3B Box is a monthly subscription box that helps you discover popular Asian beauty products.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: 3B Box
The Cost: $12 per month
The Products: 4-5 sample- and full-size Asian beauty products
Ships to: US
Check out all our 3B Box reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
Each bag comes with a helpful info card that I recommend keeping safe if there aren't English instructions on product packaging.
Dermal Dream Sea Cucumber Supreme Mask - $4 (on sale for $1)
Dermal Dream is a new brand to me. Although I've eaten sea cucumbers before (they taste ok) I wasn't sure what nutritional benefits to expect from a sheet mask. This mask contains collagen, arginine, and alanine for anti-aging and brightening effects. It also has "refined sea snail serum" to nourish, moisturize, and lift the skin. It has a citrusy scent when I first applied it to my face that disappeared after several minutes. I like how the mask fits on my small-ish face: no extra material sagging under my chin, and eye holes are properly placed. After the mask was off my face felt hydrated and plump. Best of all it didn't feel sticky afterwards, which is one of my biggest sheet mask pet peeves.
Skinfood My Shortcake Setting Mascara - $7.99
This Skinfood mascara claims to make lashes thicker, longer, and darker. It gives my lashes some nice volume and length but doesn't flake. It also dries pretty quickly but can get clumpy if you're awful at applying mascara like I am. The majority of mascaras I've tried irritate my contacts and this one was no exception. It had to be removed after a few hours, so sadly I can't attest to the formula's longevity or smudge-ableness.
CosRx Blackhead Silk Finger Balls - $5
These are 100% silk balls that are meant for gentle exfoliation and removing sebum and blackheads. First you soak the balls in warm water for 2-3 minutes. Then, put in on your finger and massage the face or in target areas. Each ball can probably be used two or three times before you chuck them. There are twelve finger balls total. I currently don't have any blackheads to test out that claim, but the balls are silky soft and fun to experiment with.
Secret Key Witch Hazel Pore Clear Toner 248ml/8.4oz - $18 (on sale for $10)
Secret Key is a great, inexpensive Korean brand. Witch hazel is an astringent and anti-inflammatory and is perfect to use on my oily/acne-prone skin type. I've already incorporated this into my skincare routine. It has a medium-strength floral scent that may be off-putting to more sensitive users. Alcohol is also the second ingredient, so those who try to avoid alcohol in their skincare should be aware. The toner feels moisturizing and dries quickly. The scent is slowly growing on me.
Verdict: I think this month's 3B Box is amazing, especially compared to last month's! All four items were full size and the Secret Key toner is very compatible with my skin. I also discovered a new awesome non-sticky mask brand, Dermal Dream. Total retail value is about $35, or $24 if you count sale prices. Either way it's at least double the cost of subscription.
I'll say it again: the thing about Asian beauty is that it’s hard to determine a true retail value. Similarly, you can find individual items received in subscription boxes for cheaper on internationally-based retailers or on Amazon. Cheaper prices, however, do not account for other factors such as shipping costs, slow international shipping time, or item authenticity. I enjoy subscription boxes, especially 3B Box, for curating and shipping those items to me without having to hassle about comparison shopping and shipping charges.
What do you think of this month's 3B Box?
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