BellaSugar

Think Before You Pink, Says Advocacy Group

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:00:50 -0700

If you've shopped at all this month, you've likely come across dozens (if not hundreds) of pink-ribbon products. These items raise money for various breast cancer research groups; Estee Lauder alone is donating $500,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this year. But with all of the pink-ribboned offerings, how can you choose wisely?

The people behind health-advocacy group Breast Cancer Action are going strong with their Think Before You Pink project, which wants shoppers to think twice before buying these items - particularly when it comes to cosmetic products, as the group believes that some ingredients in cosmetics are carcinogenic. In a thought-provoking interview, Breast Cancer Action Communications Director Richard Leiter touches on the group's goals.

Do you think companies behind these products are sincere about fighting breast cancer, or is this just a way for some of them to look charitable and improve their image while raking in profits?
We have no way to evaluate the motivations of any cause-marketer except to look at the nature of their contribution. Is the mechanism for contributing transparent? Is the total contribution substantial? Do they make it easy for consumers to see where the dollars are actually going? If a company is contributing a very small portion of their sales, then they're probably more interested in profits than progress.

Who are some of the worst “pinkwashers” in the cosmetics industry, and why?
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics publishes a list of cosmetics companies who have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Currently, none of the major cosmetics companies - including Avon, Revlon, Estee Lauder, Mary Kay - have signed the compact. And these four all engage in pink-ribbon marketing.

To find out which companies the campaign does like, read more.

If shoppers wish to support breast cancer research, how should they approach pink-ribbon products?
We urge shoppers to examine each product to make sure that a sufficient percentage of the purchase price does indeed go to breast cancer research (or services, or education or treatment - which all require funds.) Even more importantly, they should make sure that the pink-ribbon products they support don't cause breast cancer.

Within the beauty/cosmetics industry, which BCA products get the thumbs-up?
Our Think Before You Pink website lists companies who have gone paraben-free. We think that's a good start.

What are some of the successes the campaign has had? What would you like to see in the future?
The "Think Before You Pink" campaign led to the California Safe Cosmetics Bill in 2004, encouraged Avon to begin reformulating some of its products, and most recently focused considerable consumer attention on Yoplait yogurt's "pinkwashing". They require you to eat a hundred containers of yogurt and mail in the lids just to contribute 10 bucks. Doesn't it make more sense just to send a check?

A greater worry: Yoplait is made from milk that comes from rBGH-injected cows. rBGH has been linked to breast cancer and other cancers. We'd like to see General Mills join Wal-Mart, Starbucks and all of Europe in using rBGH-free dairy.

One more result: We've seen other breast cancer groups begin to urge their membership to ask tough questions of manufacturers and demand transparency.

Let me play devil’s advocate: Isn’t it better for some money to be donated to breast cancer groups than to have none donated at all?

Individuals and corporations will continue to donate to breast cancer. It might actually be better for that money to be donated directly to the most promising research and most needed services - rather than allowing a marketing department, which may not be fully informed or motivated, to make that choice. Another danger in feel-good cause-marketing is that consumers may get the impression the breast cancer is cured or almost cured and that's far from the truth. The end to the epidemic will come only when profound environmental and societal shifts occur.

The jury is out on whether phthalates and parabens are causational, correlative, or unrelated to the development of cancer. Why should women be concerned if the evidence isn’t completely in?
The stakes are so high - and the consumer alternatives are so abundant. Isn't it better to be safe than sorry?

Bella Donna: Greta Garbo

BellaSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:00:22 -0700

Swedish born actress Greta Garbo, née Greta Lovisa Gustafson, was known for her alluring, sensual, and extremely private nature. Before striking it big in both the silent and "talkies" film eras, her first job was in the beauty biz (ah, a girl after Bella's heart) as a lather girl at a local barbershop.

Another early job involved modeling hats, which ironically became one of Garbo's trademark accessories. Her slightly curled, medium length hairstyle and highly arched, rounded eyebrows represented the epitome of 1930s style. Pale, flawless skin and precisely lined matte red lips completed her soulful look.

A breast cancer survivor, Garbo died in relative seclusion in New York City in 1990. Her New York Times obituary read, "Mysterious and aloof, she appealed to both men and women, and she exerted a major influence on women's fashions, hair styles, and makeup."

In fact, her stunning, dramatic look was recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records, having at one time been named the most beautiful woman who ever lived. Not one to fuss much with, well anything, really, she was once quoted as saying, "I live like a monk: with one toothbrush, one cake of soap, and a pot of cream."

Check out my gallery below to see more pictures of the legendary star:

View 15 Photos ›

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Bella Brand: Pristine Recovery

BellaSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:00:22 -0700

Blaire Kessler received news that no woman wants to hear - she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, at the young age of 31. Today, Kessler's cancer is gone, and she's developed a 100% natural line of products called Pristine Recovery, free from mineral oil, phthalates, and parabens.

A huge fan of old movies and past beauty icons, Kessler chose 1940's inspired packaging for her products, which are intended for use by all, not solely breast cancer patients or survivors. Proceeds from the sale of each item will be given to the Young Survival Coalition and the Cancer Prevention Coalition.

Here's what Kessler had to say about her experience:

Tell me why you chose this concept for your line.
"At first I developed the line in my kitchen for myself after becoming profoundly discouraged that there weren't safe and natural products to help me. . . I felt wonderful, but the treatment made me look like I was not doing well, and that was challenging."

To see the rest of the interview and view a list of Pristine Recovery products, read more.

Can you tell me a bit more about your process in developing the line?
"I read and studied intensely about natural remedies from all cultures. . . I started using the products on myself and they truly started working wonders. My husband noticed what a wonderful job they were doing on my hair and skin and he suggested we look into getting a manufacturer to mass produce them for the public."

How are your products different from the rest?
"A lot of research was performed by myself and my brilliant chemists on ancient remedies from the American Indians to Africans, to the Sanskrit people of India, to ancient Egyptians. If you want to produce an effective beauty range then an immense amount of research must be done. Each ingredient provides something of great value to the product."

What can we expect from Pristine Recovery in the future?
"We are planning on a shampoo/conditioner, face wash, body wash, a hot flash remedy, sunless tanner, sugar scrub, and a full skin and hair care line for men and children."

Pristine Recovery products:

Brallywood Butta Skin Cream ($48) -an underarm and décolleté massage butter that can also be used for self-check exams.

No More Scary Hairy ($42) - a gentle hair and scalp treatment.

Take A Whiff! Natural Deodorant ($20) - a natural odor-fighter with organic sage.

Beauty Bag or Vanity Tray ($100 each) - two different sets with all three of the products mentioned above, packaged in a bag or tray form - your choice.

Cancer Vixen Raises Cash For BCA Month

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:00:29 -0700

It's Breast Cancer Awareness month, as you probably know from the thousands of pink products in stores right now. But I've got a bone to pick: What's with so many BCA items being stingy with the donations? A $30 product that gives only $1 to charity is no great shakes. So that's why I'll only be highlighting items that give good amounts of cash to a great cause.

This pick fits the bill. C.O. Bigelow teamed with cartoonist Marisa Acocella Marchetto, a breast cancer survivor, to create Cancer Vixen bath and body products ($7.50–$29.50). Based on Marchetto's graphic novel of the same name, the lip shine, hand wash, body lotion, body cleanser and travel kit are imbued with a berry scent (and the cute packaging isn't bad, either.) C.O. Bigelow is donating $250,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which means this endeavor is Bella-approved!

Do You Buy Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Products?

BellaSugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:00:03 -0700

As you may know, October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month. That means it's time to think pink. All sorts of beauty companies typically include some variation of pink products and/or packaging in observance of this devastating disease, usually donating a percentage of the profits to support the cause. Do you purchase BCAM products? If so - or if not - tell me about it.

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