Pink Products Parade: A Procession of Inspirations & Donations Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Photo by David Shankbone

Giuliana Rancic beat early stages of breast cancer with a lumpectomy followed by radiation, and then eventually a 

double mastectomy.

Cue the marching bands, floats and balloons--and join the pink parade! October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which allows hope, healing and health to take top priority in the hearts and minds of people around the world. The observance also helps raise funds for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and finding a cure. 

Nearly 250,000 women receive the diagnosis each year. However, thanks to early detection and better treatment options, breast cancer death rates have dropped by 34% in the United States since 1990, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, almost 3 million survivors currently live and thrive in this country.  

Mammography continues to play a major role in the fight against breast cancer. Celebrities such as Giuliana Rancic, Christina Applegate, Cynthia Nixon and Sheryl Crow discovered the disease during routine mammograms. Others, such as Melissa Etheridge, found symptoms through self-examination--a screening tool which can detect small lumps, and changes in tissue or the size or shape of the breast.

The beauty industry stands strong each year to raise funds for and awareness of breast cancer. During the month of October, a variety of manufacturers donate a portion of their proceeds from skincare, hair, nail and lash products to worthy organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Huntsman Cancer Institute and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Take a look-see at our favorites below.

We also salute the survivors and supporters who keep hope alive during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tell us how you plan to celebrate with the special women in your life. We'd love to hear your comments!

INSPIRATIONS: CELEBRITY BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

Photo by Ronald Kennedy

Cynthia Nixon

Photo by Georges Biard

Kylie Minogue

Sheryl Crow

Photo by Capital M

Christina Applegate

Photo by Craig O'Neal

Melissa Etheridge

DONATIONS: BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT RAISE FUNDS & AWARENESS

SHINE: Conair The Power of Pink Ionic Styler. BEAUTY: Ionic technology helps fight frizz, and restore shine, manageability and styling ease. BEACON: During the month of October, a minimum of $100,000 will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation based on the sale of this product and others.  

SHINE: Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer (Strawberry Macaron). BEAUTY: As one of the few vegan lacquers on the market, this light pink cream dries quickly and provides a sweet treat for your tips. BEACON: During the month of October, 10% of the proceeds from this polish will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

SHINE: Fleur's Rose-Jasmine Shower Gel. BEAUTY: Moroccan rose petal extract and jasmine floral water help turn your cleansing ritual into an aromatherapeutic adventure. BEACON: For every $100 spent on Rose-Jasmine products, you receive a complimentary mini sample of Rose-Jasmine Moisturizing Body Milk and a Susan G. Komen for the Cure "Steps to Breast Self-Examination" card. During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

SHINE: Gingi Breast Firming Masks. BEAUTY: Lift your breasts and soften your skin with rose water and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: During the month of October, 10% of the sales from these masks will be donated to the Los Angeles chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

SHINE: Mama Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer. BEAUTY: Shea butter, and avocado, olive and sweet almond oils help your chest, neck and bust resist the pull of gravity by heightening the tone and texture of your skin. BEACON: During the month of October, $1 of every bottle sold on the company's website will be donated to Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Murad Hydrate for Hope Set (hot pink cosmetics bag and Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture). BEAUTY: Boost your skin's resilience and softness with shea butter, and sunflower seed, olive fruit and avocado oils. BEACON: During the month of October, 10% of the sales from this set sold to retailers will be donated to the City of Hope.

SHINE: NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device (Petal Pink). BEAUTY: Known as the five-minute face-lift, this device from the Pink for a Cause collection utilizes soft wave microcurrent technology to firm skin tone, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: For the month of October, 10% of the sales from the Pink for a Cause collection sold on the company's website will be donated to Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Phytoceane Sculpt'Intense. BEAUTY: Smooth cellulite and firm sagging skin with maritime pine bark and pink peppercorn extracts, red and brown algae, and sunflower seed oil. BEACON: For every $100 spent on Phytoceane body products, you receive a complimentary mini sample of Softening Moisturizing Body Lotion and a Susan G. Komen for the Cure "Steps to Breast Self-Examination" card. During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

SHINE: Phytomer Rosée Visage. BEAUTY: This alcohol-free lotion removes makeup and tones skin without leaving a greasy feeling. BEACON: For every $100 spent on pink products, such as Rosée Visage (pictured above), Toning Bust and Decollete Parfait, you receive a complimentary mini sample of Moisturizing Body Milk and a Susan G. Komen for the Cure "Steps to Breast Self-Examination" card. During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.  

SHINE: RapidLash Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum. BEAUTY: Apply this serum to the base of the upper eyelashes using the applicator brush once a day to create a more lush and youthful looking appearance. BEACON: During the month of October, 5% of the proceeds from this serum will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

SHINE: Sanitas Skincare Cleanse for the Cure Kit (Milk & Honey Cleanser and Rose Facial Scrub). BEAUTY: Refresh and replenish moisture-deprived skin with jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: During the month of October, 10% of the proceeds from this kit will be donated to Spa4ThePink.

World Vegetarian Day: The Growing Appeal of Vegan Beauty Products

Photo by Rhonda J. Wilson

The artful and edible goodness of Romanesco broccoli, also known as Roman cauliflower.

Leeks, turnips and broccoli—oh my! 

Remember when your mom told you to eat your veggies? The time has come to make her proud, as today marks World Vegetarian Day. Established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977, the celebration brings awareness to the benefits of a meat-free way of life.

While vegetarians eat no meat but may still incorporate cheese, milk, butter or eggs in their meals, vegans abstain entirely from animal products. With the help of the Meatless Monday campaign and a growing number of Hollywood A-listers adopting a plant-based diet, such as Portia de Rossi, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele and Emily Deschanel, both groups no longer identify as a fringe movement. The lifestyles have gone mainstream with an abundance of reliable research behind them that reveals consumption of more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts promotes better overall well-being by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The popularity of vegetarianism and veganism has prompted many beauty manufacturers to remove animal proteins from their formulations. Products marked as "vegan" or "vegan-friendly" not only appeal to people who eat a plant-based diet and those looking for healthier alternatives, they also attract compassionate consumers who have environmental, humanitarian or ethical concerns. Keep in mind that while a "cruelty-free" label indicates that the manufacturer hasn't conducted testing on our furry friends, the product may still contain animal proteins.  

In honor of World Vegetarian Day and Vegetarian Awareness Month (which also begins today), we're spotlighting some of our favorite vegan skincare, nail, cosmetics and hair products. Enjoy, and don't forget to eat your veggies! 

FAMOUS PLANT-BASED FOODIES

Photo by Angela George

Vegans Portia de Rossi and wife Ellen DeGeneres. [UPDATE: After eight years on a plant-based diet, DeGeneres announced she eats fish and eggs in 2018.]

Photo by Thomas Atilla Lewis

Olivia Wilde alternates between a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle.

Photo by David Shankbone

Vegan Lea Michele.

Photo by David Shankbone

Emily Deschanel fluctuates between a vegetarian and vegan diet.

COSMETICS

SHINE: Beauty Without Cruelty Soft Natural Lipgloss (Nude). BEAUTY: Castor and jojoba seed oils, and vitamin E lock in luscious lips with a non-sticky formula. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens, SLS/SLES and synthetic fragrances.

SHINE: Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette (iridescent purple, gold shimmer, satin coral and matte nude) and Radiant Shimmer Coconut Multiples (golden shimmer, dewy pink and iridescent pale shimmer). BEAUTY: Add a glamorous glow to your cheeks, eyes and lips with these high pigment mineral blends. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens, petroleum, sulfates, talc, carmine and FD&C colors. Supports Clean Water. 

SHINE: Tarte Cosmetics BB Tinted Treatment 12-hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Medium and Tan). BEAUTY: These tints multitask to serve as a powerful five-in-one primer, moisturizer, light foundation, anti-aging treatment and sunscreen. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfates and synthetic fragrance. Supports the Sustainable Amazon Partnership.

HAIR

SHINE: Alba Botanica Replenishing Conditioner. BEAUTY: Boost bounce, softness and shine for dry, damaged and color-treated hair with aloe vera leaf juice, and jojoba and sunflower seed oils. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of sodium lauryl sulfates, parabens, artificial colors and silicones. Supports Furry Friends Rescue and Farm Sanctuary.

SHINE: SkinnySkinny Lavender & Rosemary Organic Dry Shampoo. BEAUTY: When you don't have time to wash your hair, this dry shampoo refreshes and restores your strands with brown rice powder, kaolin clay and essential oils. BEACON: Vegan and cruelty free. Contains no artificial preservatives, sulfates, parabens or perfumes.

SKIN

SHINE: 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil. BEAUTY: Deeply moisturize and mend key areas of the body--face, decollete, hands and hair--with vitamin E, phenols, carotenes, squalene and essential fatty acids. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Also contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.

SHINE: Skyn Iceland Arctic Hydrating Balm. BEAUTY: Strawberry, cranberry and jojoba seed oils help rebalance, restore and revitalize super sensitive and dry skin. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Contains no parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, sulfates or dye. Supports Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. 

NAILS

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Zenith Collection (winter/holiday 2013). BEAUTY: Give your tips a galactic glow with Seraphina (silver metallic), Cassedy (pewter metallic), Belinda (purple metallic), Payton (cranberry halo), Dream (deep blue halo) and Mosheen (ice blue topper). BEACON: Vegan, and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

2013 Emmy Awards: Beachy Hair Waves & Highlighted Locks Heat Up the Red Carpet

Curls just wanna have fun in the sun! 

Fall officially began a few days ago, but no one told the red carpet arrivals at the 2013 Emmy Awards. Loose beachy hair waves and summer-like highlights made a big splash. 

Sofia Vergara stood out as one of the night's hottest looks. She floated down the red carpet in a custom crimson Vera Wang mermaid gown accessorized with hair-down-to-there, cascading curls. 

Endless summer style statements also included heavy highlights. Vergara sported fierce golden strands, while Rose Byrne turned heads with her new light locks. In addition, Anna Chlumsky, Taylor Schilling and Kaley Cuoco took the plunge with bold blonde ribbons.

You don't need to be an A-list superstar or live in "The 'Bu" to achieve beachy hair waves or healthy looking highlights. For your next curls night out, we've compiled the latest curling irons, shampoos/conditioners for color-treated strands, hairsprays, root boosters, curling creams and styling foams. 

They're designed to place you at the top of any Best Tressed list. You go, curl!

Sofia Vergara

Taylor Schilling

Kaley Cuoco

January Jones

Rose Byrne

Anna Chlumsky

Carrie Underwood

SHINE: Affinage Cool Blonde Shampoo, Illuminator and Conditioner. BEAUTY: Neutralize unwanted yellow tones in lightened, natural or sun-bleached hair, and protect against brassiness. BEACON: Contains no sulfates. Supports The Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation.

SHINE: Belson Products Gold 'N Hot Titanium Triple Barrel Waver. BEAUTY: Titanium technology prevents split ends and reduces frizz, while 1/2" and 5/8" barrels create small and large waves. BEACON: The parent company, Helen of Troy, supports the American Cancer Society, Cookies for Kids' Cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

SHINE: Conair You Wrap & Wave. BEAUTY: Create kinky, curly and wavy looks with clamp-free technology that places less stress on strands. BEACON: Supports the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and National Dance Institute. 

SHINE: Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo (for dry and frizzy hair) and Volume Boosting Moisturizing Mist. BEAUTY: Both serve to hydrate and heal damaged or limp locks. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti-Humidity Hairspray (extra strong hold) and Hi-Rise Lift Root Booster. BEAUTY: Creates va-va-voom volume by lifting locks from the root to the tip. BEACON: Partners with TerraCycle to design its packaging from post-consumer materials.

SHINE: Hamadi Organics Shea Rice Milk Conditioner. BEAUTY: Nourish and strengthen strands with acai fruit oil, vitamin E and shea butter. BEACON: Ecocert certified and no animal testing. Contains no fragrances or colorants.

SHINE: Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream. BEAUTY: Shea butter, and avocado and jojoba seed oils help elongate tight curls and define looser ones without leaving residue. BEACON: Vegan and paraben free. Supports Women For Women. 

SHINE: L'Occitane Aromachologie Radiance and Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner. BEAUTY: Keep color from fading and preserve the brightness of highlights and color-treated hair with geranium, bergamot, rosemary and grape seed extracts. BEACON: Sulfate free. The L’Occitane Foundation supports women’s entrepreneurship and visual impairment fields of action.

SHINE: Number 4 Jour d'automne Styling Foam. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed oil, and black currant and green tea leaf extracts help sculpt hair and enhance curls. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of sulfates, gluten and parabens.

SHINE: Pureology Colour Stylist Lustrous Volumizer (for color-treated hair). BEAUTY: Minimize heat damage from styling tools while also maximizing volume, shine and hold. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of sulfates. Supports Global Green USA.

SHINE: TRESemmé 24 Hour Foaming Mousse. BEAUTY: Create weightless body and bounce without stickiness and stiffness. BEACON: The Unilever Foundation, created by the parent company, supports Oxfam, Save the Children and the World Food Programme. 

Peptide Guide: How to Help Aging & Damaged Skin Defy the Odds

Photos by Rhonda J. Wilson

Some things defy explanation. Take the tree that grows sideways in my neighborhood. It springs across the sidewalk and street in a proud but precarious position, committing horizontal hijinks on the hundreds of pedestrians and drivers who journey underneath it on a daily basis. It never ceases to amaze and delight the locals.

The same can be said about peptides--those powerhouse plumping ingredients used in skincare formulations to create Botox-like results. These teeny-tiny molecules, also known as small chains of amino acids, defy the odds and produce big results. They not only signal the skin to create more collagen, but they also significantly soften fine lines and wrinkles with no side effects.

Meet the most powerful anti-aging peptides available:

Palmitoyl pentapeptide: Absorbs deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve hydration. 

Heptapeptide-7: Strengthens skin's structure and restores firmness. 

Tetrapeptide-2: Improves tone and texture, and helps the skin defend against visible signs of aging.

Hexapeptide-3: Relaxes facial tension and reduces wrinkle depth.

Oligopeptide: Smoothes skin for a more rejuvenated look.

Take a look at the latest serums, moisturizers, and eye and hand creams that contain healing and hydrating peptides. They're designed to repair and renew your skin--as well as amaze and delight.

SHINE: VB Cosmetics Abrioné Face Lifting Serum. BEAUTY: Firm sagging skin and wrinkles with palmitoyl pentapeptide, green tea leaf extract, hyaluronic acid and marine algae extracts. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Apothederm Firming Serum. BEAUTY: Heptapeptide-7 and hexapeptide-14 help tighten and brighten skin to create luminosity and a lifted look. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, phthalates and fragrances.

SHINE: Dionis Green Conscience Wrinkle Cream. BEAUTY: Ease fine lines and wrinkles with oligopeptide, tetrapeptide-7, sunflower and jojoba seed oils, and marine algae extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Hand Cream. BEAUTY: Pentapeptide-4, hexapeptide-3, and the juices of aloe, apple, lemon and white grape help hydrate your hands and mend hyperpigmentation. BEACON: USDA Organic certified. Free of parabens, petroleum, propylene and butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances.

SHINE: Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair. BEAUTY: Maximize elasticity and firmness, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with macadamia and jojoba seed oils, hyaluronic acid and oligopeptide. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Lily Herbceuticals Reishi Youth Restore Revitalizing Day Cream. BEAUTY: Mushroom and ginkgo biloba leaf extract, tetrapeptide-2 and shea butter help tighten and brighten skin. BEACON: Contains no petrochemicals or parabens.

SHINE: m-61 Hydraboost Eye. BEAUTY: Replenish moisture and reduce the appearance of dark circles/puffiness with tripeptide-38, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba seed and avocado oils. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances and dyes.

SHINE: Murad Advanced Active Radiance Serum. BEAUTY: Hexapeptide-2, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid promote collagen production, and help restore radiance and resilience to your skin. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Hippophae Pepto-Ceramide Complex. BEAUTY: Increase moisture retention and prevent premature aging with oligopeptide, and ginkgo biloba leaf and St John's wort extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, and artificial colors and fragrances.