Unfortunately, breast cancer hits close to home for so many of us. I have several friends who recently battled breast cancer and won, thankfully. Twenty years ago, my dad wasn’t so lucky. He was one of the 2% of men, at that time, who developed breast cancer. He was shocked. Back in the early ’90s, they didn’t have the tools to fight the disease that we have now. I still miss him every day.
At this point, we are pretty much all AWARE of breast cancer. We are all aware that we should get screened at certain intervals depending on our age and risk factors. I am embarrassed to say that I am overdue for my mammogram, and I just called to make an appointment.
From what I have been reading, the emphasis now is on RESEARCH and continuing to find specific treatment options and modalities for the different types of breast cancer. And research takes money.
I was approached by The Estee Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign for 2014 to help get the word out during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Let’s defeat breast cancer. We are stronger together”. That idea leverages the strength of individuals going through breast cancer and all those who support them every step of the way — family, friends, health care workers, and others going through the challenge as well. The personal stories that these individuals tell are inspiring and affecting. Here’s a link so you can meet these folks and experience their amazing stories for yourself.
The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is active in more than 70 countries. Its objectives have evolved from awareness to an emphasis on action. A key goal is to advance breast cancer research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Over 20 years, the BCA has raised more than $53 million to support global research, education and medical services, with nearly $42 million funding 166 BCRF research projects worldwide.
In honor of The BCA Campaign’s 22nd anniversary this year, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $1 toward education and medical research, up to a maximum donation of $22,000, to BCRF for every uplifting message or photo shared on Instagram or Twitter that includes the twitter handle, #BCAstrength.
The pink ribbons that we’re seeing everywhere this month are a good signal that now is a good time to put your own efforts and cash to help find cures for this disease that is so prevalent among women and more common these days among men. And you can also participate in the The Estee Lauder Companies’ program of giving by sharing your own uplifting messages or photos on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and including #BCAstrength on the photo or tweet. For each photo/tweet with #BCAstrength, The Estee Lauder Companies contribute $1 to the campaign (up to $22,000). How easy is that?
Photos can be of a product, a logo, a place, a person who you want to honor or a person who supports you — just as long as you use the hashtag #BCAstrength! I encourage you to write your own tweets or Facebook posts, but here are a couple of ideas based on responses to the BCA Campaign videos:
- Twitter: The raw, unfiltered stories in the @BCAcampaign video are so inspiring. Please watch & share http://bit.ly/WgEfhc #BCAstrength
- Facebook: I just watched the uplifting, unfiltered and beautiful @BreastCancerAwarenessCampaign stories of four families personally touched by breast cancer on YouTube and I am inspired to share them with you. We truly are stronger together. Please watch and share the 2014 video! http://bit.ly/WgEfhc #BCAstrength
Another way you can participate is by shopping. We all know that we will most likely be shopping for makeup at some point during October, right? The Estee Lauder companies and brands are participating by making donations and by selling limited edition Pink Ribbon products. The brands include many of our all-time favorites: Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and Bumble, Clinique, Coach, Darphin, Donna Karan Cosmetics, Estée Lauder, Jo Malone London, Lab Series Skincare for Men, La Mer, Origins, Prescriptives, Smashbox and Tom Ford Beauty.
The Estee Lauder companies sent me some samples to show you a few of the Pink Ribbon products that will be available in stores and online. A gal can never have too many lipsticks and glosses, and pink is one of my go-to shades all year round.
Check out these adorable Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection. They are so cute! I love that they are the perfect pocket size (each 4 ml/0.14 fl.oz.) to slip into my jeans’ pocket to take with me when I don’t want to carry a purse.
The four shades are:
- Pretty Pink Sheer Lip Gloss, a warm pink rose
- Pink Tulle High Shimmer Lip Gloss, a bright pink with pearl
- Bright Lilac Lip Gloss, a bright hot pink
- Soiree Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss, a baby pink with light shimmer.
Enriched with emollients and Vitamins C and E, the glosses will protect and moisturize lips. They are not sticky. The price of the collection is $60. $12 from each purchase will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Next up is a limited edition gorgeous Power of Pink Clinique Long Last Lipstick tucked in a handy and cute little lined cottony bag. I love Clinique’s classic silver-banded tube, but this special lipstick has the Pink Ribbon logo on the top of the tube.
Since I got it, I’ve been wearing this raspberry pink lipstick all the time. The price is $16, and $3 of every sale goes to the BCRF.
I was thrilled to receive a tube of La Mer The Hand Treatment. I have never tried a product from La Mer so this was a big deal to me. What a reputation this brand has!
The Hand Treatment is something I can really use, especially since the temperatures are dipping and soon I’ll have my usual chapped hands. The Hand Treatment sinks into my skin on contact, and it is not at all greasy. In addition, it is long-lasting which was a big surprise because of its lightness. Although the winter weather isn’t here yet to try this treatment out under torture test condition, it makes my hands feel so soft and smooth which amazed me because of the lightweight formula! It has a clean floral scent that disappears after application. The special size tube that’s just perfect to travel with or carry in my purse contains 1.7 fl. oz and is priced at $45. A portion of each sale goes to the BCRF.
The products above are just examples of some of the makeup and skincare products that you can buy to participate in the program. The other Estee Lauder companies and brands have more products for you to consider. Take a look in stores or online and see what speaks to you to help the cause.
So post your photos, compose your tweets, buy some new makeup, and join the “We Are Stronger Together” campaign to help defeat breast cancer!
Great post! There are so many ways to support this cause and it’s so important that we do what we can.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…NYX Dream Catcher Review And Giveaway
Yes, Aleya! I hope you’ll post a pic on IG, tweet about BC, or post on FB and use #BCAstrength so that the Estee Lauder Companies will make their donation. Such a simple way to participate!
Love the packaging on the Clinique lipstick! I may have to stroll down to the mall (again) on my lunch break 😉
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Inspired by Camo
I think so too, Monica. I love mine!
I send money for research, not awareness. I want a cure!
Phyrra recently posted…Best Eyeshadow Palettes
And that’s what this year’s campaign is about, shifting more money into research.
I bought that hand cream as well.
Anastasia recently posted…New Memebox Arrivals: Wish Upon A Mask, Brighten & Correct, Makeup Edition 3
Do you like it? I’m amazed at how well it works. My first La Mer experience <3
I like looking at all the pink products, but I don’t buy any that don’t send 100% to charity. Unfortunately so few do that.
Carleen recently posted…Makeup Wars Favorite Palettes
This year’s campaign is trying to shift more funds into research rather than awareness. However, without reminding people about the campaign (the awareness part), people won’t necessarily remember to donate to breast cancer research. Reminding people, e.g. awareness, unfortunately is a necessity.
I’m with Phyrra, I send money for research! I donate to a local group that forwarded funds on to national.
Destany recently posted…Spooktacularly Colorful Halloween Giveaway!
That’s great, Destany, that you’ve found a local group that you trust to donate to.
I can never have too many pink products 😛
Leelo R recently posted…Nails Inc Mortimer Street
I agree, Leelo! Pink has always been my favorite
I love the idea of buying beauty products for this cause, so important!
NORAH recently posted…It Started With Hello
I agree, Norah. If you are going to buy makeup and skincare anyway and find a product you would like, why not buy a product that donates to the cause?
So many awesome pinks added to the lines. I am a huge supporter when it comes to Cancer Research… and always send in some money having several BC survivors in my family. This is nice.
Honeygirlk recently posted…L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints – New Colors and Swatches
I’m so happy that you have survivors in your family, Honey! And it’s great that you’re a supporter! Post a pic on Instagram with #BCAstrength and have EL donate a $1!!
I only support companies that donate 100% of profits.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream-Get Rid of Turkey Neck!
Can you post of list of which companies donate 100% of their profits, Cindy? I’m definitely curious about that!
This is a tough subject for me. This month is difficult for me to get through… All of the pink ribbons and dollars donated didn’t save my mother from this horrible disease. She couldn’t hold on long enough for a cure. While all of the pinkwashing is a bit disgusting on the surface, if even one woman is impacted, gets herself checked and her life is saved, isn’t it worth it?
Erika recently posted…Bargain Beauty Find: L’Oreal Collection Privee The Perfect Nudes in Doutzen’s Nude
I understand, Erika, and I am sorry for your loss. My dad was not saved either, but three of my close girlfriends were and that is certainly worth it to me! Research has made great strides but they are not completely there yet. With the emphasis on finding lots of specific personalized cures, hopefully no one will be lost in the future.
All the beautiful pinks!! I’ll need to get some hand cream.. for the cause 😉
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…3 Must-Have Eye Shadow Palettes for Fall feat. Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tisse Venitien
Brooke, I think that’s a great idea. If you were thinking of buying it anyway, why not have part of the price go to the breast cancer campaign and research?
I’m glad they are donating the money to research, you are def right that awareness is beyond raised!
Miranda recently posted…Price Slash Alert: $5 Brush Set from BH Cosmetics
Thank you, Miranda, for reading my post and seeing that EL Companies are trying to shift the emphasis of the campaign to funding research!!
I think awareness has reached its maximum but cure is still in oblivion. I’m sorry to hear about your dad 🙁
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…The Worst From My Charlotte Tilbury Haul :: Brow Lift Three-Way Shape, Lift & Shade
While people are aware of breast cancer, it is not top-of-mind for charitable giving for everyone. Because my father died from breast cancer, I give to breast cancer research and support organizations every year…but most people do not. They may have other charities and diseases that are more important to them. Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the corporate giving that is part of it exists to encourage those who do not routinely support breast cancer research to do something to help, e.g. buy products that donate part of the price, participate in the Estee Lauder Companies campaign by posting a pic on IG, tweeting or posting on FB using the hashtag #BCAstrength so that EL will make their maximum contribution — easy ways that everyone can do to help out.
I think that’s great they are putting more emphasis on research now! Thanks for sharing!
Amber recently posted…Top 8 Beauty Products (under $50!) from Beauty Encounter
Thanks for reading the post, Amber, and yes, it is a good thing that they are putting more funds into research…though it is still necessary to motivate people to give or purchase products or participate in other ways and without some awareness, it doesn’t happen.
My mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She just finished treatment.
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…Real Techniques Nic’s Picks
I’m sorry to hear that, Laura, but I’m glad that she’s finished treatment. I wish her and your family all the best
I absolutely love how there is so many brands participating towards Breast Cancer
Betzy Carmona recently posted…Ame And Lulu
I agree, Betzy! If we’re going to buy makeup/skincare/fragrance anyway, why not buy from a company that donates to the cause?
I’m with Phyrra. We just don’t need any more funds for awareness. We are all well and truly aware. I actually asked my doctor yesterday if I should start going for breast screens and she said no. It’s funny how marketing has us believing something is so likely when it used to be thought of as impossible.
Kimmi @ The Plastic Diaries recently posted…L’Oréal Paris – Colour Riche Le Smokey Pencil Eyeliner in Brown Fusion
Screening depends on your age, your family history and other risk factors. So if you’re under 40, it’s unlikely you would get screened. Many of you commenters are misunderstanding “awareness”. Awareness in this case is to encourage people to give to breast cancer charities and research institutes. Because my father died from breast cancer, I give to breast cancer charities/funds every year; they are my primary charity. But most other people are “aware of” breast cancer, but they do not give to breast cancer research or do anything to participate. It is that kind of awareness that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is meant to generate. With this campaign, if one doesn’t want to contribute money on her own, she can buy a product that contributes or post a photo, tweet or post a message on Facebook using the hashtags #BCAstrength and in response, the Estee Lauder Companies will make a donation. easy peasy
thanks for this post! This is very important to me!
Eugenia recently posted…Must Have Palette- Makeup Wars
You are welcome, Eugenia! I hope you’ll post a pic on IG, a Tweet, or an FB post with #BCAstrength if you get a chance 🙂
Oooh, I would have been soo excited about the La mer!
Justina recently posted…Laura Mercier for Fall 2014
And I was, Justina! So far, it works very well 🙂
I love Bobbi’s glosses.
This is my first time trying her glosses. Love
That la Mer cream sounds so nice! I’ve never tried anything from their line. I am sorry to hear about your dad. I wish more money went to cures for less common diseases.
The LaMer hand treatment is terrific. Unfortunately, the less common diseases just don’t have the money to create the awareness.
Glad to see the research getting more light, liking that lipstick!
Stephanie Louise recently posted…Lorac Mega Pro Palette Swatches, Review, & GIVEAWAY!
It’s a great shade, Stephanie, and I agree that it’s great that they’re putting more $ into research
I think selling an item people would want to buy anyways is a good way to raise funds for a good cause. A lot of good people mean well when they think “I’ll give when I can afford to donate X amount” not realizing that even just a dollar can make a difference (if everyone who thought that were to just give a dollar). I know it sounds unimportant to give to an “awareness”, but that’s part of finding a cure. I have an illness that is so rare even nurses in the hospital have never heard of it. There are no awareness campaigns and probably likely not much research into a cure either. I need a bone marrow transplant but have so far not been able to find a match. Treatments and medicines to help me are limited. The only other person I know who has my illness has died. It’s kind of scary for me.
I am so sorry to hear about your rare illness. I truly hope that you will find a match. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. And I agree with you, even a dollar is better than not giving at all. And if that’s what it takes to get big corporations to donate to finding treatments & cures for disease, I’m all for it.