Memebox (미미박스) Skincare Elixir + January Discount Codes

Skincare Elixir… The idea of an ampoule/serum-themed Memebox was fascinating, and I had a few points plus an unused monthly coupon to burn, so I grabbed it despite its higher than normal price. While in the end I didn’t get exactly what I wanted, this was still a quality bundle. Take a look!

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 make sure to check on their website and see if they ship in your country – chances are they do. All themed boxes tend to sell out fast, so by the time you read this review this particular box might not be available for sale anymore.
Click here to see available boxes.

COUPON CODES
Take $3 off your order of $30 or more using code LODCS6. Expires 1/31/2015.
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.

Neogen Code9 Pore Tightening Aqua Cream – Neogen is probably one of the best brands featured in Memeboxes, and it’s always an exciting moment to discover that you scored one of their products, because they are normally pretty pricey.

How to use: Apply to clean skin after essence and serum and pat in until ful absorption. Suitable for oily and combination skin.

So far, those few Neogen products that I was lucky enough to try, seemed really effective at what they do, and always lived up to their claims. Take this cream for example: it’s formulated with glacier water for oily and combination skin to deliver moisture and tighten the pores; I’m sure it’s a godsend for oily skin.

Shara Shara Green Oasis Lifting Eye Cream – I’m usually not the biggest fan of Shara Shara, whether it’s makeup, tools, or skincare, but some of their products are actually quite nice. This eye cream, for example, seems like it could potentially be a diamond in the rough.

How to use: Apply to area around the eyes and gently pat in for full absorbance. Suitable for all skin types.

I did a quick patch test on my wrist, and the formula felt pretty nice. It absorbed really well, leaving my skin velvety soft and smooth. The cream has a faint grassy fragrance, which I presume comes from the blend of natural oils and extracts, and not from the lab. Noteworthy ingredients include lactobacillus [yogurt cultures, basically], adenosine, collagen, date palm ferment, and jojoba oil.

Tosowoong Syn-ake Whitening Mist and Wrinkle Free Lotion – Can you believe that after a year of getting Memeboxes this is the first time I’m trying a synake product? Yeah, I can hardly believe it too, considering how popular these things are in Korea.

How to use: Spray the mist on your face or in your hands, and pat in for full absorbance, then spread a dime-sized amount of lotion over face and neck. Suitable for all skin types, especially mature.

Synake literally means “synthetic snake venom”, and it’s designed to work like mild botox by relaxing the facial muscles, which in turn helps straighten out fine lines and wrinkles. I am proud to say that at this time I’m winning the aging battle, but the war is far from over. I bet you’re all dying to know what this crazy stuff actually feels like! Well, at first it feels cold, then it tingles, then it itches, then it feels cold again, and after about 3 minutes I feel like my skin is slightly numb. It’s super weird and fascinating at the same time.

ProYou Magic Silky Shiny Skin Essence – I’m already used to seeing products from this brand in Memeboxes, and they are always welcome. ProYou lines are designed for professional use at SPAs and beauty salons and feature effective formulas in minimalistic packaging.

How to use: Apply a few drops evenly over clean face and pat in for full absorbance. Suitable for dry skin.

So far I had the opportunity to try several of their balancing products for oily and combination skin types, but this one is formulated to add moisture and improve elasticity. I “swatched” it a couple times: once on my face and once on my wrist, and it’s definitely very hydrating, to the point where I should either use it at night, or just skip the moisturizer. I think it’ll work really well for dry skin.

THE VERDICT
So as it turns out, this was not a serum/ampoule themed box after all. Instead, it contained a full-face skincare routine that covers all steps that fall after cleansing and before sunscreen. I also can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I like all of the products in this box, yes, even Shara Shara.