October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Whether or not you know someone personally who has been affected by breast cancer, it is estimated that one in eight women in the United States will be develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. We here at Her Campus want to do all we can to support the fight against breast cancer, so we're encouraging collegiettes everywhere to rock their favorite pink beauty products throughout the month of October to rally support for the cause. Doing good while looking good? Sounds like a win-win to us!
1. Nail Polish
The classic sophisticated pinky-nude, Essie Nail Polish in Fiji ($8.50 at CVS) works for literally any skin tone and is a chic way to transition from summer brights into fall neutrals while still keeping things feminine—and professional for that internship. Keep your nails shorter and more rounded for added trendiness (and for greater ease when typing essays!).
2. Lipstick
The cult favorite MAC Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum ($16 at MAC Cosmetics) is a shocking cool-toned pink that really makes a statement. The matte finish looks retro and crazy-cool, or try adding a gloss to tone it down and make this color a bit more wearable for an everyday look. To keep the hue from getting clown-ish, use a lip liner to outline your lips and use a lip brush when applying to keep the lines crisp and precise.
3. Primer
This silky smooth Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer ($10.26 at Rite Aid) has a slight pink tinge to it, helping to even out any discoloration in your skin and add a subtle radiance. Apply a thin layer of this primer underneath your foundation or tinted moisturizer for a smooth and even canvas.
4. Makeup Sponge
Every YouTube beauty guru's best friend, the beautyblender ($19.95 at Sephora) may just look like a pink sponge, but it's so much more than that. When you wet the beautyblender, it expands in size, so dampen it slightly and use the sponge to push your foundation or tinted moisturizer into your skin for a natural look. Pro tip: Use the pointed corner of the sponge to apply concealer in hard-to-reach areas, like the inner corner of your eye!
5. Eye Shadow
The perfect pinky-red shade for fall, MAC Eye Shadow in Cranberry ($16 at MAC Cosmetics) is super on-trend for October, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Sweep this shade across your entire eyelid and run it under your lower lashline for a smokey berry look. Add a smudgy brown liner on your upper lashline and finish off the look with a few coats of dramatic mascara for a wearable autumnal smokey eye.
6. Lip Tar
If Candy Yum-Yum is a little too out there for you, try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Matte Lip Tar in Ophelia ($18 at Sephora) for a more subtle, bubblegum pink lip. A tiny bit of this product goes a long way, so simply dab a bit on the center of your lips and blend outwards for a soft and girly look, no lip liner needed!
7. Highlighter
While matte skin is in for fall, it's always nice to add a bit of shimmer on the tops of the cheekbones for a subtle glow. Benefit Cosmetics High Beam ($26 at Sephora) adds the perfect amount of a soft pink sheen without looking too frosty. Use the applicator to apply this product on the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose and on your Cupid's bow to highlight your face in all the right places.
8. Makeup Brush
Finally available in the States, this Real Techniques Stippling Brush ($9.99 at Ulta) is revolutionary. Designed by British YouTube guru Samantha Chapman, this stippling brush is ideal for buffing in foundation to create a flawless finish. Dab your foundation or tinted moisturizer onto your skin and use this brush to stipple the product in, using small circular motions. We promise you'll be hooked!
9. Blush
Beauty bloggers have been raving about the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface ($26 at Sephora) for years, and with good reason. This babydoll pink blush is not only super long-lasting but it also gives such a natural, healthy glow to the skin. Even if you plan on spending this October huddled in the library, this blush will you give you that just-back-from-apple-picking flush!
While the fight against breast cancer is obviously not limited to just the month of October, breaking out your favorite pink products is an easy way to remind yourself and others of a disease that affects almost everyone on this planet in one way or another. Think pink this October, collegiettes, and inspire others to do the same!