Clinique Pink with a Purpose for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

You can show your support for breast cancer research with an exclusive shade of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Pink Ribbon Honey ($15). The lipstick comes with a limited-edition pink-ribbon makeup bag. Three dollars from every purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I try to be supportive of philanthropy when combined with beauty products, so I ordered this product (from Sephora, I think), based on the photo above that shows the swatch of the Pink Ribbon Honey Lipstick as being a bright, relatively pigmented, lip color. It's not. Despite the fact that I love Almost Lipstick, I was disappointed to discover that this lip color is extremely light and a transparent pink.  While perfect for a teenager, it's not my ideal for a lipstick. Most of you know I love sheer lipsticks, but I do prefer a little pigmentation.

The little makeup bag is cute, but I didn't need another makeup bag. The Almost Lipstick held promise when I unwrapped it. The color in the tube is delicious. It's just a little too light to delight me.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I tried to apply the color heavily to make it appear to be colorful. The photos that follow are the best I could do.

It's pretty, but it has no pizazz. If I had a teenaged daughter, I would give it to her in a heartbeat. It is a sweet color.

I will wear Pink Ribbon Honey. I may keep it in my desk drawer at work when I need a quick moisture fix. However, had I seen it before I purchased it, I might have skipped it. I do feel good that $3 of my purchase went to breast cancer research, and the product was extremely inexpensive.

You can find the limited-edition Pink with a Purpose Almost Lipstick kit at Clinique retailers everywhere.

Photo at top courtesy of Lord & Taylor; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown French Pink Set for Breast Cancer Awareness

Bobbi Brown is proud to introduce this exclusive, limited-edition French Pink set in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bobbi Brown will be donating $10 of the suggested retail price ($45) of this set during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Featuring French Pink Blush embossed with a BCA ribbon in a mirrored compact and a Mini Face Blender Brush topped off with a bright pink handle, the set is a fun way to put on a rosy glow (and show your support).

I purchase Bobbi's Breast Cancer Awareness special every year. This year, I didn't have to think for even a nanosecond when I saw the cheerful pink color. Plus, I am a Face Blender Brush addict. One can never have too many of them.

I wanted you to see the product color. It's darker than I imagined, but still very wearable for most of us. I took swatch photos in full sun. I swatched heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then I used the Face Blender Brush to apply the larger swatch below.

This medium pink is bright, so go easy when applying. It's also shimmery. I like the shimmer, but I know some of you won't.

The pink shade is perfect for brightening up your mood - or perhaps the mood of a friend with breast cancer? It would make a nice gift set. You can find it at Bobbi Brown's Web site and all Bobbi Brown counters. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photo at top courtesy of Bobbi Brown; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

R.I.P. Evelyn Lauder

Passings are usually sad, but Evelyn Lauder's death has left the world stunned and enormously saddened - not just the world of fashion, beauty, and business, but the world of men and women, famous and not-so-famous, who responded to her calls for breast cancer awareness. She is credited with the Pink Ribbon Campaign - the pink ribbons that symbolized over $350 million in donations - with at least $50 million from the Estée Lauder Companies and its partners. That money helped establish the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

In her long career as an executive at cosmetics giant Estée Lauder Cos., the company founded by her mother-in-law, Lauder worked with many shades of red, peach, bronze, and even blues, but pink was the one hue that changed her life. - Associated Press

Evelyn Lauder died yesterday at age 75. She was with her family at her home in Manhattan. Although she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989, few knew. She refused to slow down and was reluctant to discuss her own situation. Then, in 2007, she was diagnosed with the ovarian cancer that took her life.

Just last month, the most recent Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she reminisced about the early days of the breast cancer campaign. “There had been no publicity about breast cancer, but a confluence of events - the pink ribbon, the color, the press, partnering with Elizabeth Hurley, having Estee Lauder as an advertiser in magazines, and persuading so many of my friends who are health and beauty editors to do stories about breast health - got people talking,” she said. Then, three years after distributing the first pink ribbon, a flight attendant noted it on Lauder’s lapel and said, “I know that’s for breast cancer.” “From there, it became ubiquitous,” she remembered. That was the genius of the campaign. The pink ribbon became a worldwide symbol of breast health.

Evelyn Lauder was also the Senior Corporate Vice President and head of Estée Lauder's fragrance development worldwide. In her honor today, I'll be wearing Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. Rest in peace, Evelyn Lauder. You left the world a better place. My deepest sympathy to her husband, Leonard Lauder, her sons, the whole family, and all of her friends and colleagues.

Photos by Barbara Alper, courtesy of the New York Times, and Estée Lauder

FREEZE IT MEGA FREEZE Hairspray - Special Breast Cancer Awareness Promotion

Every year there are a few standouts among the many products branded to fight breast cancer in October. One of my favorites this year is FREEZE IT MEGA FREEZE (about $8) fast-drying hairspray with humidity-resistant hold and optical brighteners for enhanced shine.

Key Brands International, which makes FREEZE IT in multiple formulations, has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure for 2011 and 2012 to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer, the only mass-market hair-care brand to partner with the charity. Three percent (3%) of sales will be donated in addition to a $100,000 initial donation that was made to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and join the cause.

Key Brands sent me a can of FREEZE IT MEGA FREEZE to try. I'm incredibly picky about hairsprays. They must preserve my hair style all day without being heavy or sticky (I hate it when my hair feels like straw, even if it is in place), and they cannot be heavily fragranced. Any fragrance a hair styling product might have has to be very light and pleasant and dissipate quickly. FREEZE IT passed all my tests, but gave me more. It added a lovely shine!

Here are some of the qualities of FREEZE IT MEGA FREEZE.

• Humidity resistant
• Quick drying
• UV protection
• Extreme freeze hold
• Non-sticky and non-flaking
• Water free
• Enriched with panthenol vitamin B5

The optical brightners make brown hair richer, red hair brighter, black hair shinier, and blonde hair more true to color by increasing light and color reflection. FREEZE IT MEGA FREEZE should enhance all types of hair - natural and color-treated.

FREEZE IT is not tested on animals, complies with VOC requirements, and reminds us to recycle on the can - all good things. Not only that, we don't have to order online or drive out of our way to find it. CVS, Walmart, Kmart, Kroger, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are among the mass market retailers that carry it. Check out the company's Web site or Facebook page.

Since my last favorite hairspray was discontinued, I was on the hunt for a new one. I wasted money on several frou-frou, expensive brands that smelled. I've found my new favorite! I'll be sticking with FREEZE IT. They care.

Photo courtesy of Key Brands

Estée Lauder's Pink Ribbon Collection

Estée Lauder is offering beautiful sets in the Pink Ribbon Collection to raise awareness for the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. Whether you purchase a set or not, the company will donate $500,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please go to this link to find out more about the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and how we can connect, communicate, and conquer.

The set above is the Evelyn Lauder Lip Design Collection ($25). It's an incredible value and a gorgeous way to show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Evelyn H. Lauder hand-selected the full-size lipsticks for this exclusive set, all in a chic pink case.

• Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Candy
• Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Rubellite
• Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Tiramisu
• Pink Croc-Print Clutch

Wear pink lipstick, raise awareness. Maybe we can help prevent breast cancer one woman at a time!

The Elizabeth Hurley Lip Design Collection (also $25 and shown at right) is just as pretty! These gloss duos are going to find their way into my makeup bag. Not only are they a gleaming way to show our support of breast cancer awareness, they are gorgeous. The new Pure Color Gloss duos have four shades and are presented in a pretty pink Croc-Print Clutch.

The shades for this exclusive set were hand-selected by Elizabeth Hurley.

• Nude Rose
• Rock Candy
• Brazen Berry
• Extravagant Pink

There's even a Jeweled Pink Ribbon Pin if you want to sport the pink pin this month! It's $12.50 - a small investment to make to wear your support.

In 2010, the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is expected to reach two billion people in more than 70 countries with its message that early detection saves lives. By connecting and communicating to women and men around the world, the campaign is a call-to-action to conquer breast cancer once and for all. Those of us who live in dread of this silent killer have many ways to protect ourselves; we just have to pay attention. We also need to ensure that all women have the opportunities that fortunate women have - regular screening and early intervention. Let's do what we can to raise awareness this month!

Visit this Estée Lauder link to read more about the campaign, watch an Elizabeth Hurley video on awareness, and even order new lip sets. Buy one for a friend with breast cancer - we all know someone!

Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder

Shiseido Gives Back to Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation’s Cancer and Careers Program

You know me and good causes! I got word of this one and couldn't wait to share it with you.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Shiseido will donate $5 for every Luminizing Lip Gloss in Pop Life (PK406) sold in the month of October. Look how pretty it is! For the fourth consecutive year, Shiseido Cosmetics America is partnering with Cosmetic Executive Women to support their philanthropic arm Cancer and Careers (CEW) during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer and Careers is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working women living with cancer. They empower and educate women with cancer by providing expert advice, interactive tools, and educational events. You can find out more about them at their Web site.

Also, in honor of the partnership, all Shiseido makeup counters will feature an exclusive look created by Dick Page, Artistic Director for Shiseido Makeup (and genius in my eyes). The "In the Pink" look illustrated in the face chart above features the Luminizing Lip Gloss in Pop Life and pairs the bold-pink lip with a soft-pink eye shadow. By visiting a Shiseido counter, makeup lovers can learn how to create the special "In the Pink" look and make it work for them. I love the pink lip, and I'll give them a chance to convince me that they can make the pink shadow work for me!

Luminizing Lip Gloss in Pop Life retails for $22.00 and is available online and at select Macy’s, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Dillard’s locations. We need to shop for the cause!

Photo courtesy of Shiseido

"Panda Photographer" Jessie Cohen Dies

You probably didn't know Jessie Cohen, but I'll bet you knew her pictures. She shot millions of photographs of animals, the most famous of which were probably those of the adorable Tai Shan, shown above. Jessie's animal photographs have been published all over the world - in books and newspapers, on Web sites, and on greeting cards. Her artistic talent extended to all facets of nature, including the beautiful garden she created with her partner Rich Galloway.

Jessie Cohen, and an old friend of mine and fellow daylily lover, died on October 24 of breast cancer. She was 57. Rest in peace, Jessie. You left the world a better place.

Photo by Jessie Cohen

Purina and Susan G. Komen: Cat Chow Sales to Benefit Breast Cancer

Now and then, you know I go off message! "But we've been talking about breast cancer awareness this month, right?"

Did you think Purina is only interested in selling pet food? Not so! Purina is heavily involved in raising awareness about breast cancer. This is the second year Purina Cat Chow is supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a global leader of the breast cancer movement. Purina is donating $200,000 (serious money) to the Komen crusade and wants involved cat lovers everywhere to participate with their stories and photos with their cats.

A national survey indicated 84% of breast cancer patients with cats found respondents were soothed during their battles with breast cancer, and 76% found kitty calmed them daily during treatment. Well, of course! What cat person doesn't cuddle with kitty when times get tough?

You can read Joan Lowell Smith's entire article about breast cancer survivors, their best friends, and Purina at this link.

In the interests of full disclosure [wink], my babies eat Fancy Feast, Science Diet Sensitive Stomach, and Pounce treats. Savannah, who is epileptic, also eats phenobarbital to reduce seizure frequency.

Photos courtesy of Purina and www.andreaharner.com

Bobbi Brown's Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Lip Duo

What a nice Pink Ribbon Limited Edition Lip Set!

A Vanity Fair pick for “Hot Looks Benefiting the Cure,” this lip duo is priced at $40. It features an exclusive new shade, Blush Pink Creamy Lip Color, and a limited-edition Pink Crystal Glitter Lip Balm. I saw them both this weekend, and they are gorgeous - and the balm isn't really glittery on the lips, just shiny.

I placed my order online. Bobbi Brown is offering free shipping all month to thank customers for supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Not only that, you will receive a pink ribbon made entirely from recycled materials and a pink ribbon bookmark with your pink ribbon order. I love the feel of Bobbi's Creamy Lip Colors. How perfect that she created a special shade for this very special month.

When you purchase this duo, you will be supporting Bobbi Brown's donation of $35,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Bobbi has posted good information on her Web site: what you should know about breast cancer and what you can do. Men get breast cancer too, so remind all your loved ones to be vigilant. Remember, friends, if you are over 40 or have significant risk factors for breast cancer, you should have a mammogram every year. Ask your doctor. I get mine each December.

Check out this great lip set online or in stores.

Update: This arrived, and I love it. Feel good about supporting the cause too.

I Am Woman - Helen Reddy - Breast Cancer Awareness

I Am Woman

It was 1972 when Helen Reddy blew our socks off with I Am Woman. The #1 hit and national anthem for the women's movement was liberating. We sang it in the shower, the car, everywhere really, and we sang it loudly. It's one of those songs that stays with you forever. Quite an impact!

For you young gals who weren't born yet, the lyrics are below, and you can find Helen singing it on You Tube. You won't remember the days when men said, as one Washington Post writer said to me when I told him I wanted to be a journalist, "That's not a profession for women."

As each year's Breast Cancer Awareness campaign grows bigger than the last, I am reminded of I Am Woman. Businesses everywhere (men and women), including skin and health care companies, do amazing things to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise money to fight this deadly disease. You can do your part by spending money! Promote pink!

Many beauty companies are offering Pink Ribbon products...Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Clarisonic, Sonia Kashuk, RevitaLash - the list seems endless. Given the choice, I'm supporting other women (and men) by purchasing the promotional items. A portion of my purchase goes to fight breast cancer. Now, for those inspiring lyrics...

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

CHORUS
Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

CHORUS
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong

FADE
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman

Lyrics and music by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton