Ho ho ho! Saladbox decided to welcome 2017 with a bang! And not just any bang, they really went with an all-out explosion! After a somewhat lackluster Holiday Box (imo), this time Saladbox presented a super exciting box filled with Super Fresh items, in partnership with Mary Kay!

Saladbox giving teasers in Instagram >:D
The surprise factor is kinda lost because they revealed through IG what subscribers are gonna get... but I'm not complaining. I'm still stoked! For the month of January, subscribers will get their hands on three full-sized items from Mary Kay with a total value of Php1,447! Steal? Definitely!

My Super Fresh Saladbox arrived last January 21, which is earlier than the usual expected (late) schedule. I couldn't really spaz about it during the time because a flash flood hit my area a few days before (huhu, grabe ang dedication ni Manong Delivery). I got things under control now, all's good, so let's do this!

Box Aesthetics



I don't think I have mentioned this on any of my Saladbox reviews before but I really love how their box design changes every month. Keeping up with their super fresh theme, January's box is bright pink and green with this band of cute little dots. I love the color scheme. It's so bright and cheerful and refreshing!

Saladbox New Year greeting card

Goodies Inside the Box

The Botanical Effects Evolution Skin Care features dragonfruit and aloe extracts for an antioxidant-packed infusion in every product. If you're still building your skincare routine, their line is an easy way to start since they have the things you'll undoubtedly need: cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

Aaaaand guess what? Subscribers got two out of the three products from the line! Lucky <3
box contents <3

If I recall correctly, Mary Kay has a Botanical Effects skincare line even back then. The products were in those signature MK-style packaging. Perhaps the "Evolution" refers to the new perkier package design? Or maybe they revamped the whole formula as well? I'm gonna have to ask an MK Beauty Consultant. Anyway, let's look at the products more closely.

1. Botanical Effects Evolution Cleansing Gel, Php 299 (127 g)

"Cleans deeply and effectively, and even dissolves all traces of oil."

The sides of the box (click the pic for full size!)
An icon on the box (right pic) indicates this should be used within 12 months after opening.
the ingredients of the Cleansing Gel
Total of 36 ingredients. Yes, I counted. Water is the first in the list while the aloe and dragonfruit extracts are not far behind. There's a lot of alcohol compounds in there (those ending in -ol) but I can see no parabens. I'm not an expert in skin care so I advise you to search for your own irritants.

this is stamped on the bottom of the box
According to this article about Mary Kay products, the 4-digit code indicates Manufacturing Date. This box has a date code of 6K25 so that means the product I received was made on July 25, 2016 (6=2016, K=July, 25=date). I assume the VTO is the product expiry date. Most MK products have a shelf life of 3 years from date of manufacture, unless otherwise stated.

I really strive to finish a product before opening up a new one. Hello, #projectempty enthusiasts! However, I went ham last Christmas season buying skincare products "as a gift to myself". I have a lot of pending items to use up so it's good to know the item I got is new! Will surely write a full review once I've tried this product.

the back of Botanical Effects Evolution Cleansing Gel tube

2. Botanical Effects Evolution Moisturizing Gel, Php 699 (85 g)

"Lightweight formula does not feel greasy nor does it leave a residue, yet it moisturizes for 12 hours"
what the sides of the box looks like
(click the pic for full size)
Ingredient list of the moisturizing gel
Manufacturing codes are also stamped on the bottom of the box.
This product was made on July 06, 2016. 
It is written on the box that both products are oil and fragrance free. Even so, they still smell really good. It's not an annoying, overpowering scent. It's a very relaxing, gentle aroma. The fragrance was really inviting so I just can't resist trying the gel!

(1) I added a small amount on my arm (2) I applied the gel evenly on the area
(3) my skin still moist after spreading (4) the gel was FULLY absorbed after a couple of minutes
Wow, the application of this moisturizer is beautiful. As you can see above, the gel spread really easily and was absorbed remarkably quick. It is very lightweight, shine-free and leaves no greasy after feel. My skin looks like my skin but it felt really hydrated, soft and smooth.

Can I mention again this is oil-free? I've only used this item for a few times but it is showing lots of potential. I think this would really suite people with oily, clog-prone skin.

UPDATE: Been using this on and off but sadly, there is something in this that makes me break out. I have repurposed this as a body lotion instead. It's works great as a lotion since it's very lightweight, smells wonderful and not sticky at all.

3. Mary Kay Brow Definer Pencil, Php 449 (1.13 g)

"Groomed brows give the face a polished look and can make you look younger.
Mary Kay Brow Definer Pencils are perfect for filling in and defining brow, creating an instant eye-lift."
The last product on January's Saladbox is the Mary Kay Brow Definer Pencil. It is available in two shades: Classic Blonde and Brunette. I got the latter one.

Brow Definer Pencil in Brunette

the sides of the box (click for full size)
this is a wooden pencil
Mary Kay claims this pencil has a creamy, waterproof formulation that applies smoothly. I've been using this pencil regularly and I can certify that this is very easy to apply. It glides on the eyebrows with no tugging. The color is very rich and easy to blend.

But of course, we have to do some tests!

(1) swatch of brunette (2) smudge test (3) water test
Smudge test: Fail. This pencil is definitely not smudge-proof. I just lightly ran my finger on the middle of my swatch and the color rubbed off easily.

 Water Test: Pass! I placed my hand under running water for 2 minutes and it's not moving at all!

This pencil is tried and tested water-proof! I think it would perform really well during swimming or when you suddenly get caught under sudden rain. The color didn't dissolve or showed any signs of breaking down! BUT you have to avoid touching your eyebrows or else, at the end of the day, wala ka ng kilay! You can use an eyebrow primer or an eyebrow coat to make sure it stays put.

Was this box worth it?

Totally! Saladbox managed to satisfy both my skincare and makeup wants. I only got 3 items this month but everything is in full-size. The total value of this box is worth 1,447 Php, about 3 times than what I paid for!

Not a subscriber yet? Go here to learn more about Saladbox subscription plans! Til next time~






Check out Saladbox: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, Facebook 
Check out Mary Kay: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube
Email Mary Kay Philippines at marykay.ph@mkcorp.com

Follow me on my social media accounts:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teptns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teptns/


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I bought Saladbox with my own money. I am not affiliated with Mary Kay Philippines or Saladbox.
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What: B&SOAP Fun Block Shampoo Bar
Price and Where to Buy It: Php320 at Althea PH
In this review, we're gonna be examining B&SOAP Fun Block Shampoo Bar. I got my own from Althea's Skinfood Box. Read my unboxing and first impressions of the beauty box here. :) I have already finished this shampoo bar so continue reading to see whether I like it or not!
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My October 2016 VIP bonus box
A couple of weeks after I got the somewhat lackluster Holiday Saladbox, a package arrived at my doorstep. What could it be? Well, it's my long-awaited October 2016 VIP box! *cries tears of joy*

Last October 2016, Saladbox promised that all existing VIP subscribers will get an additional VIP box worth Php1,500 aside from the regular monthly box. Sounds great, right? I got the Vamp It Up box first (you can read my Vamp It Up review here) but the promised VIP box was missing. A Saladbox representative said in an email that the VIP box will be sent in a later date. "Later" turned out to be a couple of months *sigh* It's in my hands now so without further ado, let's proceed...

Packaging

My bonus loot came in the same Vamp It Up box I got last October. I've been lurking other blogs (heh) and I spy different VIP boxes for most of us. The box design doesn't really matter because it's the inside that counts, right? Hmmm, we'll see.

Ummmmm, some kind of accident happened here
This is the second time I got unsecured items from Saladbox. I was lucky the first time since there was no spillage but this time, can you see the mess? 

there was a lot of leakage
This is a click-style cap. I guess the cap got pressed open?
Here's what I got in my box:


  1. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo 170ml (Php 120)
  2. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Conditioner 170ml (Php 120)
  3. Aloe Derma Hair and Scalp Tonic 10ml sample (approx Php25)
  4. Aloe Derma Pure Aloe Vera Gel 5g sample (approx Php35)
  5. Glamglow Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser 3g sample (approx Php70)
Tresemme's Keratin Smooth line is a tried and tested product for me. I have used both for like 6 years already. The brand is quite pricey compared to local shampoos but it really works. Know the feeling when you DIY-dye your hair? Hair will usually feel rough and fragile after a dye job. When I use the shampoo and conditioner from Tresemme Keratin Smooth, it's as if damage was never there. My hair felt smooth, soft and bouncy after just one wash! However, I don't know what changed lately but my scalp is quite itchy and flakey recently. Maybe it's because I'm using Tresemme for such a long period of time? To give my hair and scalp a break, I decided to switch to other hair products for now. I gave both items to my younger sister.

The current state of my scalp made me happy to receive a sample of Aloe Derma's Hair and Scalp Tonic. Aloe Vera is supposedly very good for the hair and scalp so I'm crossing fingers the sample will at least show some potential.  Also got another Pure Aloe Vera Gel sample, which I already got from the Vamp It Up box. While I like the aloe vera gel, getting two samples in the same October box is quite ridiculous! Don't you agree?

Lastly, Glamglow's Thirstycleanse Cleanser. I still haven't tried it yet (the sample is stored somewhere) but so far, Glamglow hasn't failed me. I hope this will be just as good as their other items.

Thoughts

Some items have potential but I was expecting a lot more from this VIP box. This is another meh curation from Saladbox. Aside from that, the estimated total value of this box is only Php370, a far cry from Saladbox's claim that the VIP box will have 1,500+ value.

Email screenshot of Saladbox hyping the VIP box - "worth over PHP1,500 "

Both the Holiday Box and this VIP box were just okay for me. I'm disappointed but after thinking more about this, I decided to let it go. This is literally a BONUS box from the Saladbox team. I just wish they didn't overly hype things up only to have it fall short of expectations.

Saladbox must have heard and listened to customer complaints because guess what? Things have vastly improved for the month of January! Saladbox has partnered with Mary Kay giving subscribers the chance to try out well-loved Mary Kay items! My January Saladbox unboxing coming up soon!

See you next time!







Check out Saladbox: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Check out my own social media! Twitter, Instagram

Disclaimer: This is not an sponsored post. Any judgment given is entirely my own honest and unbiased opinion. All links will take you directly to the brand's social pages/no affiliates.
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I was debating with myself whether I should still put this December post up since it's already February (heck, even Vday is over) but whatever, haha. Now you're reading this.

First of all, let me just say I already knew what's inside the boxes. I wasn't getting any updates about the November box so I was monitoring Saladbox's IG page closely. Turns out they decided to merge both November and December box into one big Holiday box that they say we will surely receive before Christmas! Errr, nope! I got mine on Dec 29. Some subscribers even got theirs mid-January but moving on...

Let's get right into this!
Saladbox Holiday and Saladbox Man Holiday Host
I'm not sure if this applies to every subscriber since Saladbox ran a lot of promos (3 for 1000, etc), but I got two boxes last December: this blue Holiday box + Saladbox Man Holiday Host. Someone asked on IG and I think Saladbox said that the Saladbox Man is an extra gift from them to us. Hmmm, OK.
the Holiday Greeting Card
The cap was already in this state when I opened the box. Thank God, there were no spills!
Saladbox teased that during the holidays, subscribers would receive four full-sized beauty items from trusted brands.


Here is what I got:

  1. Careline Macaron Lip Balm (Php85)  - The lipbalm is housed in a pastel-colored macaron. While the packaging is cute, I found the balm too heavy on the lips. The scent and flavor is unbearable for me too.
  2. Ever Bilena Extreme Lipstick in Intense (Php165) - A satiny, shimmery lipstick that applies smoothly. It is not smudge-proof and transfers a lot. Wear time is around 3-4 hours with no drinking/eating.
  3. Blackwater Women Flora Body Spray 100ml (Php120) - This smells very alcohol-ish when you spritz it at first but it tones down to a sweet, gentle floral fragrance a few minutes later. I like the scent but it only lasts 1-2 hours at most.
  4. Tresemme Split Repair Serum (Php499) - I personally think this is a good serum that makes my hair shiny, soft and fresh-smelling all day long. I'd be happy to receive this except I already got this in a past Saladbox (August 2016 Pretty Fixes) and I haven't even used half of it! Getting two of the same item is quite disappointing.
Except for the Tresemme serum, I noticed this is almost an exclusive box. If you didn't know, Careline, Ever Bilena and Blackwater are all sister companies. It doesn't change anything; just an observation.

Now, the next box is quite puzzling. I got Saladbox Man which contains items that caters to men. Most Saladbox subscribers are women so I don't get why they gave us these. Maybe to spread the Holiday cheer?
Grocery stuff?
Here is what's inside:

  1. Pond's Men Energy Charge 50g (Php110)
  2. Dove Men Care Fortifying Shampoo Strengthening 50ml (170ml is Php130)
  3. Rexona Men Ice Cool 50ml (Php80) 
  4. Master Oil Control Max Zeroil Deep Cleanser (Php135)
  5. Closeup Deep Action Toothpaste 95ml (Php65)

Was this box worth it?

If you sum up the prices of the items I listed above, the Holiday Box is worth Php869 while the Saladbox Man is worth Php520. Total worth of all the items is Php 1,389! Very sulit! OR WAS IT?

Satisfaction-wise, I don't think this box is good. Maybe I expected too much, but honestly, I think what I received is quite a letdown. All the items can be easily bought at any local mall, plus the two months I waited to receive my loot was too much. I also got a repeating item when Saladbox claimed "No repeat samples ever!" I check #saladboxph regularly and I kid you not, a lot of people got disappointed too.

Among the Php1,389 worth of items I got, I ended up keeping only the EB lipstick. I gave the rest of my Holiday Box to my younger sister. I also gave away the Saladbox Man to my younger brother.

I don't really expect to get bonggang-bonggang items from Saladbox since subscription is only about Php500 per month. BUT, as a subscriber, I just want to:
(a) get my money's worth - Saladbox claims we get up to 3x product value
(b) try new brands or any interesting beauty and skincare stuff local or not
and (c) get my stuff on time.

There's always some kind of delivery delay but I'm quite happy with the Saladboxes I received in the past. Not this time.

Here's to hoping the next boxes improve!



Check out Saladbox:
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Website
Follow me on my social media:
Twitter
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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.
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Sofia's Glutathione Soap with Kojic and Collagen
Available in 65g (65 Php) and 135g (100 Php)
Today, I'm gonna review Sofia's Glutathione Soap with Kojic and Collagen from SVR Infinity. I got the 65g soap bar as part of my Vamp It Up Saladbox. I haven't heard of SVR before, and looking through their facebook, I can see lots of positive feedback. Time to try it by myself! If you're curious too, read on to learn if it did well!

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