College Candy

As we’ve been talking about, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, a national campaign to promote early detection, education and understanding. Every year companies launch a bevy of products that promise to donate a portion of the proceeds to the cause. Most women love to shop, but shopping for a cause? Even better.

Before you head for the nearest mall, get smart. Hundreds of companies use October to boost their image (not to mention their profits) by connecting themselves to a good cause. Just because an item is anointed with the sacred pink ribbon doesn’t make it clear where the money from this product is going.

If you really want to make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer, volunteering your time or contributing to a great, reputable charity is the way to go. But if you’re in the mood to splurge (or stock up on office supplies, paper towels, lip gloss and home furnishings) read the fine print on those pink product labels.

In the meantime, here’s a peak at nine awesome items from brands that donate a significant amount to breast cancer charities

Celebrity Tees by Bop Basics

Shopbob has partnered with Denise Richards, Hilary Duff, Sophia Bush, Nicky Hilton, Cindy Crawford and Jamie King to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month Tees. Each shirt has a unique design, with 50% of each sale going to Breast Cancer Network of Strength, an organization that provides emotional support to anyone affected by breast cancer. Its mission is to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone.

General Mills’ “Save Lids to Save Lives” Yoplait Yogurt

This program has raised more than $19 million over the past 10 years. The program donates 10 cents to Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation for every lid mailed back by the end of the year, with a guaranteed donation of $500,000 and a cap of $1.5 million.

e.l.f.’s Super Glossy Lip Shine in Pink Kiss

Only $1 most drug stores, 100% of all sales during October benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon CollectionEstee

Lauder will donate $500,000 in connection with the sales of its Pink Ribbon Collection to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Tomboy Traveler Tool Kits & Hammers

In partnership with the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation, Tomboy is working to make a $1 million donation to research. The company will donate $7 of each Tomboy Traveler tool kit sold before Dec. 31 and 50% of the purchase price of their Help Hammer Out Breast Cancer tools.

In The Pink Chocolate Collection

Put your diet on hold. 20% of the retail price of these divine chocolates are donated to fund various breast cancer research projects. Voted one of the best holiday gifts on the Today Show, the nine piece box includes flavors like Bravery Baseball Caps, Pink Paisley, Swirls, Pink Ribbon, You Go Girl!, Raspberry, and Heart of Life.

Aveda Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief

$4 from each sale will fund environmental research at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder and dedicated to funding clinical and genetic research on breast cancer at medical institutions across the globe, Aveda will donate a maximum of $300,000.

Hanky Panky Breast Cancer Signature Thong

Lacy, low-rise and adorned with a rhinestone breast cancer awareness ribbon on the hip. You can’t pass up these sexy one-size-fits-all panties. $2 of every purchase will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Skyn ICELAND Detox Kit

In October the $45 kit gives you a month’s supply of face wash, face mist, lotion and oxygen-infusing night cream and provides $5 donation to The American Cancer Society. The collection is free of parabens, petroleum and sulfates, as well as being 100 percent vegetarian.

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