Unboxing StyleGenie Double Take Saladbox (March 2017)

Last March was International Women's Month, and to celebrate it, the people over at Saladbox curated samples that will make women stand out! This box contains products that will "surely make men (and even women) do a double take when they see you!" Okay, got it.

For the uninitiated, Saladbox is a beauty and lifestyle subscription service. You pay a fixed amount and they will deliver assorted beauty finds on your doorstep every month. Their subscription plans start at P1,800 for 3 boxes. If you want to learn more about them, click here.

 First Impressions

The March box design is minimalist compared to the previous boxes. I honestly don't dig it, but meh, it's just a box, no big deal. What matters is the loot inside and you know what, this month's box is possibly the heaviest I've ever had! For reference, this is my 8th box out of a 12-month subscription.

This was delivered to me during the first week of April. I guess, it's not that late but I wish it arrived on the month of March itself. And yes, this unboxing is overdue - haha. Let's check the items inside!

March Greeting Card from the Saladbox team

What's Inside

Look at all the goodies. I got 8 full-sized products!

The stuff inside looks like a full skincare routine so I'm just gonna walk you into how I imagined the Saladbox people wants me to use it. Will post full separate reviews for the items but for now, I just added first impression/mini reviews.

1. Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash, 400mL, ₱180.00

Product Description: "Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash combines gentle exfoliating beads with
NutriumMoisture - our unique blend of Technology that nurtures new, glowing skin. It nourishes
deep into the surface layers of the skin, helping maintain  the skin's moisture barrier as you cleanse."

First of all, we have this body wash from Dove. This is what made my package heavy, it's gigantic at 400 mL. Gotta start the day clean and fresh, right?

It managed to cleanse away all the dirt and gunk on my body and I can confirm that it's very gentle and moisturizing indeed.  However, dun dun dun duuun I will not purchase this myself UNLESS they remove the "exfoliating beads." These beads are made of plastic and it's environmentally unsound.

Google up how microbeads affect our environment. A few countries have already banned the use of it and I know most companies are actively phasing out microbeads (or they switch to natural ones) in their products so I don't get why Dove isn't following suit. I don't wanna sound preachy but why Dove, just why?

Anyway, moving on, we have...

2. Vaseline Healthy White Serum SPF30 PA++, 70mL, ₱99.00

"Extra protection for even-tone fair skin"

Now, this is easily my fave in this box.  This body serum claims to have SPF 30 to block 96% UVB rays and PA++ for extra UVA protection. It also contains Vitamin B3 to lighten and brighten skin. You apply this after cleansing.

I usually see this in the mall or in supermarkets but I haven't really tried this product yet. I'm pleasantly surprised with my experience. It is non-greasy and leaves no whitecast. It's like a very light lotion but with added sunscreen properties. This is my go-to item whenever I do short errands outside. Will repurchase this!

The next two products are from Pond's Acne Clear collection. It promises it will eliminate acne at the root, for smooth clear skin in just three days!

"Formulated with the world's first Active Thymo-T Essence, Pond's Acne Clear uses unique
Lock + Clear Technology that works in 3 days to eliminate acne at the root, for smooth clear skin."

3. Pond’s Acne Clear Facial Foam, 20g, ₱85.00

This cleanses well but it gives me that squeaky feeling. I used it for a week and so far, I didn't get any breakouts. They say it works best when paired with...

4. Pond’s Acne Clear Leave-on Expert Clearing Gel, 20g, ₱180.00

I used this by itself on a lone pimple on my forehead day and night. After three days, I didn't notice any effect on my pimple. No shrinkage whatsoever.

Both products are meh for me. However, I don't really have pimples right now so just take my word lightly. I will try this duo again in the near future.

Saladbox also included two products from Pond's Age Miracle Line.

Product Description: "Ponds introduces the NEW Pond’s Age Miracle, with Retinol-C Complex that
works 24 hours non-stop. It helps reduce wrinkles, for a youthful glow."

5. Pond's Age Miracle Wrinkle Corrector Day Cream, 10ml, ₱99.00

This promises to repair wrinkles rapidly and boost youthful radiance. It has SPF 18 PA++ for added protection.

I used this to replace my moisturizer for a few days. The texture is like a rich cream but thankfully, it's not heavy on the face. It's not sticky too and can easily be blended. However, it leaves a very slight white cast. I can't tell if it has any effects on wrinkles since I just used it for a very short time, but my first impression is good.

6. Pond's Age Miracle Wrinkle Corrector Night Cream, 10ml,  ₱99.00

This cream also helps protect the skin against premature signs of aging. This is designed for night use. I find this more moisturizing than the day cream. This has no SPF in it so it doesn't leave any white cast.

Like the day cream, I only used this for a short amount of time. Will do a more thorough review once I finish both tubs!

7. Pond’s White Beauty Day Cream for Normal Skin, 20g, ₱70.00

Product Description: "New Pond’s White Beauty Cream is a cream that goes deep inside your skin, to
whiten from within; and UV filters that protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun, for
a rosy white glow outside! It also leaves a powder finish that you can instantly feel."

Another cream but this time it is made for people with normal skin! It's designed to lighten sun spots, pimple marks, dull skin, and acne scars to reveal spotless, pinkish white skin on the outside. I just swatched once so I can't confirm it's lightening benefits but so far, I like it!

The texture is moussey. It depuffs once you spread it. It's easily absorbed by my skin, it's very hydrating and the finish is matte. It's not greasy and it's lightweight so you can layer makeup without any problems. One thing to note - it leaves white patches if you don't spread it evenly. Just blend it more to get rid of those.

8. Pond's Flawless White BB Cream SPF 30 PA+++, 8g, ₱149.00

After applying all those skin care products, it's time to put on some BB cream!

Pond's Flawless White BB Cream is a lightening cream and a lightweight foundation in one. Unfortunately, I got the shade LIGHT which is too light and looks greyish on me. I only swatched once but  as far as I can tell, it is not sticky or greasy. I'll probably get the shade BEIGE and see if it matches my skin tone better.

9. StyleGenie Coupon,  ₱300 value

The last item inside my March Saladbox is this StyleGenie coupon worth ₱300 off on their Surprise Me Deluxe Trial boxes.

Style Genie is a styling service. It's like Saladbox, except for clothes. You take a Style Quiz and their stylists will build a box based on your preferences. Their boxes are currently available in three price points: (1) Basic Box starts at ₱899 for 2 new clothes (2) Deluxe Box is ₱1899 for 5 new clothes and lastly, (3) Premium Box retails for ₱3699 with up to 10 clothes inside!

I checked out the site and while StyleGenie is certainly interesting, I'm just gonna wait on it for a little bit. If you wanna try StyleGenie, go ahead and use the code on my coupon! Let me know about your experience!

Thoughts on this Box

Out of the 8 full-sized products inside this box, only one is makeup and everything else is a skincare/bodycare item. I do love skincare, but I wish Saladbox added more makeup in the mix. Having nice, glowing skin is great but if you say "Double Take," the first thing that comes to mind is transformation and I associate that with makeup.

I'd be amazed about your nice skin but I won't do a double take tbh

While we're talking about titles/labels, I expected getting something more from Style Genie. After all, this is a Style Genie box! I'm not expecting a whole outfit (because that's unreasonable) but maybe an accessory, a little trinket or something else?  Honestly, I probably won't even use that  ₱300 coupon and that's ₱300 wasted. An accessory is more useful and will give subscribers more idea about what to expect from their boxes. Think chokers, pins, patches, etc... The possibilities are endless!

Another thing - whatever happened to the special monthly VIP exclusives? If you don't know what I'm talking about, Saladbox promised that VIP subscribers (those who got the 12-month subscription) will get an exclusive item/coupon/event pass/etc every month. I haven't received a VIP item in my last 4 boxes. :/

Worth It?

Minus the coupon, the total value of this box is  ₱961.00. I pay ₱500 monthly for my Saladbox subscription so I got almost double the amount I paid for.

Satisfaction-wise, I'm conflicted. I'm happy I got 8 full-sized products (that's a lot!!!) but all these products are grocery items, something that I can easily get everywhere. While that's not really a bad thing, I've signed up expecting to discover new brands. I mean, if you live in the Philippines, who's not familiar with Ponds?

Also, can I just mention that I already got Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream and Pond's White Beauty Day Cream before receiving this Saladbox? I got it FOR FREE at SampleRoom! When I saw that both items are included in the March box, I was like, oh noooo duplicate

Final Verdict

I think this box was just okay. It didn't blow my mind but it's not bad. Except for the body wash, I can actually see myself eventually using all the items inside. My personal fave is Vaseline's Healthy White Serum and that will be a definite repurchase.

Are you a fellow Saladbox subscriber? What do you think of March Saladbox?

Check out Saladbox:
Website: http://saladbox.ph/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/saladboxph
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Saladbox
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/saladboxph

Follow me and say hi!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teptns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teptns/

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. The item featured is bought with my own money. This review is based on my own experience and opinions. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa.