Memebox Changes and Haul #1

Disclaimer: I purchased this.

In early March Memebox announced some changes they will be making, which prompted 2 separate purchases on my part. Here is a screenshot of part of the announcement I received via email:

Since Memepoints expire on April 30 (plus they added $5 in points to my account), I did a little shopping.

Our Remedy for Sensitive Skin Set

The Our Remedy for Sensitive Skin Set ($22) is no longer available, although most of the items are if purchased separately. The Holika Holika 99% Aloe Vera Gel ($8) will be great for my skin now that the weather is getting warmer. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which came in handy when I needed  something to soothe some raw spots caused by allergies on Lily, my miniature Schnauzer.

The Tea Tree Refresh Calming Toner by Secret Key ($10) is targeted towards those with oily or acne-prone skin, which makes it a good option for me. It is supposed to calm break outs and inflammation, as well as regulate sebum production.  The ingredient list looks like it could deliver on it's claims, so we shall see:
Tea Tree Leaf Water, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Plantago Asiatica Extract, Laminaria digitata, Ulmus campestris, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, 4-terpineol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Nonoxynol-12, Lemon Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Althaea rosea, Aloe Barbadensis, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

The Enzyme Powder Wash ($9) by Tosowoong is a powder-to-foam mild cleanser that is enriched with vitamin E. I'm excited to see it has a pH level of 5.5, as my skin does better with gentle cleansers. I dual cleanse my skin each evening, which means I use an oil cleanser to remove my makeup and then a second cleanser, typically one that foams. This should fit nicely into that slot. I'll be interested to see how it compares to the other enzyme powder I own, which is from Amore Pacific and is quite pricey ($60) compared to this one.

This set also contained 4 masks, a Donkey Milk Healing mask ($2) and 3 Dr. Troubex Sparkling masks ($1.50 ea). I really enjoy the Donkey Milk masks and purchased multiples in every variety to round up my purchase to the free shipping amount in both hauls.

I also purchased a travel kit from Manyo Factory so that I could try out a variety of their products. Manyo Factory is a newer (2012) South Korean skincare company that utilizes only natural, organic, and botanical ingredients in their products. Consequently, the shelf life of their products is only about 6 months, which makes the travel sized items quite appealing to me as well. I'm currently using these and should have a full review up in a few weeks. Initial impressions are positive :-)

It will be interesting to see what Memebox will be like with the new changes. It sounds like they will be focusing more on their own brands Nooni, Pony Effect and I'm MeMe, while other brands will be sold and shipped directly by their partner retailers. I missed out on the early Memeboxes when the site first launched, which were great values, but I have really enjoyed the accessibility to Korean brands they have provided. They also have a 25% off code for their clearance items going on right now, in case you need to stock up on anything.  

Benton Memebox Review

Disclaimer: I purchased this.

Back in May I purchased the Benton Box ($30) from Memebox. Now that I've been using the products for a little over 2 months, I thought it was time to give them a proper review. For reference, I have oily, congested skin with under the skin bumps (sebaceous hyperplasia) and dark spots from sun damage from years of living on the Gulf Coast and an aversion to wearing sun screen (now reformed).

If you are not familiar with Benton, they are a South Korean brand that features a skincare product line made from snail mucus and bee venom, appropriately named Snail Bee. Those are two ingredients that my oily skin really enjoys, and while I've used both snail mucus and bee venom separately in other products, this was the first time I was able to use products with a combination of both. The products also feature niacinamide (skin brightening, improve elasticity, enhance skin barrier) and green tea (antioxidant), as well as other plant extracts with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation benefits.

Included in the Benton box (now sold out, although I wouldn't be surprised if it comes back around again) are:

• 3 Snail Bee High Content Mask Packs: these facial masks have become a favorite.  They are plenty hydrating without leaving a sticky residue on my face, something I really don't like and is not that uncommon with sheet masks. The sheets are completely saturated with essence and I can wear these for a good 30 minutes of refreshing coolness.
  
  
• Snail Bee High Content Skin ($15): a toner designed to hydrate and prep the skin for better absorption of other skin care products. Used immediately after cleansing, I do a few pumps into my hands and apply directly to my face, patting it in as opposed to rubbing.  Alternately, I sometimes apply it to a 2-piece facial sheet that I let sit on the skin for a few seconds before tearing it apart and lightly swiping over my face.
  
• Snail Bee High Content Essence ($18): I've really been enjoying using the High Content Essence during the day, as it's light texture works well in the summer heat and provides enough moisture when used in combination with a hydrating toner that I don't feel the need to add another moisturizer to the mix.  Ingredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Arbutin, Zenthoxylum Peperitum Fruit Extract, Uanea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Bee Venom, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Plantago Asiatica Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Ulmus Campestris (Elm) Extract, Althaea rosea flower extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Bacillus Ferment, Azelaic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Human Oligopeptide-1, Allantoin, Arginine, Panethnol
  
  
• Snail Bee High Content Lotion ($15): A light weight moisturizer that I use sporadically when I feel like my skin needs more moisture than the toner and essence supply on their on. It  doesn't seem to make my skin more oily and works will under makeup, and I can see using this even more during the cooler weather months.
  
• Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream ($15): This moisturizer is made using a process where high temperature steam in injected into the ingredients, which helps the ingredients work better together plus gives the cream a lightweight creamy texture.  I haven't used this much at all, as I'm waiting for cooler weather when my skin is not in oil hyper drive. I did read one review which said the lotion was more moisturizing than the steam cream, so I should probably give this one a go to see for myself. I did read some reviews from people who said the steam cream broke them out, but the ingredients look pretty clean to me, based on cosDNA.
  
  
• Honest TT Mist ($8): I used this as a makeup setting spray, and I loved it!  It's on the smaller side but lasted 2 months, which isn't bad for near daily use. Good stuff.

The box also contained samples of the Aloe BHA Skin Toner and Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel. I've since bought a full size of the Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel, I like it so much.  I'll leave that to another review, however.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that several years back Benton experienced a contamination issue with their Snail Bee line.  Benton uses only natural preservatives, which means their products have a limited shelf life (both the origin and expiration dates are clearly marked on the packaging) and they can become unstable at extreme temperatures. I admit I was a bit nervous, as you never know the storage or shipping conditions of items, especially those originating so far away. I did some skin testing prior to fully immersing myself in the products, and have not experienced any problems at all.  I really like this line! 

I will continue to use the toner and essence during the rest of the summer, as they are worked very well for me. I'll incorporate the lotion and steam cream more once the temps cool down and my skin needs a bit more moisture.

Nooni Snowflake Micro-Cleansing Balm

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

Yes, I've fallen through the Memebox trap door.  I'm not unhappy about it, as I've definitely discovered some skincare products that I am enjoying, and Memebox often runs specials that make relatively inexpensive Korean beauty products (compared to Western brands) an even better deal.  I hauled some skincare items back in May, including this cleansing balm, and after almost 2 months of use I'm ready to review!

First up, what exactly is a cleansing balm?  Well, it's the solid equivalent of a cleansing oil, which you would use as your first cleanser in a 2-step cleansing regimen, followed typically by a second foaming cleanser.  I love my oil cleansers and DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil remains my favorite in that category, but cleansing balms are relatively new to me.

Nooni is Memebox's house brand, featuring products made with mineral-rich Jeju spring water from Jeju Island in South Korea. Mineral oil is actually the first ingredient in this cleansing balm, and I admit I've had to get over looking down my nose at mineral oil as an ingredient. I can definitely say I've experienced no problems from using it, and apparently unless you have a skin reaction to mineral oil, it works quite well at removing makeup, sunscreen, and other tough to remove products. Other key ingredients in this cleansing balm are Shea Butter, Citrus Peel Extract, and Lotus Flower Extract.  There is a soft floral fragrance that is not overpowering and dissipates quickly.

When I ordered they were running a special where you could get the cleansing balm ($23) and a sample size of their Sprout Smoothing Toner for $16.  Since I had just run out of my cleansing oil, in my cart it went.  Here is Memebox's instructions for use:

• Step 1: Cleansing balm - It starts off with a balm texture that melts into your skin like snowflake. Cleansing balm allows for a mess-free, easy application.
• Step 2: Cleansing oil - The balm turns into an oil as you massage into your skin. Cleansing oil is the most powerful form of cleansing that dissolves makeup, sunblock and oil-based impurities such as sebum.
• Step 3: Cleansing milk - Massage once more with wet hands to emulsify the oil. Cleansing milk gently lifts away the oil and water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt.

The amount on the spatula above does a good job of removing my makeup, with the exception of a bit of mascara that is still left.  My second cleanser generally removes any remaining traces and my skin is left feeling clean, supple, soft, and ready for my night time skincare routine.  Since I generally only use the cleansing balm at night, I've got over half a tub left after about 2 months of use. Quite happy with the Nooni Snowflake cleansing balm and could see myself repurchasing!

Sheet Masks and Weeds Are Taking Over: Memebox FOMO Mask Unboxing

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

I enjoy using the occasional sheet mask once or twice a week, but when I saw the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Mask Box on presale at Memebox for $39, I decided it was time to up my sheet mask game. I was able to use some MemePoints which knocked off $5, making this mystery box of masks even more attractive. Let's see what was inside, starting with these fun colored, albeit landfill cluttering little pods from Prelab. For the few masks I've already used I'll include a more detailed description.

Prelab Skin Energy Mask - White Energy $2

Prelab Skin Energy Mask - Wrinkle Energy $2

Prelab Skin Energy Mask - Soothing Energy $2

Prelab Skin Energy Mask - Aqua Energy $2

I've used the Prelab Aqua Energy mask, which was heavily saturated with essence and features sea water to deeply hydrate dry and rough skin. My skin is oily but I'm coming to the conclusion that it's also dehydrated, and this mask did a good job of moisturizing without feeling too heavy or breaking me out. The  mask itself is 100% natural fiber derived from botanical plants and my biggest issue was unfolding it, but beyond that it fit and wore well.  There was enough essence to smooth it down from the mask onto my neck and decollete with a wear time of about 35-40 minutes.

Ingredients:  Water, methylpropanediol, glycerin, butylene glycol, sea water, trehalose, sodium hayluronate, allantoin, panthenol, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, xanthan gum, tromethamine, carbomer, disodium edta, ethlhexylglycerin, chlorphenesin, ethyl hexanediol, 1,2-hexandiol, fragrance.

The most represented brand was Mediheal, and I'll start with the fancy masquerade themed Dress Code series, which allows you to play dress up while treating your skin. 

Mediheal Dress Code in Blue - Aqua Care $3

The Blue Aqua Care contains hyaluronic acid, lavender extract, and rosemary extract to hydrate dry and rough skin.

Mediheal Dress Code in Violet - Tone-Up Care $3

The Violet Tone-Up Care contains several high quality berry oils and extracts to help brighten and revitalize the skin.

Mediheal Dress Code in Red - Ginseng Care $3

The Red Ginseng Care contains ginseng as its main ingredient, which is supposed to help the skin develop stronger cells. Other key ingredients are

• Trehalose:  rehydrating and water binding properties, antioxident 
• Betaine: humectant and anti-irritant  
• Fig Extract: hydrating and provides enzymatic exfoliating action 10x greater than papaya 
• Mulberry Extract: lightens age spots and uneven skin tone
• Gingko Biloba Extract: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

The mask was richly saturated with essence to the point where I was able to wear it for a good 35-40 minutes. My skin felt mildly tacky afterwards but not to the point where it bothered me for felt like too much for my skin, something I've noticed with some masks. My skin was plumped, well hydrated, and I did not experience any morning after whiteheads, which sometimes happens when I use overly emollient sheet masks. Overall, thumbs up.

Mediheal also has a more medical looking series of masks, no doubt connoting serious ingredients for serious skincare benefits. Or at least I'm hoping:

Mediheal E.G.T. Timetox Ampoule Mask $4 (firming)

Mediheal I.P.I Lightmax Hydro Nude Gel Mask $4 (brightening)

Mediheal N.M.F. Aquaring Hydro Nude Gel Mask $4 (moisturizing)

Mediheal P.D.F A.C-Defense Hydro Nude Gel Mask $4 (acne and oil control)

Mediheal P.D.F. A.C Dressing Ampoule Mask $4 (heal and sooth irritated, troubled skin)

Mediheal Mogongtox Soda Bubble Sheet $4 (deep cleansing and exfoliating)

Mediheal I.P.I. Lightmax Ampoule Mask $4 (brightening)

Mediheal N.M.F. Aquaring Ampoule Mask $4 (moisture regulating)

I think the most visually appealing set of masks to me is the Banobagi Vita Genic jelly masks.  I like the simple and colorful design and that I can tell what each mask's primary purpose is at a glance, without having to look up acronyms (I'm eyeing you, Mediheal). These are currently $6 at Memebox, and I received 2 of each:

The sneak peek mask was the Oozoo Face Injection Mask Hydro Lift ($5), which features a separate serum with anti-aging and hydrating ingredients including Ceramide, Ectoine and Beta-Glucan that you inject into the mask.  Fancy.

Also high on the visually pleasing scale but rather low on quality (based on Be-light's usage) are the Urban Dollkiss masks (6 total). The currency artwork is stunning, but the masks themselves are on the small side and rather dry. I guess they will be good for nights when I don't want to sit with a mask on my face for 30-40 minutes, as the one I tried was dry after about 10 minutes.  Oh well, let's enjoy the artwork.

Urban Dollkiss Welcome to Korea Be-light $2

Urban Dollkiss Welcome to Korea Impact Essential $2

Urban Dollkiss Welcome to Korea Moistful $2

Urban Dollkiss Welcome to Korea Solution $2

There were a total of 30 masks from 5 different brands, which averages out to $1.13/mask for what I paid. Personally, the reasonable price + the variety = happiness for me. I can get a bit overwhelmed when perusing Kbeauty products, so something like this helps me experiment and discover without spending endless amounts of time reading reviews prior to purchasing. Not that that isn't fun as well....but you get the point.  The FOMO Mask box is sold out, but Memebox is always adding new boxes, so I'm sure something comparable will be coming down the pike.