If you want to become more of a conscious consumer, you’re in luck. More and more beauty brands are making it easier for us to give back, through all sorts of charities and organizations. Whether you’ve run out of your classic red lipstick or you want to try a new highlighter, there are some quality products out there that will do more than just fulfill your beauty needs. By purchasing these products, you can contribute to important causes, making your experience a little more worthwhile.
Many beauty brands have linked with charitable causes, and we’ve compiled a list ranging from super popular brands to smaller ones you may not have tried yet. No matter what you choose, it’s nice to know that your money is going to a great cause.
MAC first introduced Viva Glam and the MAC AIDS Fund in 1994 with the iconic RuPaul as their ambassador. Since then, countless celebrities have worked with the brand to support various AIDS organizations around the world. When you buy a Viva Glam lipstick, 100% of the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS Fund, which is an impressive amount for a brand to donate. The latest Viva Glam ambassador is Sia, and for a limited time, you can buy her favorite matte red lipstick to support the cause.
Long before Fenty Beauty was launched, Rihanna established the Clara Lionel Foundation. The organization works to provide an education for children around the world and also participates in emergency relief efforts. When you buy the limited edition Killawatt Highlighter in Diamond Ball-Out, 100% of the money goes to the fund. There’s also the option to donate at checkout when you buy any Fenty product online if silver highlighter isn’t your thing.
As you can see by the name, Thrive Causemetics is a brand completely dedicated to creating positive change in the world. For every product purchased, the brand donates to a woman in need, including those affected by homelessness, domestic violence, and even women with cancer. Their best-sellers include the gorgeous Brilliant Eye Brightener, as well as their Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara.
If you want to donate to a political organization, then you should check out Lipslut. The brand has a few liquid lipsticks with very specific causes. Their nude pink shade is called F*ck Trump, and 50% of the proceeds go to civil rights organizations targeted by the Trump Administration. In honor of everyone’s favorite Supreme Court Justice, they created a berry shade called Notorious R.B.G, and customers can vote for an organization to donate to at checkout. Needless to say, these liquid lipsticks will make a statement, so wear them with pride.
Love Beauty and Planet is unique in that it’s an eco-friendly brand with a mission, and it’s also really affordable and accessible (they carry it in Target!). The brand has tons of hair and body products as well as an impressive set of goals that would make any consumer happy to buy from them. Their bottles are made from recycled materials, their conditioners are fast-rinsing to safe water, and they are constantly working to reduce their carbon footprint. Overall, they’re a genuinely eco-friendly brand that anyone would feel good about supporting.
If you ever feel guilty about buying products from really big brands, this might make you feel a little bit better. Unilever, the parent company of Dove, Ponds, Suave, and many others, has recently announced an important new mission called the Right to Dignity. Homelessness has been on the rise over the past few years, and Unilever noticed the lack of safe shower and hygiene options so they teamed up with a mobile shower company to make a difference. It’s refreshing to see a huge corporation like Unilever making an impact on deeply personal and important causes like this one.
Acure has countless skin and hair care products that are affordable and effective, and it’s great to see that they’re involved with a few important causes. The brand works with Unite for HER, a breast cancer non-profit that provides resources and services for breast cancer patients, and a portion of proceeds from their Brightening Creams support the cause. They also support Turning Green, a student-led organization that aims to promote sustainability within schools and educate young people on the importance of helping the environment.
We’ve raved about Tatcha a few times already, but we promise the brand lives up to the hype. They have luxury skincare products and a few makeup essentials, and each product contributes to an amazing cause. The brand has partnered with Room to Read to provide girls in Asia and Africa with a quality education, and so far, each Tatcha purchase has funded over 2 million days of school for these children.
There are many ways to be a conscious consumer and buying beauty products is just one small part of it, but it’s always nice to know where you can make a difference. Plus, getting new makeup while supporting a great cause is a win/win.
by Clare Saxton
Cover Photo By Fenty Beauty Clara Lionel Limited Edition
