Each year, the month of October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness—whether it's educating women on how to perform self-exams or raising money for charities that support breast-cancer research. There are tons of way for collegiettes to get involved, but for those who might not be ready to run a 5K or marathon, we have good news: You can join in on the cause from the comfort of your dorm room! We've rounded up a list of the best fashion, accessories, beauty products and more that support breast cancer awareness—so you can shop knowing you're doing good, too.
Fashion & Accessories
1. Aerie: Limited Edition Bright Pink Charley Bra, $29.95, aerie.com
Featuring just the right amount of perk, Aerie's "Charley" bra in this limited-edition pink is one you'll wear every single day. One hundred percent of proceeds from this purchase between September 25 through October 31 will go to Bright Pink, a nonprofit organization that aims to educate and empower young women to be proactive about their health from the beginning to both prevent and detect breast and ovarian cancer early. All shoppers will receive a pin that can be customized with the name of someone who is an inspiration to them, and those who shop in store and donate an additional $5 will receive a free Bright Pink lip gloss.
2. Joe's Jeans: Scarf, $78, joesjeans.com
For Breast Cancer Awareness month, Joe's Jeans designed an exclusive silk and cashmere scarf (you could seriously layer this with anything in your fall wardrobe!). One hundred percent of net proceeds from this scar during the month of October will go to Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and support of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
3. Dogeared: "I Am Brave" dog tag necklaces and rings, $66 to $72, dogeared.com
In sterling silver and gold-dipped options, these minimalist pieces offer a bold message. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dogeared is donating $2,500 plus 5 percent of proceeds from these "I Am Brave" pieces to Bright Pink.
4. Chinti and Parker: Hugs Kisses Hearts sweater, $525, chintiandparker.com
This adorable sweater may be pricey, but it's made of 100 percent cashmere—as in, it's so soft you just might never get out of it. It comes in three colors: gray (shown), black and a very of-the-moment electric blue. Plus, 20 percent of proceeds during the month of October will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a nonprofit organization whose goal it is to prevent and cure breast cancer by providing funding for cancer research worldwide.
5. Angela & Roi: All Pink bags, $58-$95, angelaroi.com
Known for its focus on charity, Angela & Roi dedicates its product to a variety of causes, with portions of every purchase on the site going to different organizations (donations are based on the color of the bags). Five dollars from the purchase of each pink bag goes to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which supports women who have been affected by breast cancer, whether they are currently diagnosed with it or have overcome it.
6. Rachel Pally: "Reema" maxi dress in Parfait, $242, rachelpally.com
You won't find fabrics more luxurious than the ones at Rachel Pally. Inspired by dance, the designer has mastered "ease meets elegance" with her sophisticated draping and comfortable jersey dresses, tops and more. This Breast Cancer Awareness month-exclusive maxi dress epitomizes everything Rachel Pally is known for, and throughout October, 25 percent of proceeds will go to the Cedars-Sinai Women's Cancer Program, which focuses specifically on cancer in women through cross-disciplinary research and the development of early detection and prevention of cancer.
7. Alex and Ani: Arms Of Strength charm bangle, $28, alexandani.com
Alex and Ani's oh-so-stackable bangles are so fun to collect—and this bracelet, which also comes in silver, is one you'll have to add to your collection. During the month of October, 20 percent of proceeds from this bracelet (with a minimum $10,000 contribution) will be donated to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, which supports and fosters community between anybody who has been affected by breast cancer.
8. Cosabella: Italia Collection in Scarlet-Rosa Sorbetto, $26.50 to $101.50, shop.cosabella.com
There's something about fancy underpinnings that just make you feel so much more put-together—and Cosabella is just the place to go to splurge on those nicer things in life. The super-fine lace means major comfort and a seamless look, so they're totally practical, too. Twenty percent of proceeds during the month of October will go to Bra-ha-ha, which promotes breast health (such as offering free mammograms) and connects breast cancer patients and survivors through a support system. Each year, they put on a fundraising event where participants can decorate bras that will go up for auction as a way to bring together all of those who have been affected by breast cancer or who simply care about the cause.
9. LOFT: Holst + Lee for LOFT earrings and necklace, $39.50 to $69.50, loft.com
For Breast Cancer Awareness month, Ann Taylor LOFT partnered up with NYC-based jewelry designer Holst + Lee to create exclusives so you can look good and feel good (about the donation you're making!). Seventy percent of proceeds on these pieces between now and November 15 will support the BCRF. Hurry and get yours before they sell out—the necklace and earrings are limited edition, so they'll go fast!
10. Only Hearts: Lace bodysuit, $65, onlyhearts.com
You'll be surprised how useful a bodysuit can be: Wear it under a blazer and high-waist jeans, or let the lace peek out from under a plunging neckline on a dressier night out. Either way, now is the time to buy and try, because 20 percent of the proceeds from this bodysuit through the end of October will benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
11. Initials, Inc.: Signature Minibag in Berry, $42, myinitials-inc.com
Collegiettes, this is one accessory you won't want to leave your dorm room without! With useful slots for your phone, ID, cash and cards, this handy little bag can be worn as a crossbody, as a wristlet, or tossed into your tote as a wallet. Throughout October, 15 percent of proceeds will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which aims to educate women worldwide about breast cancer and how important early detection is—and even provides free mammograms to those in need.
12. Alexis Russell: Diamond Slice bracelet, $365, alexisrussell.com
We've never lusted so hard after any piece of jewelry before—this natural chocolate diamond slice, set in 18k rose gold, is definitely a looker. Twenty-five percent of proceeds will go to the BCRF, so we suggest either dropping some hints ASAP... or perhaps at least adding it to your Pinterest board for now.
Beauty
13. Smashbox: Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Promise, $20, smashbox.com
Created exclusively in support of breast cancer awareness, this pretty pink gloss leaves a sheer, no-stick finish on your lips for the perfect pout—with just a single swipe. Through November 30, $5 from each purchase will be donated to the BCRF. This is a limited-edition shade, so be sure to stock up (and do good!) while it's still available!
14. Sonia Kashuk for Target: BCRF Brush Set, $15.99, target.com
Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk is no stranger to cancer—as a breast cancer survivor herself, it's no surprise she's also an avid supporter. This brush set was made exclusively for the BCRF, and 15 percent of proceeds will benefit the organization, year round.
15. Origins: Drink Up Hydrating Lip Balm in Berry Splash, $17, origins.com
This ultra-nourishing lip balm softens your lips while giving them a gorgeous wash of color—just what you need to add to your fall beauty regimen. The best part is, $3.50 from each purchase will go to the BCRF from now until the end of the year.
16. Mullein & Sparrow: Sitewide, $9 to $140, mulleinandsparrow.com
Using 100-percent all-natural ingredients in all of its skincare, bodycare and more, holistic line Mullein & Sparrow hand-makes everything in small batches so you're always getting fresh, organic beauty products. Not only will 10 percent of your purchase this October benefit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (the oldest and largest private cancer center in the world, dedicated to patient care, research and education), Mullein & Sparrow is giving you another reason to shop—enter code "beatcancer" throughout the month to get 15 percent off everything on the site!
17. Ouidad: Curls for a Cure Pink Curl Extension, $10, ouidad.com
Colored hair has been a growing trend—but for those who aren't ready to go all in with a permanent dye job? Enter Ouidad, whose clip-in extension gives you the chance to get funky without any long-term commitments. One hundred percent of every purchase goes to the BCRF, and it doesn't stop there—upload a selfie with your pink extension on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #CurlsForACure, and Ouidad will donate $1 per post!
18. eos: Breast Cancer Awareness 3-Pack, $7.99, drugstore.com
This eos trio, featuring two lip balms and a hand lotion, is sure to get you through fall and the impending winter—the products are infused with shea butter and hydrating oils. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
19. AHAVA: Mineral Hand Cream, $25, ahavaus.com
Enriched with dead sea minerals, even the tiniest amount of this hand cream will leave a silky soft finish (seriously, you won't be able to stop touching your hands). During October, 10 percent of proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
20. Bobbi Brown: Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection, $60, nordstrom.com
These glosses, in shades of pink that look good on any complexion, are the only ones you'll probably ever need—there's a sheer neutral for everyday wear, two shimmer glosses for nights out and a bold pink for extra-special days. Twelve dollars from every purchase will go to the BCRF from now to March 31, 2015.
21. Bumble and bumble: Pret a Powder, $26, bumbleandbumble.com
A dry shampoo and a volumizer in one, this must-have product is your answer to those mornings when you wake up with no time to shower (oops). Say hello to second-day hair (or third-day hair... and beyond) that looks freshly blown out! During the month of October,$5 from each purchase will be donated to the BCRF.
22. Clinique: Pink with a Purpose Long Last Lipstick, $16, clinique.com
Appropriately named "Power with Pink," this shade of long-lasting color amps up any beauty look by day or by night. The carrying case is useful for on-the-go activities, or it can double as a coin purse.Three dollars from each sale goes to the BCRF until the end of the year!
23. Coach: Poppy Wildflower Eau de Parfum Spray, $65, coach.com
Playful and exotic, this delicate yet musky fragrance from Coach is fresh and unexpected; it's layered with notes of orange flower, patchouli, vanilla and more. From now until the end of the year, 20 percent of proceeds will go to the BCRF (giving you time to use your bottle up obsessively... and then buy some more).
24. La Mer: The Hand Treatment, $45, cremedelamer.com
La Mer is at the height of luxury when it comes to beauty products, and this nutrient-rich hand cream is worth every penny. It transforms even the driest of skin, and with smoothing and toning properties, it's basically like skincare for your hands. Bonus: $10 from each purchase goes straight to the BCRF during the month of October.
Home and Lifestyle
25. Gaiam: Forever Pink Yoga Mat and Pink Ribbon Foam Roller, $21.98 to $24.98, amazon.com
Exercising is one way to lower the risk of breast cancer, and this lightweight yet durable yoga mat and muscle-relieving foam roller are the perfect tools to add to a healthy lifestyle. One dollar from the purchase of each product will go to the BCRF.
26. Exhale Spa: Pink Grip Sock, $16, exhalespa.com
Yoga not your thing? Try a barre class instead—and before you go, get a pair of these no-slip socks from Exhale Spa. Two dollars from each sale will be donated to the Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women, a fundraising event that supports cancer research, treatment and more.
27. Agraria Home: Cedar Rose collection, $20 to $120, agrariahome.com
A delicious blend of cedarwood and rose, this collection of candles, diffusers, soaps and more will leave your dorm room smelling so, so good. The candles burn for up to 40 hours, and the glasses can be reused as desk organizers or pen holders!Thirty-five percent of sales from the entire collection will benefit the BCRF throughout the month of October.
28. Erin Condren: Cancer Awareness Collection, $0.25 to $29, erincondren.com
Known for her pretty prints and personalized notebooks, cards and more, Erin Condren has created a Cancer Awareness collection full of adorable stationery and other products featuring inspiring messages. And when you shop here, you get to choose where your donation is going—50 percent of your purchase goes to the cancer charity of your choice!
29. Edward Marc Chocolatier: Pink Nonpareils For The Cure, $9.50, edwardmarc.com
These bite-sized pieces of melt-in-your-mouth goodness are what chocolate lovers' dreams are made of. Made by a family-owned business that uses traditional fine chocolate techniques (passed all the way down from their Greek origins!), these handcrafted dark chocolates are ones you'll want to keep stashed in your dorm room for late-night snacking. Twenty percent of proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen, an organization that does educational outreach, provides funding for breast cancer research and advocates for policies such as those that expand and require insurance and Medicaid coverage for breast cancer-related treatment and preventative medicine.
