3B Box Subscription Box Review – July 2016

3B, which stands for Beauty Beyond Borders, is an Asian cosmetics subscription.  For just $12 per month, 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.

All products arrive neatly packed in a mesh bag.

Everything in my July 3b bag!

I love the pretty flower border around the front of this month’s information card.  The 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.

Etude House Pink Vital Water Facial Emulsion ($3.03):  This is a lightweight lotion with a mild floral scent.  This was chosen because it absorbs quickly without leaving a residue – perfect for hot summer weather.  I like this moisturizer and a little goes a long way.  Although, it was a bit hard to get out of the bottle.

ÜNT Aqua Nettoyant Perfect Balance Hydrating Cleanser ($1.03):  This is a gentle hydrating cleanser that contains a high concentration of amino acids to clean skin while maintaining moisture levels.  Use this as a second cleanser, following an oil cleanser.

Tony Moly Kiss Kiss Lovely Lip Patch ($2.05):  This particular lip patch is reportedly a favorite of Jessica Alba and Mother Monster (Lady Gaga), so you can feel like a star while you’re using it.  I’ve received lip patches like this before.  The last one I used said I needed to do some lip yoga before applying, but this one did not require extra exercises.  The gel patch is slippery, so you’ll need to lie down while this is on.  I noticed an immediate difference, but to maintain softness these should be used on a regular basis.

Dodo 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF 50 ($9.98):  While you’re outdoors enjoying the summer, don’t forget your sunscreen!  This formula has SPF 50/PA+++ , offering tons of coverage against UVB and UVA rays.  The cream is light enough to be worn on the face and contains aloe to soothe burns and minor irritations.  This absorbed quickly and did not leave a haze on the skin.

This month’s 3B Box is valued just over $16.  This is more than the $12 cost but is a little less than previous months.  I appreciate that all of the items focused around a summer skincare theme.  The sunblock was my prized item – I have a hard time finding creams that don’t feel heavy on my face.  Which item did you think was a must have?  Share a comment below with your thoughts.

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!