Think Pink! October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You can run or walk for the cause, wear a pink ribbon--or you can go shopping!

Working up a sweat is a great way to support raising money and awareness to fight and find a cure for breast cancer, but you can also contribute to the cause while kicking back and surfing the 'net. Here's a few ways to turn an online shopping spree into funds for cancer research and support:

Julia Bristow Jewelry has a page of her hand-crafted creations (like the rose quartz heart pendant shown to the left) dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. 50% of each sale from that page is donated directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which funds awareness and educational initiatives such as the National Mammography Program (NMP), Beyond the Shock educational video, MyNBCF online community and the Early Detection Plan.


Ten percent of sales of the short sleeve lucy(R) "Kick It Tee" and the long sleeve "Pink Race Tee" will be donated to Network of Strength up to $15,000.

On October 4th, lucy stores nationwide and lucy.com will host a one-day shopping event that will raise additional funds for Network of Strength. lucy will donate 10% of sales on October 4, 2008, up to an additional $10,000 to Network of Strength.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength™, formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization(R), is a Chicago-based national nonprofit organization with the mission to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone.

The Pink Power Eye & Lip Kit from Smashbox is a smashing way to support the fight against breast cancer.

This limited-edition set includes two portable mirrored palettes, each with three gorgeous eye shadow and lip color shades, plus a mini double-ended brush.

These are adorable (and portable) little palettes! They easily slip into your purse or make-up bag and the soft, neutral shades are universally flattering.

For every sale of the Pink Power Kit, Smashbox will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Young Survival Coalition--a premier international, nonprofit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer.

Through action, advocacy and awareness, the YSC seeks to educate the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities and to persuade them to address breast cancer in women 40 and under. The YSC also serves as a point of contact for young women living with breast cancer.

We all know by now that tanning can cause skin cancer. So what could be cooler than getting a bronze-y glow with a product that not only helps you avoid the cancer-inducing rays of the sun, but provides a contribution to the cause as well?

During the month of October, MODEL ^co will donate $1 of every purchase of the 220 gram size of Tan Airbrush in a Can to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

The mission of the American Breast Cancer Foundation is to provide individuals in financial need, their families and their loved ones with education, support, and access to early detection screenings.

(Speaking of which, October 17th is National Mammography Day--schedule your appointment today!)


Therapy Systems gets into the act by donating 10% of the gross profits during the month of October from their Amazingly Gentle Scrub to the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

In addition customers will receive a free 2 oz. size with their purchase. Formulated with aloe vera, peppermint and grapefruit oils, ginseng and green tea extracts and jojoba beads, this extremely mild exfoliant is ideal for all skin types and can be use to gently cleanse and moisturize the face, body, feet, elbows, knees and other rough areas.

Since 1991, the National Breast Cancer Coalition's trained advocates have lobbied at the national, state and local levels for public policies that impact breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.

In the spirit of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TotalBeauty.com, in partnership with its network of beauty blogs, is hosting a month-long initiative that integrates breast cancer awareness, breast cancer research fund raising and beauty giveaways to engage women in the quest for a cure.


TINte Cosmetics is donating 40% of the proceeds of each sale of their new Matchbook in Blushed Beauty. The Match Book includes: Two eye shadow colors (a base and contour shade), a cream eyeliner, blush, two lip glosses and two brushes.

The money will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation which works to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

Last, but not certainly not least, are the products from Pristine Recovery. The line was created by breast cancer survivor Blaire Kessler, who developed all-natural, carcinogenic-free products while she was undergoing treatments.

Brallywood Butta is a luscious massage butter made with ingredients known to help scarring, stimulate the lymphatic glands, calm soothe and moisturize fragile skin.

Scary Hairy is a 100% natural serum to remedy dry fragile hair and revitalize the scalp. (I love this stuff! It makes my coarse, dry hair soft and manageable. And it smell soooo good! It's a multi-purpose product that can be massaged into your scalp or skin or nails--with no worries about nasty toxic ingredients.)

Take a Whiff! is an aluminum-free alternative to conventional deodorants. It contains organic sage which is a natural way to fight perspiration.

Kessler donates a total of 15% of her net proceeds of each sale (Year round, not just in October!) to the Young Survival Coalition (10%) and the Cancer Prevention Coalition (5%). Say Kessler of her venture:

"My goal with my company is to really make a difference in my charitable contribution, to create effective fun and inspiring solutions for anyone looking in a healthy direction and to add a little glamorous spin on what would be a depressing situation."

With products that are paraben-free, phthalates-free, cruelty-free and vegan plus contain no mineral oil or propylene glycol, Pristine Recovery fights for the cause on all fronts!

With so many options to choose from, we can help beat breast cancer--and indulge ourselves a bit at the same time.

Run for the cure, walk for the cure, shop for the cure!