Memebox (미미박스) Winter Essential Masks + January Discount Codes

I love buying Memebox mask box bundles, because I always discover one-two completely new companies, and maybe another must-have sheet mask brand. The latest edition – Winter Essential Masks – came out right around Christmas time, and I kept it under the tree until I get a chance to dig in.

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.

VELIEVE Girlish Mask x3 – There were four variations of these masks sent out, and I got  Collagen Lifting, Honey Moisture, and Vita Shining. At first I thought the collagen mask will be another hydrolyzed pig collagen treatment, but these are actually made with marine collagen. Tentatively, the Honey mask is made with propolis, and the Shining mask contains lemon extract for brightening and evening out complexion. If you have that last one, make sure you use it in the evening and then wash your face thoroughly in the morning, because lemon oil makes the skin many times more likely to get badly sunburned [even though it’s Winter now].

How to use: Adhere the mask to the skin, and relax for 15-20 minutes. Gently take it off, and pat in the remaining essence for full absorbance. I recommend using these in the evening before bed under the moisturizer as part of your evening skincare routine. Suitable for all skin types.

The mask sheets themselves are made of thin pulp-type material that holds the essence pretty well and prevents it from dripping. It does dry out in about 15-20 minutes, so that’s a good indicator of when it’s time to remove it. And how could I not mention that packaging! Those girls have some serious sass, it’s like they’re judging every inch of my skin, haha 🙂

INOFACE Real Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask – Out of four variations – Snail, Aloe, Q10, and Collagen – I got my second choice. I would have much preferred to get a snail mask, because I already know that ingredient works really well for my combination skin with dry cheeks, but I guess the firming and soothing effects of Q10 mask will come in handy, too.

How to use: Apply the mask to the skin, and relax for 15-20 minutes. Gently take it off, and pat in the remaining essence for full absorbance. I recommend using these in the evening before bed under the moisturizer as part of your evening skincare routine. Suitable for all skin types.

Like Velieve masks, this is a pulp-type sheet that retains moisture for about 20 minutes. I have to remember to use it soon, because the expiration date is coming up in October of this year. I know, it probably sounds funny when I say “coming up”, when in reality it’s still almost a full year away, but my sheet mask drawer is full so it’s easy to forget I even have this one.

RIRE Patting Water Pack – I have never heard of patting waters until Memebox started sending out those Blithe waters that everyone is raving about. Unfortunately, I didn’t buy any boxes with that product, so I feel like I missed out big time, but now I at least get to try this one.

How to use: There are several ways to use this patting water. 1) After cleansing the skin, fill the sink with water, dilute a capfull of patting water pack, and gently splash your face 15-20 times, then pat in the remaining water and do not rinse. 2) Dilute the patting pack with water in proportion 1:100 and pour it in a spray bottle. Keep in the fridge and use as toner or a refreshing mist. Suitable for all skin types.

This patting water is very concentrated. It has the consistency of body wash and has to be diluted in 1:100 proportion, and then patted into the skin. I read some blog reviews that compared RiRe to Blithe, and sounds like Blithe is a lot better and more effective. Since I only have this one to use, I’ll say that I honestly didn’t feel like it was a necessary step in my routine.

ESTHETIC HOUSE Collagen Jelly Mask Pack – At this time I have at least three unopened jars of collagen masks sitting around, plus the one I’m using right now, so this one will definitely be gifted.

How to use: Apply to skin as a last step in your evening routine, then wash off in the morning. Suitable for all skin types.

I lifted the lid to take a closer look, and I have to note that it has a very pleasant floral fragrance to it. My Saint Peau sleeping pack doesn’t smell that great, but it’s a pretty effective overnight treatment, and I think my giftee will probably like it, too.

LASSIE’EL Raspberry Age Defying Yogurt Massage Mask – I just bought the same masks at Wishtrend, so looks like I will have a whole bunch of them now. What I like most about these is that the company includes a lid that you can use to cover the mask pod, in case you end up not using the whole thing at once. Love that, because I always end up feeling so wasteful, slathering those extra layers on my skin that won’t even do me any good,

How to use: Apply to clean skin and relax for 5-10 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. Suitable for all skin types, especially mature.

I was ready to start laughing about the whole “raspberry” thing while there are clearly blackberries on the box, but Google set me straight, because there is such a thing as a black raspberry that has a more intense flavor than regular red raspberries. Also, apparently it goes well with Gruyère and Tomme cheeses. Because I know you guys totally needed to know that, right? 🙂

PURE SMILE Jewelry Bubble Ruby & Pure Bubble Royal Jelly – What kind of a mask box would it be without our favorite cheap-yet-effective Pure Smile products, right ladies? I for one am always happy to get more of their stuff, although these jewelry packs are not among my faves.

How to use: Spread the mask over clean dry face, and let it bubble up. Wash off with lukewarm water after the bubbling stops. Suitable for all skin types.

Like I said, I actually tried more of these before, and they are just not that great. What I do like is the packaging, so they’re easy to pop into your travel bag for a quick post-flight skin-reviving pampering session in the hotel room. Neither of these are a miracle product, but they will get the job done. Also, bonus cookie points for cute packaging.

THE VERDICT
Kind of on the fence about this box. The contents felt a little cheap and thrown together, and I would have preferred more sheet masks instead of wash-off packs, although they will all get used up eventually. I finally tried a patting water thingie, and wasn’t too impressed with it, but according to fellow bloggers who tried both RiRe and Blithe, sounds like they weren’t wowed either. Looks like I might have to try and get my hands on one of those Blithe waters after all.