*REVIEW* Vol 2 - My Shade Of Brown (MSOB) 1st pillow box (blog review)

The email MSOB sent me: http://dinitchka.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-shade-of-brown-1st-pillow-box.html

I would like to apologize to MSOB for taking so long to blog about my pillow box. I was NOT asked to blog about the pillow box. I'm quite impressed with it and I had to let yall know about MSOB and their unique service.

I am thankful to have been picked to receive their 1st ever pillow box (February) and getting a chance to experience products I have never heard of and have never tried previously. The packaging was so pretty (who doesn't like PINK??!) and all the items came in perfect condition.

If you have not heard of MSOB, you need to check them out @ http://www.myshadeofbrown.com/. I have seen many of these sample type services around and from what I have seen MSOB is the only one geared towards those of colour. I think this is a fantastic idea and I hope they continue to be successful.

Once a month you will receive 4 or 5 samples for ONLY $10!!! When you like a sample, you can choose to buy the full size product from the MSOB online store and earn loyalty points.

So, as you may know, I am not a person of colour (unless I tan in a bed and I have quit doing that. Though, I do tan fairly well in the sun), I am Caucasian. With that being said, I honestly can say I am IMPRESSED with the items sent to me in this pillow box.

 

 

Let's get started:

 

(unboxing) Pretty packaging!!

 

The pillow box and the info on how MSOB works.


 

Information on how MSOB works.

The pillow box and info on February's pillow box

Information on February's pillow box 

 

 

The pillow box and information on what samples are sent

Information on the samples sent


 

All the goodies! Notice I got a FULL SIZE lip gloss. YaY!

 

(top) LAMIK - True Mineral Powder in Warm Carmel (sample)

 

Georgia By G. & Company - Luxury Skin Wash (sample)
This is a creamy body wash. It rinses off easily and works well with my sensitive skin. I DID detect a scent but I could not make out what it was. It is NOT chemically, it's more of a spice type scent. Not at all overwhelming.
$23

 

 

(bottom) of LAMIK - True Mineral Powder in Warm Carmel (sample)

 

(on my arm) LAMIK - True Mineral Powder in Warm Carmel (sample)
Even though it is too dark for me to use as a face powder,
I will be using this in the summer as a bronzing powder. I could not detect any kind of scent with this product, it blends well and it has a light consistency to the feel.
$25

 

Pooka Pure and Simple - Guava Mango shea butter (sample)
This is an awesome shea butter. I used it all over (hands/cuticles, feet, lips and dry patches from my eczema) and had no kind of reaction to it. It soaks in well and is not greasy (a little bit goes a long way). It smells heavenly, fruity like guava and mango (hence the name *LOL*) and it's not at all overwhelming. I use this at night, so it does not interfere with my soap, cream and perfumes I wear in the morning.
$13

 

(front) Big Girl Cosmetics - Lip Shine in #50 (full size)

 

(bottom) Big Girl Cosmetics - Lip Shine in #50 (full size)

 

Big Girl Cosmetics - Lip Shine in #50 (full size)
Doe foot applicator (which I prefer)

 

(on my arm) Big Girl Cosmetics - Lip Shine in #50 (full size)
I am in LOVE with this gloss!!! It's a gorgeous. Plus, I love the brand name! Flattering for any complexion. It wears well, not sticky and is slightly moisturizing. It does have a nice shimmer to it. I did notice it does wear off and I did have to touch it up but I was light handed with it. I have not had a chance to put on a few coats and that may help it last longer. I don't have anything in my stash to compare it to but I am sure NYX or E.L.F. has a similar colour.
.25 oz.  $9

 

(top) Yana Cosmetics - foundation #7 (sample)

 

(bottom) Yana Cosmetics - foundation #7 (sample)

 

(on my arm) Yana Cosmetics - foundation #7 (sample)

 

(on my arm) Yana Cosmetics - foundation #7 (sample)
Yes this foundation is too dark for me. I am on the fence if I am going to give this to a friend or keep it for a cream type bronzer. I am way too pale to use it now and I will have to wait until summer to try it out. It does have a slight chemical like smell to it. It did not bother my sensitive skin and it's not an overwhelming scent.
$32

*REVIEW* Vol 1 - CK Calvin Klein tempting glimmer sheer crème eyeshadow

Via Sephora's website, it states:
What it is: A color-saturated cream eyeshadow that offers a high-shine, ultra-smooth finish.
What it does: ck Calvin Klein Tempting Glimmer Sheer Creme Eyeshadow delivers high-impact color and shimmer that resists creasing or fading so your sparkling stare will last through the day. This is no longer carried by Sephora.
I am late on the up-take on this brand and product. I bought 2 CK Calvin Klein make-up sets at Sam's Club a couple years ago. I am just getting around to using the crème eyeshadows. The 1 I am currently using is the blue shade, named 311 turquoise blue (the other shade is a silver).

*UPDATE: Calvin Klein is launching CK One Color Cosmetics some time in April 2012. Full collection will be some time in September 2012.

How I personally prep my eyes:
1) I conceal/even out the eyelid and let that dry for a minute or so. (I sometimes will skip this if I use a skin tone eye primer.)
2) I then prime and let that set-up.
3) Lastly I use a cream eyeshadow over my lid from lash-line to the hooded crease (if I use my real crease, the color placement would be too high). I wait a few seconds and add my first shadow colour (always the darker colour), while the cream shadow is still a bit tacky and continue with the rest of the colors.
4) I finish off my eye look with mascara and a bit of black or brown powder to the lash-line.

I know the above ^^^^ sounds like a lot of work, but for me, my shadow is locked in place through-out work or a night out on the town.

Dinitchka says:
Application: 9/10
Chroma: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Packaging: 10/10
Texture: 9/10
Travel friendly: 10/10
Weight: 2.5 gr./0.08 oz.
Price: Unknown, as this came in a set. I have seen a wide range of colours on Amazon.

Final deliberation:
LOVE this product!! I really really really like the consistency. It is very creamy (hence the name *LOL*), maybe a bit too creamy. It has just enough shimmer without my eyelids looking like disco balls. I've been using it for about 5 months and it has not dried at all in the container. The wear is out-of-this-world. I never wear this as-is because of my hooded oily eyelids. I always set it with a like colour, grey or black powder.
I approve this product an A!

Left to right: Sonia Kashuk synthetic flat top eyeliner brush, Sephora Flat Liner/Eyeliner Brush #16, UDPP and CK Calvin Klein crème eyeshadow CK Calvin Klein in 311 turquoise blue

CK Calvin Klein tempting glimmer sheer crème eyeshadow in 311 turquoise blue  (top)

CK Calvin Klein tempting glimmer sheer crème eyeshadow in 311 turquoise blue (bottom)

CK Calvin Klein tempting glimmer sheer crème eyeshadow in 311 turquoise blue (open)

swatch on my arm

CK Calvin Klein tempting glimmer sheer crème eyeshadow in 311 turquoise blue (above black line with UDPP and below black line without UDPP)

Zoya polishes

Whoop whoop!! I ordered my 2 Zoya polishes while they had their get 2 free, just pay the shipping. They finally arrived!!!

I ordered Gemma and Adina.


Zoya Nail Polish Gemma:
http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Nail-Polish-Gemma.html

Zoya Nail Polish in Gemma can be best described as:
Light muted olive green with an overlay of blue and violet duochrome shimmer. Unique, hip and cutting-edge yet subtle enough to suit any wardrobe.

Color Family: Greens
Color Finish: Dual Tone Metalllic
Intensity: 4 ( 1=Sheer - 5=Opaque )
Tone: Cool
Original Collection: Intimate

Zoya Nail Polish Adina:
http://www.zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Nail-Polish-Adina.html

Zoya Nail Polish in Adina can be best described as:
Violet metallic multichrome. A frosty hint of green and magenta creates a unique "oil-slick" look.

Color Family: Purples
Color Finish: Metallic Duo-Chrome Finish
Color Intensity: 4 ( 1=Sheer - 5=Opaque )
Color Tone: Cool & Warm
Original Collection: Reverie

Unpacking

Lovely contents

Gemma (left) and Adina (right)

Gemma (left) and Adina (right)

Gemma (left) and Adina (right)

Rafflecopter.com

My Shade of Brown - 1st Pillow Box

I am super excited to find the following email in my in box!!!

As soon as I get the box and as soon as I am able to post, I will.

MAC = Free Shipping ALL WEEK!

Free Standard Shipping offer is valid through 11:59PM EST TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011 on orders shipped to U.S. addresses only. Offer not applicable towards the purchase of Gift Cards. Offer not applicable to Pro members.

FREE Zoya polish

2 free Zoya polishes (not all included) and all you pay is shipping of $6.95. Use code: ZOYA2012. Offer expires 1/9/2012 11:59 PM ET.

Happy New Year!

Taylor Swift and CoverGirl

Does Taylor Swift’s CoverGirl ad deserve to be banned?

No! Hella heck no!

Do we really need MSN to tell us this? I like Taylor. I think she is a great wholesome role model for girls all around the world of any and all ages. But come on now, we know the cosmetic companies photoshop most if not all pics and alter videos. We as consumers have to make a wise choice when purchasing items, and make our own decision on what is good and what is a total lie and failure.

I have found the BEST make-up brush cleanser

This may sound odd but trust me ...
Cleaning my make-up brushes never was a big deal for me, until I began high school. I have tried just about every brush cleanser around ... high-end, middle-end, low-end and homemade.

I started out with baby soap/dish soap and water, moved on to M·A·C. Then my journey began with a whole lot of various other products/brands. I tried my own homemade concoctions and continued another endless journey with other products/brands.

With that being said, I have never been happy with the outcome of my brushes and sponges, until today. Normally I wash my brushes in the bathroom. I decided to wash them at my kitchen sink. Then an idea DAWNed (no pun intended) on me. I have used dish washing soap before (no it does not ruin your brushes) with okay results. When I saw the Dawn Bleach Alternative (over night soaking power in 5 mins) bottle I thought I'd give it a shot. I am BLOWN away with how well it cleaned my brushes and sponge. I always have trouble cleaning my Sonia Kashuk synthetic flat top multipurpose brush. It just seems to never get 100% clean. Tonight that brush (along with the rest of them) is sparkling clean and I am very happy with my shot-in-the-dark-on-a-whim try.
The next washing I am going to try the Dawn again and rinse it with vinegar (one of my homemade recipes I was using) and I'll let yall know if their is any difference.

PS: The Dawn Bleach Alternative works very well on stuck on or burned on food as well. LOL!

Dawn Bleach Alternative

my sparkling clean brushes