Last last week, Tarte and Sephora both released collections that left people of color asking “Where is my shade?” Tarte’s Shape Tape Foundation was highly anticipated within the beauty community. Then they went and released 15 shade. FIFTEEN! 12 shades of beige with 3 “deep” shades thrown at the end. The colors are so fair that some people can’t even mix colors to find a match. Really Tarte? Shortly after, Sephora released a photo on their Instagram of their new Bright Future Skin Tint. AND once again….where is my shade sis?!

In a world where Rihanna released FORTY shades on her first launch I don’t understand how a brand can release 15 and consider themselves “inclusive.” Fenty Beauty’s foundation sold out within the first week! So clearly when brands include us in the beginning we show up and show out! Not to mention, POC are the trendsetters in the beauty and fashion industry. We’re human. We don’t want to be and shouldn’t be an afterthought! And to make matters worse, in a statement after the release, Tarte stated that they focused on lighter tones as warmer colors tend to be “seasonal” and 10 more shades were coming soon. Really? Being a woman of color is NOT seasonal. I’m black in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. Even MakeupShayla, a very popular beauty influencer who worked with Tarte plenty of times, couldn’t find a match that was a fit.

Related: Small Black Owned Businesses

And beauty isn’t the only industry that is leaving us out. Denisse of thugnanny & Jessica of thecatchmeifyoucan both exposed brands for excluding people of color in the travel industry. In her blog post, Denisse talks about how popular clothing brand Revolve didn’t include any influencers of color in their most recent press trip. Jessica takes it a step further and shares an email she received from The Four Seasons location in Nevis which states her “demographic is not in line with [their] brand.” I guess people of coloring traveling is just as seasonal as our skin tones huh?

Picture from PopSugar Beauty

If you don’t understand what influencer marketing is, it may seem like not such a big deal to you but it is. But let’s not get it twisted. These influencers aren’t “complaining” about free product or “begging” for free trips. They simply want to be held at the same standard of their fair skinned counterparts. In a society where less people are listening to radio and more people are listening to podcasts, influencer marketing is very important! You can make 6 figures on YouTube when it takes most people a lifetime to achieve that. But just like anything else, influencers of color get the short end of the stick. And it’s time to say enough is enough in all aspects.

We have to start deciding which brands we want to shop with and support brands that support (and value) us! When you look at Revolve’s Instagram account you see the same thin, blonde hair, blue eyed models. It’s as if they have just ctrl+C ctrl+P repeatedly! The same thing happens when you look at Tarte’s Instagram. You have to scroll a few times before you see someone with darker skin. This should be a sign! We don’t quite fall “in line” with their brands so we definitely shouldn’t spend our money with them. It does not hurt to be inclusive but I also don’t think we need to beg these companies to put some RESPECK on our complexion.

It’s time to start holding these brands accountable. Whether it’s in beauty and fashion or travel. Two of my favorite YouTubers teamed up to talk about their Tarte PR packages. At the end of her video, Alissa Ashley gave suggestions for more inclusive brands and this is the example we should be following! I’m making it my mission to start seeking out more inclusive brands and you should to!

Have an inclusive brand you think I should check out? Leave it in the comments below!

The post Where is My Shade? appeared first on Running Erins.

I am a huge fan of Mielle products and I love all things beauty. So it was an easy decision for me to purchase their new products. Sometimes having sensitive skin makes it difficult to try new products. But because I can trust the brand with my hair, I figured why not trust them with my skin. This is not a sponsored post. I bought the entire collection, except for one item, with my own money. And y’all know I caught it on sale because that’s my favorite way to shop!

The Deets

The skincare collection, along with their latest hair collection, contains Pomegranate & Honey. It consists of 5 pieces:

• 2N1 Face Cleanser & Scrub (Reg $15.99)

• Hydrating Face Mask (Reg $19.99)

•  Revitalizing Face Serum (Reg $19.99)

• Illuminating Face Lotion with SPF 15 (Reg $15.99)

• Stretch mark Cream (Reg $14.99)

According to mielleorganics.com, “honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that prevents some scalp infections and alleviate symptoms associated with dandruff, psoriasis and eczema.” I’ve suffered from eczema most of my life and I have used raw honey as a facial mask before so this was a plus for me.

First Impressions

This was my first time ordering directly from Mielle Organics and I have to say I was blown away. I am a SUCKER for branding! I love when a package comes nicely wrapped and pretty instead of in a boring box. When I ordered  the Pomegranate and Honey hair collection it came in a plain box from Sally’s Beauty. The Mielle box is hot pink, with the brand name on the outside, and the CEO’s face on the inside with pink shredding. Over the holidays I tend to do most of my shopping online so I get tons of packages. When I saw that pink box on my doorstep, I immediately knew what it was.

The containers were smaller than I expected for the price. I wouldn’t quite consider it a luxury skincare line. But its price range definitely ranks it among brands you would find in Ulta or Sephora versus your local drugstore.

The Real Deal

I’ve been looking for an exfoliator so the 2N1 facial scrub was right up my alley. It left my skin very soft and smooth. I can say that I won’t be using it on a daily basis though. Scrubs can be a little harsh on my skin when used regularly, especially in the winter time. If this came in more of a foaming wash or cleanser I could definitely see it being an everyday staple! The face mask is also something I plan to rotate into my routine. I currently have a few that I like so I try to switch them up. And of course you need a moisturizer with a good SPF so the face lotion is a great deal.

What I don’t see myself using much is the face serum. I’m not sure why but I don’t gravitate towards serums. The only other serum I own is the Sunflower Sweets Serum from Bahi Cosmetics. It could partially be because I have an acne prescription from my dermatologist. I’m not sure. It’s not that I didn’t like it, I just don’t see much use for it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for new skincare (or have an obsession with products like me) I highly recommend it! I’ve had these products for over a month now and I haven’t had any adverse reactions to them. As of today, the whole collection is on sale again on the Mielle Organics website so get it while you can!

Have a product you think I should review? Leave it in the comments!

The post Beauty By Mielle Review appeared first on Running Erins.

Being that I am so into makeup now, I am not afraid to try a lot of products. Sometimes I buy off impulse and other times I’ve heard great things about a product. One of the things that I can’t seem to stop buying is foundation.

I have extremely oily skin. I tend to blot a lot through the day and I HAVE to wear a powder or else I will shine. So today I’m going to share some of my favorite foundations! Below you will find a mix of high end and low end foundations that I love. I will stick my disclaimer here and say everything isn’t for everybody. Just because something works for me does not mean it will work for you. You have to be willing to try different products to find the right fit. Pro Tip!: Sephora offers samples of products for free so be sure to check them out if you want to save coins.

These are my top 5 foundations for oily/acne prone skin (in order):

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation ($25)
   Since this came out it has been my go to foundation. It goes on smooth, it’s fairly inexpensive compared to other high-end foundations, and there is a shade that matches me perfectly! The only downside is that my shade is very popular. It’s always sold out in stores and online shipping is always delayed *cues dramatics*.
   My shade: Cool Golden
   
   
2. Maybelliene Fit Me Matte & Poreless ($6-$8)
   If you’re like me and prefer buildable or full coverage, drugstore foundations can be a hit or miss. The Fit Me collection is awesome because it has a good range of colors for a low price. It’s also easy to find because you can get it anywhere including Ulta, Target, Walmart and Walgreens. So if you run out of foundation you can quickly grab a bottle.
   My shade: Classic Tan 335 (fall/winter) Spicy Brown 338 (Summer)
   
   
3. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation ($34)
   I know you’re probably thinking I’m going to hype Fenty Beauty up and you are absolutely……correct sis! Rihanna blew me away with her makeup line. The foundation is lightweight and has a wide range so it’s possible for more than 1 color to work for you. It also has nice coverage but it oxidizes so you have to be careful when choosing your shade. The deeper shades have been sold out since launch, however, I did notice that some of them are available on Sephora’s website.
   My shade: 380
   
   
4. MAC Studio Fix Foundation ($29)
   Holy grail! When I first started wearing makeup MAC was all I knew. I was scared to try other brands because MAC is such a universal name in the makeup world so how could you go wrong with it? The Studio Fix is still one of my favorite foundations to use, in liquid and in powder form.
   My shade: NC47
   
   
5. Milani Cream to Powder ($7-$9)
   It’s so funny how I came across this one on a whim and it ended up being a fave. As the name suggests, its a cream to powder foundation which I had never heard of. It goes on quite smooth and gives off a matte finish. The downside is that the only place I have been able to find my shade is Walgreen’s but it is also available online.
   My shade: Spiced Almond
   
   

Let’s chat! Have you tried any of these foundations? Let me know your favorite in the comments below.

The post My Favorite Foundations for Oily Skin appeared first on Running Erins.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already started your gift shopping. And if you still have no clue what to get for some of the people in your life then you’re also like me! Shopping for others can be extremely difficult around the holidays, especially when you’re on a budget. Which is why Holiday Gift Guides can make your life go a little bit easier. And be honest, some of the random gift guides you see online are not always Black Girl friendly. So in the spirit of giving, I’m going to share with you some things that can be great gifts for every magical black girl in ya life. #ThankMeLater.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links where I may receive credit for your purchase. Read my disclosure policy for more information.

For the Naturalista

• Mielle Organics
  If you haven’t heard of this brand….where have you been?! Mielle has taken the internet by storm and I see why! The new Pomegranate & Honey collection smells amazing and leaves your hair soft and moisturized. It’s no wonder this product is always sold out! It is only available in Sally’s Beauty stores or online.
  Bonus tip: For the month of November, the entire adult line is BOGO 50% off at Sally’s! Mielle is also having their own deals! Be sure to get it before the deal ends.
  
• Curls
  I’ve been using Curls for a while now. I love the Blueberry Bliss collection (another set of products with an amazing smell). The edge control paste works so well on my edges, especially when my hair is wet. The hair growth oil and curling cream also leave your hair very shiny and soft. What more could a naturalista ask for?
  
• Eco Styler 
  Including Eco Styler is taking a risk but hear me out! Have you tried their new leave in conditioner?! Another product that is hard to get your hands on but such a great product indeed. My curls are always poppin’ after using this. Paired with the black castor oil and flaxseed gel and you have the perfect set for a wash and go!
  

For the Makeup Lover

• Juvia’s Place
  I love love love Juvia’s Place! Their eyeshadow palettes are extremely pigmented with a great color payoff. And they are very AFFORDABLE. This black owned brand caters to giving WOC a name in the makeup world and I say kudos for that!
  Bonus Tip: Their Black Friday Sale has already started! You can also search on Twitter or Instagram to find someone with a discount code to use with the sale.
  
• Crayon Case
  Internet comedian Supa Cent struck gold with her new makeup line! My favorite product has to be the Anglowla highlight. I always get so many compliments when I have it on. Perfect for medium-deep skin tones. I also have the eyeshadow palette which is great for someone who is into colors.
  
• Mix Melt Repeat
  MMR I hadn’t heard of until I went to an event recently. They offer customized lipsticks! Interesting right? You choose your color. Decide if you want a cream, matte or sheer finish. Pick your favorite tube. And bam! A special lipstick for a special person.
  

For the Book Worm

• We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
  Gabrielle Union has opened up a lot this year. Sharing stories about her trouble conceiving as well as being sexually abused. She has also been taking the time to make sure her voice is heard in the heat of the current political climate. Sprinkling a little #blackgirlmagic (and fountain of youth because she doesn’t age) just in time for the holidays in the form of her new book. She also has a new clothing line with NY&Company that would make a great combo with the book!
  
• You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
  Entrepreneurship among black women is on the rise and I’m always here for some #BlackGirlMagic! You are a Badass and You are a Badass at Making Money are 2 books that are valuable to help entrepreneurs keep pushing.
  

For the Unapologetically Woke

• Legendary Rootz
  This company is all over Twitter, spreading positivity among people of color. With sayings like “Black Girls are the Purest form of Art” and “Brown Sugar Babe” there is something that every black girl will feel special in!
  
• Blackberry Vine
  Blackberry Vine is a newer company that I happened to find on Instagram. Their celebration of the black community and black empowerment is what caught my attention. My favorite design is a toss up between the woman with hair shaped like Africa and the drawing of Colin Kapernick. If you’re on my Christmas list you may or may not be getting an item from this company.
  Bonus tip: They will have items in their shop discounted for Black Friday!
  

For the Fashionista

• Tracee Ellis Ross for JCP
  Tracee Ellis Ross has been my one of favorite auntie since Girlfriends. Her style is very quirky and fashion forward which her line with JCPenney’s incorporates. My favorite pieces from her collection are the bodycon dresses and thebutton down top that says “Life Needs Sparkle” on the back because duh!
• Fur Coat
  When it comes to balling on a budget you definitely have to look the part. My favorite statement piece for Fall/Winter is a fur coat. They come in handy because they can dress up a casual outfit and make a dressy outfit look even more over the top. I stumbled upon this year’s fur coat at TJ Maxx and have been in love ever since.
  

For the Techie

• Lumee Case
  For all my selfie lovers out there a Lumee Case is a must have! It is surrounded by a light so that your pictures and videos do not come out as dark and gloomy. It’s essentially a ring light on the go. I’ve had 2 different cases from this company (because I upgraded my phone) and they had my selfies lit (pun intended).
  
• Ring Light
  If you’re getting a gift for someone who is into photography, YouTube, makeup, fashion or hair a ring light is a great investment! Similar to the Lumee Case, a ring light provides lighting that is good for pics and videos however it is not as portable. A ring light can definitely take your pics to the next level. Amazon has plenty different types but the kind I have is linked.
  

Have any other ideas that you would like to share? Comment below! Happy shopping!

The post Gifts for the Magical Black Girl in Your Life appeared first on Running Erins.

Everybody knows that when it comes to saving money, coupons are the way to go. Everyone has their tips and tricks for couponing but it has never really worked for me. I would much rather know where to shop than to search for coupons. When I first started wearing makeup, I only knew MAC products. That’s what everyone talked about so that’s where I went. I slowly but surely started shopping at Sephora. Both of which can be a great place to find products but they can both get a little pricey. It wasn’t until I got more into makeup that I started branching out to other brands and other stores. I’m going to share with you my favorite places to buy makeup on a budget.

Place #1: Ulta

Ulta is like the best of both worlds when it comes to beauty products. I say that because you can find both luxury and drugstore brands. This is always my go to spot when I need to find a specific product for the low. Make sure to check out the ‘Sale & Coupon’ section of their website to see what deals are current. They also frequently send catalogs with a coupon so sign up for their mailing list. The key here is to not be afraid to try inexpensive brands! You may find a product that you like.

Place #2: TJ Maxx or Ross

Some people are going to be mad at me for giving this one up but OH WELL SIS! I am here to help us slay and save some coins okay? I am an avid TJ Maxx/Ross shopper but usually for clothes and home-goods. It wasn’t until someone posted about finding the ABH Cream Contour Kits and Shea Moisture products that I started checking the beauty section. Shea Moisture was much easier to find in both stores. I had to go to 2 different TJ Maxx locations to find the ABH Contour Kits. And for the price it was definitely worth it. I’ve also been able to find BareMinerals, Real Techniques, and Chi products for great prices.

Place # 3: Nordstrom Rack 

I never really shopped at Nordstrom Rack, mostly because there wasn’t one near me. They recently opened a location by my job and I have not been able to stay out of it. While I was browsing, I came across the makeup section and it was just what I needed. Urban Decay. NYX. Too Faced. MAC. Big names for great prices. I purchased the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, regularly $32, for $19.

Place #4: The Cosmetics Company

If there is an outlet mall near you check to see if The Cosmetics Company is there. For my local readers there is one at the National Harbor and Queenstown (Ocean City) outlets. This store usually carries items that are over-made or out of season. For example, I found MAC’s Ariana Grande Lipglass here once it had left stores. Just because MAC is no longer selling it doesn’t mean it isn’t still in style!

Bonus Tip 1: I also like to use Ebates when I’m shopping online. They work with stores like MAC, Ulta, and Sephora to get you coupons and cash back on your purchases. You can get $10 when signing up by using my link here.

Bonus Tip 2: If you are a Professional Makeup Artist (meaning you have a portfolio of work to show + you do makeup on others) you can apply for discounts. Do some internet research to see what brands and pro discounts and which ones you are eligible for.

Are there places that you find good makeup for a great price? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Buying Makeup on a Budget appeared first on Running Erins.

Over the years I have developed a passion for makeup. And by passion I mean if you look at my bank statement you would think Ulta and Sephora are bill collectors. I watch tons of YouTube videos (AaliyahJay, MakeUpShayla & Naturally Sunny are my faves) but I wanted to learn more about this hobby. I had learned lots from YouTube (AaliyahJay’s eyelash tutorial saved my life) but I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable enough to work on other people. Maybe even turn it into a way to earn extra income.

In most states, Maryland included, there is no such thing as a licensed makeup artist (MUA). You can be a licensed esthetician which means you’re skilled in skincare, facials, waxing, etc. But not strictly a makeup artist, which is why most MUAs proclaim that they are self-taught. You can also earn a certificate in makeup artistry and that is what I did to help develop my self-taught skills.

When I told people I was taking a makeup class, their first question was always “Where?” And they always seemed shocked at the answer. Which led me to writing this post because more people should know about the resources in their backyard.

I earned my certificate from Prince George’s Community College. I usually call it the 13th grade when it comes to education but it can be a great source for continuing education courses. You would be amazed at what you can learn at your local community college. Most offer courses in a variety of topics that can help you expand your expertise or find a great side hustle. It also helps that they often cater to the working adult by offering classes on nights and weekends. From hair braiding, photography/videography, or event planning there’s tons of things you can learn.

To earn the makeup artistry certificate, I had to take 2 courses both 4 weeks long. The classes were once a week, 3 hours long, and I went after work which made it convenient. The teacher was contracted meaning that she wasn’t just someone who created the class. She is a working MUA who also teaches for a company outside of the community college. She was able to share her portfolio along with information on what works for her. For example, her bridal contract and how she prepares for her clients.

All the makeup looks we created on ourselves so we didn’t have to worry about someone else making us look like a clown. It was a great experience to be in a room full of girls who were also interested in makeup. (Girls who love makeup can sit and talk for days together!) We were able to share information on products we’ve tried, our favorite indie brands, or even our creative processes. We were also able to share tips and tricks to help each other out. At the beginning of each session, the teacher would ask what we were interested in learning as a group that way she could focus on the areas that were difficult for us. There was also time at the end of class to ask questions if you struggled with something. For example, I HATED smokey eyes going into the class (my eyes are already dark like raccoon eyes) but they instructor showed me how to do it in a way that was a little less intimidating for me.

Overall, the class was pretty fun. I’ve been able to practice and take what I learned to apply it to other people, other skin types, and even give recommendation to my friends who aren’t as skilled in makeup. I would recommend continuing education classes to anyone who wants to strengthen their skills or even if you are interested in a new hobby. You should never stop learning and taking a class with an expert may help strengthen your confidence in your skill.

The post Continuing Education Classes appeared first on Running Erins.

The days leading up to her launch had me on edge! I mean her line was set to drop at is 3am EST and I was contemplating all week if I should stay up for it. You know most celebrities will put out something and it is so limited that you have to be one of the first 5 people online. I was even willing to be late for work the next morning because I just couldn’t miss out. Clearly I was not thinking straight because of course it was also going to be in Sephora stores which is where I eventually bought it. And you know I didn’t wait until I got off work; I went right to the Sephora in JCPenney’s across from my job.

I was literally in awe of the entire line. I said forget lunch and spent my entire break admiring the collection. I got matched for the Pro Filt’r Foundation (my shade is 380) and ended up walking out with the “Killawat” highlight duo in “Moscow Mule/Ginger Binge” too. I also really wanted the “Trophy Wife” Killawat but I could not give RiRi all of my coins y’all!

Seeing the commercials and pictures showed how truly diverse Rihanna’s line would be. Black women spend the most money in the beauty industry (80% more than non-black women) BUT we are also the most underrepresented. So seeing a line that was specifically catered to make sure every woman found a match was truly amazing. I tried out the whole line but found that the foundation and highlighters were my favorite items. The foundation has a great consistency with buildable coverage and a nice smell. The highlighters are great but just like anything else you have to find which ones work for you (you will see in my swatches that some of them did not appear too well on my skin). I have oily skin so the primer was too soft for me; I like a very matte coverage. And the lipgloss was nice (with an amazing smell) but it was slightly small for the price in my opinion.

All in all I will stan for Rihanna and any other black woman who wants to represent black women! Her first launch went amazing by selling out all of the dark shades in the foundation. I cannot wait to see what she will do next.

The post Fenty Beauty appeared first on Running Erins.