Orange, Sweet Almond Fruit, Broccoli and Pumpkin.

My Thoughts

I managed to get a pot of this in a sale in the UK Meme Facebook Group last year and finished it a few weeks ago. This Jelly was the main reason that I bought this box. It comes in a heavy bottomed glass jar with a little spatula (although I did not get the spatula last time, that was not a problem as I used it fairly quickly and always with clean hands). It was a bit difficult to extract with your fingers though, due to the jelly like wobbly texture, so I would advise using the spatula!

When you warm it in your hands prior to applying, the gel turns into more of a water based essence texture and applies to your skin easily and quickly.

I really enjoyed using this. It isn’t wonderful for underneath makeup on skin as oily as mine, as although it is not greasy at all it does make your skin shine (the desired look for a Korean girl I understand) so I used it as my daily moisturiser on days when I wouldn’t be wearing makeup (most of the week at the moment) and it functioned perfectly well in that capacity.

What I absolutely loved about this product was the texture and cooling feeling that it gave to my skin. It is just an absolute delight to use. It absorbed fast and well and as I said, did not feel at all greasy (I hate that!). I am not opening this one yet as I am going to save it for the summer due to the aforementioned cooling refreshing ability but this is the promotional picture of the texture and look of the gel cream.

(Source)

The gel cream smells a little bit floral but only mildly to me. I really missed this one when I finished it and I think that it contributed very well to the more polished, tightened appearance of my skin over the past few months. I don’t really have many wrinkles for it to try out those claims on but I definitely did not see any new ones appearing and my skin felt moisturised and hydrated at all times. It may not be moisturising enough for those with drier, more dehydrated skins and you may need additional moisture if using this.

This product is widely available in the usual places at very good prices. Beauty Net Korea / f2plus1 (their ebay account) at the best price about $14.99 (£9.70) with free postage; Korea Depart and Tester Korea,

2. Super Plumping Gel Oil
Full Size Product: 30ml ($42 / £27.25)
Super Plumping Gel Oil has a three layer system – 1st layer: refreshing gel, 2nd layer: hydrating moisture lock, 3rd layer: nourishing oil – to combat dryness and signs of aging.
The refreshing gel transforms into a hydrating liquid upon contact and turns into a non-sticky oil texture to better absorb into the skin.  The unique formula is made with salmon egg extract, blueberry, orange and to provide 24 hour hydration, anti-aging benefits, skin brightening and skin resiliency. It is a skin friendly product for sensitive skin.

How to use: After facial wash, apply appropriate amount on skin and spread gently.
Using right after facial wash: Lightweight instant moisturising
After essence or mixed with cream: prolonged deep moisturising and nourishing
Mixed with basic makeup cosmetics: if mixed with BB cream or foundation, it enhances adherence and moisturising. To bed, you can apply it not only on the face, but also on the neck.

Ingredients: in Korean but the key ones are Niacinamide, Adenosine, Beta Glucan, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Extract of Salmon egg, Blueberry, Orange, Sweet Almond Fruit, Broccoli and Pumpkin.

My Thoughts

I am intrigued to see how this differs to the Jelly. As far as I can tell, the main difference will be the delivery mechanism / the texture – rather than from gel to watery essence, this one goes from gel to oil. That sounds to me like it will be richer and more moisturising, perhaps one for the night time in the summer rather than the day … for me at least. I would not be thinking about mixing it with a BB or foundation as they suggest, that would be a recipe for a very shiny face indeed! Flashbacks to high school?

I think I will try the second suggestion, after essence and probably before my cream but not every night – we shall see and I may be back with an update!

I do very much enjoy facial oils. Despite having oily skin, I know that they can often really suit my skin and give me a glow that I don’t get from bog standard moisturising creams. I am enjoying the one by IOPE at the moment and have already bought a back up of that one.

This is what it looks like in action (not my hand .. mines a hell of a lot paler than that!):

Yeah, I’m not going to be throwing confetti at my face to see if it sticks either 😉

This is available to buy from Beauty Net Korea at $13.41 (£8.70) with free shipping; f2plus1 and Korea Depart.

3. Starting Treatment Eye Cream
Full size product: 30g ($26.40/ £17.10)
This is a special and concentrated treatment for the weak eye area. It helps the sensitive skin around the eye to be elastic and revitalised, providing plentiful moisture to the area and creating a moisture barrier that helps the skin be moist all of the time. It also has a double functioning component: anti wrinkle and whitening. It will also calm down irritated and exhausted skin around the eyes. It is very suitable for sensitive and weak skin as it contains no stimulating ingredients.

How to use: Release appropriate amount onto the skin and and pat until absorbed.

Ingredients (They were on the inside of the box!!): Water, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Niacinamide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose, Distearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Beeswax, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Butyrosperum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Adenosine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract, rh-Oligopeptide-1, Lecithin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ceramide 3, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

My Thoughts

I am very happy to get an eye treatment with galactomyces as a main ingredient. I have another in my stash by Purebess to use as well and it will be interesting to compare the two. I am using the IOPE eye cream at the moment, which I am very much enjoying – much more visible results than the Pro You one I was using before it.

I therefore won’t be opening this for a while as I am aware of the speeded up expiry once a product is opened. The texture of the cream looks like this – very gel cream like, nice and light:

(Source)

This is available to buy at Beauty Net Korea for $7.20 (£4,70) with shipping included and the other usual suspects (but for more money!).

4. Berry Milk Hand Cream
Full Size Product: 60ml ($8.40 / £5.40 approx)
This is a hand cream made with donkey milk and 3 different kinds of berries, which moisturise and smooth the skin and nails. It also contains hyaluronic acid which creates a moisture protection layer, keeping skin healthy and moisturised and collagen which improves the moisture levels and skin elasticity as well as being smoothing at the same time. It is meant to penetrate deep into the skin without leaving it feeling heavy or sticky.

How to use: After washing hands or whenever feeling dry, release appropriate amount on the back of hands, nails and fingers. It is recommended to apply whenever the hands are feeling dry.

Ingredients: in Korean, but the important components are Donkey Milk, Hyaluronic Acid, Water Soluble Collagen, Raspberry, Blueberry and Blackberry.

My Thoughts

The blurb on the front is in English – Donkey Milk is rich in essential fatty acids, minerals and other nutrients (and) has the most similar structure to human breast milk, and it’s active ingredients quickly and gently permeate through the skin, leaving it silky soft, smooth and moisturised without irritating the sensitive or dry skin. It also protects the skin by maintaining the balance between moisture and oil in the skin, keeping it soft, smooth and supple all day long.

A demonstration on how to milk a donkey, in case you hadn’t guessed:

(Source)

I have traditionally really badly neglected my hands. From years rooting around in the soil, dust and mud (Archaeology) to a desk job and just never really having the time or inclination, I have pretty much left them to get on with it themselves. I gave up wearing nail varnish years back, mainly because it never stayed on anyway so there wasn’t any point.

When I discovered Memebox, I also rediscovered the joy of pampering a much neglected part of my body. One of my boxes last year, From Jeju, had the most wondrous hand cream in it. It smelt lovely and sank in like a dream. Unfortunately all dreams must come to an end, right? (Right? Memebox??). I finished the tube…….

(Source)

Luckily, I can obtain this miraculous cream online but in the meanwhile I am trying out other products to discover whether that one was a fluke or whether my hands were just crying out for moisture from any source. So far my experiments have been a failure … that one cream is still the holy grail …..but now I have this one to try, could it be??

(Source)

hmmm …. one small problem there, we all know what happens when seeking the holy grail…

(Source)

Again as I haven’t yet opened this (fear?), here is the promo picture to show the texture:

You can buy not one but two of these potential HG’s at Beauty Net Korea for $7.20 (£4.70), including shipping. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

5. Sweet Glam Tint Glow (Fuschia / Pussia Purple)
Full Size: 3.5g ($33.60 / £21.80)
This is a lipstick that moisturises like a lipbalm, due to it containing Lanolin oil which has a strong moisturising effect. It provides a natural and soft colour, that lasts a long time without stickiness. It forms a protective film on the lips and provides a glossy natural effect. It can be layered for a stronger look or applied once for a slight glow.

How to Use: Apply to lips as needed. Can be used under, or in place of lipstick or lip gloss.

My Thoughts

It looks very vibrant in the photograph but is actually a sheer pretty glossy purple-y pink in real life.  I have worn this and it was very easy to wear, felt comfortable and stayed moist. The colour was a little too pale for my lips though, however many coats I applied. This is the theory:

and this is the colour selection available – I think I would have preferred the Burgundy shade for my colouring, but at least it wasn’t the orange one!.

I may apply it over a tint next time (like the Skin Factory one I will review next perhaps?) just to give it a bit of a boost.

This is a swatch on my skin (very pale!), with the leftover tint from the Skin Factory tattoo tint above (please ignore .. they are pretty similar though!):

The full range is available at BNK (Beauty Net Korea) for $9 each inc shipping (£5.80 approx).

6. Snail + EGF Repairing Mask Pack x 3
Full Size Product: 20g each ($7.20 for 3 / £4.70)
Tightening / Brightening / Moisturising / Restoring / Soothing.
These masks have a dual function essence that has Whitening & Wrinkle diminishing properties including over 90% of yeast ferment filtrate.  They also contain filtered extract of snail and ingredients of EGF, which will make your damaged skin look much healthier and smoother. This concentrate type of essence will revive the healthy skin rhythm keeping the skin moist and with a clear tone.  This Essence with rich nutrition will help improve the condition of your skin and provide continuous moisturising effects after application so that your skin can remain healthy and hydrated.

They have 7 intensive results of Hydration, Resilience, Brightening, Wrinkle diminishing, Soothing, Rearranging skin texture, and Anti-oxidation.

How to use: After washing face and applying toner, open the pouch and unfold the mask gently. (For sensitive skin test it on the back of your hand first before applying on the face), Place the mask onto the face and adjust to fit the shape of your face. Leave it for 15-20 minutes. After removal, tap the rest of the essence into the skin gently to make sure it is all absorbed properly.

Ingredients: in Korean but the key ones are Snail Mucin (Chondrotin Sulfate), Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Albutin, Adenosine, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract , Grapefruit extract and Rosemary Leaf Extract. It also contains rhEGF, which helps skin firming.

My Thoughts

I have actually tried one of these masks as I also received one just before this in a new mask subscription pouch by the very wonderful MaskGenie. This mask was one of 10 included in the January subscription pouch (I also have the Feb), both of which I will be writing up very soon (and promise to be a lot quicker with the March one!).

Sheet masks are all pretty similar. It is rare to find either a really terrible or a really amazing one. This was one of the good but not amazing ones. The fit was a bit off (after all everyone’s face shape is different). There were huge gaps at either side of the nose and the mask was incredibly wide on me with excess folds at the cheeks (I don’t have a narrow face!).

The mask did not smell of much and had a decent amount of essence soaked into it. I invariably always fall asleep when I have a sheet mask on and I did when I tried this out, when I woke up some hours later it was bone dry and even the essence that is usually left in the pouch (there always seems to be plenty with a lot of brands) was non existent.
The mask left my skin feeling comfortable and clear but it was not luxurious or special in any way. I did compare it unfavourably with the Benton Snail Bee Mask, which has a similar function.

Having said that, I am happy to have another three as I use masks at least a few times a week and it is great to have some standard useful ones of different types for when your skin has different needs.

These can be bought at BNK for $5.40 for 3 with free shipping (£3.50).

7. Teeny tiny Starting Treatment Essence 7ml
Full Size Product: 155ml (not sure on full retail or Meme price)
This is another Galactomyces based essence, similar to the ones I have mentioned before in my previous post on the Elizavecca Value Set. I think that this one is a bit different in that it is not solely a Galactomyces essence but contains other goodies as well. It contains the yeast proteins at 50% and also Vitamins B1, B2, Niacin and Folic Acid. It is supposed to have these advantages: anti wrinkle, whitening, elasticity, soothing, moisturising, sebum control and keeping the skins texture trim (firm?). Contains no parabens, mineral oil, benzophenone, alcohol, animal oil, artificial colour or artificial fragrance.

How to use: As the first step in skin care after cleansing. Apply onto a cotton pad or hands and then to your face, patting softly and evenly.

Ingredients: in Korean, key ones are Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Albutin, Adenosine, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract , Grapefruit extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Chamomile Extract, Green Tea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Witch Hazel Extract,  Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Ground Cherry Fruit Extract, Chopi Tree (Japanese Pepper Tree) Fruit Extract.

My Thoughts

I do like getting surprises, however diddy. This little bottle will contain at least a few applications though and will be very useful when I write a short comparison post for various types of Galactomyces based essences. It is also amazingly cute 🙂

The full size is available at BNK for $16.11 inc shipping (£10.40 approx).

Conclusion

I really like this box and will use everything in it. The lipstick may need to be used on top of something else but I am interested in checking out the darker colour. It was a well put together selection of products but I feel a bit like the red/pink theme was just a bit arbitrary and it could have just have been a ‘Season 2’ box like the Elizavecca  and perhaps had a bit of variation in the cream / oil being from different ranges. Having said that, I am pleased that they didn’t as these are the ones that I know suit my skin so far.

Any questions or comments about this box or any other please don’t hesitate to ask, Skin Factory next!

……and remember to watch out for those vicious bunnies on the route to finding your holy grail products…..

Charlotte x

Memebox – Elizavecca Skincare Set Season 2

As well as mystery, naked and theme boxes (is it just me or does that sound like the beginnings of a spectacular party??),  Memebox more recently began to curate ‘Value’ sets. These sets were based around one brand (a bit like the old Brand boxes) and were ‘naked’, that is to say that the contents were exposed at the very start, as in the screen grab above. This lot of goodies would set you back $43 (£28 approx) with free shipping (although that had been reduced and otherwise changed at times so you needed to keep your eye on it). That is 4 items for a Memevalue of $118 (£76.80 approx).

I ordered this along with some other ‘Value’ sets and the Detox & Renew box at the end of January just before the closure announcement was made. I have only managed to try one product so far but I am extremely happy with this box and honestly wish I had got more than one. Let’s see why:

4 lovely items! As you may have guessed they are all from the brand ELIZAVECCA.  I really, really like this brand. I have been using their Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask for a good few months now and have purchased quite a few (ahem ….4) backups from the Meme Shop and also from complete fools who have allowed me to swap or buy one from them on Facebook (not really, everyone likes different things!)

The Brand

I can’t find out too much about the brand and it’s general philosophy as unfortunately I don’t read Korean but the first thing that struck me about Elizavecca was the wonderful packaging and general sense of whimsy in the graphics on said packaging. Their trademarks are an incredibly cute pig and a wonderfully cool rabbit (never would have guessed I’d like that, eh?). Whilst the bunny stays effortlessly hip and the same on all the packaging, the little piggy changes his/her dress and circumstances dependent on what the product he is advertising is. This is the header from their website showing the bun and the plain pig, about to go do his thing with all their wonderful products:

(Source)

There have been a number of the products in boxes over the last year, as well as the Bubble pack, I also have the Green Piggy Collagen Jella Pack pig mask to try (of which I got a very similar mask in the Winter Essentials Mask box but by a different brand). They seem to have been one of Memebox’s stronger brand partnerships and if the Korean warehouse had continued I’m sure we would have continued to see more of their products popping up in boxes.

Even though the website above is in Korean, you can see that there is a vast range that would be fascinating to try. I particularly like the look of the Milky Wear Salicyl Cream (an exfoliating salicylic acid cream), which looks like it would work wonders on all those icky blackheads and open pores; the Vitamin C 21% Ample Mask (a high concentration Vit C cream mask), this looks so sunny, juicy and healthy – the bunny sunglasses are needed with this one; the Milky Piggy Glutinous Mask (a snail 80% ampoule mask), anything snail is good by me and this has anti wrinkle and whitening functions; and many more (there is a Mayu horse oil cream, hydrogel and fancy sheet masks (my absolute favorites),  pore masks and various serums and essences. I want to try the whole range! I foresee some Tester Korea requests in my future! There are various websites that already stock some of these items and I will list those at the end of the post.

The box

Let’s start with the absolute winner. (Retail prices given are from the Elizavecca website as Meme did not provide a Memevalue for the individual products).

1. Water Coating Aqua Brightening Mask
Full Size Product: 100ml (38,000 Won / £22.40 approx)
Known as the “flight attendant” mask , this facial treatment is perfect for those that are experiencing dull, weather skin due to constant switching between central heating and harsh winds. This treatment uses the extreme hydration and anti-ageing active technologies as it moisturises, restores, replenishes and brightens the skin. Active collagen boosts and locks in moisture for a dewy and youthful result while baobab water and bamboo water brightens the complexion and leaves skin with an instant silky, soft and supple feel. This miracle facial treatment energises the skin, giving you a healthy looking, glowing complexion.

How to use: On cleansed skin, evenly apply the treatment all over the skin. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse.

Ingredients: in Korean

My Thoughts

Although this product was well sealed when it arrived I think that the changes in temperatures or pressure made the cream expand as when I took off the cellophane wrapping on the pot it was very oily inside and all around the top of the jar and opening, as if it had separated a bit and some product had squeezed out under the wrap. This wasn’t a problem and probably hardly any was lost – just a heads up if you are ordering one that ships from Korea internationally. I just wiped it down and rubbed the excess on my hands.

This particular piggy graphic is a deep sea scuba diver with his helmet filled with water (presumably to represent the protective coating layer of hydration that this product provides).
He is standing next to some buried treasure ……and since there are bubbles coming out of it I going to presume that he has found a wondrous stash of the bubble clay mask! This mask itself smells lightly floral (but not too much for me and I am fairly sensitive to strong floral scents …as in I detest them!) and is a watery gel cream, that is marvellously cooling and refreshing on the skin. It comes with a little spatula in the protective lid.

I have used it twice so far both times after using the Bubble Clay Mask to take off my make up (having already removed my eye make up).  I have then put a generous layer of this all over and enjoyed. The first time I fell asleep (a common occurrence and it did no harm) but both times I left it on much much than the allotted 15-20 minutes. It hasn’t even really started to absorb by then to be honest.  It could even be used as a sleep pack but I think that the consistency is such that it would not penetrate a moisturising cream beneath it very well.

When I finally washed it off (after it had totally absorbed)  my skin felt so soft and silky, almost like satin, velvety …. an entire haberdashery in fact!
I followed it up with my usual night time routine from serum onwards and that seemed to work fine. The next day my skin looked rested, glowing, bright and even in tone. I look forward to further uses and will definitely replace this when I have used a bit more (I need back ups to match my bubble mask stash!!). It would be interesting to try the other masks / creams in the range and compare the effects.

2. 100% Galactomyces Essence
Full Size Product: 50ml (19,000 Won / £11.10 approx)
This 100% Galactomyces infused ampoule instantly revives dull skin and provides intense hydrating and skin repairing benefits to the skin. One use softens and evens the skin texture to give a natural glow and youthful radiance.

How to use: Using the spoid, apply to clean skin and massage. Use as a substitute for serums and essences. Mix with moisturisers and creams for maximum effects of both the ampoule and moisturisers / cream.

Ingredients: in Korean ….presumably 100% Galactomyces 🙂

My Thoughts

I had never really considered the word ‘spoid’ before discovering Korean skincare.  I have no idea whether it is used in the West for the same purpose. In fact it isn’t actually a word, at least not one that any dictionary (including the urban one which has altogether another meaning for it) would recognise. It seems to be solely used in the skincare and medical fields.

I still prefer ‘sucky thing’, or maybe ‘pipette’ if I have to be serious (which is never…).

So, What are Galactomyces?

(Source)

And in plain English (not being too cheeky – I can’t read Korean at all so they are doing far better than me!),  Galactomyces ferment filtrate is a kind of fungi or yeast (also sometimes known as Leaven) and is an offshoot of the fermentation process when making alcoholic beverages (yum!).
The people making the alcohol discovered that they had very smooth, young looking hands after working with the product.  It was then discovered to be very rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids under further study.

It is classified as a humectant (which is a hygroscopic substance used to keep things moist; it is the opposite of a desiccant. Thanks wiki).

The effects and benefits include:

• Increased moisture and hydration to skin for a long period of time
• Absorbs deeply and quickly into skin
• Helps control our skin’s PH balance
• Brightens skin
• Creates clear and vibrant skin
• Effective for ageing skin; makes skin elastic
• Naturally remove dead skin cells, resulting in softer, smoother, glossier skin
• Relieves and calms skin irritation and stress
• Prevent and improve skin damage
• Provides vitality to fatigued skin
• It has been proven in studies that that ‘GFF-containing moisturizers help protect the skin against damage…. such as due to dryness or environmental stress …..and also having antioxidant effects.’

(Partial Source: 574. EFFECTS OF GALACTOMYCES FERMENT FILTRATE ON EPIDERMAL BARRIER MARKER CASPASE-14 IN HUMAN SKIN CELLS. Hattori, K., Date, A., Nakajima, A., Ishida, K., Yan, X., Yoshii, T., Tamura, H. Department of Hygienic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan. P&G Beauty & Grooming, Kobe, Japan. 68th Annual Meeting of Amer. Acad. of Derm., Miami, FL, March 2010.)

It also does not contain any nasties:

(Source)

So if anyone knows any non-irritating and available children …………nope, that even sounds wrong in my head!

This is 100% Galactomyces, as is the one by the brand Purebess that I have been using since before Christmas.
I believe that some other well known brands contain much less – even very well known and expensive ones.  I did see one that claimed ‘even more than 100%’!! but I think that may have been a fib.  I also have a version by Secret Key to try (that came in another value set) and I will maybe get some more as well to do a thorough comparison.

The blurb says to ‘Use as a substitute for serums and essences’, but I must admit that I use the Purebess version as one in a multitude of steps (the K Beauty routine, to be posted about soon).
I have been using it as a second toner of sorts.  I cleanse (sometimes twice), apply a more stringent toner on a cotton pad and then pat this into my skin until absorbed and then continue on with my essence, serum and moisturiser.  I have oily skin ….this has not been too much for it.  Probably best to play around and see what works best for you.

Since starting using a Galactomyces product my skin has vastly improved, mainly in tone and clarity. I look more alive and vibrant, refined.  Whether it is this, another product that I have been using or (most likely) a combination of factors, I don’t know, but it will be very interesting to experiment with different brands to see if I notice a difference …..watch this space!

3. Hyaluronic Acid Serum 100%
Full Size Product: 150ml (38,000 Won / £22.10 approx)
This hyaluronic serum rapidly rescues skin from the visible signs of ageing and replenished youthful volume from the inside out and stimulates the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid for lasting results, and protects the skin from environmental damage. Use to smooth away facial wrinkles and lines, correct ageing skin, restore skin suppleness, and prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.

How to use: Apply to clean dry face after cleansing. Take a dime sized amount and massage into the skin. Pat gently until fully absorbed.

Ingredients: also in Korean, again presumably 100% Hyaluronic Acid

My Thoughts

This is one damn huge bottle!! It is really heavy, brushed glass with a shiny silver lid and no sign of the piggy! Bunny makes a small appearance on the logo. I don’t think I have ever seen a serum at this size before, this will take a while to use up! As I have other serums open at the moment I will not be opening this but the consistency seems fairly watery as far as I can tell, which is perfect to use after my essence and before a thicker consistency ampoule, lotion or cream.

So, What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a gel-like water holding molecule that is the space filler and cushioning agent in all mammals.  HA cushions joints, nerves, hydrates skin and hair, and fills the eye.  Although originally discovered in 1934 by Karl Meyer, HA gained momentum only after a visit by a reporter to a Japanese village of Yuzuri Hara to find out why both men and women in their 80’s and 90’s had smooth wrinkle free skin, flexible joints, full heads of hair and activity levels that defied their age.  This was eventually found to be related to oestrogen-like molecules in their diet from soya and tofu, which sent signals to the cells to make more hyaluronic acid.

Our bodies roughly contain 15 grams of HA and it is found in virtually every part of the body.  With such a widespread occurrence, it is logical that HA also has multiple functions.   Scientific studies have shown that HA improves skin hydration, stimulates production of collagen in skin, works as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, maintains skin elasticity, cushions joints and nerve tissues, has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity and maintains the fluid in the eye tissues, which may help to protect against numerous possible eye concerns.

Decreasing levels of hyaluronic acid are known to accompany the ageing process and it is estimated that by the time we reach our mid-40’s, the synthesis of HA is roughly half that required by the body.

The benefits specifically for the skin are:

• Hyaluronic acid helps to retain over a 1000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it an excellent moisturiser
• Boosts skins moisture content and prevents moisture loss
• This results in increased smoothness, softening and decreased wrinkles
• It also has an ability to remove waste matter from cells including those where there is little blood circulation
• Reduces inflammation
• Hyaluronic acid is considered equally important, if not more important, than Collagen for the skin
• Anti ageing, elimination of skin imperfections and wrinkles

(Sources: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177–184; The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, March 2014, pages 18–26 and May 2014, pages 150–180 and Victoria Health).

I can’t wait to have a go with this and hopefully will write about it then.

4. Blackhead Solution 3 Step
Full Size Product: Sachet (3,500 Won / £2 approx)
This powerful, yet gentle, 3 step nose clearing kit provides the A-Z in achieving a spick and span nose. Step 1 instantly removes blackheads and unclogs pores, Step 2 extracts all pore cloggers and Step 3 tightens, soothes and cleanses the pores. Complete with a dry patch and wet patch for anytime, anywhere use, this 3 step system features optimal pore purifying benefits for clear, healthy looking skin.

How to use: On clean skin, apply Step 1 to the nose. Then apply Step 2.  Use Step 3 last.

Those instructions are brought to you by the Kitty Chinchilla School of Technical Writing……

Ingredients: in Korean but main ones are Green Tea Extract, Lavender Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Apple Extract, Lemon Extract, Lime Extract, Camomile Extract, Peppermint Extract, Grapefruit Extract.

My Thoughts

Well, that has made me a bit peckish! Those obviously aren’t the ingredients that are going to extract the nasties from your nose but in my experience all nose pore packs are much of a muchness anyway. The ones that I have usually used are 1 step – they stick to your nose, you pull them off and nasty stuff goes with it. I am under the impression with these that the first step softens the nasties, the second extracts them and the third tightens everything back up and soothes any redness.

I must comment on the graphics again – just look at that little evil piggy!! Torturing the poor little blackheads and making them cry! I love his wings and puffs of hellfire smoke (??)

I do have blackheads. Always have done as far as I can remember. I think I am much more aware of them than other people would be, as is always the case when it comes to your own imperfections (rightly perceived or otherwise). They do not, however, look as bad (or as even) as this:

(source)

I have tried many things over the years to rid myself of the buggers for once and for all but to no avail. I have promised a post on this very subject some time in the not too distant future after I have tried a few more things out in the world of K Beauty (where they are very very keen on blackhead extraction products). One final observation is this: the blurb says that ‘Complete with a dry patch and wet patch for anytime, anywhere use‘ …….so walking round the supermarket it is then!

Conclusion

I really love this box! (I think I’ve said that already). I will use every item in it, which is rare with Memeboxes. Everything that I have tried from Elizavecca, I really enjoy. They are good quality and great value for money. They do what they claim to do and that is everything in skincare … well, the whimsical graphics don’t hurt at all as well. I want to get my little mitts on more of their products and luckily they are more widely available than some other Korean brands that we have seen in Memeboxes.

Some places I have seen them are as follows:

Korea Depart – A few products. I haven’t used this store myself yet and apparently their shipping and packaging fees can be confusing but they have very good prices and I haven’t heard any bad reviews yet. I will try them soon and report back.

Tester Korea – Just the Jella Pack at the moment but TK has a great service where you can request any product and they get back to you super quick and let you know whether they can source it. The prices are usually full retail price if they do that though, which should be taken into account. I have ordered from them before with no problems.

Yes Style – Another one I haven’t used yet but they do have a few products at ok prices. Again I have heard of no major problems with skincare purchases on here.

Rose Rose Shop – They have quite a selection on here, as well as the opportunity to order in bulk. Do I need 10 Water Coating Masks?? They also have the Hydrogels that look epic! Again, I have not ordered from here before but have heard good things. They are also on ebay for those who prefer to shop there as Bring Bring Shop and Ruby Ruby Shop, both of which carried Elizavecca at time of posting.

Also on ebay:

Blueprint 21 – .has a selection of Elizavecca at time of posting.

Another shop called Honest Skin was selling Elizavecca at cut throat prices recently but I cannot in all good faith recommend them as there were some issues and some very very poor customer service. If that situation changes I will update this.

Any questions or requests, please let me know

Until the next one, Charlotte x

Memebox Winter Essential Masks

This will be the final ‘whole’ Memebox that I will review as the ones I received prior to this are quite frankly all over the place, some parts in use, some in other lovely people’s homes as a result of swaps or sales and some gone to the ether that is the empties pile. Not to worry though as I still have a shitload of value sets and then lots of individual products to review – I’ll even venture out of K Beauty!

If you want to know one major thing about me it is that I LOVE masks – any kind of masks……all kinds of masks! Not as much as I love bunnies (that’s a given and for evidence of how right that is please see the bonus Billy picture at the end) but they are pretty high up there and therefore I would always want to purchase a mask box, however angry I am with a company at the time.

I bought this on the 18th December when it was released and although it wasn’t shipped until the 23rd, I received it on the 5th of January, so not too bad for holiday posting time. The box cost $23 + 6.99 shipping (approx £19.50) and has a Memevalue of $72 (£46.80) for 6 different types of products.

This was one of the boxes sadly absent one of the invaluable information cards and the information was all online and is still there (here) at the moment but who knows for how much longer, as the site continues to change.

This is the marketing blurb that drew me in (not really .. I’ve said before I don’t read these but MASKSSSSS!!)

Box Description

The winter season is the most festive time of the year, filled with holiday parties and homeward travels. While winter wonderland may be all fun and games for the mind and soul, it’s not the same story for the skin! During the winter season, your skin needs more lovin’, especially with the constant switching between moisture-sucking indoor heating to frigid cold outdoor temperatures. The harsh environment leaves skin dull, flaky, and as dry-as-a-desert. No matter how much makeup and moisturizer you slather onto your face, when skin cells are dehydrated and malnourished, no amount of highlighter or luminizer will bring back that radiance.   Fret not, because your winter skin care solution is right here. This box, full of winter’s essential masks, caters to all winter skincare needs. Each mask is formulated with unique potent ingredients designed to nourish the skin cells and instantly restore lost radiance. Hydrate, renew, and revitalize the skin for noticeably smoother, velvety, younger-looking skin!

Contents

1. VELIEVE Girlish Mask 20ml X 3ea

Full size product: 20ml X 3ea ($7)
Randomly selected from Collagen Lifting, Honey Moisture, Vita Shining, Aloe Soothing

Velieve’s Girlish Mask series comes in 4 different types each enriched with natural ingredients catered to target different skin care concerns – marine collagen for firming and tightening, honey extracts for nourishing, lemon extracts for brightening, and aloe vera extracts for moisturizing and soothing. The thin pulp type sheet masks adhere tightly to skin with ease and without any mask essence drooping down.

How to use:
Place the sheet mask over clean face. Remove the mask after 15~20 minutes of rest. Pat in the remaining essence for full absorbance.

Out of four possibilities, I received the random selection of two Aloe Soothing and one Collagen lifting masks.

Ingredients (Aloe): Water, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract (0.2%), Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Coceth-7, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

Ingredients (Collagen): Water, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Hydrolyzed Collagen (0.1%), Corallina Officinalis Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coceth-7, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

My Thoughts

The blurb on the back of the Aloe mask is as follows: .
“Greedy girls soothing mask for the skin relief” – Aloe Vera leaf extract protects the skin against harmful environments and stress making the skin more moist and healthier by delivering moisture.

and the Collagen mask:
“Greedy girls firming mask for V line” – Marine Collagen ingredient restores lost firmness and brings back the V line while increasing moisture for moist and firm skin.

Well that sounds good. I presume the grumpy looking moppets on the front are the ‘Greedy girls’? I’m not really one for cutesy things but at least these aren’t as alarming as the very scary Ddung girls, who are also featured on K Beauty products. I did have some of those items but I burnt them (…gave them to someone who would appreciate them more).

(Source)

My V line needs all the help it can get to be honest. The ‘V LIne’ is the Korean term for ‘A slim and oval face narrowing towards the chin’ (source). My face is wide and round and does not noticeably narrow towards the chin! Hence, the vast amounts of help needed 🙂

Aloe masks will also come in very handy this summer when I intend to venture outdoors and enjoy what little sunshine the English summer brings. I always put sheet masks in the fridge at least half an hour before use (even when it is below freezing outside) as I enjoy the cooling sensation (and it is actually meant to be good for your skin – I will look further into that in a later post) and that will be extra luscious in the summer stickiness.

If anyone needs a guideline on how to use a sheet mask, the company kindly provides this demo:

(Source)

Sheet masks are sheet masks though, they are not miraculous – they mostly provide a lovely soothing, moisturising boost to your skin and I think a lot of why I love them so much is the pampering aspect of having to lie there perfectly still whilst they do their work. I do however pretty much always fall asleep with them on so they have a dual advantage there as a sleep aid!

If you would like to purchase some of these masks there are various listings on ebay. The one that I used for this images shown here is called Littlecutiepie1 (which definitely fits with the petulant poppets!). They are selling at £1.59 ($2.44) per mask at the time of posting;

2. RIRE Patting Water Pack 300ml
Full size product: 300ml ($42)
Randomly selected from Lifting, Brightening, Moisture
A new generation of ‘patting water packs’ that works miraculously to balance skin’s PH level, gently melt away dead skin cells, and ultimately enhancing skin tone and texture to reveal clearer, smoother complexion with continuous use. The yellow Lifting pack is made from evening primrose extracts and works to tighten and rejuvenate tired skin. The purple Brightening pack bases its formula on violet extracts which help to balance and brighten uneven skin tone. The pink Moisture pack is enriched with a blend of cherry blossom extracts to deliver rich hydration and healthy moisture & oil balance.

How to use:
Remove makeup residues with cleansing oil or foam. Then fill 2/3 of a bowl with water and drop in 1~2 lid-ful of the Patting Water Pack. Mix well and gently pat it all over the face for 15~20 times. Do not rinse afterwards.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coceth-7, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Alcohol Denat, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Viola Tricolor Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Betaine, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

My Thoughts

This was the big ticket item. A previous Memeaddicts holy grail was a similar patting water by a company called Blithe. The wonderful Veri Tazy of the blog Pulchritudinous did some very valuable experimentation adding patting water to existing spray mists to cut out the rigmarole of the basin technique described above. Her post on this can be found here.

If you would rather try the product in the manner in the manner to which it was intended, this informative video may help.

I have some sachets of Blithe from a previous box that I have been meaning to add to my aloe mists but as with all things, I still have not got round to it. Now I have this one too! The blurb on the side of the box specifies that this variant (Brightening) is also good for ‘Deep cleansing – Exfoliation – Pore Care – Brightening – Skin Tone Improvement – Nutrition Supply – Control of Skin Balance – Promote the Period of Skin Turn Over’.

The liquid is extremely gloopy (a bit reminiscent of washing up liquid) and smells…….well……exactly like washing up liquid! Perhaps that is harsh, maybe more like a really cheap bubble bath that you had as a kid (that could be a good thing as they are meant to be very gentle on your skin and eyes!).

Anyone?

(Source)

I’m not sure whether I will keep this as I’m inherently lazy and it does seem like a bit of a faff to be honest.

If you would like to purchase your very own Matey patting water the full range can be found on ebay for around £15.25 ($23) here.

3. INOFACE Real Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask 23ml
Full size product: 23ml ($2)
Randomly selected from Snail, Q10, Collagen, Aloe
Replenish moisture and firmness to dry, sagging skin with the Inoface Real Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Masks each formulated from the concentrated essence of natural ingredients – snail mucus, Q10, collagen and aloe extracts. These masks are composed of highly effective skin soothing, moisturizing, and firming agents and are suitable for all skin types and for all 4 seasons.

How to use:
Spread the sheet mask evenly over clean face. Rest for 15~20 minutes. Remove and pat in the remaining mask essence onto skin for full absorbance.
(Best Before October 23rd, 2015) 

(please excuse the terrible photo – I have used this mask due to the earlier expiry date and this was a quick one I took when it arrived!)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Snail Secretion Filtrate (12mg), Fragrance.

My Thoughts

I love anything to do with snail goo!

Not because I am strange (although I am …) but because it has done wonders for my skin in other mediums. I speak of course of the Holy Grail (HG) that is Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence. I will no doubt talk of this more in the future but I loves it!! I also love that brands Snail Bee sheet masks and of course wanted to compare this to their wondrousness.

I’ll be quick. It was OK …………just ok. I am glad that I got this option, having received the collagen and aloe in the previous mask types. However, the snail secretion filtrate, as you can see, is barely a blip on the ingredients radar. I need MORE SNAIL than that to keep this visage glowing!!

To demonstrate, I bring you snail wars! This is the Inoface mask:

(Source)

Never going to win is it? *sigh*

On the other hand – this is the snail I want to slime over my skin products – Super Snail!:

(Source)

Enough of the shenanigans and on to the important question: are the snails harmed when donating their goo?

It is difficult to find a definitive answer. We do know that the snails are not killed to extract the slime / mucin. They can collect from the same snail many times over which I am sure is much more cost effective. Similar to the bee venom industry,  the snails are mechanically stressed by moving over some form of collection tray. I am going to try to look into this further in one upcoming post to celebrate the recent announcement from South Korea that they are planning to ban animal testing for cosmetics, joining not only the E.U., but also India, Brazil and China in their efforts to stop the use of animal testing for beauty products (see here for further information). Please look out for it and if there is anything you would like me to look into (within reason!) please let me know.

I couldn’t find these to buy online (plenty of Benton ones though) but the company does have a website at http://www.ino-face.com.

4. ESTHETIC HOUSE Collagen Jelly Mask Pack 100ml
Full size product: 100ml ($13)
Swallow your skepticism—pig collagen has been shown to be highly effective in firming and tightening the elasticity of skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Rich in collagen peptides extracted from pork rinds, this leave-in, highly-concentrated collagen facial mask pack from Esthetic House absorbs easily, leaving skin firmer, nourished, moisturized, and freshened. Suitable for all skin types.

How to use:
Apply a moderate amount to clean face, massaging until absorbed. No need for rinsing off.

Ingredients: in Korean only

My Thoughts

It is unfortunate that I couldn’t find an English ingredient list as the product itself is pretty unassuming and dare I say it, a bit boring looking. I have a similar collagen piggy mask by the brand Elizavecca, which is a lot more interesting, and I intend to use that one first and then consider this one if that produces decent enough results. The products entry on Alibaba lists the following plus points:

Pig skin is quite simillar to human skin and it contains rich collagen and elastin.

This is facial pack contains rich collagen (50%) from pig skin.

– It contains 50g of collagen extracted sanitarily from fresh pig skin sterilized and deodorized.

(It’s much higher than sheet/gel mask products.)

– It contains valuable plant extracts also, such as bean fermentation extract, macadamia seed oil, cacao seed extract.

– It keeps your skin fully moisturized.

– It tightens skin cells and presents you a young face.

– It is gel type and is applied onto skin smoothly.

– It’s absorbed into skin  quickly.

– No need to wash, it can be used as sleeping pack.

– It’s good for all skin types.

– It’s 6 free (paraben, ethanol, animal oil, coloring, benzophenone, mineral oil)

The mask smells very lightly fruity (hey, better than smelling of a pig sty!). I would use this as a sleeping mask and hope that the promised tightening and firming came to pass! I don’t have many wrinkles but some general improvements in elasticity would be much appreciated. I may compare the two when I am finished.

If you would like your own piggy goodness it looks like this mask is available here

5. LASSIE’EL Raspberry Age Defying Yogurt Massage Mask 12g
Full size product: 12g ($6)
Deeply replenish and revive dry, dulled skin with a rich blend of yogurt extracts that effectively sloughs away dead skin cells and skin impurities from the pores and prevent oxidation of the skin. The yogurt formula consists of lactobacillus, raspberry extracts, and collagen extracts which all work to fight and diminish appearance of wrinkles and sagging, aging skin.

How to use:
Spread the mask evenly over clean face. Massage onto the face using hands until the micro-beads in the mask formula completely disappear. Rinse off with lukewarm water after 5~10 minutes.

Ingredients: Water, Collagen, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic, Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sucrose, Mannan, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Yogurt Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Paraben, CI 42090, CI 17200, Fragrance.

My Thoughts

We received some sleeping masks from Lassie’el previously that were really very good so I hold out high hopes for these very cute looking masks.

The company is named as ‘the god’s gift of nature for your skin everyday to restore youthful skin’. ‘Lassie’ is the Scottish nickname for girls and ‘el’ refers to Ancient Syria’s ‘father of gods’.

Yeah, me neither??!

I do like their concept though – they intend their products to free you from the short shelf life of other skincare products to help you feel like you are using new products all the time. So basically, instead of huge jars and bottles that you never finish (especially if you hoard Meme products, am I right?) you have individual pouches and pods all ready to face another day! I do think this is especially good for travel and they could also aim their products at that market with a few tweaks I’m sure.

I haven’t used one yet (there are 4 in the packet) as I have similar large pot masks open that I need to use up first. I love the addition of the little lid so that you can use each pod more than once (to be stored in the fridge). The sleeping masks also contained enough for more than one go (I had avocado and pearl ones) but as they did not have such a nifty gadget I utilised that age old favorite tin foil!

Yogurt is meant to be great for soothing and cooling the skin, so these may be another gem for the summer months. It can also exfoliate, prevent skin oxidation and clean out pores. Raspberry can apparently help prevent freckles and age spots and has benefits for anti ageing and firming of the skin. The website specifies that these masks are recommended for 1. anyone who wants to prevent wrinkles and help with age defying and 2. anyone who is concerned about blemishes such as freckles and age spots. They also do a Kiwi, Aloe and Strawberry version of these masks.

I haven’t been able to find these directly to buy online but I do know that Forever 21 in the US has started stocking the sleeping packs (those lucky Americans again!!) and Lassie’el do have a comprehensive website here.

6. PURE SMILE Jewelry Bubble Ruby & Pure Bubble Royal Jelly 3g X 2ea
Full size product: 3g X 2ea ($2)
These two wash-off facial packs are each formulated from concentrates of ruby extracts and royal jelly extracts. The Jewelry Bubble Ruby pack is a skin soothing and replenishing formula that consists of ruby powder, green tea, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera leaf, glycerin, vitamin E, and portulaca extracts. The Pure Bubble Royal Jelly pack is also enriched with over 40 kinds of vitamins and minerals and helps treat acne-prone skin types by deeply cleansing the pores and nourishing damaged skin.

How to use:
Spread the pack evenly over clean, towel-dried face. Gently massage the self-generated bubbles 2~3 times as the bubbles penetrate deep into the pores and extract skin impurities clogged up. Rinse off with lukewarm water when the bubbling stops.

Ingredients: all in Korean

My Thoughts

Whelp……they are Pure Smile and they are teeny bubbling mask pods. I do like bubbling masks (especially the Elizavecca Carbonated bubble clay mask) but Pure Smile is a bit cheap. I have been using the Pure Smile Jewellery Scrub that came in a previous box and I am not altogether impressed. It does the job but in a not very pleasant and fun way.

The packaging is a bit shit – they look like those marmalade pods that you get at cheap B&B’s. The ingredients sound better – ruby extracts and royal jelly. We shall see, the proof is in the pudding or in this case, the marmalade portion.

Pure Smile has it’s own website here.

Conclusion

This is not the best of the Mask boxes that I have received from Memebox, in fact I would probably say that it is my least favorite ….by a very long shot. This one disappointed me.
I will try most of the products out and although the curation is fitting to the theme, the quality of the products just isn’t there. They all seem to be inferior dupes of items that we have known and loved before. It seems cheap and although I don’t usually take heed in the perceived value of the box, that does show that this one is a lesser box by far.  I think I will enjoy the Lassie’el masks and the sheet masks are of course always welcome (even though they are obviously not the best of their type). I wonder if at this point the knew that they were stopping shipping to most of the world? It does smack a little of giving up.
Then again, they came back hard with the first two boxes that I have reviewed, which were both pretty good (Night care and Detox and Renew). Maybe it is purely what they can get their hands on at the time? Who knows .. we probably never will.

I said at the start that this would be the last actual box I would review but if there are any old ones that you would particularly like me to do and I happen to have received, please let me know. If not, it’s onto the value sets….

Cheers

Charlotte xx

Oh yes, bonus Bunny (almost forgot) – he was 9 last week 🙂

Memebox Detox & Renew

Just before the awful announcement that Memebox was ceasing shipping to the majority of the world (discussed here) I ordered this very last box and a selection of value sets (coming up next) which arrived in super quick time (almost as if they couldn’t wait to be rid of us .. but probably because the Christmas backlog of parcels worldwide had finally cleared!)

I don’t really drink much anymore but the theme of Detox and Renew seemed perfect for a New Year treat and appealed most to me of all the boxes that they were selling at the time (of course if I had known that this would be it, I probably would have bought some of the others as well, especially a couple that I am a bit sore on missing out on now that I can’t have them! Bloody typical isn’t it?!)

Detox & Renew cost $29 + $6.99 shipping (£24.50 approx altogether) and has a memevalue of $159 (approx £103.25) for a total of 5 products. I miss them already!

This box DID have an info card! Hallelujah!!

Since Meme (in their infinite wisdom) has removed all traces of their life before their self-inflicted extreme isolation (seriously do they know something about the upcoming zombie apocalypse??) and this includes all information about previous boxes and products, the info card is even more welcome for future reference purposes.

Box Description

The cold weather months leaves us susceptible to get lazy on out skincare routine! But, did you know? The constant switching back and forth between central heating and frigid winds causes excessive dead skin build up and increases the rate at which pore-dwellers multiply and grow!

While “the more the merrier” applies to most things in life, the growing party of pore dwellers is never fun, and is definitely not a beautiful sight! To help you in your skincare predicament, we bring you our newest Detox & Renew box, perfectly curated to eliminate the deepest skin toxins, remove dead skin cells, clarify congested pores, and alleviate damage from internal and external aggressors. Each product in this box is a one-step solution on it’s own, addressing everything from large pores and clogging to brightening cloudy skin!

Take this box, your one and only solution for lustrous and healthy skin, use after use!

–  Honestly, I never usually read these as they don’t often seem to have much to do with the contents of the box – a lot of marketing bumpf basically!

Contents

1. GU:AAM METHOD Black Pearl Protein (Conchiolin) 35 Whitening Serum 60ml
Full size product: 60ml ($30)

This light-weight skin renewing serum is formulated with bifida, AHA, and black pearl protein to help support the natural cell renewal and toxin elimination. Powerful black pearl proteins eliminate toxins and dead skin cells in the skin and enhance the skin’s natural healing cycle to detox and renew the skin’s surface. The results? Skin is decongested, skin pollutants are removed, and skin is left looking brighter and firmer, more radiant and youthful-looking. Free from chemical preservatives, artificial fragrance, artificial colours, mineral oils, silicon oils, sulfates, parabens, and EDTA.

How to use:

Immediately after cleansing, Apply the serum on face avoiding eye area. For the areas often have rough skins such as T-zone, oil-zone, and around lips, apply twice at a time with sufficient amount of serum.

Ingredients: Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Pearl Extract, Lactobacilius / Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Arginine, Lactic Acid (yes, twice!), Sodium Hyaluronate, Sclerotium Gum, Adenosine, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Ceramide 3, Kyounin Yu, Aspergilus / Rice Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Carbonated Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Propolis Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate.

My Thoughts
This serum has a pretty great list of ingredients. On the box they specify content of 35% Pearl Conchiolin, 5% Bio-Pearl Extract, 3% AHA and 48% Bifida Fermentation. I will try and look further into what all that goodness means when I review this product separately.

I really like the packaging of this. It looks serious and that gives me hope that it will be effective. It has an effective sucky dropper (technical term!) for application purposes, that distributes a good amount of the product. I have been using a couple of items with a similar dropper (the Migabee Honey ampoule and the Pro You Oil) and I do enjoy this way of distribution but generally prefer a pump nozzle for convenience sake. The serum doesn’t smell of anything to me, which is great and has a lovely silky consistency that sinks in really well and does not leave a tacky sticky finish like some serums do. I will be including this in my routine as soon as I have finished my current serum.

I don’t know about you though but every time I read ‘Black Pearl’ (here and in the last post with the eye patches) I think of this:

Any excuse for those lovely faces right?

I could not find this product for sale online in the usual places (I will keep looking) but they do have a website at http://www.guaam.com/
This product is listed as 24,600 Won on there (about £14.50) and could possibly be purchased through a shipping service like Avecko (for more information on Avecko and how to use their service please see the wonderful post by Fan B here).

2. YADAH Anti Trouble Bubble Cleanser 150ml
Full size product: 150ml ($27)

Anti Trouble Bubble Cleanser has a foaming formula that delivers gentle acne medication and improves skin’s appearance. It uses Salicylic Acid technology provides a long-acting acne treatment that continues to fight acne and blemishes while herbal extracts soothe and bind moisture to skin to optimise hydration and restore suppleness. The micro bubbles helps to detoxify the pores by clarifying ‘dir and’ oil build up (?? the translation is worse than usual on this one) in the pores. It also helps to control excess oil secretion to prevent breakouts. Approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety administration, this cleanser is recommended as a step one cleanser in acne regimen.

How to use:
Massage a small amount over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Ingredients: Water, TEA-Cocoyl Glumate, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Perfume, Disodium EDTA, Aleo Barbadenisis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract

My Thoughts
Again this product has some pretty impressive claims. As pH testing of skincare is all the rage at the moment (it can be especially useful for those with sensitive skin I understand – something that luckily I don’t suffer from) it is pleasing that this cleanser states that it has a ‘Low acid similar to skin pH’. I don’t have a testing kit myself but I’m sure someone will have a go with this and I will keep an eye out.

Yadah has a website in English (here). The graphics are amazingly cute and they have a whole page dedicated to the ingredients used in their products (here)

(Source)

(Source)

There are no links to the clinical tests mentioned but I will see if I can find further information.

I have used quite a few products with ‘sally acid’ in the past and although I no longer have too many spots (only the occasional hormonal – the one advantage of advanced age), I still quite enjoy using products with it in as I am still extremely shiny and have blackheads and it is known as an effective exfoliant, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory, as well as the anti-microbial spot properties. I have vastly too many cleansers in my stash at the moment but I may push this one forward in the line up so that I can use it during the summer when it’s properties will be best utilised.

I have not been able to find this to buy online but Tester Korea have added other Yadah products to their range on request so that may be worth a go.

3. MAYN Bio Mineraltox Mist 100ml
Full size product: 100ml ($44)

Skin looking dull, tired, lifeless? Makeup looking cakey and not setting in? Bio Mineraltox Mist refreshes, detoxifies, and rejuvenates the skin with detoxifying lemon balm, apple mint, royal jelly, and more and propriety “secret beads” made with ions and mineral water. The micro mist instantly purifies, brightens, clears, and invigorates the skin cells that have been damaged by external aggressors such as dust, alcohol consumption and more for clearer pores, and plumper skin cells, the perfect canvas for absorbing skincare products and makeup.

How to use:
After shaking the mist, hold 20cm away from the face, and gently mist. Reapply as necessary.

The balls!

Ingredients: all in Korean I’m afraid – will try to find a translation.

My Thoughts
This mist strangely reminds me of the maracas that I inevitably was given to play at junior school concerts (it was either that or the triangle) as I was a singularly unmusical child.

If you are not sure what I mean, when you shake the mist it sounds a bit like these (without the bells!):

(Source)

I may have played with this for a few too many minutes…..I will be musical yet!

A few months ago the only facial mists that I had used were the Evian style pure mineral water ones, which do absolutely nothing but be cooling momentarily. All that changed when I found Memebox and the various sprays and mists they have sent me. They do however vary according to the ‘strength’ of the spray that they bestow upon you. Some have a lovely fine misting effect, like being kissed gently in the face by gossamer butterfly wings ……………….

……..others go splat!!

Luckily, this spray is a relatively fine one and I will not constantly feel as though I am taking part in the ALS ice bucket challenge (see here) whilst using it. At the moment I am only using a mist at night (the Priori Lavender one) mainly because I like the smell at bed time but I am saving the others for the summer, when my bedroom is not quite so Arctic.

Again, I can’t find this online, sorry. The best bets for getting hold of some are destashes on Facebook (I have already seen this pop up) and Tester Korea again.

4. ARAON Detox Skin Essence 100ml
Full size product:100ml ($34)

This detoxifying skin essence features a blend of naturally detoxifying ingredients to eliminate even the deepest skin toxins, giving the skin a brighter, more even toned complexion. Formulated with maple water, green tea extract, and other skin detoxifying and renewing ingredients, this essence smooths, plumps and detoxifies for luminous skin that appears visibly renewed.

How to use:
After cleansing, take 2 to 3 pumps of essence and gently massage into the skin. Use after serum.

Ingredients: Acer Mono sap, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Acrylate / Acrylic Acid CoPolymer, 1,2- Hexanediol.

My Thoughts
Now this is interesting! An essence that specifies usage AFTER a serum. Usually I do this the other way around as it is generally agreed that it should go on thickness of product akin to the rate of absorbency into the skin. You start with the thinnest products (toner, essence) and work up to the thicker (serum, ampoules, oils, creams). The wonderful blogger Pico Prince made an gorgeous diagram to illustrate this and that can be found here.

I don’t know how thick this is as I will not open it at the moment. I have a number of other essences to use up first but it will be interesting to see whether the placement of this product makes a difference. Watch this space. It is a very generous size for an essence at 100ml so should last a while.

This is another product that is nigh on impossible to find online – I have no idea what these companies were thinking when providing their products to Memebox when they aren’t even available to purchase. Sort of defeats the object! Of course they could have envisaged an arrangement where Meme would sell their products in their shop .. if so, that definitely didn’t work out!

5. ESTHETIC HOUSE Vitamin 3000 Vitamin B Vita-Capsule Cream 30ml
Full size product: 30ml ($24)

This skin-renewing vitamin B cream helps to soothe irritated and inflamed. The innovative encapsulation technology allows for an effective delivery of pure, potent vitamin B to soothe irritated skin, and calm red, inflamed skin. Layer individually or blend with daily moisturiser to provide optimal results and create a powerful, multi-purpose product – designed to treat your skin’s unique needs.

How to use:
On cleansed and toned skin, apply cream over dark spots and problem areas. Mix a small amount with favorite skincare daily for optimal results.

Ingredients: Only in Korean

My Thoughts
This sounds extremely interesting. Although my skin is not sensitive and does not often get irritated I am thinking that this may come in very handy in the summer for if I catch a bit too much sun.
I tend to go a bit red before I go brown … yes, I know BAD CHARLOTTE!! If this cream does soothe irritated and inflamed skin that sounds absolutely ideal. It is also unscented which is great for that usage and since it can be mixed with your current skincare I can customise it to my needs at the time.

And here’s a first for this review – this cream is available online! This version (at £6.48 / $9.97 and free shipping….. bargain!) and what looks like the entire range of vita capsule creams by Esthetic House are available to buy from Elysia-shop79. I haven’t used this seller myself but they have a 99.8% approval rating at the time of posting. This is the link for the B cream and this is the link for the shop itself.

Conclusion

This was definitely one of the better Memeboxes. It is well curated and the products are interesting, albeit unfortunately not widely available outside Korea (which is sort of the point of being introduced to new products?!). This box seems very well suited to my skin type and needs, especially for the upcoming (probably brief but hopefully not) British summer.

This was the last actual ‘mystery’ box that I received but I will review the Winter Essential Masks box next, which was the one that I got just before the Night Care box. Then bring on the Value sets!!

Memebox Night Care

Ok, let’s get started! I am going to work backwards with the most recent box that I received and will add in links to individual product reviews as and when I do them.

The last box that I received before the Memebox closure announcement (see my post on that here) was the Night Care box, which was renumbered as #1 (the first box of 2015). This box was $29 plus shipping of $6.99 (£24.50 approx) and has a Memevalue (the term often used by Meme customers for their sometimes inflated prices) of $139 (£92.40 approx).

This box did not have an info card (a card detailing the contents and how to use them) but instead had a card with a link to the website where you could find the same information. (here)

This was a very annoying change by Memebox and one that thankfully, they changed back for the last few after this. I don’t know about you but I keep the stash of cards close by for constant reference and having to print out the information is one step too far for lazy old me.

The Box! (Please excuse the quality of the pictures – my uncle gave me his old camera and I am still getting used to it! This was my first batch).

Contents

1. HEART FACE Ultra Pore Care Sleeping Pack 100ml
Full size product: 100ml ($14)

Carefully formulated through the science of fermentation, this Ultra Pore Care Sleeping Pack carries 100% concentrated ferments from galactomyces and natural herbal complex, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera to deeply nourish and rejuvenate the skin overnight to reveal suppler, firmer skin. The non-sticky formula absorbs quickly and smoothly and also helps treat acne prone skin.

How to use:
Apply the sleeping pack generously over the face as the last step to night time skin care.

Ingredients (copied from the sticker covering the other ingredients!): Aqua, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polyacrylate-13 / Polyisobutene / Polysorbate20, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (and) Glyceryl Polymethacrylate (and) Prepylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Polyglutamic Acid, Phenyl Trimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Betaine, Methylparaben, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Disodium ETA, Fragrance.

My Thoughts

I adore the packaging… it is so pretty (in real life not in my photos!).
This sleeping pack was the first spoiler for this box and the reason I decided to buy it, as I had heard great things about this product by bloggers and Facebook posts alike. I am a bit confused by the ingredients list as it is different underneath the sticker on the box (new formulation?) and also different in various places online.

The proof will be in the pudding, so to speak! I have not tried this sleep mask yet as I have one open but depending on expiry date this little chappie may be my next victim………………sorry, next product used!

The description sounds like this pack will be ideal for my very oily, yet dehydrated skin type. Anything that will potentially help my ginormous pores is all right by me! I have been using other products with galactomyces ferments (see upcoming product reviews) and I find that they really suit me.
It has a gel-cream texture and that is ideal, as I often find traditional creamy creams (seriously, that IS the technical term) a bit heavy for my skin. I don’t really suffer from acne anymore, just the occasional hormonal spot, so I won’t be able to test out that part of the claims.

Nourished, Rejuvenated, Suppler, firmer skin though?? Yes, please!

This mask is available at Tester Korea (TK) for 35,000 Won (approx. £21+) , plus postage dependent on what you order. This is a Want product on there, which means that someone has requested it and therefore it is at retail price.

2. MYPU; Black Pearl & Gold Velvet Gel Eye Patch 1.1g X 60ea
Full size product: 1.1g X 60ea ($30)

Each Black Pearl & Gold Velvet Gel Eye Patch is formulated with a blend of premium collagen, hyaluronic acid, black pearl extracts and other essential concentrates to keep your under-eye skin moist, soft and firm. Revive a healthier you by deeply soothing and treating dark circles and fine wrinkles under eyes!

How to use:
Cleanse face thoroughly. Place the gel patches under eyes. Remove after 20~30 minutes. Pat in the remaining essence.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Unshiu peel extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Pentylene Glycol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Algae Extract, Glucose, Charcoal Powder, Colloidol Gold (100ppm, 1%), Rose Extract, Chamomilla Recutita leaf extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Tea Tree Extract, Eucalyptus Extract, Collagen, Glycine Soja Phytoplacenta Extract, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Mica, Pearl Powder.

My Thoughts

Very classy packaging, I like the black and gold. I do like these sort of eye patches and these have some very decent sounding moisturising ingredients. I wear contact lenses / glasses and my eyes have really suffered over the years, especially with too much rubbing for the fine skin there. Consequently, I have ‘some’ fine lines at the side of my eyes when I smile and I am hoping that using these sort of products along with eye creams (which I have been sorely lacking doing previously) will hydrate and lessen the appearance of these, as well as prevent them getting worse in the future.

I am very much enjoying some Black Rice Hydrogel ones that I received in an earlier box (Wish Upon a Mask) and I like relaxing with these on and I have also been putting a whole eye type of patch (the Purederm cucumber ones from the Miracle Masks Box) over the top for added cooling and refreshing when my eyes have been feeling especially gritty and tired.

Apparently you can melt these eye patches down after use so that you can then use the remaining essence – I have no idea how to do that but I will look into it when I do the individual product review (which I will link here).

Unfortunately, I cannot find these available to buy to the UK online. There are a couple of listings on ebay for the US. Tester Korea does stock some very similar sounding ones by different brands which may be worth a go and I’m sure other stockists have similar.

3. AVEC MOI Mask 4 Set
Full size product: 8g + 16g + 16g + 4.5g ($33)

1) Pony Tail Silky Treatment Pack 8g

Experience hair salon results at home with a rich blend of pito collagen, bean protein, silk protein, botanical plus-10, argan oil, olive oil, shea butter, and royal jelly. This hair treatment pack is easy to wear with no need to rinse off afterwards and most importantly deeply nourishes, softens, and strengthens your hair dehydrated and damaged from all those years of blow-drying and hair dyes.

How to use:
Tie up your hair into a high pony tail and place the pony tail into the hair pack, fastening the opening with the provided hair elastic to hold it in place. Gently massage to facilitate absorption of nutrients. Take off the pack after 5~30 minutes.

If it also makes my lips that pouty, I will be one happy lady!

(Source)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Polysorbate 60, Butyrospermum Park II (Shea) Butter, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Natto Gum, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Olea Eurpoaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officnalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Royal Jelly Extract, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Lysine HCL, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Proline, Leucine, Arginine, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Pilygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

My Thoughts

Ok, I do have long hair but I have never conditioned it like this! It is half way down my back and dyed a sort of purple red (‘Ultra Violet’ according to the packet). It is very fine and generally a bit shit. It is one of my many bug bears in life. If this does anything like it promises I will buy the world supply (would need to win the lottery first!). I am willing to give it a go. Come back for further instalments!

2) Shea Butter Special Care Foot Mask 16g

This is a deeply moisturizing foot mask enriched with shea butter, macadamia oil, vitamin E, and fresh herbal complex to replenish and soften dry, calloused skin on your foot. Its gentle formula is free of paraben, benzophenone, artificial pigment, etc.

How to use:
Wash both feet thoroughly. Separate the foot mask along the dotted line and wear each on each foot, fastening with the provided sticker. It’s recommended to massage the feet to facilitate absorption of nutrients. Remove after 15~20 minutes.

Loving the smiley!

(Source)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, PEG-8, Mineral Oil, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-40 Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Royal Jelly Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Macadamia Integriflolia Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Betaine, Urea, Salicylic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Melaleuca Alternifoia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Fragrance

My Thoughts

Since discovering K Beauty I have heard a lot about foot peeling. There are many products by most of the well known brands that will ‘encourage’ your feet to peel and slough away all that nasty, hard dry skin. I have not yet tried this wondrous process but I have heard many encouraging reports of it’s effectiveness and indeed, have one to try from the Scrub 2 box.

Apparently, the process can be moved along by soaking and moisturising your feet during the week to 2 weeks that this magical process gets to work …and that is what I am going to use this mask for! I intend to do this come spring, so that I (hopefully!) have the feet of a baby come exposure time! How much exposure time they get is entirely dependent on the British weather and also whether I can be bothered to stop wearing my very comfy and practical (pretty much glued to my feet) biker boots.

NB: I don’t usually moisturise my feets … they are extremely ticklish, even if it is me doing it. Seriously, I once almost kicked a masseuse in the face whilst having a very posh Hot Stone massage at a very nice hotel in Mexico …..and I actually did kick a cowboy in the noggin on the same holiday, as he helped me up bareback (and bare foot) onto a horse on the beach. (Hell, at least I didn’t have the aforementioned boots on, I doubt he would have much of a face left!)

I say this, as this sort of mask may be a very good way of getting some moisture into a much neglected part of my body.

3) Camellia Special Care Hand Mask 16g

This is a pair of replenishing hand masks formulated from a nourishing blend of camellia extracts, collagen, vitamin E, argan oil, and natural herbal complex. They’re easy to wear and leave dry, rough hands significantly softer and suppler.

How to use:
Wash hands thoroughly. Separate the hand mask along the dotted line and wear each on each hand. Gently massage both hands together. Remove after 15~20 minutes.

Another friendly mask packet!

(Source)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, PEG-8, Mineral Oil, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-40 Stearate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Orbitan Sesquioleate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Betaine, Urea, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Fragrance

My Thoughts

A Hand mask! Not much more to say other than luckily my hands are not as sensitive as my feet. I have traditionally neglected them though …. Really, a LOT.
I only started using a hand cream at the end of November when I received one that I absolutely loved in a box. I am now onto my second and will be ordering more of the first very soon. So my more neglected hands could probably do with some serious pampering. I am sure I will enjoy these masks, although looking at the image above I will feel a bit like a serial killer whilst wearing them.

(Source)

4) Intensive Nail Pack 4.5g

This Intensive Nail Pack is made with cacao seed butter, milk protein, hydrolyzed bean protein, hydrolyzed collagen, honey, macadamia oil, and more naturally derived ingredients for delivering intensive moisture resurge and rich nourishment to dry, cracked nails.

How to use:
Wash hands thoroughly. Separate the nail pack into 10 smaller packs and wear them over each finger. Remove after 15~20 minutes.

More smiley fun …

(Source)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Milk Protein Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Honey Extract, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, Laureth-7, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

My Thoughts

These are little pouches that you wear over the end of each finger. I often get overgrown cuticles, most likely a result of the aforementioned lack of general hand care. I hope these may help.
I have another brand to try as well in comparison from the original Thumbs Up box.

Which will be more effective? ..

(Source)

Again I have found it difficult to find this brand to buy online. However, there are plenty of similar products out there in the usual places.

4. TOSOWOONG Natural Pure Snail Essence 60ml
Full size product: 60ml ($24)

With its formula consisting 20% of pure snail mucin filtrates and 40% of fresh birch tree leaf water, this Natural Pure Snail Essence from Tosowoong is a miracle worker for skin brightening and anti-wrinkle results. It not only moisturizes and firms up dry, sagging skin but also helps fight all sorts of skin problems – acne, blemishes, uneven moisture & oil balance, etc.

How to use:
Apply the essence over your face after toner application. Gently pat it in for full absorbance. Follow with emulsion and/or cream.

Yum, snail!!

Ingredients: only in Korean, if anyone can translate please comment. I will try and find or do a translation for when I do a product review.

My Thoughts

Although there is not an English ingredients list, the box does list the main important ones on the front, they are: Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Extract (Black Chokeberry), Betula Alba (Birch) Leaf Water, Snail Secretion Filtrate and rh- Oligopeptide – 1 (EGF).

I generally do trust Tosowoong products however. I am accumulating quite a stash of this brand from my boxes. I think I have the entire Syn-ake line, an aloe product and a Bee one. I am using the absolutely wonderful Benton Snail Bee Essence in the mornings at the moment and have had amazing results. I have, in fact, purchased back-ups. I will look forward to including this at night when I have finished my current night essence and I will see if it is as good (fight!!? No?)

This is available on ebay from Tosowoong themselves. It looks like you are better off bidding though as the cost to ‘Buy it Now’ is silly.  At the time of publishing, the starting bid was $9.80 (£6.50).

5. D’RAN Wonder Lifting Eye Cream 25g
Full size product: 25g ($35)

This Wonder Lifting Eye Cream from D’Ran will brighten and firm up the dry, thin skin around your eyes. Enriched with a moisturizing blend of beta glucan, macadamia see oil, argan oil, jojoba seed oil, and EGF, it gently protects the sensitive skin while replenishing and balancing out the skin tone from within.

How to use:
Apply the eye cream gently using your ring finger.

Please work!

Ingredients: Water, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Betaine, Glyceryl Stearates, Cetearul Alcohol, Myristic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cyclomethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Beta-Glucan, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Bees Wax, Arbutin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Human Oligopeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Phenoxythanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

My Thoughts

This D’Ran Wonder Lifting Eye Cream has some very interesting ingredients and although this is my first product from this brand I have heard generally good things about them. As I said previously, I do get some fine lines and thin skin (although definitely not dry) so I am hoping to improve this. I have recently started one I received from another K Beauty fan (Thanks Martha!!) but I do get through them fairly quickly and this will likely be next.

I cannot find this available to buy online at the moment. A TK (Tester Korea) request may be in order if this proves miraculous.

6. SWITCH PATCH Elephant 3-Step! Black Head Nose Pack 7g
Full size product: 7g ($3)

This is an easy 3-step nose pack for opening up, unclogging, and tightening back your pores for treating excess blackheads on the nose. The step 1 is a cotton mask sheet enriched with witch hazel water, lemon balm extracts, and grapefruit extracts and works to melt and extract the excess blackhead and sebum. The step 2 is a peel-off type nose pack made from lemon extracts and aloe vera leaf water. Lastly, the step 3 bio-cellulose mask sheet stretches out 8cm and effectively soothes and firms back the enlarged pores with a gentle blend of lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus extracts.

How to use:
Place the step 1 sheet over clean nose and remove after 15~20 minutes. Wet nose with a little bit of water and place the step 2 sheet over. Remove after 10~15 minutes. Then again place the step 3 sheet over nose and remove after 5~10 minutes.

Loving the elephant! Very Dumbo-esque

Ingredients: Again these are only in Korean. Will see if I can find a translation.
My Thoughts

I love anything that promises to do stuff to my pores! This is a one-time use pack (like the Avec Moi set), which is a shame as it is always better to try things more than once to get a real picture of whether they work or not.
I very much hope that my adorable blackheads are sucked up and disappear just like in the picture. If they close up the caverns as well, all the better. I will report back once the magic has happened (or not…)!

I found this pack on ebay for the wonderful price of US $114.99 for 10 packs!! Supply and demand! Of course, other brands make very similar packs for a lot less money in the usual places. I may purchase some and do a comparison in the future.

Conclusion

I think that Meme did a decent job curating this box. I will get use out of all the products, there are none I will pass on to others due to being unsuitable or not liking and although a few of the products are not really classed as night care specifically, it is a solid box and a good value for money. I do wish that there were more than one of the one use products though as always.

Thank you for reading my first proper review post and please let me know in the comments what you thought and if you have any complaints, compliments or ideas.

Memebox – a sad story…

A tad over dramatic? Let me tell you a story…..

Memebox (RIP) was a K Beauty Shop based in Seoul, South Korea (with a warehouse and offices in San Francisco, USA and a dedicated US shop operated from there).

For 5 glorious months, I have been discovering the wondrous world of Korean Beauty through their many myriad, themed boxes and the online store. Memebox was not a subscription box as we would normally see in the UK (think Glossy and Birch) but had regular themed boxes that you could buy individually, that would then be shipped to you within about 2 weeks from the shipping date (for standard shipping). I will be reviewing some of my recent boxes in the next few days and many of the products will pop up as individual product reviews as I work my way through my stash.

Alas, this service is no more …it’s passed on! It has ceased to be! It’s expired and gone to meet its maker! (slightly dodgy paraphrasing there. Thanks MP). There are rumours that it is just resting …but we shall see.

As of February 10th, unless you are based in either the USA, Korea or China, you are shit out of luck when it comes to getting your hands on one of the coveted pink boxes. (see announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/memeboxglobal/posts/920957937923148)

Life isn’t fair, as evidenced by this short bunny intermission, whilst I cry and kick things:

(Courtesy of Bunny Shaming on Facebook)

Apart from losing out on trying new things –  as opposed to ordering boring old goods of the internets (more of that later), the Memebox community has grown into a wild, untamed (despite all admin attempts!) and glorious place to hangout. There are a number of Facebook groups where life will now be a little sadder and less obviously international, as members inevitably drop off. I have made some great friends from our shared love of K beauty and hopefully, that can continue from now on ….just with a pink box-shaped hole.

It is this international community that has helped Memebox become the company that it is today. We made them a success, we spent a LOT of money and we brought in their sales through the affiliate programme. They say that this decision is due to ‘shipping problems’. I say that is total bollocks (other companies manage just fine and it would be easily sorted with decent customer services in case of problems and smart logistics).

I have my suspicions as to the real reasons but in the meantime, they will operate out of their physical warehouse in the aforementioned countries with presumably quicker shipping but much more expensive products (the US shop has shown that already).

Will we be here when/if they return?? We shall see. They would have to provide a hell of a lot of incentives to regain our trust again and I do hope that in the meantime another company takes advantage and fills the hole left by their departure. I think they will regret this decision in a big way but that is no longer our problem.

I will be reviewing some of the boxes and products In have received over the coming months. This may be helpful to those that can still buy if they ever do restocks again and to the rest of us, as I add in links to the individual product reviews (as and when I use them) and where else to buy them. There will not be links to Memebox to purchase obviously but if you want to check them out they can be found at Memebox.