3B Beauty Box March Unboxing


3B Beauty is currently the only beauty subscription, I'm enrolled in. I got my first box last August and this is box I received for March 2016.

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 and the products are supposed to be "new or popular in Asia but hard to get your hands on". 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. 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.



Skinfood My Short Cake Setting Mascara 
This mascara claims to transform lashes and make them thicker, longer and more voluminous. It has a quick drying formula that is supposed to be smudge-proof and long lasting. 

Hey it's a mascara! I'm neither excited nor enthused by this. I mean mascara is a product I always use so I'm sure I'll get to this one eventually. I'm currently using a Korean mascara from Peripera which I happen to really like. If this one works anywhere as well, I'd be happy.


Dermal Dream Sea Cucumber Supreme Mask

This is a Korean sheet mask with sea cucumber extract, collagen, arginine, alanine and other ingredients to provide anti-aging, anti-stress and brightening effects. It also contains a refined sea snail extract to nourish, moisturize and heal.

I'm a frequent sheet mask user and I enjoy trying new ones with different ingredients. I have eaten sea cucumber before but I've never put it on my face. Products with snail extract have worked well for me. This should be interesting to use.



CosRx Blackhead Silk Finger Balls
These 100% silk finger pods are gentle exfoliators that remove sebum and blackheads from your pores with minimal irritation. To use, soak the pods in warm water for 2 to 3 minutes, to soften. Then put on your fingertips and massage your problem areas. Cleanse and pat dry. For best results, use 1 - 2 times a week. These are appropriate for all skin types even sensitive.

These are a little unusual and I have tried them before. They do work to some degree but I also think they have some degree of novelty to them. Not a product that I'd re-buy and it was kind meh to see them here.


Secret Key Witch Hazel Pore Clear Toner
This toner has pore tightening, oil control and deep cleansing functions so it's best for oily or combination skin. It contains witch hazel, aloe vera and snail extract and is free of parabens, mineral oils and phenoxyethanol.

Secret Key is a Korean brand that I'm familiar with. They're known for good and inexpensive beauty products and i do like some of them. Since my skin is dry, my husband will likely be using this toner instead of me. I saw some really good reviews for it on Memebox so we'll see.

The Verdict: I didn't do a post on last month's box but it was a real disappointment. This one was definitely an improvement. I generally prefer skincare to makeup so getting 3 out 4 skincare products was good. And the fact that all 4 products are full size items is nice. Again it's kind of hard to get excited about things that have been around like the CosRX Blackhead Silk Finger Balls. I feel like 3B just isn't quite delivering in terms of products that are new or hard to obtain and this is something I keep telling them when I fill out their surveys. Still it's a decent value for $12.

Have you heard of any of these products? Which one would you be interested in trying?

28 comments

Anonymous said...

I like the name of that mascara :-) My skin reacts badly to witch hazel though, so that toner is a no no for me.

Paola Lauretano said...

Such an interesting beauty box!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

My Facebook

Jackie Harrison said...

Like the finger balls and the witch hazel interesting product first time I heard of both.

Doctor Anne said...

I think I would enjoy the witch hazel toner, but I feel like these subscriptions are a bit tricky, as you don't really get things catered to your skin type and end up with nice products that won't work for you.

Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

Lilli said...

Seems u got nice products this time, Im curious about the balls, I never saw them and even though they do a decent work Im intrigued by the packaging. Kisses Rowena! xo

Emmylou said...

I'm not really up-to-date when it comes to Asian skin care so I'll admit these brands are new to me. I can see though why this would be a bit of a disappointment for you, esp. if you've already tried some of these lines. I will say though that it's too bad there's not as much subscription boxes here in Canada!

Shireen L. Platt said...

The box is not bad considering you only paid $12 for it but yes, subscription boxes can be very tricky. Sometimes they are great but more often than not, they are a miss.

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

FASHION TALES said...

This sounds like an interesting group of products for this box. I grew up using witch hazel and like it as toner, but I typically use a rosewater and cucumber toner now. The mask would probably be my favourite. Thanks for sharing.
Easter Inspiration

Lenya said...

Looks like you got some nice products this time, Rowena. Those finger balls looks like a funny kind of thing, not sure if I would like to try them, tho. Wishing you a beautiful day, girl.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle

Coco said...

Dear Rowena, your "analysis" of this box was very to the point, as usual. I think that the price quality ratio is good on the whole. I've been disappointed by beauty boxes in the past so I'm not giving any of them a second chance :-) Much love dear!! Baci, Valeria - Coco et La vie en rose new post

FelyM said...

a lot of good products in this box
kisses

Anonymous said...

I have never seen or heard of finger balls but I would love to try them! Thanks for sharing an honest review of this beauty box brand. If this box was an improvement from before, maybe the next one will be even better.

Luxessed

Beauty Unearthly said...

Interesting beauty products.We keep in touch. xx

Gabrielle said...

The blackhead silk finger balls sounds so interesting - though as much as I love the concept and possibility of them working, I get what you mean about them possibly being more of a 'novelty item'! Have a lovely Easter, Rowena :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x

Stanislava E. said...

I haven't heard of any of these products, neither I am subscribed to any beauty box, but I know Ipsy since my sister is subscribed and sends me products. Anyway, the mascara name is so funny! I am really interested to try sea cucumber, never eaten before. The fingers pods sound interesting, I've never seen such. This one is definitely a monthly box I'd like to receive! Glad you are happy with this month's box, Rowena!

Margaret Dallospedale said...

So interesting products sweet Rowena
kisses
Maggie D.
Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary

Midnight Cowgirl said...

The mask sounds interesting :)

ALLIE NYC said...

This service is a great way try products not readily available in The States. I wish more of these box services you could purchase on demand. You can do that now with Birch Box buy I think only in person.

Allie of ALLIENYC
www.allienyc.com

Blackswan said...

I'm a sucker for face masks, babe! That looks like a good pick! xoxo

j said...

I think the subscription might be better for someone completely new to Asian skincare products and you know too much!! I think of I got one of these subscriptions I would want it to be higher end, a lot of the boxes seem to come with products from companies I've decided I'm not much interested in. I'm probably more particular than most people though. :)

Elle Sees said...

i love these!! some cool products--even the novelty ones lookfun to try.

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

I was very curious about the silk balls - saw them online a few months ago, but never got around to try. x

K / House of KTS said...

I always love your unboxings on your blog. I get to find out about new products that I might want to try. I just love it Rowena. And thank you so much for the wonderful words you left on my blog... I truly appreciate you. xox

Kia / KTS
www.houseofkts.com

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

You got some lovely items doll!

Florals&Smiles

Corinne said...

Haha, I scrolled right down to the finger balls to see what they were first, they look so interesting I would love to try them!

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Effortlesslady said...

Never hear of them before. Want to try that sea cucumber supreme mask.
www.effortlesslady.co

buffalo journeys said...

I'm intrigued by the sea cucumber mask!

Ivana Split said...

this box sounds great...good to know that it is an improvement from the last one.