Facebook PixelMemeBox Mini K-Beauty Travel Kit Subscription Box Review - April 2016 | MSA
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MemeBox Mini K-Beauty Travel Kit Subscription Box Review – April 2016

Nancy Su
ByNancy SuMay 12, 2017 | 17 comments

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MemeBox
3.8 overall rating
119 Ratings | 11 Reviews

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.)

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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!

Keep Track of your subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

Memebox-Mini-Travel-Kit-Contents

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.

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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.

Memebox-Mini-Travel-Kit-Cleansers

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.

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Closeup on the Botanic Farm cleansing sherbet.

Memebox-Mini-Travel-Kit-Innisfree

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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MemeBox is a monthly one-time purchase box that features beauty products from Korea.
Nancy Su
Nancy Su
Nancy began her subscription box adventure in 2014 and never looked back. She loves Asian beauty and is constantly in search of skincare holy grails. She hoards lipsticks. Her favorites are beauty, lifestyle, and jewelry subscriptions.

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17 comments

Adele

I’ve been wanting to try one of their boxes and this one did it. I bought one for me, one for my sister and with a coupon it brought the cost down a little, made the shipping fee not so bad. Thanks for the review!

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jenny

I am a total memebox addict. I started with the Benton box and the one reviewed above, and it’s led me down the rabbit hole of Korean skin care. I think this is a fantastic company (I rarely have trouble making it to the $35 price point for free shipping!) and their selection of products, combined with detailed instructions on their use, is outstanding. I recently placed an order for 3 different boxes and when I received my shipment I found they had thrown in a haircare box for free! awesome!

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Flubs

This is a really good box! I love that you get so many samples to test out. And although I don’t like the shipping cost, I thankfully saw something else on the site I want so it works out in my favor.
Thanks for the heads up, Nancy!

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Nyx

I have this one and the Benton kit and I love them both.. I am really getting into the “ritual” of K-Beauty products. As it turns out, I was kinda doing that anyway, with products I picked up here and there, washing, toning, then layering various serums and finishing off with the heavier creams. When I realized that’s a big part of what K-Beauty is all about, I knew I had to try a few more and got these kits. The shipping just went up this week, btw, they sent out an email explaining why they did it and if you were already a member you got $5 worth of memepoints to soften the blow. I immediately bought a whole slew of masks and serums I’ve been wanting to try. I am super happy with memembox, overall. I had to laugh last week as I sat with a mask of snail slime and bee venom on my face, wondering what my peeps would think. 🙂

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Nancy Su

I immediately used my credit to buy the Etude House 121 brush and some face makeup. Impulse shopping is savage.

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Alicia

I’m a K-beauty veteran and this is a fantastic box. That Recipe: By Nature adlay cleanser is an HG of mine! So, so good. The full size comes in the cutest, reusable jar – it doesn’t smell like citrus, though. Anything by Recipe: is great, actually!

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Sherry

I’ve been looking for a $10 K-beauty box!!! I might have to take the plunge, this one looked awesome!! (I don’t mind foils to begin with – and this makes it fun to try so many different products!)

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Dom

I am in the minority, but I enjoy foils. I have a super stash of them to use whenever I run out of something or for travelling and convenience.

If you want to try inexpensive KBeauty boxes, I recommend the 3B Box. It’s $12 a month and they often include at least 1 full size product and additional deluxe samples. Memebox has great full size theme boxes that I recommend if you’re wanting to start a KBeauty collection.

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LoRi

I’ve gotten two Misstutii bags so far and I’ve really liked them. It’s $15 a month and mostly Korean products.

Dom

I highly recommend CosRx to anyone curious about getting into Asian skincare (or anyone in general). Their products are reasonably priced and effective. That BHA Blackhead Essence is incredible! I used to have bad blackheads on my nose, but since I started incorporating this essence in my skincare routine, the blackheads have significantly disappeared. I have a cleanser from them too which is great as well.

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Rachel

I absolutely second this! Cosrx is an incredible company that uses minimal ingredients, focuses on actives and doesn’t spend a ton on fancy marketing so their prices are really low. The products are very high-quality and have worked wonders on my skin. Love them! (End fangirl rant) 🙂

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Dom

/High Fives Rachel

CosRx fans unite!

Generally speaking, skincare products are hit or miss with me regardless of where they come from. My skincare collection houses brands from all over. But CosRx is one of my overall favorite brands based on what Rachel and I have stated above. They’re the brand I recommend first to anyone who is curious about Korean skincare.

Jordan

I really want to get this, but I just cannot justify spending an additional 75% of the cost of the box on shipping alone 🙁

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E

I totally agree! I was about to pull the trigger and then saw the shipping cost.

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Nancy Su

Ahh I forgot to mention shipping costs, sorry 🙁 They have free shipping for orders over $35, though.

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Banessa

The Botanic Farm cleansing sherbet is everything!!! ❤️❤️ I got it in my 3b bag the other month and I’m fan of it! Love that stuff

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Lee

I am so happy to see this review. I just ordered this kit a couple of days ago at the suggestion of someone on this site. I am now even more excited to try it out. I also got the Benton trial set and some masks to get the free shipping. Thank you for this post.

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