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.

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.

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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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