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3B Box Subscription Box Review – August 2016

Nancy Su
ByNancy SuAug 29, 2016 | 8 comments

3B-Box-August-2016-Box

The 3B Box
4.2 overall rating
23 Ratings | 1 Reviews

3B Box (AKA Beauty Beyond Borders) is a monthly subscription box that helps you discover popular Asian beauty products. 3B believes that "finding your perfect product shouldn’t be limited to what country you live in or what language you speak."

3B-Box-August-2016-First-Look

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

3B-Box-August-2016-Contents

The Subscription Box: 3B Box

The Cost: $12 per month + free shipping

The Products: 4-5 sample- and full-size Asian beauty products

Ships to: USA only

Check out all our 3B Box reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

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

3B-Box-August-2016-Info

Each month comes with an info card detailing the month's selection.

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Tony Moly Floria Nutra-Energy Emulsion - $1?

The info card explains that emulsions are lighter, non-sticky face moisturizers that work with the skin's natural oils to hydrate. This is indeed a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs easily and does not leave my face sticky. The floral fragrance may be a little strong for more sensitive noses, but it doesn't bother me too much.

Etude House Age Defense Essential Softener 15ml - $3.05

Softener is another word for toner. This Etude House one is formulated to "prime, rehydrate, and enhance the effectiveness of a moisturizer." It has a faint scent and applies like a liquid-gel hybrid. Since the softener has a thicker consistency compared to watery toners, I considered it more of an essence for my purposes. Either way, it provides the perfect amount of hydration for my oily skin during the day.

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Goodal Lotus Water Cleansing Tissue - $4?

Goodal is a great K-beauty brand (sold in stores like BirchboxUlta, and Memebox) known for its fermented skincare. I was delighted to see it in the 3B Box. This Lotus Water Cleansing Tissue is part of the Waterest line, which features fermented seed oils. First off, the wipes smell amazing! I rarely have much to say about skincare fragrances but this is a warm, luxurious scent that's good enough to be a perfume. The cleansing power is very nice as well. It takes my day makeup off with no problem and does not irritate the skin.

Hera Waterin Gel Serum samples - $7.50

This is a hydrating gel serum from Hera, a high-end Korean brand under the AmorePacific umbrella. It contains pinitol, an extract found in carob plants that helps maintain moisture levels within the plant. This gel serum utilizes pinitol to provide moisture and refresh skin. The serum has generous "slip" so it's easy to apply and spread around the skin. It doesn't fully absorb though. Rather, it sits on my face and feels sticky to the touch (a no-no for me). I'm not a big fan. That said, Hera products can be pricey so I'm glad I got the opportunity to try it out.

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Closeup of the Goodal Lotus Water Cleansing Tissue.

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Leaders 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti-Pollution Mask - $6

The gel mask is slippery and delicate so it's sandwiched between two cover sheets that protect the material. Make sure to take both the sheets off before applying to your face. I almost thought they were actual masks! The slightly gooey essence smells nice and the gel mask covers my face well. Since the essence is thicker than water, I can feel the residue on my face after use. That said, it is not too sticky and would make a very nourishing nighttime mask.

Verdict: I'm pretty happy with my 3B Box this month! Despite some small samples I'm impressed by improvements in brand selection-- it's rare to see Goodal and Hera in K-beauty boxes. The Goodal cleansing tissue is full size and it's my favorite find. I'm in love with the fragrance and might try more products from their Waterest line... maybe they all have the same amazing scent. The estimated total value is $21.55, which is close to twice the cost of subscription.

What do you think of 3B Box?

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Each box contains a collection of deluxe samples that are new or popular in Asia but hard to get your hands on. The products will change each month, and you’ll get to try new skincare, haircare, nailcare, and cosmetic products. Sample products range from go-to brands such as Lioele, Etude House and ... read more.
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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8 comments

Marie

I am so glad Asian beauty and skin products are finally becoming more mainstream in the US. I spent over a month on vacation in S. Korea and southeast Asia a few years ago and due to airline weight restrictions, bought all my toiletries/makeup/everything in the various countries I visited. Aside from their obsession with whitening their skin (like our obsession with darkening ours), the products were stellar. I am still kicking myself for not stocking up while I was there – the really good sheet masks were about a $1-$2. I know I’m hardly an expert from my limited anecdotal experience, but these are good products and for $12 a box, I’m considering subscribing. Now if only they could send those $5 prescription glasses that I luckily stocked up on while I was there – the US deems those “medical devices” and you’re not allowed to purchase them without a prescription. That would make my day.

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Danielle Marie

I love Goodal products. The moisture barrier cream was my first k-beauty item and what started my obsession. I love the moisture barrier cream and the first essence is good too. And yes, all their products smell lovely.

I loved the makeup wipes so much I bought an 80 pack on Amazon. They are better than any makeup wipes I have tried and I cannot be without them now.

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Glowingamber

The Goodal Waterest line is great! I got to sample it through Birchbox, and loved it. I ended up purchasing the TonyMoly aquaporin emulsion (I also have the floria oil cleanser) and I am in love with how dewy my skin looks, without being oily – especially in the Ohio humidity. This sub is at the top of my list to sign up for!

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Kp

I want this sub. But I have a bunch of full size korean products right now from m kbeauty phase lol. I have the missha line lol and 2 tubs of vivopl which I sample in the mall and fell in love. It a strong smell but omg so soft skin. I might need to cancel ipsy or birchbox for this lol

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Bev

Im still going threw my makeup phase. lol

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Ragan

You can buy a lot of Goodal stuff at Target, these days. (Online anyway. Not sure about in store.)

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EC

Nothing in my local stores here in Vegas. I checked out the online selection and it’s a bit limited in terms of not having the complete Waterest product line available. Lots of sheet masks and toners though. If they ever get the sleep mask I’ll pick it up at Target for sure. For now Ulta is my best option for the complete line.

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Ragan

I’m not as much into the Waterest line as some of the other products. My favorites are the Refine Pore Tightening Essence and the Phytoshine Acai Berry Brightening Cream, which Target has (and sometimes Hautelook). Guess the products that work for you depend on your skin type.