3B Box November Unboxing

3B Box Unboxing

This is my fourth 3B Beauty Box and I'm happy that it arrived in a timely fashion this month considering I received my October box on the last day of October which is not cool especially considering I had been charged for it in the first week of the month.

3B which stands for Beauty Beyond Borders is a beauty subscription box that makes Asian beauty products more accessible overseas. This is a monthly service that costs $12. Each box contains 4 -5 deluxe samples from a range of brands. 3B is currently just a US based subscription service. This box is 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.

Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream

Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream
Hada Labo Tokyo is Japan's no. 1 skincare line and this gel cream is formulated with Super Hyaluronic Acid (a proprietary combination of 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid) that provides a deeper multi-layer hydration for smoother, younger looking skin. This luxuriously silky cream that is free of parabens, fragrances, dyes and mineral oil, combines the perfecting power of a serum with the intense hydration of a moisturizer. It has been clinically shown to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours with just one application.

I have no shortage of moisturizer samples but I'm excited about the high level moisturizing this gel cream promises especially as my skin gets drier when winter arrives. I actually plan on taking this with me on my upcoming vacation.

Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream is a product that can currently be purchased at Ulta, Target, Walgreens and Amazon.

RA Gowoori Whitening UV Sun Cream

RA Gowoori Whitening UV Sun Cream
This is a physical sunscreen that uses titanium dioxide to block UVA and UVB rays. This  is supposed to be a lightweight and non-sticky cream that works well alone or as a makeup base. It has an SPF of 50 and a PA+++ rating. PA is an Asin rating system which refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen provides specifically against UVA rays. PA rankings are listed as PA+, PA++ or PA+++. The more plus symbols means the more protection the sunscreen provides against UVA rays so this sunscreen has the highest. UVA rays are the ones that cause tanning and aging by the way. It also has whitening properties via arbutin. This is a full size product.

I've mentioned before that I wear sunscreen all year around and I tend to prefer physical over chemical so I look forward to trying this one out. The whitening factor is also something I'm excited about but let's hope that doesn't mean it will leave a whitish looking cast on my face.

Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence

Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence
This product is essentially a more affordable dupe of SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence. Like it's celebrated and expensive counterpart, this essence is powered by galactomyces fermented yeast extract, 90% to be exact. This ingredient calms troubled skin while restoring natural elasticity and hydration to the skin. Did you know that the SK in SK-II actually stands for secret key and refers to Pitera, their name for the galactomyces fermented filtrate extracted from sake yeast that is their key ingredient. 

I've used the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and I loved it, the price, not so much. It adds a nice boost of moisture and glow to my skin. This is actually a product I've been wanting to try since I'm working my way through all the SK-II dupes. I'm currently using the CosRx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence and I've also tried the Missha First Treatment Essence. I'll be taking this one on vacation with me as well. 

Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil Moisture

Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil Moisture
This product is formulated with coconut and argan oil to gently remove waterproof face and eye makeup while protecting and moisturizing the skin. Like most cleansing oils, this is meant to be used as a first step in double cleansing and works best when followed up with another cleanser. For more on double cleansing, please refer to this post I wrote about the process.

If this lives up to it's claims and can remove even my mascara, I will be impressed. I'm pretty big on using cleansing oils and balms for removing all my makeup. I almost finished with my Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil so I'll give this a try next.

A'Pieu NonCo Tea Tree Spot Patch

A'Pieu NonCo Tea Tree Spot Patch
This spot patch treatment contains tea tree oil and herbal extracts to help clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts. There are 12 patches contained in this packet.

I love these types of spot patches. They're easy to use and work well. Just pop one on over a breakout before bed and it will draw the gunk out overnight with no mess, no fuss. They're especially effective on small blemishes and help eliminate redness and swelling. I tend to alternate between using the CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch and Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers.

The Verdict: This box was a winner for me since I tend to be more into skincare products than makeup. There was a good mix of products and brands that I know of and are also new to me. And these are items that I will actually use which makes the $12 cost well spent. With the two full size products, I think the value is probably around double. My satisfaction with this box means I will continue sticking with it for now. I honestly considered cancelling after the extreme tardiness last month. I probably wouldn't have been as unsatisfied if they hadn't billed me during the first week and didn't ship my box until the the 3rd week of the month. And then the shipment got held up because as it turns out, it was received unsealed and in the short paid section of the post office and was delayed there for another week. The way they pack and seal their boxes has always been flimsy so I can't say I'm surprised and I'm willing to bet this has also happened with other subscribers' boxes. I did let the company know about this and I hope they will improve on that in the future but I did want to mention this for anyone who is interested in subscribing.

Are you subscribing to any beauty boxes at the moment?

The lucky winners of the Oprah Favorite Things giveaway are Lisa S and Laura R! Congratulations!

40 comments

Tania Franco said...

These products sound so good, and the idea of gettin Asian beauty products here is wonderful!

xx,
Tania
http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

sonia // daring coco said...

Good luck with Secret Key. I hope it's a great dupe. I'd be keen on that one myself. I've never tried SK-II before, but I hear amazing things. The price, meh, not keen on!

Sxx
www.daringcoco.com

Ivana Split said...

Beauty beyond borders...I love the name and the concept of this beauty box. All the products seems very interesting, but I'm most intrigued by the Secret Key.

Congrats to girls who won the Oprah giveaway!

Have a lovely week<3

Coco said...

All these products sound new to me and I appreciate your review. By the way I prefer physical to chemical SPF, as chemical SPF are prone to modify the nature of our skin, which to me means dark spots. By the way, do you know a very effective and powerful serum to make dark spots disappear? Mine are caused by hormones that I must take for health issues. Thank you in advance for your help, have a nice day dear Rowena!

Anonymous said...

Nice to hear that you like the box but the delivery delay was not so cool. I'm not subscribed to any boxes at the moment.

LUXESSED

Doctor Anne said...

Such a great way to get to know Korean beauty. I need to check if they send to Germany as well.

Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

Unknown said...

Wow, these products are really amazing. I'm looking for a good serum. Thanks for sharing!

Jasmine x

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear more about that whitening sunscreen!

JJ said...

So sad it is only in the us!!! Asian beauty products are the best.
Dora www.bangsbang.com

Stanislava E. said...

Hi Rowena! It's really nice that you let the company know about the issue. Hopefully this will help them improve their delivery. I am interested in the cleansing oil moisture. Sounds interesting and pretty new to me. I am currently not subscribed into any subscription boxes, but I'd also prefer to receive skincare products than makeup. Have a nice Monday, Rowena! xo

sunandsany

Lilli said...

Glad it arrived in time this month and it seems so great, just love everything u got inside. The gel cream is the product caught soon my attention, the texture inspires me a lot and it must work so well on skin. Have a great week Rowena! xo

Jackie Harrison said...

Detail review and this is the first time I heard of these products thanks for the introduction.

Emmylou said...

I never knew that's what SK stood for in SK-II! And can't wait for your review of the Etude cleansing oil. I'm obsessed with cleansing oils lately:D

Marcela Gmd said...

Great products!!!
Have a good week, dear Rowena!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

Paola Lauretano said...

I don't know this brand, but you did a perfect review doll!!!

Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

My Facebook

Elle Sees said...

as someone who loves asian beauty products, i love the idea of this box!

Unknown said...

You got some great items! Would love to test these out :)

ARedLip&Love

Lena L said...

I've used the whole line of HADA LABO Tokyo and been very pleased. They are actually made in the U.S., but the products are about the same as the original ones. Which eventually led me to purchase their flagship brand, HABA. The gel cream mentioned is actually really nice for a light overnight mask.
This seems like a solid subscription program with lots of goodies! :)

Gabrielle said...

I'm glad you received your box at a reasonable time of the month this time around and that you're pleased with the items! The UV Sun Cream is a nice addition for those who like to wear it all year round :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x

Shireen L. Platt said...

Oh wow, I am sitting here reading with envy because that is a bloody brilliant box, Rowena! I would be over the moon if I received that box but dang it, why US only. I hope they'll expand to Canada in the future, I'll be one of the first to sign up. Btw, where are you heading for vacation?

Reflection of Sanity | CaseApp Giveaway

Summer said...

Looks like a lovely box ♥

summerdaisy.net

Unknown said...

For me all all really new and it is important your review to know them better
Kisses

Mywishstyle

Jane said...

this seems like a pretty cool subscription box!

FASHION TALES said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
FASHION TALES said...

Great review. I'm glad that this box was a winner. I also understand about being charged early and receiving a box late, as it happened to me several times. That's why I stopped beauty boxes, but this particular one sounds good.
Winter Décor

nancy @ adore to adorn said...

wow I didn't realize this box existed. I definitely want to check it out!
xo,
nancy

http://www.adoretoadorn.com

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I am so new to skin patches! I learned something new Rowena! HaHaHa Those sound awesome. Also, I didn't know Etude House had a cleansing oil. And anytime you can find a dupe that beats the higher prices, is definitely a good thing.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

JOURNAL OF STYLE said...

Unfortunately I didn't try any boxes so far. But those luxurious high quality ones conviced me. In love with Real Art Cleansing Oil! I love the smell of coconut and argan oil is a great addition to this beauty wonder. Wishing your a wonderful week, lovely Rowena!!! <3

xoxo Ira
JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Amazing products babe
kisses
Maggie D.
Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary

Corinne said...

I love the look of the cleansing oil moisture. It seems like a great box to get, I love trying out asian skincare and beauty!

Hope you had a nice weekend!

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Unknown said...

These products seem interesting especially the whitening sunscreen.
BEAUTETUDE

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

Great review, they seem like great products!

Florals&Smiles

ALLIE NYC said...

The plumping serum sounds good for sure, I love the packaging on the whitening cream, but it is funny it is called that as it seems it is more of a sun screen.

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com

little luxury list said...

I'd love this box! I really need to just go to Korea and japan and stock up. Please review the Hado labor gel cream and etude house cleansing oil!

xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living
-

The Dainty Dolls House said...

These look super :) xx

Jo said...

I'm using Hada Labo for my moisturizer. The one whereby I always feel is a marketing gimmick as I need a lotion to apply on the skin first for better absorption of the milky moisturizer?! Well it does feel like the absorption is better though I like to think it's to entice consumers to buy 2 products. I've never seen this skin plumping gel before and it does look pretty high end. And wait a minute, Secret Key and SKII? Could the former be sued for having name implications? That aside, it sure sounds like the more affordable counterpart to try out!

Thank you for your heartfelt comment on a while back. I've since fill myself up with lots and lots and lots of activities to take my mind away from the emosity and am feeling better especially since I started on yoga which is something I've always wanted to try and ended up loving it!

Jo
Jo's Jumbled Jardinière
Current giveaway

K / House of KTS said...

Rowena, let me just say I absolutely love coming here, because every time I do, I always find a new product I want to try. Like today... time to go shopping. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Kia / KTS
www.houseofkts.com

Midnight Cowgirl said...

What an awesome box! The cleansing oil sounds lovely :)

Valerie said...

Looks like such a wonderful beauty box! I want to try the tea tree spot patch!

http://roadesque.com
http://ourruins.com

j said...

I haven't tried any subscription boxes because I want to choose my products. I will say that sometimes I browse the Memeboxes because you know what will be in them and I like that, but I haven't purchased one. I have some of those CosRX patches, but the one time I needed one they went missing, so I don't know if they work for me or not.

I'd be interested to know if the Hada Labo they sell for US customers is the exact same thing as the Japanese version. I know companies will change formulas depending on the market.