Unboxing My First 3B Beauty Box

3B Beauty Box, 3B Asian Beauty, 3B Subscription Service

Considering how long I've been married, it's not like I have a fear of commitment but somehow I've never been able to commit to a subscription beauty service until now. I just received my first 3B Box and thought it'd be fun to do an unboxing to commemorate the occasion. 

3B which stands for Beauty Beyond Borders was started by a few friends who wanted to make Asian beauty products more accessible overseas. The Asian beauty industry is a hot topic in beauty right now and is recognized as being at the forefront of a number of innovations and trends. 3B sources products from Korea, Japan and Taiwan and delivers them monthly for just $12. Each box contains 4 -5 deluxe samples from well known brands like Etude House, Skinfood and Liole to high-end premium brands like SK-II, Kanebo, and Sulwhasoo. The products are supposed to be "new or popular in Asia but hard to get your hands on" and a card that introduces and explains in English how they work is also included. I would say that 3B is like an Asian beauty version of Birchbox or Ipsy.  And even though it's delivered in a postal box, the products are actually contained within a mesh pouch. I received 4 products in my first pouch and I'll just share a few thoughts about each of them.

3B Beauty Box, 3B Asian Beauty, 3B Subscription Service

Secret Key Starting Treatment Eye Cream
The claims for this eye cream are pretty standard. It's supposed to smooth wrinkles, nourish and increase radiance around the eye area. It is paraben-free and contains shea butter, macadamia seed oil, sweet almond oil and witch hazel extract. 

I was most excited when I saw that this eye cream contains galactomyces which happens to be one of my favorite skincare ingredients and Secret Key is a brand I'm familiar with. Galactomyces Fermented Filtrate also known as Saccharomycopsis Filtrate is essentially fermented yeast collected through the sake brewing process. It also happens to be the star ingredient of SK-II's celebrated and expensive skincare line. This looks to be a full size product which is pretty cool.

3B Beauty Box, 3B Asian Beauty, 3B Subscription Service

TonyMoly Delight Tony Tint
Lip tints are pretty ubiquitous as far as Asian beauty products go and this is a popular one. I'm no stranger to TonyMoly since we have a few stores in NYC and the brand is now carried at Urban Outfitters, Sephora and Ulta. This lip tint contains jojoba seed oil to moisturize and according the description on the card, it applies evenly every time, delivers great color payoff and long lasting wear. It is suggested to use one coat for a light berry look or multiple layers for an eye catching statement lip. 

Lip balms generally excite me more than lip color products (yes I know I'm weird) so I was kind of meh about this lip tint. I'm usually more about muted lips but I've actually been embracing brighter lip colors this summer (I love this Peripera one I picked up recently!) so I will use this lip tint eventually and maybe I'll even try out a gradient lip look with it.

3B Beauty Box, 3B Asian Beauty, 3B Subscription Service

RiRe Luxe Long & Curl Mascara
I received this instead of the RiRe Luxe Eye Lash Essence that was called out on the card and it turns out that there was an error on the postcard from an email I got a day after my box arrived. It would have been nice if they would've offered up some details on this mascara along with their apology since this brand is new to me but they didn't so I had to ask Google instead. This is a fiber mascara that is supposed to create long and rich eyelashes with natural curling. The private label brush is loop shaped kind of like a toilet brush. I wasn't ready to open it just yet but if you're curious about how the brush looks, you can see it here. It also has delicate "lose" scent according to the box though I'm pretty sure they meant rose haha. They also forgot to capitalize the "L" in curl while we're at it. I can't help but notice these things since I once had a job that involved overseeing packaging design.

I definitely would've preferred to get the Lash Essence since I probably have a dozen mascaras I haven't even opened yet and I hope they will include it in a future box. If the brush of this mascara wasn't unique, I probably would've been indifferent to it but I'm intrigued by the mechanics of how it works and this will probably be the next one I try for that reason. I'm not sure how I'll feel about the rose scent but hopefully it really is delicate. This is a full size product as well.


3B Beauty Box, 3B Asian Beauty, 3B Subscription Service

Missha Pure Source Cell Sheet Mask
I received the Acai Berry Pure Source Cell Sheet Mask. According to the package, acai berries are supposed to have an excellent antioxidant effect that smoothes and revitalizes the skin. The compact cell fabric adheres lightly to the skin while delivering active ingredients.

Sheet masks have long been part of my skincare routine. I've tried the Missha Pure Source Sheet Masks and I'm not particularly impressed with them. I'm hoping the Cell Sheet version is actually improved and not just a repackaging though I doubt it will be anywhere as nice as the hydrogel sheet masks I've been loving lately. Once you go hydrogel, regular sheet masks just seem so unexciting.

So out of 4 products, I'm quite excited about 2 and they were both full size products. I think that's a win considering I paid just $12. I plan on continuing with my 3B subscription for now to see how it goes. A good deal of my beauty routine is actually made up of Asian products and I'm always curious to be introduced to new brands and products. 3B is currently just a US based subscription service. This box would be ideal for anyone interested in trying out Asian beauty products or can't access them easily.They have a waiting list for new subscribers which you can sign up for here. The reason for this is that the company is still growing and they want to manage their growth without sacrificing service. Just for reference, I signed up in May and came off the waiting list at the beginning of August. 

This is my first beauty box subscription but there was that time that I built my own Birchbox which was quite fun. Are you currently subscribed to any beauty box services? Would you be interested in subscribing to 3B?

49 comments

Unknown said...

So cool!

Gemma
TaipeiStyle

Unknown said...

the more i see posts like this, the more i wonder why i haven't tried it out already! lovely. (:

♥ | http://www.connect-the-cloths.com | xoxo
http://blogspotter.co/connect-the-cloths

Joan Lee said...

I'm wasn't too big on beauty boxes but I recently unboxed one and I have to say... in a time when it's so easy to research the living daylights out of every single thing, ruining the element of surprise from your dates to your beauty products, beauty boxes are a really nice way to bring that serendipity element back into your life again.

http://nonsonoquitter.blogspot.com

Ivana Split said...

I'm fascinated by this concept of beauty boxed but I never actually subscribed to any. I like the concept behind this beauty box, it's pretty cool it delivers Asian beauty products that would otherwise be hard to get one's hands on....the price is also pretty affordable so that's a plus too.

It is nice that this eye cream suited you and the other products seem really nice too. Have a lovely day!

Paola Lauretano said...

Intersting box, cool products!!!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

My Facebook

Anonymous said...

Not bad, looks like a pretty nice box!

Fashion Lover said...

Great reviews dear!! This box seems very good!

XOXO!

Anonymous said...

Very nice goodies. I could use these too! I have no subscription at the moment :(
LUXESSED

Jackie Harrison said...

These products I will love to try the acai mask caught my attention.

Emmylou said...

This is the first time I'm hearing of this subscription box, Rowena:) I like that it's Asian products, coz those have been rocking the skincare world in the past few years. TY for this heads up:)

Shireen L. Platt said...

I am with ipsy and Luxebox (Canada only) but I've never subscribed to Asian box, there's MeMebox but it's expensive so I never tried it. I do like the sounds of this subscription, do you have any idea if they ship to Canada or is it US only?

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

Beauty said...

I haven't subscribed to any beauty box service yet but I have been reading about some of them on blogs including jewelry box subscriptions too. These are fine selections.
Have a great week.

Gabrielle said...

The acai sheet berry product sounds very interesting and I like the range of products for this one. I'm yet to subscribe to any beauty boxes, though it's fun to see how others like them :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

x

Stanislava E. said...

Hi Rowena! I am not subscribed to any beauty box subscriptions, but to be honest, I already want to try it! I have seen a lot of reviews in beauty blogs and I find it interesting to receve a box with products I am not expecting. Of course there would be products you won't like, but that's just normal. These products look very interesting, especially the lip tint, but so does the eye cream. Have a nice day! xo

May Cho said...

This sounds like such a great subscription box! I'm a fan of Asian products just because I find that they work better for my Asian skin, so I would love to try it out. Unfortunately, I think they only ship to the US so that's a no go for me. *sigh* The sheet mask sounds so good!

May | THE MAYDEN

Unknown said...

Vero interesting box and products of course
Happy Monday

Mywishstyle

Pooja Mittal said...

mask looks interesting
Kisses,
www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com
www.indianbeautydiary.com

Zuzana said...

I've been recently crazy about trying new beauty products! Those look interesting, I will have to look into it!
♥ HAPPY MONDAY! ♥

THE KAWAII PLANET

Unknown said...

This looks like a really good box. I am always looking to try out new products and this is a great way of doing just that.
Beautetude

Miharu Julie said...

Nice products

New post :
Www.miharujulie.com

Leslie said...

I've yet to order a beauty box! It's fun to read your product review Rowena. That mask sounds interesting. There are SO MANY wonderful products available to allow us all the give our skin the best chance to look it's best. Thanks for sharing 😊

tr3ndygirl influencer e fashion blogger said...

fabulous products review
I wish you an happy day
see my NEW OUTFIT
fashion blogger Pamela Soluri

K / House of KTS said...

Me and you are so much alike Rowena. I haven't been able to commit to a beauty subscription service either. I don't know why. I may have to researching again. I've been thinking about trying Birchbox, but we will see if I do. Thanks for posting about this service girl.

Kia / House of KTS
www.houseofkts.com

Unknown said...

I've never signed up for a beauty box service, but it sounds like fun! These products sound really great...I would love to try that lip tint!

http://ourruins.com

Marcela Gmd said...

Great box!!! nice products!!!
Have a good week!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

Corinne said...

Ohh, I really like the idea of this being new and hard to get products. Makes it sound much more fun!

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Hi sweetie
this revies is amazing
cool products
kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

Midnight Cowgirl said...

Love the lip color! What a great subscription box :)

Aruba Nasir Khan said...

this box is awesome..love the products
I will really appreciate if could you visit my blog and
follow me. I will follow you back for sure :)
Have a nice day!
Diaries of a hidden Fashionista

heni said...

Wow! I never heard of this before, but it looks awesome! :)
www.classystyler.com

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

Thank you for the review! I am actually very curious about the hydrogel masks you've mentioned - could you do a post about them by any chance, please?

P.S. Thank you for your comment yesterday... xxx

taislany said...

the products look good! Hope u like them

Kisses,

BLOG | Thais Gomes ♥

trishie said...

I've always been intrigued by Asian beauty products. This is a great beauty box!

miasmode said...

That sounds really good. I have never subscribed to a beauty box before cos I rather "know" what I'm going to get but I would love to try Asian products that are nor available over here. Also $12 for all these products is a steal. I checked the site out and it's also for non U.S residents :D Happy Tuesday Rowena!

xx

Unknown said...

I have never subscribed to beauty boxes but I always like to see what is in them! You are so knowledgeably about skincare, I love reading your posts X

http://www.leopardandspice.com/

ALLIE NYC said...

Yes I have the same commitment problems with monthly box servies but this one sounds good as you can try products from abroad and Asian products. But I am thinking of trying Rachel Zoe's box.

Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com

FASHION TALES said...

I didn't have the best luck in beauty boxes until recently. In the past I did try Glossybox and Beauty Army, etc. But, I kept getting charged several times, even when I cancelled this one particular company. This looks interesting, I've not heard of this one, but I do like the Missha brand. Thanks for sharing. /Madison
The Travel Deluxe

Color Me Kiki said...

This seems like a really cool subscription service! Too bad you weren't more impressed with the rest of the products. Great review!
xo Kiki
http://colormekiki.com/

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I like what they plan to offer! It's a great way to try Asian brands that are not readily accessible here in the US. That was a huge mistake to not properly show the right item. You were expecting one thing and received another. I'm glad some worked out Rowena. I hope it gets better. I don't subscribe to services, because I get a lot of deluxe samples with my Sephora VIB Rouge membership and I'm so picky about what I want to try.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

JOURNAL OF STYLE said...

I haven't subscribed either since I'm kinda thrifty with beauty products. I remember going crazy for those as a teenager... Haha! Now I prefer a more natural look, that's why I understand you love for lip balms, Rowena! It's easier for the hubby to kiss... LOL nevertheless I can't stop collecting lip gloss and eye shadows - THAT'S weird, I know!!
The full size products are definitely a win.

xoxo Ira
JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

PS: Thank you so much for your support, my dear!! <3

Helen said...

I've never subscribed to a beauty box before, but this one does look nice, the products look really sleek and simple, and I like that - thanks for sharing! :)

I have a new post up on the blog, would love to know your thoughts:

* Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *

x

Elle Sees said...

as someone who LOVES asian beauty products, i need to get to this box!!!

buffalo journeys said...

What a cool box. I like what they're offering.
I hear ya on the subscription services in general. Even though they tell me that I can cancel anytime, I'm still not that crazy about it. The only time that I finally gave in was when I signed up for a diaper subscription. It was a life saver :)

Effortlesslady said...

I want to try the pure source shell sheet mask! I haven't subscribe to any beauty box service yet.
www.effortlesslady.com

oomph. said...

secret key sounds like an excellent product. i'm not famililar with the ingredients you mentioned, but i have heard good things about SK-II. i think this box definitely fills a niche for asian products.

Jenmarie said...

This is the first I've heard of 3B! I love the name and think they products all look really nice. I especially love the tube the lip tint arrived in. Glad you were mostly satisfied with your first box :)

Jane said...

Very very neat! I love how there are really great and interesting subscription boxes out there. This is definitely one of them!

j said...

Without getting a box of samples every month I'm still overflowing with things I need to use up. I think the idea of the sample box is fun but I'd love to be given a choice of what I could receive so I don't get things I won't use.

I've never tried a hydrogel mask but if it works the same as a sheet mask and doesn't fall off, it sounds like something I'd like to try myself...just as soon as I finish up the sheet masks I still have. :)

Maria at inredningsvis said...

THANKS for this beauty tip :) I hope you had a sunny and fun summer dear

Check out my new post....How to get a glam table setting on abudget:)

have a lovely week

LOVE Maria Inredning - it's Swedish for decor