Supporting Black-owned businesses is a lifestyle. It’s very important for us to show support when they are stocked at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Not only does it bring in sales but it shows retailers that customers will buy the products if they are available. Whether you choose to shop these items for yourself or for others is your business. Here are 4 of my favorite Black-Women Owned Brands that you can find on Amazon.

Vicky Cakes

No more Aunt Jemima! Vicky Cakes is a dairy-free, vegan friendly pancake and waffle mix. While the brand makes it clear that they are not the average “Just Add Water” mix, it has easily become my favorite to use. It comes in 4 different flavors: original, blueberry, pecan, and chocolate chip. They also offer a gluten-free version!

Play Pits

I recently made the switch over to natural deodorant. Finding Play Pits made it an easy switch. I noticed a lot of moms in the DMV were talking about the brand for their children. And because I have super sensitive skin I decided this would be a great alternative. Little did I know they offer products for adults too! I purchased a multi-pack directly from the site (Amazon was unavailable at the time) and so far Queen has been my favorite scent.

Capital City Co.

Speaking of the DMV….y’all know we love our Mumbo Sauce. Whether you like yours from a specific carryout or you like to make your own. Capital City Mambo Sauce is made right here in the DMV by a BLACK woman and her family. And I put that sh*t on everything.

TGIN (Thank God It’s Natural)

If you know me, then you know I love TGIN. I have worked with the brand in the past on many campaigns. And although our contract has ended, I still willingly spend my money on them! My favorite products are the Honey Miracle Mask and the Butter Cream Moisturizer.

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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!

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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.

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.

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I had heard of Turning Natural from a few coworkers. I had been meaning to check it out when my mom mentioned it to me so we decided what better time to go than now?

Turning Natural is a black-owned juice bar with 2 locations in the DMV. From the parking lot it looks very dim inside but there is so much light that shines once you go in. The staff was very friendly and able to offer suggestions since it was our first visit. There were even a few other customers who offered suggestions about their favorite products.

The theme of the entire store is centered around the magic that exudes from African Americans. The smoothies have clever names like Swizz Beets, Green Latifah, Just Blaze, and the symbol formerly known as Prince. There’s a bookshelf shaped like a tree on the wall that features books by and about black people. They also have signs that promote positive energy.

Besides the smoothies their menu also includes juice, black bean burgers, vegan cookies, a juice cleanse, and so much more. I’ve visited a few different times now and each time has been a great experience. I definitely recommend checking them out. Whether you’re currently eating clean or not it’s a great chance to support a Black Owned Business with an awesome energy.

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To help you out, I’ve included a list of my top 5 small, BLACK-owned businesses that have gifts for the Millennial Queen in your life.

1. Pinkmoon Loungewear: Those sexy velvet shorts that you’ve seen all over the internet (Warning: they sell out fast! Turn on their Twitter/IG notifications to catch the pre-order). I’ve ordered 3 pieces from them and they are all amazing quality! The next release is scheduled for December 5th!
2. Legendary Rootz: Truly a brand that helps celebrate black culture. Legendary Rootz is known for their t-shirts with phrases that remind you to stay to true to who you are. (They have shirts for men too!)
   
3. Juvia’s Place: Great eyeshadow palettes for beginner to pro makeup artist/enthusiast. I had the privilege of seeing their booth at the IMATS NYC this Spring and was absolutely amazed at the product! (P.S. They started their Black Friday Sale early!)
   
4. Beauty Bakerie: Another great line of makeup products which have been featured on BuzzFeed, Nylon, and Teen Vogue. They offer cruelty-free products including lipsticks that barely move (aka smudge proof and kiss proof!).
   
5. Tees in the Trap: Does she luuhhh God & Trap Music? Is she sophistiratchet? These tees have fun and catchy sayings that anyone would love.
   

*Pictures do not belong to me. Images came directly from company websites.*

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