Think Pink - Shopping to Support BCA Pt. 2

As I said the other day, I have found so many wonderful products in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month it will take more than one post to share them all. Today I’m focusing on those benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Check in with me Friday for more fabulous finds for the cause.

For dry skin that comes with cooler weather, Aveda Hand Relief moisturizes with soothing Licorice extract, Meadowfoam seed oil, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Retailing for $21, Aveda will donate $4 from each tube up to $300,000. Available at Aveda Experience Centers and participating salons.

Professional makeup artist Sonia Kashuk brought her runway looks to the real world with a line at Target a decade ago. As a breast cancer survivor, Kashuk has created a limited edition line to be sold at Target with 15% of all sales going to the BCRF. For eyes, there’s the pink Curl for a Cause eyelash curler ($9.99) and cheeks, the Sweep of Pink powder brush ($12.99). The Brush up on Pink 4-piece brush set ($12.99) zips up into a pink floral case making it perfect for travel. The 7-piece Brushed to Perfection is great on the go or on your vanity in its slim floral clutch. The same signature floral print can be found on the Bag Lady cosmetic bag. All items can be found online or in Target stores nationwide.

Throughout October, Bumble and Bumble is donating a $1 for every can of its Classic Hairspray ($12/four ounces or $21/ten ounces) sold online, at their two New York City locations, and participating salons.

Master parfumer Jo Malone created her Red Roses Collection by blending

seven types of rose with violet, lemon and spearmint. Jo Malone will contribute $15,000 from the sale of Red Rose colognes ($55/$100) and bath oil ($60) throughout the month, online and at Bergdorf Goodman, select Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Origins designed a special edition of their classic Peace of Mind On-the-spot-relief ($10) for the World Pink campaign. The blend of basil, eucalyptus and peppermint promotes relaxation and relieves stress, and Origins will donate $35,000 from sales this month at Origins stores and department store counters.

Bobbi Brown created the Pink Ribbon Collection for BCA Month, a limited edition set of lippies including a new Creamy Lip Color and Glitter Lip Balm. $40 for the pair, Bobbi Brown will donate $35,000 from sales at Bobbi Brown counters nationwide.


There are so many organizations raising funds for the breast cancer research, education and advocacy this month. I’ll be back with more products and deserving organizations on Friday, and throughout the month. If there’s a product benefiting BCA you think I should know about, leave a comment. I’d love to know what I’m missing. xo alex.

Bumble and Bumble Curls Galore!

Bumble and Bumble has officially relaunched their Curl Conscious line (complete with new paisley packaging)! As of yesterday, September 15, you can buy the award-winning, curl enhancing products at www.curlconscious.com.

The entire Curl Conscious line - I heart the cute, new packaging!

Curl Conscious consists of 7 products (3 of them are new formulas) to define the natural curl, be it ringlets or wavy. They use special ingredients to form and protect the curl. Their claim to fame: Transglutaminase, a patent-pending, curl-keeping phenom that cross-links amino acids in hair to form humidity-resistant bonds so curls are protected from environmental factors and free to curl at will. Also, Moisture Complex imparts softness and shine with agents like glycerin, panthenol and squalene. All of the products are meant to promote natural hair, beautiful hair without the use of harsh blowdryers, flat and curling irons. The products are meant to bring lifeless curls to a healthy and nourished life!

I tested the Nourishing Mask, Reactivating Mist and Holding Foam.

Let's start with the Nourishing Mask **Beauty Banter Must-Have** - I love it! You leave it on for ten minutes and then rinse. If you let your hair dry naturally, it is conditioned, full of body, shine and moisture and unbelievably soft! Literally, I received so many compliments on how "natural" and "healthy" my hair looked! And although I have wavy hair, my curls were more defined - big, lively and full of body - not so tepid and frizzy. It's definitely a treat for your hair! $24.00 for 5 oz.

The Reactivating Mist is meant to "reawaken soft waves or tame hyperactive curls." Although the spritz smells delish, it didn't do much in terms of evoking a true curl from a wave - although I don't think this is the point of the product. My hair boasted mere tidal waves, not monsoons - and I was looking for the ten-footer! But it did keep my hair feeling soft and looking healthy and it's great to use the day after a shampoo because it does reawaken flat, lifeless hair with a burst of shine and some wavy energy.  I also liked that you could spray the mist periodically during the day for touch-ups because it offered a mild pick-me-up.  For real kinky, sexy curls, however, I'd opt for the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.If you're in the market for a more natural, simple wavy do, then this product is right for you.  $20.00 for 8.5 oz.

The Holding Foam is said to "keep curls together regardless of heat or humidity with flexible, durable hold" and it definitely delivers on the hold (it made my hair feel a tad too firm, although I may be the only one). I saw a little bit of curl action going on - my wavy mane did have a bit more volume and umph. But not the crazy, sexy curl I was searching for. However, I had my curly (not wavy) haired friend give it a try and she loved the Holding Foam. She said it made her curls "spring to life." And they stayed looking sassy and full of body, sans the frizz, all day long. $26.00 for 3.5 oz.

Other products from the Curl Conscious line include Defining Creme, Calming Creme (I do love me some hair cremes!) and the Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner.

Here's to some curl therapy! Happy shopping!

Blow Dryer to die for

No winners yet! Is the famous eyes challenge really that hard? I'll give you a clue. Here is number *3*...JESSICA SIMPSON!!!

As for some beauty banter, I'm still really into straight, blown out hair, so while you all guess away, check out this awesome blow-dryer, complete with three different sized attachment brushes and ION energy! Vidal Sassoon's Fast Dry, Professional Styling Dryer, 1875W VS540.I'm a huge fan of the dryer as it cuts down my straightening from hours to minutes.... literally. And with the ion power, it doesn't dry out your hair! ALSO, make sure to always use a styling product prior to blow drying to safe-guard your hair. Try Bumble & Bumble Prep. Besides acting as a detangler, it also provides protection against heat from a blow dryer or flat iron!
What's your pre-blow-out product of choice?