Beauty That Gives Back
By Hannah Leve
As we approach the season of giving, we salute beauty brands whose philanthropy makes us both feel and look good. Makeup and skincare has the incredible ability to lift up our spirits in even the darkest times. Some beauty brands extend this feeling to the greater society to help those in need. The next time you go buy makeup, see if your favorite brands are as passionate about a cause as you are. Those are the ones to support.
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Recently, Los Angeles-based cosmetics brand TooFaced released the limited edition Clover eyeshadow palette ($49). It features “18 brand new shades in gorgeous neutrals and bright pops of color for limitless looks.” Even better? With the release of this special palette, TooFaced will be donating $250,000 to the Best Friends Animal Society.
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Not only does Thrive Causemetics offer amazing lipstick, eyeshadows, blushes and more, but the company was also established to help women. Founder Karissa Bodnar lost her best friend to cancer at the young age of 24, and decided to create a brand that helped empower women in even the toughest circumstances. After working as a makeup artist for over a decade, Karissa was able to craft makeup that’s light and easy on the skin. Best of all, for each item bought, Thrive Causemetics will donate one cosmetic item to a woman struggling with either cancer or domestic violence.
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Did you know there’s a way to get your favorite hair, skin, and body products while supporting not one but four amazing causes? In Kiehl’s mission statement, founder Aaron Morse writes that the company’s committed to “making for better citizens, better firms, and better communities.” By purchasing one of Kiehl’s products you help support HIV/AID’s research, women’s health, children’s well-being, and environmental awareness. Pro tip: Hashtag #KiehlsEarthDay next April 22! Kiehl’s donates $1 to environmental non-profit Recycle Across America for each post on Earth Day.
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If you’re still riding the political wave of the 2016 election, Beautiful Rights is the company for you. Although it has been around for only a year, this lipstick-only brand is working hard to support women’s rights. With shades like Gloss Ceiling, Pantsuit Pink, and Politically Pout – $24 each -- Beautiful Rights has all the products to make your lips look and feel empowered. Have a gender equality issue that you feel especially passionate about? At checkout, Beautiful Rights allows customers to pick which charity 20% of their purchase goes toward, including Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and more. For a full list of charities that you can support by purchasing these lip products, click here.
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Though the Viva Glam ($17.50 each) lipsticks are among MAC’s most popular and long-running products, you may not know they’ve been benefitting AID’s research for more than two decades. The Viva Glam line not only provides support for underserved communities affected by the disease, but it often creates new lipsticks designed by celebrities including Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus. To date, MAC has donated more than $400 million through Viva Glam lipstick sales -- 100% of the purchase price of each lipstick. So next time you’re picking out a MAC lipstick, consider one of the incredible Viva Glam shades.
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Jeffree Star x Jouer
In a video released this past June, YouTube makeup celebrity Jeffree Star announced that he would be partnering with beauty brand Jouer to provide a discount for his fans who bought the brand’s makeup. While many YouTubers use these promotion codes as part of a business deal with brands, Jeffree Star people who purchase Jouer products not only save money, but Jouer sends all proceeds from your purchase purchase to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Plus, Jouer just released a lip-gloss collaboration with Star that’s both glittery and cotton candy pink, perfect for a pop of color in any makeup look. To save some cash and support equality across the Los Angeles community, enter code “JSTAR” when checking out at Jouer!
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If you don’t already love Philosophy for their skincare, fragrance, and bath and body products, you’ll love how the brand is giving back through its Hope & Grace initiative. In an effort to raise awareness for mental health -- especially affected women -- Philosophy is donating 1% of all purchases to both national and local mental health advocacy organizations. Hope & Grace highlights women’s stories, and this is the first brand-wide commitment to support the cause. The initiative also extends to every product on the site, including the brand new holiday collection, so you can shop your heart out while knowing that you’re helping provide resources for women in communities across the country.
