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Saturday, February 21, 2015

Memebox Superbox #76 While You Were Sleeping Review

As many of you probably know by now, I've been a recent Asian beauty and skincare convert. Korean beauty (K-beauty) really jumpstarted my obsession, and I have Memebox to thank for opening me to new worlds I never knew existed.

Memebox is a Korean beauty "subscription" box service. I say that with quotation marks, because unlike the box services we are so used to in the beauty industry that automatically renews itself every month, we actually have the options of purchasing only the boxes that pique our interest with Memebox. Each box contains 4 - 8 full sized and deluxe sized products, and the box covers the entire spectrum -- skincare, makeup, haircare, bodycare, etc.This box is considered a Superbox, hence, the 8 full-sized items.


I opted for a skincare box as my first ever Memebox review on my blog, because I find that they are exceptionally curated most of the time. The While You Were Sleeping box lives up to that expectation.

Memebox's description of this box:
Say goodnight to all your imperfections with this luxurious While You Were Sleeping box! This night care recovery box bursts with skin, body and hair miracle workers that combat all signs of aging for a younger, brighter, more beautiful you. As aging and hormonal changes weaken skin, body and hair at their structural levels, even a full night's sleep can't provide optimal recovery, giving you a less than perfect look. Don't fret because this ultimate beauty box will regenerate, repair and replenish your beauty- all while you sleep! Skin will look younger and re-plumped and hair will be silkier and shinier- more beautiful than the day before!
***Please note: The prices listed in parentheses is for the full size product, and it is what Memebox claims is its retail price, meaning you may find it cheaper at other Korean estores or on eBay.

 A.H.C: Whitening Special Gen Skin Care Kit (Solution, Serum, and Cream) | 30ml, 10ml, 10ml ($18) 
Product Description: This set includes a clarifying toner solution, a soothing serum, and a moisturizing cream that's formulated with a range of ingredients that moisturize and brighten the complexion. Green tea, lavender, sage, rose hip oil, and other natural ingredients help to repair the look of fine lines, skin discolorations, and dull looking skin.
How to use: First apply the solution on clean face, then the serum, and finally the cream to finish off a total skincare routine.

I've been impressed with all of the AHC items I've received from past Memeboxes, so this was one of the products I was most excited to try. Despite only having used the set for a few days, I can vouch for the moisturizing and brightening claims. The toner is slightly thicker than I am used to, but it aided in the absorption of the [slightly thicker] serum afterwards. The cream is incredibly light-weight, but it manages to lock in the moisture of the combined toner and serum applied previously. The scent is also extremely calming and is therapeutic in of itself. The trifecta gives the illusion that I've actually had more than 8 hours of sleep the night before.

 Dr. MJ: Jasmine Sleeping Water Mask ($24)
Product Description: Deeply moisturize, deliver rich nutrition, soothe, de-tox, and brighten the skin using this sleeping water mask. It works to reach deep into the skin for a complexion turnover, working to soften and moisturize overnight. It has a relaxing aroma scent that helps to distress both body and mind.
How to use: Spread the sleeping mask evenly over face before heading to bed.

Confession time: I'm a pathological sleeping mask hoarder. For someone who has oily skin, there is no rhyme or reason to why I own as much sleeping mask/pack as I do. In short, they are intense moisturizers designed to be worn as the last step in skincare to seal in all the moisture before going to bed. This Dr. MJ one is surprisingly moisturizing for a gel consistency, and it absorbs rather fast. I can see myself reaching for it more in the warmer months though, when my skin is not in need of extra hydration (like it does currently.) This gel has a light jasmine scent which quickly dissipates upon application.

Pure Smile: Potion Pack Hand in Royal Jelly ($5)
Product Description: This pack for hands is an easy to wear glove type of essence mask enriched with various nutrients such as collagen, allantoin, aloe vera gel, snail mucus, pearl powders, royal jelly, and hibiscus. Randomly selected from Pearl, Royal Jelly, or Hibiscus.
How to use: Clean hands thoroughly and slide them into the pair of gloves. Massage both hands together and rest for 10-20 minutes. Remove the mask and pat in the remaining essence.

Hand masks are new to me, and I have never previously sought them out because I'm one of those people who simply doesn't have the patience for them. However, given the abuse (translate: hand washing and sanitizing, especially in the cold winter months), I've come to appreciate them. This hand mask has a noticeable honey scent, and the mask itself is quite large for my hands. I removed the mask after 15 minutes and massaged in the essence. While it did make my hand softer after use, the effect is temporary, and I still felt the need to apply hand cream afterwards.

Grinif: Queen of Rose Water Eye Cream ($50)
Product Description: Formulated with rose water, collagen, peptide, macadamia seed oil, witch hazel extracts, and various amino acids for delivering deep nutrition, intensive wrinkle care, and a tone balancing effect. It fills in fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, leaving a much softer, firmer skin texture.
How to use: Apply a small amount over and under eyes. Pat in for full absorbance


Finding the right eye cream for my dry undereye is a constant struggle for me. Most times, I never see the desired results halfway through a jar, so I move onto the next. I'm happy to say that the Rose Water eye cream is quite moisturizing and brightening all in one. Because of that, it does take a while to absorb into the skin, thus, making it more nighttime appropriate. The light rose scent just adds a luxurious touch to the product.
 
Grinif: Shea Butter Multi Balm ($13)
 Product Description: Enriched with shea butter, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. This can be used over dry patches on the face, lip, and body or on damaged ends of hair as often as needed. It helps to replenish, nourish, and create a moisture barrier for preventing future dehydration.
How to use: Apply directly to lips, scalp, hair, and body. Gently massage the butter all over the body for full absorbance and use a steam towel on hair for 5-10 minutes to facilitate absorbance as well. It can also be melted into bath as a bath butter.

While I can't say I've tested this on my hair, since any balm tends to weigh it down, nor on my face since balms don't sit well with my skin, I can speak for the moisturizing properties on my body -- namely on my hands. I apply this right before I go to bed, and I wake up to soft and supple hands. It is a thicker formula with a fresh scent, but it's an absolute treat for dry and dehydrated skin. 
 
Mizon: Olive Cocoa Butter Foot Cream ($9)
 Product Description: Helps to relieve, soften, and nourish dry, cracked heels with this foot cream that's packed with rich nutrients from olive oil and cacao butter. This is best applied after you've buffed away dead skin cells from the feet to help control moisture balance and to protect the skin from any further damage and dehydration.
How to use: Apply directly to clean feet and massage it in for full absorbance.

Admittedly, I neglect foot treatment in the realm of body care despite living in heels, so this was much-needed. I personally enjoy slathering my feet with the cream and putting on a pair of socks afterwards for a quick, yet intense overnight foot pampering.There is no noticeable scent, and the white cream does sink into the skin relatively quickly.

Glam Up: Highly Enriched Ampoule ($2)
 Product Description: A highly concentrated ampoule for nurturing healthy hair condition and growth. It has essential nourishment to support keratin products that helps hair appear fuller, thicker, and more lustrous.
How to use: Apply the ampoule over wet or blow-dried hair after a shower. It is recommended to be used with a hair cap for greater results.

This is more-or-less a clear, light-weight, highly concentrated hair serum. I'm not very high-maintenance when it comes to my hair, and combined with the fact that my hair lacks volume, I've always been hesitant to pile on products. However, not only does this not weigh down my hair, but it also gives a glossy finish even after I topped it off with a hair curling essence/cream. It also has a pleasant floral scent that does linger.

Rosemine: Azulene Calming Gel ($29)
 Product Description: A blue calming gel for soothing, cooling, and moisturizing red, irritated skin, dry patches, and oily trouble skin suffering from excess blemishes. The blue formula comes from chamomile extracts and it doesn't contain any artificial coloring too.
How to use: Apply directly over stimulated part of face or body as a soothing agent. It can also be applied as an overnight facial pack.

This calming gel may have a blue appearance in the tube, but you can tell from my swatches that it is actually clear in nature. This has a fairly similar consistency to the Dr. MJ sleeping water mask. Unlike the sleeping mask, this can be used all over the body, although I don't find it moisturizing enough, especially in the frigid weather we've been experiencing. Therefore, I'll continue using it as a face moisturizer, and possibly for the body in the summer months.

While You Were Sleeping contains 8 full size products (and, yes, Memebox is counting a hand mask as one full sized item.) The total value of the box -- again, according to Memebox -- is $150 USD. I did pay $29 for the box, plus $6.99 for standard shipping. Personally, I think this box was a great way to explore new brands and formula and to add products missing from my skincare (and body) routine.

Even though this box is no longer available, you can check out other boxes on MemeboxUSA.

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