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 that 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.
December’s theme is all about the holiday celebrations – Sparkle & Shine. All products (that fit) are packed inside a mesh bag. Anything too big for the bag sits in the box.
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. The prices noted below are from 3b, unless noted otherwise (the card shows prices for full-sized items).
Herb Green Cleansing Oil | Manyo Factory ($4): This is considered a first cleanser. Massage onto your face and add warm water. This will emulsify to remove dirt and makeup. The cleansing oil contains tea tree oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, sage oil, rosemary leaf oil, lavender oil, and green tea seed oil. The herbal scent provides aromatherapy benefits to calm you. I don’t use a first cleanser, unless you count my makeup remover wipes, only because I just want to wash once.
Skin Perfecting Serums | V10 Plus ($6.33 per sachet): This is a VERY pricey assortment of samples. A full sized 30mL bottle retails for $95; these each contain 2mL of serum. The serums work to nourish and moisturize the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
The Last Choice Sheet Mask | When ($7): This is a coconut gel sheet mask loaded with moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid. 3b suggests putting the mask in the fridge for a few minutes before wearing for a more refreshing experience. These are currently sold out on the 3b shop.
Five Sacred Grains Rapid Glow Milk | Wei Beauty ($7.20 weibeauty.com): This moisturizing milk is made by soaking the Five Sacred Grains (rice, millet, sorghum, Job’s tears, and black soybean) in a proprietary blend containing coconut water and Vitamin C. Use to brighten and energize skin. I thought this was a good lightweight moisturizer and a decent stand-in for my regular day cream.
Pimple Acne Master Patch |CosRx ($5): Place these patches on pimples/blemishes to reduce their size and redness. Although they say these can be worn during the day, I wouldn’t advise unless you like looking like you have a bandage on. When I have breakouts, I use these before bed. The next morning, my pimple is noticeably smaller or gone.
As you can see, the patches come in 3 different sizes to cover a range of blemishes.
The December 3B Box has an approximate value of $30. I don’t know if the products fall under the Sparkle & Shine theme, but I’d say that they are keeping your skin from looking dull in the winter weather and post-holiday parties. I was happy to receive the pimple patches since I’ve just run out of mine. What will 3b have for the new year? Can’t wait to find out.
Have you tried 3b yet? What are your favorite K-beauty products? 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.
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