Giving back is good for the soul, whether it be through volunteering or donating to charity – giving back is an important thing to do even as a student. Thanks to certain cosmetic and beauty brands with a passion for philanthropy, giving back has never been so easy. Here are a few places and products you can support that are doing good for the world and people, so your facemasks and foundation can do a little more than just make you cute. Now’s the best time to whip out the Ulta Beauty and Sephora gift cards you've been saving to make a purchase, or two.
Coco & Eve
The power is in the pink...jar. This hair mask will do more than rejuvenate your hair. During the month of October, Coco & Eve is donating 20 percent of its profits to the educational non-profit CoppaFeel, which encourages and promotes early detection of breast cancer. The "Like A Virgin Hair Masque” is a sustainable haven being totally vegan and cruelty-free. This hair mask lacks things like parabens, sulfates and animal testings, instead using natural ingredients like coconut to keep hair healthy. Plus, it's PETA approved. The mask is on the pricier end at $44.90 for one jar, but it also includes a “Tangle Tamer” and has amazing reviews, just FYI.
GlamGlow
Still, on the mindset of masks but in a different form, skincare brand GlamGlow has released a limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness bubble sheet mask. With this bubble sheet you’ll be able to keep your skin clean and clear while supporting a good cause. This limited edition sheet mask has the same formula and effect, but with a charitable twist. For a limited time, 20 percent of the purchase price will support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. At only $9 per mask, it's a reasonable way to both take care of yourself and support a charitable, life-changing organization.
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder is no stranger to philanthropy. Besides starting a major beauty company, the founder of Estée Lauder also founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Their new initiative, #TimeToEndBreastCancer, fundraises for @bcrfcure with each purchase of their limited-edition Pink Ribbon Collection items. Items like the Advanced Night Repair with Pink Ribbon Keychain ($98) and the Powerful Pink Color Collection, including lipstick and nail polish,($35) are part of this new collection benefiting the foundation.
Aveda
Whether we like it or not, cold weather is coming and bringing dry hands along with it. Philanthropy and skincare go hand-in-hand with Aveda launching their limited-edition Hand Relief ($26.50) moisturizing creme. As a company focused on developing cruelty-free products, they're giving back with that focus in mind. With every purchase of the hand creme, they will be donating $5 to support cruelty-free research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A good gift for any birthday or just to stock up for the cold weather, this pink bottled hand creme is an adorable winter essential.
Clinique
Clinique is doing something a little different this month. Instead of offering limited edition products for sale, they are challenging all of their customers and the entire beauty community to remove their makeup for a good cause. This idea stems from putting inner beauty before outer beauty. During the month of October, for every Instagram post featuring someone removing their lipstick, Clinique will donate $10 (up to a total of $250,000) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. All you have to do is post a video or picture and use the hashtag, #TakeTheDayOffChallenge plus tag @clinique on Instagram.
Avon
This skincare company, one that raises $800 million for breast cancer research every year, is super committed to ending domestic violence as well. Their company mission is to empower women - financially as well as physically/mentally. If you're looking for the most-loved product to start with, Avon's Love at 1st Lash Mascara is editor-approved and oh-so-perfect for getting luscious lashes.
According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, about two million people were newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Every little donation helps and you can contribute to the cause while treating yourself this October with these special brand collaborations.