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Marked by Inked Subscription Box Review – August 2020

Taryn Lowman
ByTaryn LowmanSep 23, 2020 | 15 comments

Marked by Inked
0 overall rating
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Marked by Inked is a bi-monthly subscription box celebrating tattoo culture, art, style & tattoo wellness for $39.95 + shipping per box.

This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

About this Tattoo Subscription Box

The Subscription Box: Marked by Inked

The Cost: $39.95 bi-monthly + $7.50 shipping ($47.45). Save with longer subscriptions.

ACTIVE DEAL: Save 25% off your first box!
CODE: MSA25

The Products: Every MARKED box features high-value products celebrating tattoo culture with a curated assortment of:

  • Exclusive canvas art by prominent tattoo artist
  • Exclusive art print postcards
  • New members receive an exclusive Inked trucker hat
  • Existing members receive an exclusive artist-designed T-shirt
  • Tattoo skincare essentials
  • Organic health & wellness
  • Death Wish Coffee
  • Premium skincare
  • Chance to win one of 5 Golden Tickets

Ships to: The U.S. for $7.50

Good to Know: With every box sold, Marked donates to The Scars Foundation.

Marked by Inked "Express Yourself" 2020 Review

 

There is a booklet that lists each product with quick details about the artist or brand. This month's theme is "Express Yourself" and features the artist DJ Tambe from Rochester, NY. The note for this month goes into why it is so important in these uncertain times to check on your friends and neighbors while also focusing on your well being as well! This month's note from Marked says there is a total value of $100+ inside so let's see what we have this month! 

 

"Mask Off" Postcard by DJ Tambe

I am in love with this artwork by this month's featured artist, DJ Tambe. The colors are so bold and calming yet somewhat cold. It reminds me a lot of the artwork by Layne Staley, the singer from Alice in Chains. DJ notes that no matter how much we think we know people, you never really see the person under their own mask. We have to stop judging others to truly get to know each other, by lowering our masks. Such a simple concept, something that I am currently working hard to teach my children, and something that most adults could use a reminder about.

 

"Mask Off" T-Shirt by DJ Tambe

Not only did we get this amazing piece of art as a postcard, but it also came as this month's T-shirt! I love a basic black tee so this shirt really speaks to me. Not to mention, I am in love with the art by DJ Tambe so I know I am going to rock this proudly! It really is a piece that speaks to not only the time that we are in right now but just to how we treat people in general.

 

Skull Sticker by DJ Tambe

This sticker features more art by DJ Tambe. The sticker is bold and dark, while still being cheery with the bright colors. My son is obsessed with skeletons. He saw this and claimed it as his own. He decided to add it to the bottom of his skateboard with his sticker collection. He is only 4 and already way cooler than I ever will be. So DJ Tambe, your sticker made one little kid and his skateboard super happy!

 

"Stuck" Canvas by DJ Tambe

Ah, I feel this canvas so much. The artwork is by DJ Tambe and appropriately called "Stuck." Tambe notes that this piece depicts a young kid being stuck in his house forever. Honestly, we haven't let our kids go too many places since March; I vividly remember the last day before we locked down and even though it wasn't that long ago, the memories make me so sad. It is hard enough right now as adults in the world we are living, but I really feel for young kids whose lives were turned upside down without fulling grasping what is going on.

 

Slay All Day CBD Face Wash by Millenial Beauté

I love that this month featured a face wash! There is nothing more important in terms of "self-care" than taking care of your skin. I have a wash that I have been using for many years now and didn't want to disrupt my product routine on my sensitive skin, so I gave this to my husband to try. His skin is sort of right in the middle, not oily and not dry. He said he absolutely loved this wash and really wants to buy more once this little bottle is empty. It is fresh and clean smelling, leaving his skin feeling clean while also hydrating. It isn't too thick but still gets a super nice lather. The main ingredients in this bottle are aqua, tea tree leaf oil, sweet almond oil, fruit oil, sodium chloride, evening primrose oil, and so much more.

 

Manic Panic "Mystic Heather" Hair Dye, 4 fl oz. - Retail Value $17.99

You could have received one of four colors from the amplified line from Manic Panic. I received the Mystic Heather tone which is orchid with some pink undertones. The site notes that this is a lighter shade so you want to lift your hair to the lightest level 10 blonde before applying for best results. This dye will last you about 4 to 6 weeks, is vegan, and PPD-free. I'll be honest, my Mom is a hairstylist so the idea of lifting my hair in order to apply this color sounds super daunting. I say that because I've done it many times over the years. I had purple hair, pink hair, blonde, brown, red, bleach blonde, I've done it all. It is never easy. I wanted to add some streaks to my son's hair for the last few weeks of summer before he heads back to school, but after looking over the instructions I don't think I will be able to. I am going to pass this along to my friend that went to beauty school and loves doing her hair at home to change her look frequently!

Instructions from Manic Panic:

Hair should be pre-lightened (bleached) to a pale blonde before coloring. When color is applied to virgin (unprocessed/natural) hair, results will vary (according to hair texture and color). This product should not be used for dyeing eyebrows and eyelashes. If eye contact does occur, rinse immediately with warm water and contact a physician.

We recommend pre-lightening (bleaching) your hair to a level 9, or higher, for a true color tone. Darker/warmer shades work best on hair that can only be lifted to a darker blonde shade. An even level 10 platinum blonde is required for all pastel shades (like our Creamtones®, or any shades you may have “pastel-ized” with our Pastel-izer®) as well as all shades of grey (Alien GreyAmethyst Ashes, and Blue Steel).

  1. Wash hair with a deep cleansing/clarifying shampoo. Do not condition.
  2. Dry hair with a blow dryer to make sure the hair is extremely porous and to remove excess water.
  3. Apply Manic Panic Hair Color.
  4. Comb through the hair color to make sure it is evenly applied and thoroughly saturated in your hair. It may become slightly frothy.
  5. Cover hair with a plastic cap.
  6. Use a hair dryer to apply heat to your hair for part of the processing time.This will help to open up the cuticle and allow the Manic Panic hair color to better penetrate the hair strand.
  7. Leave on for 30-45 minutes.
  8. Towel and/or blow dry hair. Style as usual.

 

R+R Medicinals Hemp Softgels, 34 gels - Retail Value $25.99

My parents have been taking hemp soft gels and always say how I should be taking one daily. These soft gels are a way to use hemp extract, but they have fewer carrier oils which makes for a slower onset but is supposed to last longer. These should be taken daily with food, and can take a bit of time to get into your system. These soft gels really can help your health in a big way supporting inflammation, skin health, eczema, brain health, heart health, muscle inflammation and tension, natural pain relief, acne, and more. I just started taking one of these daily, but can't say that I notice anything yet, but hoping to feel some impact soon!

 

Pyramid Incense Cones in "Cedarwood" by Reverse Karma, 25 piece - Retail Value $11.11

My husband and I used to burn incense in our first apartment together when we were dating and would always buy the cedarwood scents. Each cone has a 10 minute burn time, but the scent can really fill a room! The scent is very earthy and woodsy while still being fresh and light.

 

Tattoo Care by Nat A Tat2

This balm is perfect to use after your tattoo is done healing. Tattoos always need some extra hydration especially when they are done healing to keep it smooth and make the colors pop. I have some tattoos that are pretty old at this point, but once I added this balm, they looked alive again! It is made with organic shea butter and non-GMO vitamin E. I don't have any new tattoos yet, but my husband and I both are itching to get something new. I am going to keep this on hand once we are finally able to get another tattoo again!

 

Sunglasses by Death Wish 

I love a classic pair of sunglasses like this! They aren't anything fancy, plastic with the Death Wish Coffee branded logo on the side, but they sure are cute! I am outside a lot, but I always seem to forget sunglasses in the house, in the car, or in my diaper bag, and its too much to gather both kids to go find sunglasses. So I am at the point now where I am just keeping sunglasses all over the place for when I might need them. I have been keeping this classic wayfarer-style pair in my garage to wear outside when we go on walks, which is at least twice a day. They fit perfectly and they look great!

 

Enamel Pin by Death Wish

This enamel pin is so cool! It has a skeleton king drawing in white on it with a D for Death Wish Coffee. My husband collects pins and decided that this was cool enough to go on his jean jacket with his favorite pins and patches! I really enjoy Death Wish Coffee and their merch is always super cool, it fits with our style a lot, so its fun to receive something new in each box.

Verdict: This month's Marked by Inked box was so awesome! I was really feeling all of the artwork from this month's featured artist, DJ Tambe. The shirt and postcard are my favorite items; the art is so bold and beautiful. The canvas print makes me feel really sad just thinking back to the Spring, but I know that these times are ones we won't forget and art like that just puts it all into words, or art in this case. The pin and sticker were given to my husband and son, both lovers of skeletons. The self-care items like the hemp soft gels and face wash were such a hit for me and husband and are getting good use from both of us! I wasn't able to find most of the items for sale online, but the average cost per product comes out to around $4.31. It can be hard to put a value on products like this, especially the art, but I think the value is there in the uniqueness of each item. I think this is a really unique box that would be perfect for a true artist and tattoo lover, with it being bi-monthly, I think it would make an awesome gift! 

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this should be your first box! We recommend reaching out to customer service to confirm.

ACTIVE DEAL: Save 25% off your first box!
CODE: MSA25

Value Breakdown: The box cost $47.45 ($39.95 + $7.50 shipping), which means that each of the 11 items in the box has an average cost of $4.31. 

Check out the best subscription boxes for men and women of 2020, recommended by MSA readers like you!

Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the items from this month's Marked by Inked?

Starting at $40.00
Active Deal
Save 25% off your first box!
Use Coupon Code MSA25
Subscribe Now
Marked by Inked is a bi-monthly subscription box celebrating tattoo culture, art, style & tattoo wellness. "An every other month subscription of 5+ high value products celebrating tattoo culture marked star Each box features a collectible, limited edition piece of canvas art by a notable tatto... read more.
Taryn Lowman
Taryn Lowman
Taryn's passion for subscription boxes started when she was gifted a monthly Birchbox. She is excited to discover more Mom and baby boxes to share with her family!

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15 comments

Boxy Fox

I love the art especially the house. Plus reading the comments their customer service seems awesome. I do think however adding manic panic is a really odd addition and one that a lot of people won’t be able to use.

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Susan

I tried to email them but have had no response. Anyone know if this shirt is still available?

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Marti

Hi Susan,
So sorry for the delay as we were checking our inventory to see what sizes we have left. We offer our shirts in unisex (crewneck) or women’s (v-neck). We have reached back out to you through your original email from yesterday. Fingers crossed we have your size or close to it!
Thanks,
Marti

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Susan

I am saddened that they are not responding. I do love this shirt and canvas.

Susan

Awesome. I am excited to see if this box is still available in my size.

Also Beth

This box is so cool!!

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Susan

I love the print and the shirt. Absolutely gorgeous. This looks like an awesome box.

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SheriH

Awesome box and great review!

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Alice

I don’t have body art, but I am an artist. I love the art in this box. Really enjoy the review.

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LJ

Manic panic is pretty good about depositing color – even on non-bleached hair. It definitely won’t be as vibrant, but it’s not unusable on hair naturally lighter than a medium brown. Worst case scenario, it’ll show the color as a light gloss in natural sunlight.

Spoilers for this box or an artist preview would be great as whether or not you are drawn to the work is a love or hate for this box.

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Carrie

It seems like along with the Death Wish sunglasses and pin they’d give you some Death Wish Coffee or at least a coupon. I’ve never tried it because it’s pretty expensive but I’d like to.

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Marti Finch

Hi Carrie,
We hear you! Ironically we had Deathwish coffee in the last two boxes and our partners wanted to share other cool Deathwish products. Tell you what, if you send a quick email to [email protected] and reference MSA-DW, we will send you some Deathwish coffee for you to try.
Cheers,
Marti
Marked by Inked

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Amy

Do they ever do spoilers beforehand?

I dig this months art but it’s not the style I display, and I don’t do hats or tees but know a friend who would love either out of a box from them

Super great price for the artwork + accessories, will be keeping an eye on this one!

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Marti Finch

Thanks for the thoughtful comments Amy!
Great point regarding the spoilers. We will reach out to MSA and see about sharing a bit about the box before it comes out. That would be fun!
Marti

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Amy

That would be awesome!!
An artist reveal and links to their work would be my preferred type of spoilers, but even if that’s not possible I do love that MSA is reviewing y’all now and that their reviews come out while the box is still current!