The Box by Dr. Ava: The Ultimate Gift for Skincare Fanatics

PR Sample, Affiliate Links, Informational Link

If like me, you’re a skincare fanatic, here’s a specially curated beauty and skincare box by Dr. Ava Shamban, board-certified celebrity dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, that you need to know about. Perhaps you’ve seen her on Extreme Makeover or The Doctors? The also wrote Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal. I haven’t read her book yet, but the articles she’s written for magazines are very approachable and full of useful information and recommendations.

The Box by Dr. Ava, featuring at least 7 full size beauty products, would make a fantastic luxury gift for a friend or family member who is seriously into skincare and personal care products. It would also make a great gift for yourself if you are always on the hunt for the best in beauty.

A couple of weeks ago, I received the autumn version of The Box by Dr. Ava, that this time contains either 8 or 9 beauty products. Because the box came recently, I am still getting to know the products and try them out. But because the holidays are upon us, I wanted to let you know about The Box by Dr. Ava in case you’re looking for a special gift for yourself or others. 

What’s In the autumn The Box by Dr. Ava?

First, The Box by Dr. Ava comes with a “guidebook” to introduce you to each of the products and brands in the box. Very attractive and very helpful.

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner and Eye Perfector

I have seen BeautyStat skincare products advertised, but I had never had a chance to try them myself. I was delighted to receive both the Universal C Skincare Refiner and the Universal C Eye Perfector.

While I own a number of vitamin C skincare products, I have never tried one for the eye area. This one is the winner of Allure’s ‘Best of Beauty’ Award for Best Brightening Eye Cream, 2021. Cool. The Eye Perfector is a slightly tinted, fragrance-free gel-cream. It comes out of the pump bottle in a little ribbon and just a tiny bit is enough. I use it under my eyes and in the area outside the outer corner where the sun often hits my skin and I have some dark spots. I have had no eye irritation whatsoever from using it.

The Universal C Skincare Refiner is the winner of the 2021 Women’s Health Award for “Best Serum for Mature Skin”. Impressive and perfect for my skin! Universal C Skin Refiner has 20% vitamin C, more than the vitamin C serums and moisturizers I’ve been using over the past couple of years. I have felt a little tingling from the formula. I’m optimistic that this stronger formula may show new and faster results in my skin! Skin Refiner is a white gel-cream with the faintest citrusy scent, unless I’m dreaming that scent. I wear it during the day under my daytime moisturizer.

Both products make my skin feel silky smooth and protected. I have only been using them for about two weeks, so I haven’t noticed any changes in my dark spots or undereye shadows yet.

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner in the 30 ml/1 oz. size that I received is priced at $80 and the Eye Perfector is $65.

Ingredients Eye Perfector: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C), Mica, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Silica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Flower/- Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tartaric Acid, Linoleic Acid, Hydroxyapatite, Choles- Terol, Squalane, Creatine, Caffeine, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glabridin, Ormenis Multicaulis (Moroccan Chamomile Oil), Pentaeryth- Rityl Tetraisostearate, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil

Ingredients Skin Refiner: Cyclopentasiloxane, L-Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C), Isocetyl Stearate, Squalane, Polysilicone-11, Petrolatum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Pure Egcg Green Tea), Tartaric Acid

Alastin Skincare Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

Alastin is a dermatologist-created brand/medically-recommended skincare brand that I’ve heard a lot about but never tried. I’m always very happy to get to try mineral sunscreen. Hydratint Pro Mineral is the winner of the 2021 Best Tinted Moisturizer award from Shape Magazine. Like many mineral sunscreens, HydraTint Pro Mineral is tinted to mask the white cast that the mineral zinc oxide can give. I would say that tint is perfect for anyone with light/medium skin or more. On me, the tint is just a little too dark, giving me a golden look. So I think I will put this one aside till next spring/summer when my skin gets a little darker. Nevertheless, it is a very nice hydrating mineral sunscreen. It isn’t heavy like some other mineral sunscreens, and it gives my skin a smooth look and feel. The contains antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution, IR rays and blue light.

Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 is priced at $55.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Asteriscus Graveolens Flower/Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ergothioneine, Ectoin, Squalane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499).

Five Star Hippie Ebony Wood Tassel Chakra Mala

Immediately upon opening the box, I went for the ebony (black) necklace that I can wear with so many of my outfits since I own so many black clothes. I had no idea that this strand of 108 ebony wood beads is called a Mala and is a meditation device. I tried meditation, and sadly, I wasn’t able to get into it. I probably should have tried longer. The information with The Box describes the necklace as a “simple reminder to stay present throughout the day”. Ebony wood “acts as a magnet for attracting whatever you may need/want as well as act like armor and add protection”. While I’m not sure I totally buy into that, it’s a really nice necklace that I love wearing. Price $68

So far, these are the products I that I have used. Here are the others and info from the information card and booklet that came with The Box by Dr. Ava.

Innersense Organic Beauty Haircare Trio

Right now, I am trying out Vegamour Haircare for Thinning Hair so I haven’t had a chance to try clean beauty, organic Innersense sulfate-free Pure Harmony Hairbath for Fine to Medium Hair, Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner, and the extra product that came in my box: Innersense Detox Hair Mask, a clarifying hair mask to remove build-up. The products are gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

The products are scented. The key scents in Pure Harmony Hairbath are orange and tangerine (sounds divine to me!), Pure Inspiration probably smells herbal with its aloe vera, rice bran and shea butter,  Detox Hair Mask smells of sage and vanilla.

Here’s some info on the products:

“Innersense Organic Beauty uses organic chemistry to raise the bar on clean, luxurious formulas with professional performance to care for your hair, health and planet. Build body and enhance vibrance with this weightless, silicone-free duo (trio!) that leaves hair healthy and voluminous. “

They sound fabulous. I look forward to trying them in the not too distant future.

Pure Harmony Hairbath $28, Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner $30, and Innersense Detox Hair Mask $30

Ingredients Pure Harmony Hairbath: water/aqua/eau, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, glycerin, sodium chloride, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, butyrosepermum parkii (shea butter), citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed oil)*, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, hydrolyzed quinoa, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, sodium benzoate, hydrolyzed rice protein, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract*, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, persea gratissima (avocado)* fruit extract, mangifera indica (mango)* fruit extract

Ingredients Pure Inspiration Conditioner: water/aqua/eau, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, stearalkonium chloride, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, butyroseperum parkii (shea butter)*, sodium benzoate, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil*, persea gratissima (avocado) oil*, cocos nucifera (coconut oil)*, hydrolyzed quinoa, hydrolyzed rice protein, camellia sinesis (green tea) leaf extract*

Ingredients Detox Hair Mask: water/aqua/eau, cetearyl alcohol, kaolin, glycerin, vinegar*, charcoal powder, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, behentrimonium methosulfate, olea europaea (olive) fruit extract*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, stearalkonium chloride, hydrolyzed quinoa, epilobium angustifolum flower/leaf/stem extract, panthenol (vitamin b-5), potassium sorbate, hydrolyzed adansonia digitata seed extract, sodium levulinate, stearyl alcohol, amine hcl, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, glycine soja (soybean) oil, cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, lavandula angustifolia(lavender) oil, pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil, salvia sclarea (clary) oil, linalool†, limonene†

Sarah Maxwell Beauty The Brow Mask

Sarah Maxwell is an LA-based lash and brow expert and makeup artist to celebrities and corporate execs. She launched her brand in 2018, and now regular folks like me can try the products she uses on her A-list clients.

I’m really curious about The Brow Mask because I have never heard of one before! Here’s what I’ve learned about it so far:

“The first ever hydrogel mask for brows that supports healthy brows with age-defying ingredients that give a lifting effect to the brow area. Includes collagen to restore hair and skin texture as well as Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the brows and skin around the area”. 

Sounds so cool. And they look like eye gels that I use under my eyes, but instead these go on my brows. My brows could definitely use some help, so I will try it tonight!

The brow masks are Biodegradable, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, and Fragrance-Free.

I received the 5 pack, that is billed as a 2 week supply, in my box (priced at $28), but they also come in a 10 pack, 4 week supply.

Upneeq Eye Drops

When I went to my 6 month appointment with my ophthalmologist in late October, I noticed a display about a prescription brand called Upneeq. I wasn’t quite sure what it was for, but there it was in my doctor’s waiting room!

Here’s what I’ve learned about Upneeq:

“The only FDA-approved eye drop for acquired ptosis (aka “low lying lids) that lifts your upper eyelids to open your eyes.”

Because this is a prescription product, the Upneeq Eye Drops do not come in The Box by Dr. Ava. Instead if you’re interested, you can use the QR code and the guidebook that comes with The Box to get your unique ID to book a free 10 minute online “telemedicine” consultation. If you are determined to be a good candidate for Upneeq, you will be sent a 30 day supply of Upneeq Eye Drops worth $99  to help your eyes look more awake, less tired.

Before I saw the ad with before and after photos, I was a little confused about this prescription. It is not for the loose skin above the crease that I am always working on with firming skincare products. Instead, it is for those whose eyes look like “slits”, like the eyes aren’t open enough. Actually, Jeff seems to have this issue. If he weren’t having some post-cataract surgery issues with his eyes, he might even look into it.

If you think that you could benefit from Upneeq, check out the Upneeq website and talk to your own opthalmologist before proceeding. Nevertheless, the before and after photos are quite compelling.

Value and Where to Buy The Box by Dr. Ava

The autumn 2021 The Box by Dr. Ava is valued at $483 or $384 without adding in Upneeq. The Box is regularly priced at $250 if you buy a single box. In this case, The Box saves more than $134. If you subscribe to the four seasonal boxes, the price is $850, so you save $150 over purchasing The Boxes singly. You would save even more by buying The Box or The Boxes than if you purchased the products individually. Each quarter, The Box by Dr. Ava is supposed to be valued at about $500.

On the website for The Box, Dr. Ava has lots of different boxes, e.g. Eyes Box, Introduction Box, Brightening Box, Smoothing Box, etc. And because it’s holiday season, there are lots of sales on the boxes. Definitely head over to The Box website, and check ’em out!

Today's Author

Allison Cohen

Website | + posts

• Real Life in the Makeup Aisle
• Appearex: Biotin 2.5mg Supplement -- Nail Care
• Salma Hayek Nuance Renewed Radiance SPF 30 Moisturizing Day Cream
• Cleo Shower Cream Review