MISHIBOX Korean Beauty Box Review – September 2016

MISHIBOX (pronounced “me-she”) is a monthly Korean beauty subscription service that sends 5-6 deluxe sized samples and full-sized products for $19.95 a month plus an additional fee for shipping depending on where you need it shipped ($3.95 to the U.S. and its territories).

My items were shipped in a pink cardboard box and were wrapped in tissue paper sealed with the MISHIBOX bunny logo. The presentation is always nice with this box.

I love product information cards and this one gave a link where you can find a translated list of ingredients for this month’s items. It also shows how to figure out manufacture and expiration dates.

Everything in my box! I am new to the world of Korean beauty but so far I love it for the packaging alone! Korean women love dewy, glowing skin and there are a ton of products out there to help you achieve that look. There may be extra steps that we don’t usually take the time for here in the U.S., but with a bit more effort we can come close!

The flip side of the product info card gave instructions on how to use the products and the retail price for the full size. This is one of the most detailed product information cards I have ever seen and it is extremely helpful since most of us probably can’t read the instructions on the packages. MISHIBOX doesn’t customize the boxes but may send variations.

First up are two products from Proud Mary, both of which contain Icelandic glacial milk, Italian sparkling water, and South Korean deep ocean water. The Hydro Booster Serum  ($5) has a blend of 9 herbs and is supposed to help replenish tired, dry skin but left my cheeks red and inflamed. Moist EX Eye Cream ($5) is the weirdest consistency for an eye cream that I have ever encountered. I reminds me of the glue and borax mix known as Gak. It is a little rubbery and takes a bit of effort to make it dissolve properly and that is not good for the under-eye area. Plus, fragrance is a no-no for eye creams. Unfortunately, alcohol is at the top of the ingredients list and again, that can’t be good for this delicate area. Thumbs down.

As always there was a Korean sheet mask included and this month subscribers received one of two from Thank You Farmer. I received the Miracle Age Repair Cotton Mask ($5) (some subscribers may get True Water Deep Cotton Mask). The product information card says this brand is cruelty-free (but not vegan). My mask says it is designed for anti-aging and nourishing the skin and is jam-packed with plant extracts. It felt refreshingly cool on my skin and smelled like roses.

How cool is this packaging for the Sam & Sean Haters & Lovers Ghassoul Clay Mask? ($20) (Some subscribers will receive the White Clay Mask.) The mask contains Moroccan Lava Clay, betonite, shea butter, tea tree oil, and herbal extracts. This isn’t really the best product for my aging skin but I gave it a try. I could feel a fine grit to it and it had a lovely perfume scent that reminded me of a product I tried in Europe many years ago. I did feel a bit of irritation at first but it quickly disappeared and rinsed away cleanly.

Subscribers will receive one of six shades of MCC Waterbeam Glow Lipstick ($18). I received Calming Rose. The lipstick went on smoothly and was very moisturizing. Contains shea, mango, olive, and jojoba oils to keep your kisser soft as the weather turns cooler. I applied it along with lip liner and it lasted a decent amount of time before wearing off.

Here’s the lipstick swatched on my arm. I thought it was too bright at first but I applied it lightly and used a neutral lipliner and was pleased with the outcome.

My September MISHIBOX had a value of $53! I enjoyed trying these new products and really like my new lipstick. Plus, I enjoyed a peaceful evening of testing my masks while watching TV (I can multi-task!). Keep in mind that K-beauty products are known to contain some rather strange ingredients (Snail slime! Donkey milk!). It was nice to see a cruelty-free product in the box and I hope to see an increase in vegan Korean beauty too!

What do you think of MISHIBOX? Do you have a favorite Korean skin care brand?

Visit MISHIBOX to subscribe or find out more!