Unbox Korean Goodies with Me: Memebox Special #52 WTF

Memebox, the most popular Korean subscription box. If you're a newbie to Korean cosmetics, it's the easiest way to discover Korean products. Memebox offers in general boxes with mystery content, pre-made cosmetics boxes, products in collaboration with Youtubers and online shop for individual products from well known brands (Tonymoly, Etude House and more). Current boxes are always listed here. Memebox usually retails 25-49$ and contains a good value of products. Today we'll be unboxing Special #52 WTF: Wonderful Treasure Finds which contains uncovered and unusual products from Korea. Frankly enough, I was again, surprised by imagination of Korean developers. 

Skindeco Comedo AC Power Serum (50g, 36$)

Skindeco Serum is a ginger and garlic based serum which softens rough skin and prevents clogged pores. Ginger and garlic are known for anticancer properties that's why they've decided to incorporate these ingredients into skincare. Without any further questions, garlic and ginger give off quite an unpleasant scent to this product. Scent is herbal bitter but nothing majorly shocking. It has a thin watery consistency that sinks into to the skin in minutes. Honestly, I wasn't using it regularly so I can't claim about any major benefits. But an extra skincare step can never hurt.

Tonymoly Mr.Smile Patch (10g, 2$)

Hydrogel patch is filled with blueberry, black bean, black sesame and mulberry extracts. If you haven't heard about smile patches, they are meant to smooth and firm skin around your smile lines. It's similar to eye patches but targeting smile lines. Concept is totally unfamiliar to Europe but it's pretty known in Asia. Intense ingredients work as a hydrating sheet mask in less than 30 minutes. Skin is left nourished and plumper. Can we please appreciate the cute design? I could totally wear this out for a laugh or two. 

Elinette BMS Cure Cream (50ml, 65$)

This full size cream will last me decades as it's highly potent with beneficial ingredients. BMS stands for a special technology for boosting up antioxidants and minerals to renovate your skin. It's free of alcohol and parabens. Cream is indeed, highly effective with continuous use while it smells like a herbal pot of goodness. It's great for daily use as the antioxidants protect from pollution and prevents premature ageing. Texture itself is creamy and a joy to use on any kind of skin type.

Mumur Air Waterdrop Cooling Hand Cream (50g, 9$)

Lightweight and cooling is the way to describe this unique hand cream. I haven't experience anything like it before. In the tube, product looks like a regular hand cream. But after you slowly spread it out you'll be experiencing snow flake effect. It means, the base product has a velvety-matte texture and the other part consists of water. When you rub the cream, you're left with drop of water on your hand, similar to genuine snow flakes. It's cooling, non-sticky and perfects the skin on your hands. Has a clean scent and it's not greasy.  Hand cream doesn't contain parabens, ethanol or any other artificial colouring and fragrance.

Dearberry Play Choux (30ml, 13$) 

Play Choux is a pink-based multipurpose highlighter which can be used as a base, on high points of your face or mixing medium for glowy foundation. Has a distinct pink undertone which will brighten and even your skin. It's fairly lightweight and creamy while highly pigmented with a duo chrome shift. Personally, texture is not my favourite but I like to mix it with daily creams. It's an okay cream highlighter with fruity scent but nothing extraordinary.

Bath Charm Store Dead Salt Pearl Natural Soap (100g, 6$)

100% natural soap with sea salt, pearl powder, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, lavender oil and rose fragrance. Well that's a mouthful. Considering ingredients, this soap is super gentle and suitable for all kinds of usage. It can be easily used on your face for treating sensitive and dull skin while it opens up pores at the same time. It's not drying and has a pleasant, subtle rose scent. I mainly like to use it on my natural hair brushes for effective cleaning and fluffy outcome.

Yadah Capsule Tok Soothing Gel (200ml, 11$)

Remember me talking about Etude House Toc Gel? Well, Yadah has released even more affordable version than Etude House. You get a massive tube of aloe water, green tea and cactus flower extracts for cooling and treating irritated skin. Witch hazel and lotus also treat clogged pores. Gel is filled with small little toks which are filled with aloe vera and vitamins. Gel is perfect for warmer weather as it sooths burns and extra sensitive skin. I also love to use it as lightweight base before foundation. This product is multipurpose - you can use it anywhere and anyhow. Memebox also suggests it to use as a body scrub along with spoonful of sugar.

Did they caught your attention? I'm surely amazed by Korean imagination when creating these products. 

Memebox is a fun way to play and discover new Korean products, brands and textures.

Memebox Special #42 OMG 3

Yes indeed, Memebox knows how to surprise customers with their subscription boxes. Memebox Special #42 OMG 3 probably contains the most weirdest products you've ever seen. OMG series is constantly released by Memebox due to it's popularity. I got the third version and I was pretty shocked. And I thought I've seen it all....OMG 3 came with 5 full sized products that are fairly expensive on it's own but co joint in a Memebox, you get a pretty good deal. Now let us see the thrilling inside!

First up on the list is Platinum Total Solution Miracle Skin Pore Tightening Pack (19$, Memebox Shop) which reduces the appearance of pores. It looks like a normal clay mask with tea tree oil on the first ball, but supposedly contains the most bizarre ingredient- platinum gold powder, which gives a coppery colour. If I'm honest, I don't even know what's platinum gold powder but mask works great with pores and acne. It also gives a warming sensation when you first apply it. I won't even mention the massive tube that will last a year or two, especially since you need a tiny drop for whole face.

Cleeomee Three Layer Perfume Donkey Oil Mist is an all-rounder, which moisturises and smells nice. Did you read donkey? Well yes, it's made out of real donkey milk, which is supposedly three times more effective than cow's milk. Scent is refreshing, oppose to my milky fragrance from my imagination. Since I'm not too fond of animal milk anyway, I gave this product to my mom. She enjoys it on the days, when she's hurrying out the doors. Effective and quick absorbing but a tinge too weird for my taste.

On the Body Makgeolli Soap (12$, Memebox shop) is basically made from alcohol drink - fermented rice, wheat and water. I like the fact, that it contains lactic acid which is always welcomed in my skin regime. You can use soap as an extra face cleanser when you're dealing with breakouts and enlarged pores. It lathers up super easy and is budget friendly.

I don't want to admit, but I highly enjoy this Migabee Bee Venom & Honey Cream (54$, Memebox Shop). Me and my mum are already through half of the tube and we both have noticed brighter and shinier complexion, not to mention my mom's reduced wrinkles. It has a lovely jelly texture that nourishes the skin. Cream contains royal jelly, propolis, honey and bee venom. I think I don't even want to know how they get bee venom - sounds suspiciously cruel.

TonyMoly Tint Crayon Delight - Neon Pink (8$, Memebox Shop) doesn't contain any surprising ingredients but it is in fact, glow-in-the-dark lip product. Of course if rave party is your thing, this might be a necessity. But it's a fairly bright pink in normal light and tints your lips for entire day. It also smells incredibly sweet and fruity.

Memebox is widely available on their site here, ranging from 23-29$. OMG 3 box can be found here but it's already sold out. You can also find all described products in Memebox store, sold separately. I would recommend Migabee Bee Venom & Honey Cream, TonyMoly Crayon and Miracle Pack if you fancy something different.

Memebox Superbox 2014 Fall/Winter Colors Unboxing

Memebox, monthly subscription box, always surprises with products and themes. This time I got another Superbox (only full size products) with 2014 Fall/Winter Colors theme. It's actually pretty easy to get an idea what to expect with their short description on Memebox website. Fall/Winter 2014 Korean trends suggest jewel tones in green and purple tones, from berry lip to emerald eyes. I was actually not expecting so much green themed products but I've should have known better. When picking out a Memebox of your choice, be careful with their descriptions. They will actually stick to the theme firmly and literally. On top of all, since it's a fall themed box, there are also some bits inspired by witches - really Halloween appropriate.

 Shara Shara Fairy's Perfume Nail - Lilac Bora

My attention was instantly caught by a nail polish. It comes in a heart shaped packaging with a fairy-handle on the top. Almost overly cute, right? Fairy on top is actually pretty scary looking. On the other hand, color of nail polish is a light warm lavender pastel color with silver shimmer. Super adorable color and fully opaque with 2 coats. To make everything even more interesting, nail polish smells like fresh cut flowers and contains 65g of product. 

Witch's Pouch Love Me Blusher - Sexy Swan

Name of this particular shade of blusher is just hilarious. Who wants to be a sexy swan? Although Korean brands can go sometimes overboard with their imagination, blusher isn't that bad. It's finely mild peachy pink with subtle golden sheen really similar to Nars Orgasm. What bother me the most is heavy pigmentation. It's almost impossible to apply this blush on my fair skin. Packaging is sturdy and longevity is really impressive (lasts entire day). Not my favorite blush but overly pigmented dupe for Nars Orgasm.

Yadah Angel Liptint - Red Wine

This is my favorite out of the bunch. Lip tint comes in a lovely, sturdy packaging with doe foot applicator and smells absolutely delicious. It has a candy-like fruity scent and stains evenly all over the surface of the lips. Color is a lovely berry-pink rather than red. Stains light enough and it's water based so you actually don't feel it on your lips. Love Korean lip tints!

Witch's Pouch POPO Lipstick - Orchid Plum

I truly wanted to love this particular lipstick. It's a lovely medium plum purple but I found loads of similar shades in my stash. What makes this lipstick special is longevity, it stains for a good amount of hours. Lipstick is slightly too drying for my liking but I appreciate strong staining power.

DD'ell Eyeshadow - Shimmer Green

My least favorite item is this sheer, shiny, shimmery light green. Korean eyeshadows are in particular really sheer and shiny to accentuate mono eyelids but I prefer sticking to regular European eyeshadows. Pigmentation is there but nothing worth mentioning. I can feel higher quality texture but that doesn't change my mind around shimmery shades, especially around green shades.

DD'ell Stay Forever Gel Pencil - Garden Light and Twilight Purple

I highly appreciate eye pencils in subscription boxes since I usually don't buy them myself. But of course, grass green shimmery shade left me cold. On the other hand, Twilight Purple is a beautiful medium lavender with pink shimmer. Formula wise, they are buttery smooth and highly pigmented. They are not suitable for tight lining but are great for smudging and all over lid color.

Before we actually publish unboxing of Memebox, they are usually sold out. Instead, you can check out new themes every week but be fast with ordering since best ones are sold out in a day. Usually they repeat certain popular themes so don't worry. You can choose between Superbox, which has only full size products for around 30$, or Memebox with a mix of full size and sample products from 15-29$. I'm currently eyeing My Lovely Boutique, Makeup Edition 3, Princess Edition Tinkerbell here and CutiePieMarzia 2, Skinfood and The Face Shop box here. I'm especially intrigued by boxes from brands I already love - Skinfood, Etude House, Holika Holika. Of course there's always a discount code for 5$ off: V1C92C.
What are your impressions around Memebox?

Memebox Pore Care #3 Review

I was never privileged to receive subscription boxes but when Memebox kindly sent one of their Superboxes I was super excited since I'm always blown away by Korean products. Not only Memebox has the cutest pink boxes you can re-use as storage for nail polish but Superboxes always come with full size products (and not only small testers). There are 2 types of Memebox: Superbox (full size products) and Memebox (full size and sample products). They all differ between 19-33$ with fast shipping directly from Korea or US (US customers). You won't find any well known western brands in Memebox but instead you'll get Korean K-pop products depending on different theme (color, face, texture, lips, eyes...numerous choices actually).

I got the Pore Care 3 Superbox which contains 6 products targeting pores, blemishes, oily residue and blackheads. Since I know quite a bit of Korean brands by now (especially in makeup sphere) I was super excited when I saw Secret Key and Skin House in my box. Other brands I wasn't really familiar with but I'm confident to say Korean brands are all-in-all a win win situation especially when it comes to whitening and tightening (pores) area. Memebox also has a store where you can separately buy products from their boxes. Now let's go onto the products!

The Skin House Pore Control Powder Serum is supposedly a serum you apply before your day cream. I wouldn't use this on it's own since I have mostly dry skin, especially cheeks. It actually mattifies your skin, tightens pores and controls sebum throughout the day. I can definitely say it's almost liquid-gel like fluid that turns to a powdery finish (but not in the obvious way. Highly recommended for oily skin types but unfortunately not suitable for my dry cheeks. 

Now the real test for pore products is my sister. She has the opposite skin type to mine - oily/combination skin type with extremely oily T-zone, blemishes and blackheads all over. Lailly Steam Pore Mask was a perfect match for her! Her skin was glowing only after one use (20min) of this extremely dark mask with charcoal and white clay. No oily residue, skin looked smooth without enlarged pores, almost airbrushed even after 2 days. She also noticed this mask makes tingly, warm sensation once it's on the skin. I will definitely have to try it myself. We might even repurchase this mask on it's own.

Secret Key Black Out Pore Clean Remover is not just an ordinary toner for blackheads. You actually leave cotton pad with toner on your problem area for 15 minutes. Then you're free to squeeze out blackheads as much as you want (sounds gross, I know). I tried toner on my nose where's my blackhead problem area and it actually works. Formula seems to have some sort of acid that makes your skin super soft so you can easily access blackheads. Actually my skin started peeling on the area where I put this toner, so it definitely has quite effective ingredients.

Honestly I'm not too impressed with this mechanic pore cleanser from AquaBerry Pore Zero Remover. It has a silicone massager and the cleanser comes out on the same end. It's some sort of cleanser/pore tightener/scrub that's just another additional step. I can't see myself bothering with it on a daily basis just because of my pores but it's an okay addition for here and there. It cleanses well but I'm not too keen on whole pore idea with a silicone brush.

Toosowoong Deep Pore Cleanser is a pore tightening cleanser that removes dirt, bacteria and helps to reduce appearance of pores. It's thick and mousse-like in texture so you need just a tiny amount for entire face. It actually feels like a mask once you put it on your face and leaves a squeaky-clean feeling afterwards. A bit too soap-like for my taste but okay for those with oily skin. I did notice however it made my pores less visible after 3-4 washes.

Matte Pore Primer is basically a perfect dupe for Benefit Porefessional. It's a silicone based primer that fills pores and reduces appearance of any sort of scars, wrinkles and imperfections. I use silicone primers on special occasions since some of them are quite heavy on the skin. This particular one is pretty lightweight and actually better than normal western silicone primers.

All Memeboxes come with description of the products and ways to use them properly. Most of korean products have poor or no english descriptions so this sheet of paper is quite handy.

All in all I'm super happy with my box, I will probably use these items especially for my T-zone so they will last ages before I use them up entirely.

Memebox also gave me a Code: IIBJD1 for 5$ off any order until end of August 2014.

My attention grab the lastest new boxes: 54# Pinkaholic, Very Berry Box, Nail Shop #3.

They are updating their new boxes every week - keep an eye on them since they sell out quickly.