Memebox (미미박스) Global #17

As you can see, I’m slowly getting through my pile of unreviewed Memeboxes, and next one in line is Global #17. Global boxes are always a total mystery and no one, not even Memebox, knows what’s going to be in them until they actually ship. In fact, I’m pretty sure Global boxes are not pre-planned, and we get whatever Memebox could get their hands on. Unfortunately, I heard rumors through Meme-grapevine that they plan to discontinue Global boxes and proceed with themed boxes instead. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens, because it always seems like Memebox never has long-standing plans for anything. Ever. They just wing it. Anyhow, here are the contents of my Memebox Global #17 [which is still available in Memeshop at the time of this review].

HOW IT WORKS
Memebox Global is not a typical subscription service. They periodically curate boxes filled with assorted beauty products popular among Koreans, and those Limited Edition bundles are sold on first come first serve basis. Prices vary depending on the type of the box. Memebox ships internationally, so if you are in Canada, Australia, China or anywhere in Europe, you can get your hands on one of these, too.
Click here to purchase.

COUPON CODES
Take $5 off your order of $30 or more using code 4GQ37H. Expires 12/31/2014.
Take $5 off your purchase of 3 boxes or more using code MEMEBUNDLE3.
Take $8 off your purchase of 4 boxes or more using code MEMEBUNDLE4.
Get free shipping on orders above $70 from Memeshop using code FREESHIPPING.
Order over $100 using this link and receive $5 off automatically at checkout, no code required.
Order over $150 using this link and receive $10 off automatically at checkout, no code required.

Shara Shara Pink Piggy Collagen Cream – I actually told my sister about all of the “piggy” collagen items I’ve been getting lately, and she was interested in trying one if I ever got another jar of some cream or mask. Since I have no interest in this moisturizer, I am going to pass it on to her.

How to use: Apply directly to clean skin after serum and ampoule and pat in for full absorbence. Suitable for all skin types.

Before I put it away to my sister’s gift stash I slightly opened the lid and sniffed the balm – it smelled of something fruity and floral, which is very similar to both Elizavecca Milky Piggy and SaintPeau Collagen Sleeping Pack. I hope she likes it!

Shara Shara Bee Tox Spot Cream – I am getting tired of all the Shara Shara stuff in the boxes, but I do like this particular cream. Right now my face is in bad shape and I have several fairly large and painful spots on my chin and forehead, so I opened this cream immediately after getting the box in hopes that it can help.

How to use: Apply a small amount directly to problem areas of the skin. Suitable for any skin prone to breakouts.

Well, I don’t know if it’s due to the cream or to other skincare, but I think my breakout is almost under control now. It’s not totally gone yet, but I’ve been using a combination of products, including this spot treatment, for four days and I can actually put on makeup without fearing that it will cause further irritation. This treatment smells strongly of tea tree, and has a creamy consistency. I think I prefer this format over oils or sticks, because it seamlessly blends with the rest of my lotions and potions.

Cheek Room Lip Palette – This palette is getting a lot of hate in the blogosphere, but I don’t think it’s that terrible. The colors seem kind of neutral and something everyone could potentially wear, and it even has a nice magnetic clasp so I won’t have to break my nails trying to open it.

How to use: Apply to lips using the applicator, or pat on with a finger for sheerer color. Suitable for all skin types.

Each palette comes with a small lip brush and a miror inside, making it a nice little tool for touchups on the go. It’s compact enough to fit in the tiniest of purses! I actually don’t plan on using it because I already have way too many similar colors in my stash already, but instead I’ll add it to my giveaway bundle. Yeah, that’s a little sneak peek for you! I plan to do blog giveaways regularly when I finally recover from the Holidays.

Palan Crysence Home Care Pouch Set – This set includes four sample packets of natural mineral shampoo and strengthening treatment. I think some people might find these pouches cheap and lame, but honestly, Palan is an amazing and very expensive salon brand from Japan, so getting to use their products at all is already a privilege [at least I think so].

How to use: Massage the shampoo thoroughly into wet hair and scalp, rinse off with lukewarm water. Follow up with conditioning treatment, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse off. Suitable for all hair types.

Palan says this 100% natural mineral formula is designed to fully restore the hair and wash off all the junk from it. I used it today, fully expecting to be blown away, and I did. The shampoo foamed very well, and made my hair feel super clean; and the conditioning treatment worked wonderfully as a heavy duty detangler and softener. There were no signs of frizz whatsoever, even though I let my hair air dry. It’s safe to say that I really enjoyed these samples, even if we only got four of each.

Dr. MJ Real Mucin Restore Sunscreen SPF45 PA+++ – I am *super* excited about this sunscreen, because it’s from the same line as the moisturizer I’m currently obsessed with. It contains the same snail filtrate and other awesome skin firming and brightening ingredients, and basically works like skin care rather than a typical sunscreen.

How to use: Apply to your face and neck at the end of your AM skincare routine. Suitable for combination, normal, dry, and sensitive skin. Wouldn’t recommend it for oily skin because it’s quite nourishing.

I think I might have to hit the trade boards and get some more of this wonderful product, because it works so well for me, both as a sunscreen and as a regular daily skincare item. It’s like a lighter version of Dr. MJ snail cream with added SPF, so on a very hot day I might only use the sunscreen version.

AHC Climax Water Pool Cleanser – My inner 12 year-old is totally giggling at the name right now, like, what is this even supposed to mean? Even without the “climax” part, this is still a baffling name. A pool cleanser? A pool water cleanser? Thanks to my Memebox card I concluded that it’s actually a pretty interesting facial cleanser made with carbonated water and 22 different natural extracts and minerals.

How to use: Massage gently into damp skin until cleanser gets thick, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Since I have several different cleansers I need to finish first, I’ll be putting this one on hold for now, but I am pretty intrigued. Supposedly, this cleanser turns thick when you massage it into the skin, so it kind of makes all the gunk stick to it, making it easy to clean out the pores without scrubbing.

THE VERDICT
I liked this box way more than I thought I would, mainly because those foils of Palan shampoo and conditioner turned out to be blazing-amazing. I seriously envy anyone who can afford to buy their products regularly, because that’s some seriously good hair care. I also look forward to trying the Climax water [lol], I think I am going to like it a lot, based on the description.