The 3B Box May 2016 Subscription Box Review

3b, which stands for Beauty Beyond Borders, is a newer Asian cosmetics subscription.  For just $12/mo., you’ll receive a collection of 4-5 deluxe samples that are new or popular in Asia but hard to get your hands on.  Sample products range from go-to brands such as Lioele, Etude House and Skinfood to high-end premium brands like SK-II, Kanebo, and Sulwhasoo.  Between the 8th and 10th of each month, you’ll receive notification that your box has shipped. Also, find tips and more information on key ingredients through 3b’s social pages.

Similar to some other subscriptions, items are packaged in reusable bags.

Everything in this month’s 3b bag!

The information card contains a brief description of the products and directions for use.  This is helpful if you are not fluent in the product’s native language.

Leaders Insolution Brightening Recovery Mask ($7.00):  This sheet mask is made from coconut gel, which has nourishing vitamins B and C.  These combine with Telangyn (which reduces redness) to improve skintone and reduce irritation from blemishes.  This mask has a longer wear time than some others I’ve used – 20 to 40 minutes.  There is quite a bit of serum in this mask, leaving a good amount to massage into the face and neck when removed.  Another reviewer suggested using this before bed, and I would agree.  This plus my daily moisturizer was too much.  The mask was the only item in my bag with English instructions/ingredients.

Sulwhasoo Essential Firming Cream Ex ($?):  I wasn’t able to calculate a value for these sachets, but a 2.5 oz jar is $95.00.  This uses Korean medicinal herbs to firm the skin and antioxidants to fight free radicals.  I swapped this for regular moisturizer.  Each packet contains enough cream for a day – morning and evening use.  The cream has a light, clean scent and absorbs quickly.  I’m glad to have received these in my 3b bag because the cost of a full size jar is too much for me to pay despite how much I liked it.

Aritaum Fresh Power Essence Pouch Sleeping Pack – Honey ($3.27):  This contains 200 mg of honey in each pouch.  Honey is rich in antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.  Use this before bed and allow the nutrients to work their magic overnight.  This pack helps improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting skin.  Each pouch contains enough serum for 2-3 applications.

Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Essence (~$10):  A 50 ml bottle of this essence is $23.99.  I’m not sure how much is in the bottle I received, but it looks to be about 0.5 oz .  This serum contains a blend of 50% Black Bee Propolis extract, 20% Royal Jelly extract, and 10% Royal Black Honey extract.  This is good for acne prone skin as honey/propolis/royal jelly have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.  Use 3-4 drops on your skin after toning.  This wasn’t sticky, absorbed very quickly, and didn’t have a noticeable fragrance.

DewyTree Blackhead Out Nose Patch ($1.19 each):  I received a box of these earlier this year and really liked them.  My opinion hasn’t changed.  

Anyway… If you’ve ever used a Biore pore strip, here’s an upgraded version.  These strips use volcanic ash and charcoal to clear pores and remove blackheads.  I always had issues with using enough water on my nose to get strips to stick, and these were no exception.  So, my trick is to moisten my nose, apply the strip, and then add water to the outside of the strip – works like a charm.  

Even without a value for the Sulwhasoo Firming Cream, I calculated that this month’s 3b Box is around $24, double the cost of the subscription.  Due to the number of sites carrying Asian cosmetics, there are varying prices depending on where you shop.  The great thing about the 3b Box is you don’t have to worry about multiple shipping fees or shopping around for products.

On a Side Note:  Before trying any Asian cosmetics subscription, expect that most information on the package will be in the native language.  That said, more and more brands are including directions/ingredients in English, and information can also be found in English on the majority of brands’ websites (you may have to choose a brand’s global or US site).  Secondly, a large number of products focus on brightening or whitening the skin.  As a person of color, I have not seen my skin color change.  Instead, I’ve experienced that my skin tone gets evened out after prolonged use.  However, your results may be different.  And lastly, many products contain ingredients which are animal-derived, so these may not be an option if you are vegan.  You can also check out cosDNA.com to see if the ingredients for the product are listed there.

Visit 3B Box to subscribe or find out more!