Memebox is a Korean beauty shop that curates themed boxes and sells beauty products from multiple brands.
This review is of the Mini K-Beauty Travel Kit.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Memebox
The Cost: $10 (cost varies for each box)
The Products: Korean beauty products centered around a theme.
Ships to: US only
Check out all of our MemeBox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory for more makeup and skincare boxes!
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Memebox has undergone some big changes since MSA's first review in 2014. For example, the California-based US site now ships only within the country (there are separate Memebox sites for China and Korea). They've also begun selling in-house brands such as Nooni and Bon Vivant.
Memebox describes this as "a trial-sized travel pouch to introduce novices to the world of K-beauty (aficionados also welcome!)." The items come packaged in a travel-friendly bag. The info card organizes samples into what types of skincare they are, such as cleansers, toners, essences, and moisturizers. The best part about this card is that they list what order each item should be incorporated in your skincare routine. For example, essences and serums should be applied after washing and toning the face. Heavier creams and lotions should be applied as one of the last steps in the routine.
Botanic Farm Grain Ferment Cleansing Sherbet 10ml sample - $3
This my favorite find from the kit. The Cleansing Sherbet is a cleansing balm that works as a wonderful makeup remover. In the tub it's a solid sherbet/balm texture. When you scoop a dime-sized amount out and warm it up between your fingers, the balm turns into more of an oily liquid. When I massage that all over my face, dissolve the makeup, and wash it with water, the cleanser emulsifies into a milky liquid. I feel no greasy residue afterwards, just a nice clean face. I do detect a slight floral fragrance but it goes away quickly. Overall, I like that it's easy to work with and doesn't make my face feeling oily afterwards. Plus this would be awesome for travel-- no spills!
Re:cipe Slowganic Cleanser in Adlay 10g sample - $2.4
This facial cleanser looks like cottage cheese but it smells faintly of citrus. It's fun to play with this unusual putty-like texture. The info card says it's handmade from 98% natural ingredients. I didn't know what adlay was so I looked it up-- it's another name for Job's tears, a plant native to Southeast Asia. It's a yummy grain too! Subscribers will receive this in Adlay, Green Tea, or Lemon.
There was no ingredient list on Memebox so I found it off of another site, linked here.
Benton Honest Cleansing Foam 8g sample - $0.64
It doesn't smell like much, gives pretty good foam, and leave my face feeling clean! Nothing bad to say about this one.
Closeup on the Botanic Farm cleansing sherbet.
Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Special Kit - $9?
This sampler kit from Innisfree includes the Green Tea Balancing Skin (15ml), Green Tea Balancing Lotion (15ml), and Green Tea Balancing Cream (5ml).
"Skin" here means toner. It's a bit more viscous than water and is really moisturizing. It has a slight floral fragrance that might be obtrusive for sensitive noses. The Balancing Lotion is slightly thicker than the Balancing Skin and has that same fragrance. The Balancing Cream is a lightweight moisturizer that melts almost instantly into my skin. The cream has the least noticeable fragrance out of the trio. I'm a fan of green tea in my skincare but the fragrance in this set is almost a little too much for me, so I'm not keen on finishing these.
Innisfree Green Tea Serum sample packet
This Green Tea Serum is one of the most popular products from Innisfree. I typically think serums would be thick and emollient but this serum is lightweight. It's meant to hydrate, soothe, and brighten irritated, dull skin.
Dear by Enprani Bounce Cheese Cream sample packet
This fancy cream is made with cheese proteins and promotes firmness and elasticity in the skin. I like the light scent and it doesn't feel heavy when applied lightly.
Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off sample packet
I've used this wash off mask before from the PinkSeoul box. It's a gritty, nourishing mask and sugar scrub in one. While the mask is thick, Memebox recommends mixing it with water or toner to reduce irritation to the skin. Overall though, this is gentle for a physical exfoliator. The sample packet contains enough for two uses.
CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence sample packet
Snail mucin is apparently "scientifically and dermatologically proven" to repair damaged skin and promote skin cell regeneration. The essence is a little bit sticky when applied but not enough to feel stifling.
CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid sample packet
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), apple water, and glycolic acid in this liquid clear whiteheads, clogged pores, and removes dead skin with gentle chemical exfoliation.
CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid sample packet
In this Blackhead Power Liquid, BHA, or salicylic acid, removes dead skin cells and prevent blackheads from appearing with gentle chemical exfoliation.
It's Skin Power 10 Formula YE Effector sample packet
One of It's Skin's mottos is "Clinical skin solution." Each of these Power 10 Effectors are formulated to treat a particular concern or condition. The YE Effector contains yeast extract to impart anti-aging properties and hydrate skin.
It's Skin Power 10 Formula SYN-AKE sample packet
The SYN-AKE effector contains synthetically-made snake venom to firm skin and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
It's Skin Power 10 Formula PO Effector sample packet
The PO Effector is designed to treat large pores with houttuynia cordata extract, a plant indigenous to Asia. It is great for sebum control and blackhead prevention.
It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector sample packet
The VC Effector contains Vitamin C derivatives to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin pigmentation. Vitamin C in skincare is known to even out and brighten the skin.
It's Skin Power 10 Formula WH Effector sample packet
The WH Effector is formulated with arbutin, a skin-lightening ingredient that inhibits the production of melanin. This liquid is good for brightening the skin tone and holds anti-aging properties.
Verdict: I'm usually not a fan of foil packets but the sheer variety and quantity of samples were very exciting! The retail value stated by Memebox is $22. I liked being able to test out a lot of different products from several Korean brands at once. The included plastic pouch is also a nice cherry on top. If you're looking to dip your toes into some Korean skincare products without overcommitting, this Travel Kit would be a great place to start. It is also a fun introduction to the sometimes intimidating Korean multi-step skincare routine.
What do you think of Memebox's Mini K-Beauty Travel Kit?
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