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.

Tropical Fruit Skin Care

Mangoes, papayas and pineapples--oh my!

Tropical fruit seduces the senses. It tastes and smells luscious, and the eye candy colors almost always lift the spirits.

Best of all, citrus provides lots of health benefits. Antioxidants, minerals and vitamins serve as powerful immune system boosters. Plus, when used in skin care, natural fruit enzymes help remove dead skin cells, prevent premature aging and restore a youthful complexion.

November marks National Healthy Skin Month. As we celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest, take a moment to nourish your skin with healing tropical fruit extracts.

SHINE: 100% Pure Pineapple Juice Facial Scrub utilizes pineapple and papaya enzymes, and vitamins C and E to exfoliate skin and provide antiaging benefits. BEAUTY: Blackberry, blueberry and strawberry extracts also help brighten dull looking skin. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Also contains no synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrances.

SHINE: Alba Botanica Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser washes away impurities with pineapple, papaya and awapuhi enzymes. BEAUTY: Aloe and jojoba butter beads hydrate skin to give it a glowing complexion. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Also contains no sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens or phthalates.

SHINE: Burt's Bees Mango & Orange Sugar Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells with sugar crystals and orange peel powder. BEAUTY: Mango seed and coconut oils soften skin to help it look radiant. BEACON: No animal testing, and contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. Also supports The Greater Good Foundation.

SHINE: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Thermaj Self-Heating Total Body Polish reduces inflammation and removes dead skin cells with pineapple and papaya enzymes. BEAUTY: Jojoba butter beads and vitamin E help keep skin supple. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Lavanila The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 Shower & Shave hydrates the skin with coconut oil, hyaluronic acid and noni juice. BEAUTY: Soothing aloe, calendula and white tea extract help prevent irritation as you shave. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no mineral oils, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetics dyes, sulfates or silicone.

SHINE: Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Luminizing Body Butter deeply moisturizes with coconut oil, shea butter, and passion fruit, papaya and pineapple extracts. BEAUTY: Pearl powder, and vitamins A, C and E add shimmer and glow. BEACON: Donates products to local women’s shelters. 

Hollywood's Newest Dads and Moms

Congrats to Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman and her fiancé ballet choreographer Benjamin Millepied. The couple welcomed the arrival of a baby boy this week.


First-time parenthood has recently sparked a celebrity spawn-a-thon in Hollywood. Fellow A-listers, such as Alicia Silverstone, Mariah Carey, Pink and Jane Krakowski, now star in the most important role of their lives.

Comedian/rapper Nick Cannon and singer/actress Mariah Carey became new parents with the arrival of their twins, Moroccan (boy) and Monroe (girl), on April 30.

Freestyle motocross racer Carey Hart and wife Pink welcomed their first child, Willow Sage, on June 2.

As Father's Day approaches this weekend, we celebrate Hollywood's latest generation of dads and moms. The following products are designed to pamper any new parent.


FOR DAD

BEAUTY: Conair For Men i-stubble shaver tracks facial curves with a floating contouring head. BEACON: Supports American Red Cross and breast cancer awareness efforts.

BEAUTY: Elemis Time Defence Wrinkle Delay moisturizes with murumuru, jujube and maracuja oils. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no animal-derived collagen, synthetic perfumes and coloring, mineral oil, alcohol or silicones.

BEAUTY: L'Oréal Professionnel Homme Densite Densifying Shampoo helps add body and texture to thinning hair. BEACON: L’Oréal and UNESCO created the For Women in Science partnership to promote the pursuit of ladies in scientific research.

BEAUTY: OM4 Soothing Herbal Shaving Emulsion utilizes peppermint and lavender to invigorate the senses, and stoneroot and comfrey to heal skin irritation. BEACON: Cruelty free, and made with greater than 70% organic content. Also contains no parabens or sodium lauryl sulfates.

BEAUTY: Rhonda Allison Raw Environ Protect keeps skin from prematurely aging with zinc oxide and red algae extract. BEACON: No animal testing.

FOR MOM: PRENATAL

BEAUTY: Bio-Oil utilizes botanicals, oils and vitamins to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. BEACON: Supports the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Look Good… Feel Better.


BEAUTY: Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Balm helps skin retain moisture and elasticity during pregnancy with olive oil, beeswax and pumpkin seed extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no fragrance, phthalates, petrochemicals or parabens.

BEAUTY: Noli n Nali Organics Tropical Bliss Belly Butter hydrates skin with cocoa butter and rosehip oil. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no synthetic fragrance or parabens.

BEAUTY: Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil nourishes the skin and minimizes stretch marks with jojoba seed and sweet almond oils. BEACON: Supports Conservation International.

FOR MOM: POSTNATAL

BEAUTY: Koh Gen Do Body Milk moisturizes dry, undernourished skin with lavender oil, shea buter, jojoba seed oil and vitamin A. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no artificial fragrances, petroleum-based mineral oil or synthetic pigments.

BEAUTY: Murad Body Firming Cream enhances skin's elasticity with vitamin C and shea butter. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports men and women in the armed forces by providing care packages of products that make life more comfortable during deployments.

BEAUTY: Smith & Vandiver Aromatherapaes Revitalizing Shea & Sugar Body Scrub (Honey & Almond) utilizes beeswax, honey extract, sweet almond oil and shea butter to increase cell renewal. BEACON: No animal testing or ingredients. Also contains no fragrance, sulfates or parabens.