Unboxing My Mary Kay Super Fresh Saladbox (January 2017 Saladbox)

posted by Tep on Sunday, February 26, 2017


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~






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Email Mary Kay Philippines at marykay.ph@mkcorp.com

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I bought Saladbox with my own money. I am not affiliated with Mary Kay Philippines or Saladbox.