Giving Back, Beautifully

Let's face facts: we all probably spend a little too much on beauty products.  One way to make beauty expenses a little more palatable is when you're buying something from a company that gives back...that donates a portion of their proceeds to charity to help out real people.

I've been eyeing RapidLash for a while now.  I feel like my eye lashes are not even (the lashes on my left are much less full and not as long as those on my right...weird!) and I would love to try out their product to see if it actually works. I want to use this product for purely selfish, superficial reasons.

But women suffering from breast cancer often battle hair regrowth challenges during and after the course of treatment. Eyelash and eyebrow renewal serums like RapidLash give women a boost of confidence by helping to restore natural, fuller-looking lashes and brows. Women of any age can benefit from RapidLash, but especially those who experience hair loss.

RapidLash claims to get stellar results by delivering essential proteins, vitamins, moisturizing and rejuvenating ingredients that replenish and strengthen the structure of lashes and brows, while adding shine and elasticity. It is safe and effective, and the brand supports the fight against breast cancer by donating 5% of company profits between Susan B. Komen and The American Cancer Society all year long.

Now that I know RapidLash is giving back to women who really need it, I feel better about spending the $49.95 to try it out.  Does corporate philanthropy ever impact your beauty decisions? Would you feel better about your latest lipstick purchase if the company you bought it from gave money to a cause you care about?  Or does this not impact you at all?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

I'll try the RapidLash and will report back my findings soon!

A Few More for the Cure

Phew--what a week!  I don't know about you, but I am ready for the weekend to start.

To round up my second week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month info and products, here's a rundown of a few more products that are donating to BCA.

The following brands have pledged a portion of their proceeds with one goal in mind – to support breast cancer research and awareness. Take a moment to add some pink to your beauty routine and send a little love to your friends and family with a gift that gives back.

Go Straight While Giving Back
Keratin Complex “Think Pink” Flat Iron is a digitally controlled, high temperature flat iron is perfect for a gift with meaning. Keratin Complex partnered with Florida-based “Think Pink Rocks” organization to promote education pertaining to breast cancer awareness, treatment and testing. This adorable flat iron also comes with a convenient heat pouch so you can get great hair on-the-go!

• Price: $199
• Availability: www.KeratinComplex.com

Blushing for BCA
Celebrity makeup artist and NYC “Brow King”, Ramy, a cancer survivor himself, is showing his support with charitable contributions from the Shiksa Face Gloss – a vibrant, pink shade that delivers perfect and portable flawless color for eyes, cheeks and lips!

With the purchase of every Shiksa Face Gloss you too can look beautiful for a cause and reflect Ramy’s mantra of “minimum makeup, maximum impact” with 25% of proceeds during the month of October going directly to the “Young Survival Coalition” – the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

• Price: $18.50
• Availability: www.Ramy.com

Look Good, Feel Better
Give cancer the kiss off with the pink Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System! Feel even better about your daily beauty routine by snagging the ultimate in deeply cleansed, brighter skin—with every purchase of this fashionable Mia, Clarisonic will donate $4 (and $5 for every pink Classic Pro or Plus) to Look Good…Feel Better, a national public service program dedicated to helping women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment (60% of women who participate in Look Good…Feel Better have breast cancer).

• Price: $149
• Availability: www.Nordstrom.com

Tweeze For The Cure
To commemorate their commitment to the fight against Breast Cancer, Tweezerman introduces the new 2010 limited edition Slant® Tweezer – Precision in Pink. A cotton candy-pink background, adorned with the iconic BCA pink ribbon logo, is spangled with little flashy silver specks design. One dollar from the sale of each limited edition Precision in Pink will go to CancerCare as well as other Breast Cancer Awareness charities throughout the country.

• Price: $20
• Availability: www.Tweezerman.com

Blot For the Cure
Shine doesn’t stand a chance against boscia Rose Blotting Linens! Perfectly formulated to blot away excess oil, unwanted shine and perspiration without disturbing makeup, these conveniently sized linens are also infused with rose essence to soothe skin and uplift the psyche. What’s more— boscia donates 10% of sales of Rose Blotting Linens to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (www.dslrf.org) to support breast cancer research.

• Price: $10
• Availability: www.Sephora.com

Get Glowing and HelpNoodle and Boo’s beautiful Love Light Candle is the perfect way to give back. Give Love, Give Light, Give Help to those in need. 50% off proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the month of October.

• Price: $24
• Availability: www.NoodleandBoo.com

Sip PINK For the CureTalkingRain, brewers of fresh, fruity, all-natural alternatives to plain old water and sugar-saturated sodas, invite you to sip “PINK” for the cure and help the fight against breast cancer. In the spirit of TalkingRain’s never ending mission to develop functional, healthy, innovative beverages, .25 cents per case of PINK™ sales will go to support various national and local breast cancer research, screening, education and awareness programs.

• Price: $.69 or 2 for a $1.00
• Availability: www.TalkingRain.com

Bubbling Over with Love
Glowology’s beautiful and soothing Bubbling Exfoliant is a luxurious way to smooth your skin while sending love to breast cancer research. 50% of the sale of each product will go directly the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

• Price: $12
• Availability: www.GlowologySkincare.com

Sephora Gives Back

Quick show of hands: who reading this blog loves Sephora?  Yup...looks like most of you have your hand raised.  I adore Sephora--it's like a toy store for makeup addicts!  I'm happy to report that our favorite store is giving back to Breast Cancer causes this month.

Here are the deets:

This October, Sephora is honoring women affected by breast cancer by offering pretty pink products that bring hope and add color to their lives. In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sephora has created five exclusive items and will donate $1 from the sale of each to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF): an organization dedicated to breast cancer prevention by finding a cure during our lifetime through funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

“Supporting a cause that impacts the lives of so many women is an honor for Sephora,” says Margarita Arriagada, Senior Vice President of Merchandising. “Beauty is much more than what’s on the surface; it’s about inner strength, empowerment and courage, and we are privileged to join the fight against breast cancer.”

Feel empowered with the color pink:


Sephora Collection Pop Up Hair Brush ($8)-The Sephora Pop-Up Travel Brush in an exclusive pink for Breast Cancer is the on-the-go beauty essential. With a slim case and handy mirror, it’s the desired size and shape for your purse, carry-on or travel makeup bag.


Sephora Collection Pink Color-to-Go Palette ($15) - Sephora’s signature limited edition palette is perfectly portable. Complete with eight wearable eyeshadows, four lip glosses and a blush to match any skin tone, it’s an indispensible kit to create any look.


Sephora Collection Pink Eyelash Curler ($16) – This precision engineered, pinch proof eyelash curler in pink goes beyond the basic stainless steel construction and silicone rubber pads with advanced technology and superior design to create the ultimate tool for wide open, professional-looking lashes.


Sephora Collection Compact Mirror ($18) – A pink rhinestone studded mirror for beauty touch ups for a good cause. This beautifully crafted metallic pink mirror offers dual magnification and comes with a protective organza pouch.

Go to Beautiful Lengths for BCA

Women with breast cancer typically undergo chemotherapy to try to save their lives.  But did you know that  58% of women consider hair loss to be the worst side effect of chemotherapy?  In fact, 8% of these women will potentially avoid life-saving treatment altogether due to this hair loss fear.  Wow--that seems a little crazy to me, but it's darn near impossible to say what you are and are not willing to go through when faced with big things like cancer, chemo, etc.

For Breast Cancer Awareness month this month, Pantene wants to continue inspiring people to make the kindest cut of all by donating their healthy hair for women who need it most through Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign that helps provide free, real-hair wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. Since 2006, more than 220,000 ponytails (that’s around 1,760,000 inches of hair!) have been generously cut for this cause and 6,304 wigs have been distributed.

Pantene is proud to announce the new look of its collection, Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths. In honor of the launch of the new look, Pantene is supporting the cause by donating $500,000 directly to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign, actively taking part in the fight against breast cancer by helping to create more wigs for cancer patients.

Here's some info about the collection.  I received some samples of these products and will report back soon.  My husband has lovely, insanely long hair that he cuts about once a year.  He's given to Locks of Love in the past--this year I'll have him check out Pantene Beautiful Lengths.  It's good to spread the hair love from time to time!

Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Collection

The customized shampoo and conditioner systems contain targeted damage protection to help prevent breakage so you can grow your hair longer, ideal for those preparing to make a generous donation! The system work to restore three common signs of damaged hair: roughness, dullness, and unruly frizz.

• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Shine Enhance Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Like I said, I'll report back on these products soon, but I think this is a pretty cool BCA/hair product tie in.  Good for Pantene!

Breast Cancer Awareness...Continued!

Since it's October, I'm devoting another week to Breast Cancer Awareness.  (Don't worry--I'll be returning to my normal posting soon enough!)  This week, I'll be telling you about a bunch of products that are giving back with special BCA promotions.  You're going to be buying beauty products anyway, so why not buy products that support women's health?

Today I'm focusing on Avon. The Avon Foundation for Women Campaign is launching a new crusade with Reese Witherspoon to “Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer” during the month of October. As a new symbol of empowerment, Avon and Reese are unveiling “Lips” to give the quest a little lip service, including:

• Lips for Life tote (above) – With 100% of the proceeds going to support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
• Avon and Reese are asking women to “PassTheKissOn” through a fun, customizable online widget that lets users send personalized messages – spoken by a pair of talking lips – to family and friends. The widget can be accessed by visiting www.PassTheKissOn.org (I'll have the widget on my sidebar all week).

Avon  has a history of being involved and committed to womens' issues like Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer awareness.  They were also the first major cosmetic company to announce a permanent end to animal testing on all of their own manufactured products. Plus their products are very good and are a decent price.  Nice! 

Thanks, Avon, for continuing the great work for women!

You Can't Keep Your Paws Off This!

There are certain beauty companies that I adore.  These select few companies seem to consistently put out quality products at a reasonable price.  For me, one of these top beauty companies is Tweezerman.  I love, love, love their tweezers--they're my absolutely favorite on the market.

Right now, Tweezerman has teamed up with one of my favorite charitable organizations, the Humane Society of the United States. Tweezerman has introduced two new products: Paw Print Mini Slant Tweezer ($15) and Matchbox Itty Bitty Paw Print Files ($4). Featuring adorable black paw prints on a white background, these mini miracle workers are sure to and stand out in your favorite cosmetics case or purse and remind you of your favorite furry friend…especially while traveling. For me, these are purse essentials!

Here's the best part: Tweezerman is donating $1.00 from the purchase of each Paw Print Mini Slant Tweezer and $0.50 from the purchase of each Matchbox Itty Bitty Paw Print Files to the Humane Society of the United States in an effort to assist with their mission to “create a humane and sustainable world for all animals – a world that will also benefit people.”

Be on the lookout for these cute Tweezerman products!

Pledge for Peace

I'm still going through my emails, trying to figure out what might interest you all--especially since I am taking a mini-break from blogging. Hey, I provide a ton of original content, so I don't feel so bad passing on press release info to you all from time to time.

Anyway, this is for a good cause, so be sure to read on.

Kiss My Face--the PETA-approved personal care company--is currently running a campaign to benefit Seeds of Peace with the "Pledge for Peace." Given the current Arab-Israeli conflict, it is easy to overlook the positive efforts and significant progress being made to foster universal acceptance among the youth in areas of unrest. Seeds of Peace is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization dedicated to empowering young people from regions of conflict with the leadership skills and interpersonal networks necessary to advance reconciliation and coexistence.

The specific objectives of Seeds of Peace programming are to humanize the conflict; provide conflict resolution and leadership training; facilitate open dialogue; and to create a network of young leaders who will become a core constituency for peace. What began as a camp program with 46 Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian teenagers has expanded into a global operation with offices in over ten cities around the world and over 4,000 young leaders (called “Seeds”) working for peace.

Here's what you can do to help: log onto the Kiss My Face Facebook page or Thepledgeforpeace.com and click the “like” button.

Also, Kiss My Face is supporting Seeds of Peace with “The Pledge for Peace” and by donating 10% of all profits from Peace Soap to the organization. As the company brainstormed the creation of a product to help raise funds for the much applauded organization, they felt offering should be one that could be used by all campers in a variety of ways – expected and unexpected. They landed on a 100 percent natural, multi-purpose castile soap, as it is a universal formula that can be used by anyone, much like the values and tools Seeds of Peace strives to instill in its participants.

Today is World Oceans Day

Well...THIS is timely, considering what's happening down in Louisiana.

June 8th is World Oceans Day. Officially recognized by the UN in 2008, but unofficially celebrated since 1992, this day allows us the opportunity to delight in our world ocean and explore our personal connections to the sea.

Depth recognizes the absolute importance of the ocean and its inhabitants—their hair, bath and body products utilize sea-based ingredients that clean, nourish and refresh skin and hair—so to commemorate and honor World Oceans Day, Depth will donate $1 from each unit sold at Whole Foods and on www.wholefoodsmarket.com from June 8th through June 15th to the National Audubon Society for Gulf oil spill recovery.

Depth utilizes these essential, sea-based ingredients to stimulate skin with a surge of moisture like no other. Depth enhances the skin’s ability to remain healthy, hydrated and resilient. The therapeutic sea botanicals within Depth are best known for their moisturizing properties, but they also serve to supply essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids to protect and detoxify the skin. Drawing upon three different classes of sea botanicals – Brown (Phaeophyta), Green (Chlorophyta) and Red (Rhodophyta) algae – delivery of hydration and minerals to the skin has never been so moisturizing. Together, these algae powerhouses act as detoxifiers, while individually delivering their own unique skin benefits.

I'm hoping to try out some of these products soon--when I do, I'll be sure to report back.

The Depth collection consists of shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, body wash, hand and body lotions, and shave creams in four exclusive scents: Mangrove Citrus, Sea Berry, Orange Blossom and Bay Coconut.

Hair Care ($9.99 each) - Infused with a unique blend of sea botanicals, certified organic aloe vera and natural emollients, Depth Shampoos and Conditioners are ultra-hydrating, refreshing, and moisturizing.

• Refresh Daily Shampoo – For all hair types. Keeps hair soft, healthy and nourished with a nutrient-rich blend of vitamins and sea botanicals
• Drench Hydrating Shampoo – For dry and damaged hair: Gentle cleansers work to nourish and restore essential moisture, ideal for color treated hair
• Immerse Daily Conditioner – For all hair types. Nutrient-rich to maintain healthy, beautiful hair without weighing it down
• Submerse Deep Conditioner – For dry and damaged hair. This creamy conditioner provides deep nourishment and ultra-hydration for extra healthy hair
  

Hand Soaps ($7.99 each) & Body Washes ($9.99 each) - Luxurious, refreshing and extra-gentle, Depth Hand Soaps and Body Washes are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to naturally cleanse, moisturize and soothe the skin.

Hand & Body Lotions ($9.99 each) - Lightweight and quick absorbing, Depth Hand & Body Lotions are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to moisturize, soothe and nourish the skin.

Shave Creams ($6.99 each) - As smooth and silky as algae, Depth Shave Creams are enriched with hydrating sea botanicals and natural emollients to provide an effortless glide for a soft, comfortable shave, while an abundance of organic aloe vera moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Don't Forget: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Here are a few more tidbits for Skin Cancer Awareness Month:

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is partnering with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) for the month of May in honor of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Dermelect will donate the May net sales of its two best-selling products, SPF 20 Facial Armour and Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF 15, to the MRF. These SPF products are great because they protect against the sun while also targeting wrinkle reduction and signs of aging.

The SPF 20 Facial Armour sells for $42 and the Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF sells for $36. Both products protect against UV sun damage and free radicals and are available for purchase at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2008, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths (approximately one every hour). Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults age 15 to 29.

ABOUT DERMELECT
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is a forerunner when it comes to easy-to-understand, multi-tasking cosmeceutical skincare, developed with the most effective and innovative ingredients on the market. With a refreshingly realistic beauty philosophy, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is the must-have brand if you want to treat your skin with the latest product innovations that provide actual results. Availability of Dermelect treatments includes high-end apothecaries, specialty retailers, department stores, medispas, and pharmacies. Dermelect is distributed in over 12 countries globally and is also available online at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.

BECOME A MELANOMA MESSENGER
If you want to do more to fight melanoma, head over to MRF's Melanoma Messenger page. The MRF Melanoma Messengers program is a national network of volunteers that help educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research in their local communities. As a MRF Melanoma Messenger, you can bring the national voice of the MRF to into your local community. Check it out--get involved!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Blasts from the Past

Don't Let This Happen To You!

I know I sound like I'm harping on all of you about this, but May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. I've said it a million times and I'll say it again: Be safe in the sun and always use protection. If you don't think skin cancer will happen to you, then consider the fact that sun exposure will age you. If you want to avoid wrinkles or blotchy discoloration, limit your sun exposure. It's that easy.

Here are links to a few posts I've done in the past about Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to check them out:

• If you prefer to have a "healthy" glow, click here for pointers on how to fake and bake like a pro.
• Don't forget to cover up easy to miss parts of your body when applying sunscreen. Click here for more from my May 2008 post (sorry...the giveaway mentioned in that post is no longer running!)
• Is sunblock safe to use? Click here to find out.
• The sun shines year round, so don't think of sun safety as only a summertime concern. Click here for more.
• Screen yourself for troublesome moles or sun spots in the privacy of your home. Here's info on how to do this yourself.
• Be a smart sunscreen consumer. Click here for tips.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Always Use Protection!

It's easy to say that you should use some sort of protection when you're out in the sun, but do you really know what you should be using? Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for the warmer, sunnier months ahead:

• Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens. These products contain ingredients that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
  
• Reapply sunscreen frequently; at least every two hours.
• Remember: sunscreens can contain a number of chemicals. If you are sensitive or allergic to chemicals, physical sunscreens/blocks or chemical-free sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which reflect UVA and UVB.
• When in doubt, wear SPF 15 or higher. Look for products with the AAD Seal of Recognition.
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.
• Don't forget to take care of your eyes. Wear dark sunglasses when outside to avoid getting lines around your eyes and to slow the development of cataracts.
• Wear protective clothing. Companies like L.L.Bean now offer shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, etc. that have fabrics that are treated to provide SPF protection.
• Get Vitamin D from food, not from sun.
• Peak sun hours are between 10 am and 4 pm--even when it's cloudy.
  
• Do not go to tanning salons. Ever. I don't care what you're reason is...just stay away.

Remember: there is no such thing as safe UV rays and that healthy sunny tan isn't healthy at all. Over time, it will result in skin damage, accelerated signs of aging, and potentially melanoma or other serious skin issues.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Get Shady at Ricky's

If you read my blog, you should know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month...and many companies are honoring the month by offering new products and great deals.

Here's one deal to check out: Ricky's NYC is offering 20% off any Shady Day product purchased on their website using coupon code LOVESHADY. If you're lucky enough to live in NYC, head over to a Ricky's where they're offering free a Shady Day Sunscreen Stick with any Shady Day purchase.

Also, a portion of proceeds from sales of Shady Day Protect Your Pout will go to support Aim at Melanoma Foundation, an international organization that provides comprehensive melanoma resources for patients, caregivers, and physicians.

Shady Day products were created by two health conscious moms with the help of a top dermatologist. The products provide easy to use, effective sun protection. Check out their SPF30 wipes, lip balm with sunblock, and many other awesome products.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and that means that along with my normal beauty posts, I'll be scattering plenty of information about skin cancer prevention and detection this month. Yup, it's time for me to piss off the tanning industry and to frustrate sun-worshipers across the globe.

Skin cancer is serious business. Consider these facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; about one million of the cases diagnosed annually are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
• Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two major forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.
• In 2004, the total direct cost associated with the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers was more than $1 billion.
• About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be talking to you about prevention, detection, and other ways to avoid adding to the skin cancer statistic. I'll also be highlighting several products/companies that are working to stop skin cancer numbers from rising.

Until then, head over to Sephora to check out their Sun Safety Kit. Sephora is teaming up with the Skin Cancer Foundation to offer this product once again this year. This kit is extraordinarily popular, so be sure to get yours now before it sells out. It's chock full of everything you need to be safe in the sun. You'll be getting products totally $110 for only $22.50 AND 100% of the profits for this product will be going to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Nice!

Lipgloss With Benefits!

Here's some information I recently received about a great deal on lipgloss from Kaia House, the leading retailer of natural and organic beauty products in North America.. And if that's not good enough for you, a portion of the lipgloss price goes to humanitarian organizations like The Carter House.

Read on for more information from the folks at Kaia House:

Kaia House is launching the first in our line of organic lipcare products with a twist: Kaia House's Speak Freely for Humanity Vanilla Lip Balms contribute a dollar from each purchase to humanitarian organizations, such as The Carter Center. And they're promotionally priced at just $3 until the end of January!

Founded by former president Jimmy Carter, The Carter Center is dedicated to brokering peace between countries who are at war or at risk of going to war, easing transitions to democracy, and fighting disease such that every individual may have access to the basic human rights of living in peace, safety and health. (Here's a link to a video at cartercenter.org for more information: http://www.cartercenter.org/news/multimedia/GeneralTopics/CarterCenter25thAnniversary2007.html)

Please check out our Speak Freely for Humanity Vanilla Lip Balm at kaiahouse.com (http://www.kaiahouse.com/kahospfrvali.html) and speakfreelybalms.com. Flavored with organic vanilla and made with 87% organic ingredients, this lip balm encourages you to speak freely for humanity and for the environment. It's super smooth and creamy, and packs SPF 15 to boot. Great to moisturize your lips all day long or for use under lipstick or gloss.

Benefiting Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing. Here are some more products that are donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer research, patient care, or other breast cancer not-for-profits. If you need to buy beauty products this month, why not go pink for breast cancer awareness?

Check these out:

• Pink Ribbon Shemergency Kit from Ms. & Mrs., $20 available online. This cute, pink kit contains all the items you need for any beauty emergency. From tissues to nail polish remover, safety pins to double-sided tape, this kit will be a beauty and fashion disaster fixer. Proceeds benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
• Pink Ribbon Popup Brush from Sephora, $8. This handy-dandy, super cute brush also contains a mirror. It's compact and is the perfect addition to your purse. $1 from the sale of each brush goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
• Mini Shower Gel in Guava Passion from Sephora, $6. A limited edition and just the right size for travel, this sweet-scented luxurious body wash will make you feel good on the outside. Because $1 goes to breast cancer research, you'll feel good on the inside as well!
• Pocket Brush Set in Metallic Pink from Sephora, $16. Containing five travel-sized brush essentials, this set is ideal for women on the go. And, like the other Sephora products I mentioned, $1 goes to breast cancer research.
• Support the Cure 4-Pack from Nubar, $28. Stock up on some pretty nail polishes, polishes that don't include any of the nasty toxins like cheaper polishes on the market, and 10% of the purchase price goes to a trio of amazing charities.
  

And finally:

• Fresh Fragrances and Cosmetics is donating $2 from every order to the National Breast Cancer Foundation from October 16th to November 7th. Click here for details!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: More Ways to Help

As I've mentioned before, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As you no doubt have noticed, many companies offer "pink" versions of their products (and special edition products) and send proceeds of the sales to breast cancer research, outreach, and care organizations.

Here are a few more products that will help you look beautiful and will help women (and men) battling against breast cancer:

• Shiseido is joining up with CEW's Cancer and Careers to donate $5 for every unit of Shiseido The Lip Gloss in Pretty Pink throughout October. Not only will your lips look amazing with a high-end luxury product, but you'll also be helping a very worthwhile charity.
• Nubar, the "healthy alternative for beautiful nails," is donating 10% of their sales of Oh Baby Pink polish to the City of Hope for breast cancer research. Nubar's products don't contain all of the nasty chemicals that lesser nail polishes have packed in them.
  
• In the market for one of Oprah's favorite things? Clairsonic has a pink version of their cult-worthy Skin Care System. It will cleanse, buff, and improve the look of your skin. Better yet, Clairsonic will donate $10 to the fight against breast cancer.
• Smashbox has a very cool Pink Power Eye and Lip Kit. In a cute, pink palette, you get three eye colors, three lips colors, a lip brush, and Smashbox will be donating a portion of its sales to the Young Survival Coalition, an international nonprofit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women with breast cancer.

I'll let you know about more products giving money to the cure next week. If you know of any "pink for breast cancer awareness" products, shoot me an email and let me know!

Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To raise money for awareness and research, you'll no doubt be seeing many pink products hitting the market. And for good reason. Consider these facts about breast cancer:

• Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women, accounting for more than 1 in 4 cancers.
  

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

• One out of eight American women who live to be 85 years of age will develop breast cancer, a risk that was one out of 14 in 1960.

• 2.4 million women living in the U.S. have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer.

• An estimated 182,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in American women during 2008.

Here are some beauty products going pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

• Anastasia WCRF (Women's Cancer Research Fund) Tweezers, $33. 50% of the sales will go to the WCRF. Anastasia's tweezers are awesome. These can be found at Nordstrom or online at anastasia.net
• Ojan Revitalizing Mist for Breast Cancer Awareness, $26. Available at Sephora, this alcohol-free leave-in conditions and protects hair. Better yet, 20% of sales go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
  
• Blamshell Lipgloss in 1 in 8, $22. $1 from every tube sold will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Sephora shoppers love this product because of it's neat packaging and it's lightweight but protective feel.
  

A percentage of sales from the products below will go to the CEW Foundation's Cancer and Careers, an organization that helps cancer patients remain on the job while they take care of their health problems:

• Decléor’s Tonifying Lotion: A gentle, alcohol-free aromatherapy toner that restores balance and adds suppleness to the skin.
• DuWop Limited Edition LipLingo Pink and Pink Shimmer Brick: A sleek lip palette containing a rose lipstick and four glosses to top it, and a versatile pink shimmer brick to brighten the complexion
• Shiseido The Makeup Lip Gloss in Pretty Pink: This gorgeous pink shade contains Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE for hydration and 3-D Power for natural depth.
• SUNDÃRI Special Edition Holiday Gift Sets: Commitment, Perseverance, and Dedication. Three special gift sets, each containing a body lotion, body cleanser and votive candle

I'll be on the lookout for more pink products this month, and I'll give you more information about Breast Cancer. Together, we can make a difference.

It's In The Bag!

A few days ago, I told you about the beauty essentials I lug around with me in my purse.

Well, now Sephora is offering a promo where you can pick up your own fabulous bag, for either yourself or a friend, and help out a good cause at the same time. Here are the details:

Finding a special gift for the girl who has everything can be a little…difficult. Step into Sephora where there are 2 beauty-full ways to give gorgeous and for a good cause! The Sephora Project Tote Bag and Change Purse are fabulous finds for those who want to feel good about giving. Through this amazing organization Sephora is helping girls take charge of their lives and their communities.

These are the perfect presents for the benevolent beauty, 100% of the profits from The Sephora Project tote bag ($12) and change purse ($5) will be donated to Girls for a Change. That’s $6 from each bag, and $3 from each change purse!

The tote bag is made from recycled bottles that have been crushed and spun into fibers. The change purse is the perfect size for keys, credit cards and lip gloss, perfect for girl who is busy out changing the world.

Cute! I love that pink change purse!

Sun Safety Giveaway!

As I have been telling you over the past few posts, May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. If you read me regularly, you'll know that in my humble opinion, there is no such thing as a safe tan, that you should use common sense and limit exposure, and that you should be wearing at least an SPF 15 every day...no matter what type of skin you have.

Now I want to make it easier for one of you to be safe in the sun. I am giving away a Sephora exclusive Sun Safety Kit. I have one of these limited edition kits and it's great! It's packed with all sorts of travel sized sun blocks, an SPF lipgloss, and several other goodies. Click here to see what's in the kit.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, May 18th. I'll pick a winner from random on May 19th. Enter today...just make sure I have a way to contact you in case you win!

Stay safe!

Year Round Sun Protection

Just because it's a cloudy day or just because it's not summer doesn't mean you don't need to worry about UV exposure. You should be taking steps every day, no matter the weather or time of year, to keep yourself protected from the sun's harmful rays. Here are some tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation to keep yourself protect year round:

Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.

• This applies to all outdoor activities: athletics, shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging, gardening, even waiting for a bus.
• Choose a sunscreen with ingredients that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. The average adult in a bathing suit should use approximately one ounce of sunscreen per application. Not using enough will effectively reduce the product's SPF and the protection you get.
• Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands, and feet.
• Reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
• Choose a product that suits your skin and your activity. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream, and stick forms. Some are labeled as water resistant, sweatproof, or especially for sports; as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or especially for sensitive skin or children.

Cover up.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors, such as deep blue and black, or bright colors, such as orange and red, offer more protection. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Water makes fabrics more translucent, so do not rely on a wet T-shirt.
• A broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and face. Opt for a 3-4 inch brim that extends all around the hat. Baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave neck, lower face, and ears exposed.
• UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.

Seek the shade.

• Be aware, however, that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can reach you even beneath an umbrella or a tree.

Never seek a tan.

• There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin's response to the sun's damaging rays.

Stay away from tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.

• The UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. Dangers include burns, premature aging of the skin, and the increased risk of skin cancer.

Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age.

• Healthy habits are best learned young. Because skin damage occurs with each unprotected exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime, sun safety for children should be a priority.