If you’re anything like me, the guilt of splurging on yet another lipstick or eyeliner can overshadow the joy of playing with new make-up. It’s a sad fact, but true. Help is at hand though. Some of the most popular cosmetics brands have started to speak out about a cause or charity that is close to their heart. Cue, collaborations with celebrities or charities with limited editions. You can fill your make-up bag with all the essentials you need, safe in the knowledge that you are making a charitable contribution at the same time. A win-win situation.
Some of my favourites are at it right now – MAC, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown…
MAC’s viva glam ad from the Stylist magazine
Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass from MAC Cosmetics sees a new collaboration with Rihanna with every penny from the sale of each (before VAT) being donated in support of HIV and Aids. The lipstick is a hot blue-red (which will make teeth look whiter) and the tinted lipglass is a similar blue-red shade. I’ve got my eye on the lipstick.
Pretty Powerful is Bobbi Brown’s campaign in support of the empowerment of women. In shops right now is her limited edition of bestselling Everything Mascara, which contributes to Smart Works, empowering women by helping those on low incomes get back to work.
Chantecaille focuses on endangered environments for its philanthropic activities…saving bees, sharks and tigers with their eye and cheek palettes (5% of proceeds go towards The Xerces Society, BLOOM Association or TRAFFIC, respectively).
Kiehl’s long standing support of Aids research and charities sees a new collaboration with Alicia Keys and Keep a Child Alive, through sales of their Midnight Recovery Concentrate with a maximum of $200,000 dollars donated.
Laura Mercier’s Ovarian Cancer Fund receives 100% of the profit from the sale of limited edition products from the Shop for a Cause range.
Dior runs an annual online charity auction in support of the Look Good…Feel Better organisation, NARS Cosmetics has brought out Limited Editions such as the Andy Warhol Collection, which was developed in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
These are just some of the collaborations I have come across. I am sure there are more, and keeping an eye out when you’re in the market for a new mascara or lipgloss means you’re making your £ work that much harder.