little white truths

Note also that all prices quoted below are in USD.

Before I look at each item in turn, here are my December Affiliate Codes:

Just click the Memebox banner to the right of this blog, or click here to enter the Memebox website and start shopping!

I'm glad to see an eye cream in the bundle, since I don't have too many eye creams in stock and I haven't received one from Memebox before.

Having said this, I'm pretty nervous about the brand - I've received quite a few SharaShara products in various boxes and they've pretty much all been rubbish. Still, they were makeup items so I'm HOPING the company's skincare products fare better. We'll see.

Neogen Code9 Pore Tightening Aqua Cream (RRP $44 for 120ml)

According to the description, this one's enriched with Canadian glacial water, baobab tree extracts, hyaluronic acid, natural ferments and pore control EX complex. It aims to soothe and tighten back enlarged pores, leaving skin feeling firm and supple.

You apply it over your clean face, massaging and patting it in with both hands.

I've received a few pore-directed products from Memebox recently and haven't opened any of them - I'm working hard to finish off the skincare I have open before introducing new products. This cream sounds like one of the better items I've received, so I'm looking forward to trying it.

UPDATE: Full review here. This is the worst item in the box, and it's also the most expensive (!). Just goes to show that expensive products don't always perform better. I wondered why it wasn't particularly hydrating and then saw that there's alcohol in it, which would explain things. After trialling this, I'm sending it straight to the body cream section because I need to use better products on my face or I'll look ten years older within a week. A disappointment.

SharaShara Green Oasis Lifting Eye Cream (RRP $20 for 30ml)

The product card suggests that this cream will 'erase the years off your sagging eyes or prevent premature wrinkles and lines'. It contains adenosine, hydrolysed collagen, lactose bacillus, date palm ferments and jojoba seed oil to firm and smooth skin while creating a moisture barrier over the top for a 'lasting moisture lock-in'.

Hmph. We'll see. Sounds like tall claims to me, but as I said, I'm suspicious of the brand. I hope to be pleasantly surprised (!).

UPDATE: Full review here. This is a light cream and it doesn't feel particularly hydrating, but it seems to do an ok job of moisturising my eye area because the area doesn't look any worse after using it (and it can with some creams - I'm not in my 20s anymore, after all ; ) ). As for claims, I haven't noticed any lifting/firming action and it doesn't take years off my eye area, but it does the job well enough.

Tosowoong Syn-ake Whitening Mist (RRP $20 for 100ml)

This is a complexion-reviving mist that's formulated with syn-ake complex (a kind of peptide carrying similar constituents to snake venom), EGF, galactomyces ferments and bifida ferments. It's an all natural formula that aims to alleviate sensitive, stimulated skin and rejuvenate/strengthen dry, tired skin.

Rightio. So I'll be spraying my face with something that's kinda like snake venom. Now that's a story for the grandkids?!

?!

UPDATE: I haven't reviewed this yet because there isn't a hell of a lot to say about it - it basically feels like spraying water on your face and I've noticed nothing distinctive about it. It's not particularly cooling or refreshing, it doesn't smell or feel wonderful, and while I don't hate it, I'm not sure there's much point in using it. Still, even spraying water on your face feels nice enough so I may as well finish it off.

Tosowoong Syn-ake Wrinkle Free Lotion (RRP $20 for 100ml)

This product is designed to firm up and fill in fine wrinkles, and help you maintain a healthy moisture and oil balance in your skin. This also contains the pretend snake venom stuff and the other ingredients listed in the related product above. Not surprisingly, it has the same aims, too - ie, the alleviating, rejuvenating and strengthening actions.

Another story for the grandkids. Maybe. Could be a lot of huff and puff really.

UPDATE: I reviewed this one earlier today (see here). There's not much to say about it other than that it's not moisturising enough for my dry skin and I don't think it lives up to its claims. I reckon it would be an ok moisturiser if you have oily skin, but it doesn't have enough nourishment if your skin needs something extra. It's not terrible, it's just not great.

ProYou Magic Silky Shiny Skin Essence (RRP $36 for 50ml)

I've received so many ProYou products now from various Memeboxes and haven't tried any of them. What if they're all terrible haha. I'm definitely looking forward to finishing off the skincare range I'm using at the moment so I can get stuck into these puppies! It'll certainly make a lot more room in my beauty stores ; )

This is apparently a lightweight facial essence suitable for all skin types. It contains a blend of adenosine, Phellinus linteus extracts, copper peptide and EGF, which work to smooth roughened skin texture. Niacinamide, rice bran extracts and morus bark extracts brighten up uneven skintone; meanwhile moisturising agents such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, panthenol and kerasgen add rich moisture and suppleness for a healthier complexion.

Sounds impressive. I'm probably most excited about this item. So yes, I definitely need to get through the products I have open so I can give this and my other ProYou items a go.

UPDATE: This is easily the best item in the box. Full review here. I've no idea what's in it (or indeed what an 'essence' is) but it feels like a serum/oil hybrid and my skin's over-mooned by it. It's clear and has a very faint floral smell. It's oily in texture but not super oily and it doesn't leave a greasy residue like some oils can. I'm liking it so much that I've been applying it throughout the day over makeup too, and it immediately makes me look younger because it plumps and hydrates so well. Love.

Verdict

I'm actually not that impressed by this box. It's reasonable and I'll use everything, but I honestly expected more from a $32 box. While the total RRP value is $140 (so it's technically worth the outlay), I've certainly seen better boxes and I was hoping for more from this one.

Still, I might find much more to love about it once I start giving the products a go, so I'll reserve judgement for now.

What did others think of this box? Was anyone else expecting a bit more, or is that just me?