LOOKING GOOD: Think Pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, writes Melanie Morris. Initiated by Evelyn Lauder 11 years ago, the pink ribbon has since become the symbol of unity and fundraising worldwide. Many of the big cosmetics houses now produce highly desirable, limited-edition products, with proceeds going to various local and world-recognised breast cancer charities. Here's our pick of the bunch for 2004.
Boots No 7 Swarovski Pink Ribbon. Wear your pink ribbon on you sleeve (or lapel) throughout October with this Swarovski sparkler. No 7 also has a collection of pink lip and nail products, along with an embroidered make-up bag that's practical and pretty. Mini make-overs in selected stores will generate a €5 donation. All funds raised go to Action Breast Cancer and €2 on all skincare sold in Boots stores this month goes to Breast Cancer charities. Price: Ribbon pin, €15 available from all stores. Donation: €4.50 for the pin, 10 per cent of sales of all other pink-ribbon products
Bobbi Brown Babypink Lip Gloss. An upbeat shade that's wearable and long-lasting. Suitable for all skin tones. Strictly limited edition. Price: €21.50 from Brown Thomas. Donation: All proceeds after VAT
Clinique BCA Pink Ribbon Lipstick Palette. Ten little wells of colour – from deep blackberry to neutral peach. Glittery, matte or glossy, there's lots of choice in the metallic pink compact. Price: €30.50 exclusively from Debenhams. Donation: €1.50
Aveda Shampure. Cleansing, fortifying and with a divine scent, this is Aveda's best-selling shampoo. Monies raised go to the Cancer Clinical Research Trust in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. Price: €13.50 from Brown Thomas, Dublin and Cork, plus salons and spas. Donation: €2 per bottle.
Stila BCA Palette and lipstick. Divine shades that are wearable and ultra-fashionable. The palette is a must-have, with rosy blusher and dusky eye shades, and the lipstick is a limited-edition natural pink. Price: €40 for the pair from Brown Thomas. Donation: €3 from both Brown Thomas and Stila
Origins Peace of Mind. Their iconic de-stressing lotion becomes extra caring in October with a charitable donation to Breast Cancer Awareness. Dab On-the-Spot Relief on to ear lobes and pulse points for an immediate, mentholated perk. Price: €16 from Arnotts. Donation: €1
Prescriptives Super Line Corrector. A special-edition pink tub of the brand's echinacea-rich day or night cream delivers lightweight moisture to repair and lift the skin. Price: €64.30 each. Donation: €3 per jar to the Cancer Clinical Research Trust
Estée Lauder "Elizabeth Pink" Pure Color Lipstick. The first brand to put its weight behind raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness. "Elizabeth Pink" (after La Hurley) is only on sale in October. Price: €21 from counters countrywide. Donation: All proceeds
YOU CAN HELP
For credit card donations to Action Breast Cancer, contact 1850-60-60-60. Or pay by credit transfer to the ABC account: AIB Rathgar, Dublin 6. Sort Code: 93-10-98. Account No: 32560095.
Action Breast Cancer's Freefone Helpline (1800-30-90-40) is staffed by specialist cancer nurses who offer information, support and referral. You can call to request a free information pack.
Packs will also be given out during the ABC Roadshow this month. For dates and venues call 01-6621687 or see www.cancer.ie/action