Beautiful Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The statistics on breast cancer are staggering, and as a woman, pretty frightening. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer among women (second only to skin cancer). About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2012, the ACS predicts that more than 225,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and more than 63,000 cases of non-invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. Almost 40,000 women will die from breast cancer this year.

Terrifying. The good news: women are more aware of breast cancer now, and are more likely to seek preventative and necessary healthcare as a result. Research on breast cancer makes huge strides every day…and you can help support the cause in a way that’s actually fun: by shopping. Proceeds from each of the products mentioned here will be contributed to a breast cancer-focused fund. Your purchase can help raise awareness of the importance of annual doctor check-ups, regular mammograms, proper self-exam procedures, and help fund research to find a cure.

All items listed here are limited-edition (available for Oct. 2012 only). The deals are only good while supplies last. Please also know that this is far from an exhaustive list; there are tons of products out there this month that help you support your favorite breast cancer awareness charity or foundation.

2012 marks the 20th anniversary of Estee Lauder’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. The late Evelyn Lauder invented the pink ribbon campaign, which she launched at EL counters across America. To celebrate the program’s anniversary and commemorate Ms. Lauder’s passing (she died last year), this year the company is offering the Evelyn Lauder Dream Lip Collection ($29.50), which includes Pure Color Long-Lasting Lipstick in Candy and Pure Color Gloss in Pink Innocence, tucked inside a pink snakeskin print clutch. (Image via Nordstrom)

Bobbi Brown Pink Peony Set ($45): This year, Bobbi Browns honors the legacy and memory of Evelyn Lauder with the Pink Peony Set. Included is a Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzer (embossed with a pink ribbon) and Mini Face Blender Brush with a pink handle. $10 from the sale of this set goes to BCRF. (Image via Bobbi Brown)

eos Breast Cancer Awareness Lip Balm & Body Lotion Set (approx. $7): A superhydrating eos lip balm (my fave) and a travel-size hand lotion all decked out in pink–and berry-scented. 100% of profits from the sale will be donated for further the advancement of research for treatment and a cure for breast cancer.

Stila Courage & Beauty Palette ($16): A signature Stila travel palette that contains 5 eyeshadows, a Convertible Color Lip & Cheek Cream, a mirror and an instructional face chart with inspiration for pretty, feminine looks. A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation., all in shades of pale pinks. A portion of proceeds will be donated to BCRF. (Image via Ulta)

Clinique Breast Cancer Awareness Chubby Stick Set ($16): A limited-edition shade, Plumped Up Pink, of Chubby Stick tucked inside a hot pink zipper pouch honors breast cancer awareness month. Through Nov. 15, 2012, $3 from the sale of this set will be donated to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). (Image via Sephora)

More great picks after the break.

Summer Essentials: Beauty Edition

Every girl has her go-tos for summer, the things that make her look and feel prettiest despite the sweltering heat and sky-high humidity. These luxe essentials will help you survive summer looking effortlessly chic and pretty.

1. Teal eyeliner or eyeshadow. My picks: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in 21 Turquoise ($22) & MAC Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in Undercurrent ($15).
2. Urban Decay Cannonball Waterproof Mascara ($20)
3. Josie Maran Summer Lovin’ Argan Lip & Cheek Color Set ($32): Includes mini versions of Josie’s organic argan oil-infused lip/cheek tint in Summer Lovin’, Rosey, and Poppy, plus an argan moisturizing stick. Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups; toss one each into your everyday tote, beach bag, and clutch.
4. Supergoop! SPF35+ Save Face AM Advanced Moisturizer with UV Protection ($28) for everyday facial sun protection.
5. Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter ($18): To smell coconutty and beachy, even if you’re landlocked.
6. Slatkin & Co. Suntan Candle ($9.50): Bring the beach indoors with this amazing-smelling candle.
7. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($24): The best for beachy waves.
8. Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Sunless Tanner ($22): Stay out of the sun and use this to get a bronzed, golden glow. I’m obsessed with it!
9. L’Oreal EverSleek Sulfate-Free Smoothing Deep Conditioner ($9): To combat frizzies and flyaways and give your hair a healthy dose of moisture.
10. Redken Color Extend After-Sun Shampoo ($13): Whether you took a dip in the ocean or pool, this gets the salt/chlorine out of your mane and helps repair dry, color-treated hair.
11. NARS Bronzer in Laguna ($34)
12. Bobbi Brown Beach Fragrance ($67.50): OBVIOUSLY.
13. Sun Bum SPF50+ Clear Zinc Oxide ($9) for beach days.
14. Tie-Dye Hair Elastics ($10.50; similar versions available at a range of price points on Etsy).

What are your summer beauty essentials?

Skin As Soft As Your Favorite Well-Worn Tee

Splendid, the company known for its ultracomfy tees, pants, and loungewear, has extended its obsession with soft…to your skin. Splendid Body Care launched with the goal of getting your skin silky-smooth and touchable. The debut collection, which includes 5 pieces, launched in 3 signature scents: Coastal Musk, Golden Blossom, and Grapefruit. In a truly brand-aligned crossover, all products contain cotton extract to give your skin the luxe, cushy feel of the brand’s clothing.

Click through to see product shots and prices.

Easter Goodies

Who needs a basket filled with chocolate bunnies and eggs when you can have pastels for your body? Even if you don’t celebrate Easter (or aren’t into bunnies), you can still be a hot chick if you rock these pretty pastel hues. Tuck these into a basket for someone special, or treat yourself to these delightful, cheerful products.

1. Essie polishes in Turquoise & Caicos, Lovey Dovey & Tart Deco ($8 each): Because nails this colorful will rival the dyed eggs at the egg hunt. (Images via Essie)

2. Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Amused, Dollface, & Tipsy ($21 each): I dare you to find a prettier pink for your pout! (Image via Musings of a Muse)

3. Lush Immaculate Eggception ($12.95): Inside this fizzy bath bomb shaped like an Easter egg lies a surprise: a bunny or chick that you can also toss into your tub for a sumptuous bubble bath. You’ll have to crack the egg to get it, but that’s half the fun! (Image via Lush)

4. L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin ($8): A gorgeous pink that cushions lips in buttery balm. (Image via drugstore.com)

5. Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hour Cream Gel Shadow in Edgy Emerald ($): (Image via drugstore.com)

6. NYX Stick Blush in Magnolia or Orchid ($6 each): Because pink or peach cheeks never go out of style. (Image via NYX)

FDA Finds Lead in 400 Shades of Lipstick; What Can You Do About It?

Yesterday The Washington Post reported disturbing news that the FDA tested 400 shades of lipstick and found considerable traces of lead in many of them. Lead was found in both mass-market brands and specialty brands. The biggest offenders (who all earned slots in the top 10 most contaminated) came from L’Oreal, Maybelline, Cover Girl, and NARS.

As I’ve mentioned before on the blog, there are no regulations in place for cosmetics, which is ridiculous, considering that we internally absorb a good percentage of what we put on our faces and bodies. For a refresher course on how this affects our bodies, see my post on the animated short film “The Story of Cosmetics” (you can watch the video here). The lack of regulations applies to “organic” items, too; any company can slap the word “natural” or “organic” on a product (regardless of what ingredients it contains) and face no repercussions, because nobody is regulating this stuff. Also, keep in mind that no regulations exist for products marketed for babies, either.

When you think about it, what we rely on to make us look beautiful could potentially be killing us. (A bit dramatic, but not entirely overhyped.)

So, what does all this toxic news mean for your safety and health? It means that in general, we need to be more diligent in educating ourselves on which ingredients are harmful and which are ok, and then checking ingredient labels carefully. Also, we need to be more vocal in demanding safer cosmetics and products. To start, contact your local representative and ask him/her to support the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 (H.R.2359), which will allow the FDA to regulate which ingredients go into health & beauty products. If the FDA can ban harmful ingredients, we can feel better about the choices and purchases we make. If passed, H.R.2359 will also force companies to disclose any potentially harmful ingredients in their products–something they’re not required by law to do now.

Another option is to seek out more organic/natural products. They cost more, but when weighing the effects of toxic chemicals on your long-term health, they’re worth considering. Here are some of my favorites.

Click through for links to other organic products I’ve reviewed in the past.

Love Is In The Air With…Booty Parlor Flirty Little Favorites

Booty Parlor’s Flirty Little Favorites set ($36) contains 3 products designed to make you feel like a siren. These 3 bath and body items are infused with pheromone, which are said to help make you appear more attractive. I don’t buy it, but this luxe skincare kit contains 3 adorable ways to pamper yourself — no valentine required.

Stashed in the box are 3 products that will get you glowing and smelling great in just a few minutes. Click through to check out what’s inside the box.

Sugarcubes for the Bath

My cousin Sophie sent me these sweet little Sugarcubes all the way from Kansas. They’re for the bath; encrusted in sugar and salt, they melt as your tub fills with hot water. They release moisturizers into the water, and you can use the melted cube–which is now a scrub–to exfoliate. These cubes are scented with sweet pea and rhubarb for a light fragrance that fills the bathroom during your tub time. And they’re just as good when they’re gone; they don’t leave a sticky residue in the tub after the water drains.

Thanks, Sophie!

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter: Another Coconut Dream

I hate the little kiosks by the cash registers in stores. It’s such a blatant last-ditch effort to get you to spend more money, and for me, it’s a total turn-off. I usually breeze right by, but when I was stuck in line at Sephora recently, I checked out what the kiosks had to offer to pass the time. I came across Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter ($5) and popped the cap open for a quick whiff. Oh my God, there was no way I could resist that.

Umm, how did I not know about this to-die-for scent?! It may just be the perfect coconut scent, straight from the beach. Although it’s slightly sweet, it’s not overpowering. I seriously want to bathe in this stuff. (There’s also a perfume spray, which I promptly added to my holiday wish list.)And if you are not as much of a coconut fan as I am, try out one of Pacifica’s other body butters in a scent that you’re more fond of (like Tuscan Blood Orange, Tahitian Gardenia, or Hawaiian Ruby Guava). The rich, thick cream will nourish and hydrate your skin and make it feel so silky-soft, you’ll be addicted after just one use.

Have you tried any of Pacifica’s products? What do you think?

Motif Cypress and Pear Hand Soap

Motif’s Cypress and Pear Hand Soap ($4) is kind of the equivalent of giving your hands a bath with a Christmas tree — if that makes any sense at all. This hand soap is seriously one of my favorite Target finds ever. The cute packaging (cable-knit mittens!!!), low price, and amazing pine-esque smell make it a holiday essential in my apartment.

And you know, washing your hands is one of those unglamorous things we all have to do, and in winter, it’s doubly worse, because it dries out your skin like crazy. This doesn’t — and instead, it makes them smell amazing.

Image via Motif

Cypress trees not your thing? Motif offers 2 other scents, each with equally adorable holiday packaging (if only I liked peppermint — those little birds on birch trees slay me!)

Pretty Ways To Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Image via Estee Lauder

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although we’ve come so far in battling this ugly disease, it’s disheartening and discouraging to see so many women still affected by it. But there’s always hope: as of 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. alone. You can help that number increase by purchasing these beauty products. During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds from their sales will be donated to breast cancer research and awareness foundations.

Before I delve into all the great products you can buy to support this cause, a word about the photo above. Estee Lauder is one of the most active companies in contributing to breast cancer research and crusading for awareness. Their first campaign launched in 1992, and they have worked tirelessly year-round ever since to get the word out about early detection and prevention, which can greatly improve survival rates. This year, they’re launching a new campaign concept: “TOGETHER. Connect. Communicate. Conquer. For A Future Free of Breast Cancer.” Their campaign promotes the importance of life-saving early detection and regular screenings.

And now, onto the products.

Image via Addicted To All Things Pretty

OPI Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts ($8.50) is a crackly vibrant pink topcoat that benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Tweezerman Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Tweezers ($20) are 2011’s answer to picture-perfect brow maintenance. The white Precision in Pink tweezers feature a Swarovski crystal pink ribbon, and are just as exacting as Tweezerman’s other excellent hair-removal tools. Proceeds go to various organizations devoted to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Image via Beautyblender

Beautyblender Travel Kit ($23.95) includes the iconic reusable pink foundation sponge and a mini squirt bottle of their blendercleanser to clean it with. 15% of all proceeds from this product go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.