It's safe to say that Korea has garnered a reputation for being one of the top beauty destinations of the world. With innovative and multi-functional products and an entertainment industry that constantly cranks out new trends, the world is beginning to turn to South Korea for all their beauty needs. So much so that the nation's cosmetics exports hit a record high of $1.04 billion last year. Additionally, foreign tourists flock to Seoul's cosmetic shops pulling around oversized suitcases (I'm not joking here) to load up on bags and bags of K-beauty goodies to bring back to their homelands.
But with so many brands and products to chose from, it can be overwhelming to know which are the best, particularly when living overseas.
Enter Memebox, a Korea-based cosmetics company that is allowing the world to experience the wonder that is K-beauty one delivery at a time.
Similar to other beauty box companies like MyGlam and Birchbox, Memebox offers shoppers a grab bag- er, box- of 4-8 sample and full sized products that are all sourced, packaged and shipped directly from Korea to over 45 countries worldwide. Although the products you receive are a surprise (with the exception of a few spoilers), the cool thing about Memebox is that you can pick from a selection of fun themes like "Traveler's Beauty Kit", "Girls' Night Out" and "Hair & Body." This helps to ensure that you receive the types of products you want.
After coming across the Memebox website recently, I knew I had to give it a try. Now, you may be thinking why would I do this when I live in Korea. I love getting mail, I love surprises, and I love trying new things so the Memebox concept is just as awesome for me as it is for all of you outside Korea.
And let me tell you how excited I was when the deliveryman rang my doorbell last week. It didn't take me long to rip open my Memebox: Scentbox #3 Grapefruit and oooooh and ahhhhh at the products inside.
The first thing I noticed was the packaging. The products were neatly placed in a girly pink box and included was an English description of each item and how to use it.
What did I get, you ask?
The first thing I opened was the Mimi Lauryne's Dress Perfume Mist de Grapefruit by Evas, a citrusy mist infused with grapefruit, lilac, orange flower, violet and must fragrances that is to be used on fabrics. At first, I was a bit confused as to why a fabric spray was included in a cosmetics box but I quickly tried it out on my bedding and hanging clothes in my closet and it instantly became my favorite item of the lot. I really love the light, refreshing scent and although I wasn't expecting a product like this, I'm sure I will use it more often than something like a hand cream. The bottle is quite large- 150ml- so it will also last me a while.
The bright pink lips on the packaging of the Sun Smile Hydro Gel Choosy Fruit lip masks caught my eye next. These gel-type lip packs are enriched with collagen, vitamin E and jojoba oil and are perfect for moisturizing your pout.
Next up was the Happy Fam Deo Fresh Grapefruit. These wipes are meant to "allow you to quickly and easily refresh your sweaty, smelly under-arms throughout the daytime," or at least that's what the description promises. Although I dare not forgo my regular deodorant in the heat of the Korean summer, these wipes are nice for freshening up on a hot day. They came in especially handy on a recent hiking trip and since their grapefruit fragrance doesn't linger, I wasn't nauseated by the smell. Also, the package is fairly small (20 wipes) so it's convenient for traveling.
The fourth and final product was the Sun Killing Grapefruit Gel (270ml) by Kael28, which is said to contain more than 16,000mg of real grapefruit extracts, functions as an all-in-one toner, emulsion, cream and sleeping pack and is suitable for both facial and body use. It's soothing properties are supposed to relieve and moisturize sun-burnt skin. Because of my ultra-fair complexion, I have to be extra cautious in the sun, but despite using sun cream, I still get burned quite frequently. So, I was happy this was included, as I'm fresh out of after-sun products. However, I found it to be slightly sticky and not necessarily as soothing as my go-to aloe, but I'm certain this product will still be a lifesaver this summer.
All in all, I was pleased with the products in my Memebox and loved the grapefruit theme... a perfect scent for summer. Also, I hadn't heard of any of these Korean brands before so it was nice to be introduced to some lesser known companies and know that if I choose to do so, I can re-order the products individually from Memebox's Memeshop. Finally, the value of the Memebox is excellent.... the combined price of all four full sized products is $52 USD so my order was quite a steal at $15 USD.
Memebox is perfect for those living abroad interested in trying out Korean cosmetics for the first time as well as for K-beauty fanatics looking to expand their collection with new brands and products.
Fortunately for Seoul Searching readers, Memebox is hooking you up with a $5.00 USD discount from now until July 31, 2014. Just use the code J0G4UJ at checkout and you'll be all set.
Although my Memebox was free in return for this post, all opinions are, of course, my own.
Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching. Content may not be reproduced unless authorized.
But with so many brands and products to chose from, it can be overwhelming to know which are the best, particularly when living overseas.
Enter Memebox, a Korea-based cosmetics company that is allowing the world to experience the wonder that is K-beauty one delivery at a time.
Similar to other beauty box companies like MyGlam and Birchbox, Memebox offers shoppers a grab bag- er, box- of 4-8 sample and full sized products that are all sourced, packaged and shipped directly from Korea to over 45 countries worldwide. Although the products you receive are a surprise (with the exception of a few spoilers), the cool thing about Memebox is that you can pick from a selection of fun themes like "Traveler's Beauty Kit", "Girls' Night Out" and "Hair & Body." This helps to ensure that you receive the types of products you want.
After coming across the Memebox website recently, I knew I had to give it a try. Now, you may be thinking why would I do this when I live in Korea. I love getting mail, I love surprises, and I love trying new things so the Memebox concept is just as awesome for me as it is for all of you outside Korea.
And let me tell you how excited I was when the deliveryman rang my doorbell last week. It didn't take me long to rip open my Memebox: Scentbox #3 Grapefruit and oooooh and ahhhhh at the products inside.
The first thing I noticed was the packaging. The products were neatly placed in a girly pink box and included was an English description of each item and how to use it.
What did I get, you ask?
The first thing I opened was the Mimi Lauryne's Dress Perfume Mist de Grapefruit by Evas, a citrusy mist infused with grapefruit, lilac, orange flower, violet and must fragrances that is to be used on fabrics. At first, I was a bit confused as to why a fabric spray was included in a cosmetics box but I quickly tried it out on my bedding and hanging clothes in my closet and it instantly became my favorite item of the lot. I really love the light, refreshing scent and although I wasn't expecting a product like this, I'm sure I will use it more often than something like a hand cream. The bottle is quite large- 150ml- so it will also last me a while.
The bright pink lips on the packaging of the Sun Smile Hydro Gel Choosy Fruit lip masks caught my eye next. These gel-type lip packs are enriched with collagen, vitamin E and jojoba oil and are perfect for moisturizing your pout.
Next up was the Happy Fam Deo Fresh Grapefruit. These wipes are meant to "allow you to quickly and easily refresh your sweaty, smelly under-arms throughout the daytime," or at least that's what the description promises. Although I dare not forgo my regular deodorant in the heat of the Korean summer, these wipes are nice for freshening up on a hot day. They came in especially handy on a recent hiking trip and since their grapefruit fragrance doesn't linger, I wasn't nauseated by the smell. Also, the package is fairly small (20 wipes) so it's convenient for traveling.
The fourth and final product was the Sun Killing Grapefruit Gel (270ml) by Kael28, which is said to contain more than 16,000mg of real grapefruit extracts, functions as an all-in-one toner, emulsion, cream and sleeping pack and is suitable for both facial and body use. It's soothing properties are supposed to relieve and moisturize sun-burnt skin. Because of my ultra-fair complexion, I have to be extra cautious in the sun, but despite using sun cream, I still get burned quite frequently. So, I was happy this was included, as I'm fresh out of after-sun products. However, I found it to be slightly sticky and not necessarily as soothing as my go-to aloe, but I'm certain this product will still be a lifesaver this summer.
All in all, I was pleased with the products in my Memebox and loved the grapefruit theme... a perfect scent for summer. Also, I hadn't heard of any of these Korean brands before so it was nice to be introduced to some lesser known companies and know that if I choose to do so, I can re-order the products individually from Memebox's Memeshop. Finally, the value of the Memebox is excellent.... the combined price of all four full sized products is $52 USD so my order was quite a steal at $15 USD.
Memebox is perfect for those living abroad interested in trying out Korean cosmetics for the first time as well as for K-beauty fanatics looking to expand their collection with new brands and products.
Fortunately for Seoul Searching readers, Memebox is hooking you up with a $5.00 USD discount from now until July 31, 2014. Just use the code J0G4UJ at checkout and you'll be all set.
Although my Memebox was free in return for this post, all opinions are, of course, my own.
Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching. Content may not be reproduced unless authorized.
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