Memebox – Superbox #34 Dermocosmetics 2: August 2014

So if you’ve been reading lately, you’re probably aware of my newest obsession: Memebox (pronounced Mi-mi-box). It features full size Korean beauty products and I am just uber fascinated with the items. Unlike monthly subs, Memebox curates themed boxes that you purchase in advance and then get shipped out to you later. Some boxes tell you all the contents, others give you just one spoiler and some are complete surprises.

The Memebox folks sent me the Superbox #34 Dermocosmetics 2 for review.  This box is available for $39.00 (plus shipping). It is also still available in a bundle with the Iope box as well.
Memebox’s description: “our Dermo-Cosmetics Box #2 is packed with dermatologist favorites that are meant to pamper, restore and rejuvenate your skin! It contains everything you need to illuminate the skin and repair damaged skin by the sun and other environmental stressor to improve the appearance of dull, uneven skintone and dark spots, giving you a naturally healthy looking glow.”

Now enough housekeeping, let’s see what we got.

Memebox uses super cute hot pink boxes for packaging. Great for recycling into gift boxes or crafty storage.


As usual, we get our lovely two-sided card, that is a lifeline since most of the info on these products is in Korean, so these are a necessity if you actually want to figure out what a product does and how you should use it.

Kang Skin Rejuvenating Cream 50 mL
(Memebox Retail: $72.00)
Description: “Enriched with adenosine, ceramide and snail mucus extracts, this Rejuvenating Cream is highly effective wrinkle care product. By deeply hydrating and nourishing the skin, it improves he skin elasticity and minimize stress-instigated aging of the skin.”
Verdict: Love!
Yes, you read “snail mucus extracts”. But before you freak out, they can extract the mucus without harming the itty bitty little guys and caviar has long been part of skincare products in the US, so are snails really that big of a deal? In any case, snail mucus is huge in Korean beauty and I’ve been dying to try it out so I was super psyched to see this in the box. It has a lovely consistency – it’s a cream but it has an almost gel-like feel to it. It’s lovely going on and while it’s too soon to see anti-aging effects it does a wonderful job of moisturizing my skin without being greasy. It also absorbs into the skin really quickly. I’d happily buy this on its own if it were available.

Kang Skin Aqua Essence 30mL
(Memebox Retail: $72.00)
Description: “Kang Skin’s Aqua Essence bases its formula on hyaluronic acid which is weidely known for its intensively moisturizing and soothing properties. IT maintains the skin soft and supple by treating excessive dead skin cells and delivering abundant nutrition deep in to the skin.”
Verdict: Hit!
So in reading a bit about Korean beauty, it seems that there are tons of products and many many steps to skincare routines. An essence seems to be similar to a serum, but I believe is applied before a serum (if I’m wrong about this and you’re well-versed on the Korean beauty steps, please feel free to correct me in the comments). I was happy to see this since I’ve heard a lot about essences but haven’t had a chance to try one out yet. I gave this one a quick test. It had a very light, liquid consistency and seemed very much like US serums I’ve tried. It will be fun to add something entirely new to my skincare routine.

Cotterang Bubble Peeling Pad 16ml X1 each
(Memebox Retail: $7.00)
Description: “This is an exfoliating pad enriched with natural AHA components, various plant extracts and fermented extracts which work to easily yet very effectively remove dead skin cells and excess sebum off your face. This Bubble Peeling Pad was made so that you could experience the same peeling effects at home as you would with expensive treatments at dermatology.”
Verdict: On the Fence
So first I had to google “sebum” and it’s just oil. Okay, yes I can remove oil from my face. According to the directions you moisten the peeling pad with water, create foam and then place it over your face. I haven’t tried this yet and I’m just a little worried that it might be too strong for me. I’m going to give it a try when I don’t have anywhere to be the next day (on the off chance it bugs my skin).

Cotterang Acne Killer Kit 16ml + 5ml
(Memebox Retail: $20.00)
Description: “A 7-days bio peeling product which consists of the Killer Peeling Pad & the Killer Tok Tok Sol, this anti-trouble Killer Kit works to remove stubborn acne and excess dead skin cells piled up on your skin. You’ll be able to experience real dermatology-like results after 7 days of using this kit!”
Verdict: Gift
Okay so I don’t usually see the word “killer” in my skincare product descriptions so I am slightly taken aback. I don’t really have much of a problem with acne barring the occasional pimple so I don’t think this product is for me. It sounds more geared to folks with serious acne problems. This is the same brand as the peeling pad so it looks like Cotterang specializes in peels. I’m going to pass this one along to someone who can use it.

reborn Calming Skin 200ml
(Memebox Retail: $30.00)
Description: “Reborn’s Calming Skin contains ceraminde, niacinamide and various oriental medicinal extracts beneficial for soothing and moisturizing dry, sensitive skin. Its gentle formula also helps maintain the skin soft and supple. In addition, all of ReBorn’s therapy products are researched and made through a joint research of CNU Laboratory Co., Daejeon University Department of Oriental Medicine, and OBM Lab”
Verdict: Like
The instructions say you apply this at the first stage your skincare routine, so I’m guessing this functions as a light toner. I gave it a spritz and it felt soothing and not at all astringent. I’m working my way through some toners I already have open, but I’ll definitely use this when I finish my other bottles.

OVERALL
Verdict: Hit!
I loved the moisturizing cream and had fun with all these new skincare products I’d never gotten a chance to play with before. Because these are Korean products it’s really difficult to determine the exact value and none of these are offered for individual purchase on the Memebox site. The way I’ve decided to judge these boxes is whether I’m happy with the items for the price I paid for the box.
According to Memebox retail the total value of this box was $201.00, but it seems that they inflate the cost quite a bit. The cost to purchase this box would be $39.00 plus shipping. I would have been more than satisfied to purchase this box at the $39 price tag.   I found the moisturizing cream alone to be worth the cost, and with the exception of the acne kit, I can use all the items. I have 5 (I know!) boxes en route that I purchased myself. These include: Scentbox #4 Floral, #16 Memebox Global, Princess Edition #1 Snow White, #51 My Cute Wishlist #2, Special #31 Earth & Sea Cosmetics,
so if you want to see what’s inside any of these lovelies, be sure to follow my blog.

So Memebox is constantly updating their box selection and offers, so always check my latest Memebox reviews for coupon codes and offers (jump down to the Backstory for a list of current coupon codes). They also have some offers that are only available through affiliate links. In addition, they will frequently re-issue sold out boxes so if you’re in love with something sold out, make a wishlist and sign up for the Memebox newsletter to find out if it gets restocked.

MEMEBOX NEWS!

Launching today is their new Jack Pot Box!

Description:

“There will be 1st place to 9th place winners. Everyone will be guaranteed to receive at least $155 worth of products for only $32! Even better, there are many boxes for higher place, so it is easy to get high-value products. Good luck for everyone! Only best-rated & high-quality products will be included in our Jack Pot box. Regardless of which place box you get, you will receive all-time best-rated K-beauty products. All products will be best items from previous Memeboxes!”
So to summarize with slightly better grammar, it’s a favorites box where you some lucky winners will get extra products in their boxes. If you’ve been wanting to try Memebox out, this would be a great box to start with.
Some other fun new releases include:
#59 Halloween Special: $23.00 plus shipping
Description: “Whether you plan on being a sexy vamp, a pretty pixie, or just sport your trusty ol’ witch hat for the night, these do-able Halloween makeup ideas will compliment any costume and also be sure to get you a double-take!”

#60 Back to School by HopeGirl: $19.00 plus shipping
Description: “Stay pretty all day with a Hope Girl’s daily beauty combo! Get smooth and flawless skin with the Nude Skin Color Control Cream, and boast legendary lips with Hope Girl’s signature leopard print Milky Balm Lipstick! Deck out nails with festive nail lacquers, and boast beautiful eyes with a foolproof eyeliner and eye shadow combo that is sure to get you a double-take!”

 Do any of the Memeboxes interest you? Which one would you choose?

THE BACKSTORY
Memebox (pronounced Mi-mi-box) is the #1 beauty box provider in Korea and has recently come to the US. Their boxes include the “most trusted most trusted, best-loved Korean beauty products at everyday prices.” Memebox carries 4 main types of beauty boxes: Memebox, Memebox Special Editions, Superbox and Luckybox along with full-size, Korean beauty products in their Memeshop. Unlike subscriptions, you purchase these boxes individually as they are released, so this is a great option for the commitment phobes who don’t want to be locked into a beauty subscription. There are tons of fun themes and pricing options.
Costs vary depending on the box.

Memebox Special Edition:

Memebox special edition comes packaged with 4-8 full-size products and delux samples under its own theme. Memebox special edition is designed to meet the various concerns, beauty trends, and also seasonal needs.

 Superbox:

Superbox was inspired by Memebox lovers, looking for full-sized products catered to specific needs. Each Superbox series comes with its own theme, designed to target particular concerns, or collaboration with our favorite brands!

Luckybox:

Every Luckybox is unique and is filled with 4 – 8 full sized products and deluxe samples carefully curated from Korea to give you the best experience and widest exposure to a range of products!

AUGUST COUPON CODES:
Promo code – $5 off on any order (limit one per customer):ZVKBBH
$5 off on orders above $100: AFFILIATE-7666-OPO2L-QGRA
$10 off on orders above $150: AFFILIATE-0158-DDXZX-JMBG
Get Free Standard Shipping On 1 Box When You Buy 2 Or More Boxes: SHIP4CHEAP3
Get 10% off orders above $100: 10%OFF$1004U
$5 off on entire order when purchasing over 3 Memeboxes: MEMEBUNDLE3
$8 off on entire order when purchasing over 4 Memeboxes: MEMEBUNDLE4

Free shipping on orders above $70 from Memeshop: FREESHIPPING

Memepoints:
You can also get memepoints based on your purchases. Each 1 Meme Point can be redeemed for $1.00. (The maximum memepoints you are allowed to spend on an order is 50)