Think pink: Five items that give back towards breast cancer research

Not only is October prime fall season, but it’s also breast cancer awareness month. This month you may notice that are are so many brands and products going pink as part of the international health campaign that’s organized by major breast cancer charities. The point is to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause and help prevent people from getting breast cancer by going for regular mammograms.

According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, one in nine Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in four cancers diagnosed in women in Canada are breast cancer; there’s a one in 30 probability that a Canadian woman will die from breast cancer during her lifetime; the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 87 per cent; and, it’s the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women in Canada (lung cancer being the first).

Around seven years back I threw a fashion show for the CBCF, where my partner and I raised close to C$4,000.  I’m not gonna lie, throwing a fashion show takes a lot of work, so I’m more inclined to give back by purchasing products that give a percentage to breast cancer charities. For the past 25 years, the Estee Lauder Group of Companies have been giving raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through offering special branded items with a portion of the proceeds going to the BCRF. This year, 12 of the companies have released special items that are pink themed and help support their mission to create a breast cancer-free world.

In case you didn’t know, Estee Lauder owns a ton of popular beauty brands, including Smashbox, MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford, and much more.  I chose five of the items from their list that I feel would make a difference – both for breast cancer and for personal use.

La Mer Limited-Edition Creme De La Mer – C$120

La Mer is offering up a special edition of their iconic Creme de la Mer, a moisturizer that is known as being the caviar of skincare. Although I have yet to try it, I feel like this would give me the chance to finally take the plunge as $17 from the purchase price of this 15 ml bottle will go towards the BCRF (with a maximum donation of $53,000).

Estee Lauder Limited-Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II with Pink Ribbon Keychain – C$110

I actually use this serum every night and I’m almost out of it, so it was the perfect excuse to pick up a new bottle.

Apply this serum every night after your moisturizer for smooth, radiant, and younger-looking skin. This limited-edition pink bottle comes with a three-charm pink ribbon keychain that has a touch of blue in the design, representing the less than one per cent of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Estee Lauder will donate 20 per cent of the suggested retail price from each bottle towards the BCRF.

Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme with Invigorating Rosemary Mint Aroma – C$34

Who doesn’t need a hand moisturizer in their bag, especially during the cooler fall months?

This limited-edition hand moisturizer features a pink cap and band and packs a serious punch when it comes to relieving hands of dryness. Four dollars from each purchase will go towards the BCRF with a maximum donation of $331,000 US until September 22, 2018.

Bobbi Brown Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzing Powder Set – C$70

A pink blush is a staple in every girl’s makeup routine, and this one, which comes in the most beautiful rosy pink shade, is universally flattering on all skin tones. Complete with a mini face blender brush, Bobbi Brown will donate $11 from the purchase price of this set, with a maximum donation of $90,000.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – C$39

Another staple in anyone’s makeup routine, if you are in the need for a new primer, take a look at this one.  This spray gives you the benefits of a primer with hydration thrown in, leaving you with the perfect base for flawless makeup.

Five dollars from the purchase price of this product will go to the BCRF, up to a maximum of C$20,000.

Honourable mention: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ – C$49

One of my favourite products of all time, I remember when I was younger and I would always see this limited-edition version of my favourite moisturizer hit counters and I always wanted it because it featured cute little charms at the top.

Clinique has been releasing a limited-edition bottle of its cult-worthy Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ for years and this year the bottle is adorned with a Clinique key ring with four charms, including a breast cancer awareness pink ribbon.

Clinique is donating $10 from each 125 ml special bottle towards BCRF up to a maximum of $475,000 until January 31, 2018.

There are so many different brands relating products this month that go towards breast cancer research. If you use these products already, or have been dying to try them, I highly recommend picking up these limited-edition bottles.

Do you buy items that give proceeds to charities?

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