Just because October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, is coming to and end doesn’t mean that breast cancer awareness is. I think awareness months are fantastic, but people often forget the cause after the month is over. That shouldn’t happen. There are still going to be women (and men) diagnosed starting November 1, and we need to do our best to keep that in mind. Check yourselves, make sure your girlfriends check themselves. And if you do notice that something is wrong, see your doctor.

It’s been a while since we talked about blush, and most of mine are pink so it seems fitting for the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Watch below for how to apply liquid and powder blush!

On my face: Painted Earth Pore Perfecting Primer, MAC Matchmaster foundation, Painted Earth Liquid Blush in Flutter, Painted Earth mascara

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and check out my other videos right here! And for more beauty related tips, check out my website and follow me on Twitter!

The following post was written by Liz, a CollegeCandy reader and 21-year-old breast cancer survivor.

I was your typical college sophomore. I was active on campus, had a great group of friends, and kept myself busy with schoolwork. I was enjoying my time at The College of New Jersey, and felt truly blessed with an amazing life.

Then in April 2009, everything changed completely. In the midst of studying for final exams and celebrating the end of the school year, I was going back and forth between TCNJ and New York City for doctor visits. I had found a lump in my right breast, and went for tests and exams just as a precaution. Although I was optimistic and really believed I had nothing to worry about, I received the news that nobody wants to hear: I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

How could this have happened? I was only nineteen years old, with no family history of the disease, and was a healthy athlete my entire life. Weeks earlier, my toughest decisions dealt with my college course load, finding a summer job, and balancing family and friends. Flash forward and I’m being told I need surgery, months of chemotherapy, and I will have to start my junior year of college wearing a wig. I began making life-changing decisions and dealing with things no teenager should ever have to deal with.

In May of 2009 I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy, which called for the removal of both my right and left breasts. Though the cancer was only located in a tumor in my right breast, I chose to be as aggressive as possible with the surgery. I was diagnosed with this disease at age nineteen; what would stop it from coming back again in my other breast? I did not want to have to relive any of these moments, so I made one of the hardest and most important decisions of my life.

After about a month of recovery from my surgery, I began my chemotherapy treatments and the breast reconstruction process. I needed eight cycles of two different chemotherapy drugs; the entire process would last four months. In hindsight, four months is such a small, insignificant period of time. But those were the hardest four months of my life.

When I started chemotherapy, I kept asking myself, “Why did this happen to me?” “What did I do to deserve this?” I even wondered whether I would be able to get through the whole process. I relied heavily on the strength of my family and friends just to keep me going day by day.

In the days that followed, I realized “Why me” questions were pretty silly and somewhat selfish. There was nothing I could do to prevent what already happened and focusing on my past would do nothing to improve my future. The questions I needed to ask suddenly came into focus: “What do I need to do to put this behind me?” “How do I get healthy again?”

I realized that sitting around feeling sorry for myself would accomplish absolutely nothing. I was extremely fortunate; I found the lump at such an early stage that my cancer was completely curable. So I made it a point to lead as “normal” a life as I could – I went to the beach and hung out with friends when I was feeling well, and came back to TCNJ in the fall, taking three classes while finishing the last of my treatments. I put on my wig, got myself dressed every morning, and put on a happy face to let everyone know that I was doing just fine. Cancer was not going to stop me from enjoying my junior year of college.

It was certainly a tough time, but I stayed positive, and was able to push through. Looking back on the past year and half of my life, I cannot believe everything that I have accomplished. I am officially one year out of treatment, and got a clean bill of health from my doctors.

I have learned a lot about myself over the past eighteen months. I have become a stronger person, and everything has been put into perspective for me. I don’t worry so much about the small things, and enjoy every life experience much more than I ever thought I could. I also learned how important the people in my life really are. I would not have gotten through this without the support of my friends and family.

I truly believe that his happened to me for a reason; I am a survivor, and want to help spread my message to other young women. Breast cancer is not just a disease for our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers; it is affecting women younger and younger every year. And as young women we are not invincible, although at times I know we think that we are.

Take my story as a reminder to protect yourself now.

Once again, we’ve been on the scene to help you sort through all the insanity and stir up discussion on hot button issues.  Here’s the rundown of what you should be talking about:

-Getting a little sick of those daily Pumpkin Spice Lattes? We’ve got 15 other ways to indulge in everyone’s favorite gourd.

-Rosie Huntington-Whitely has a crazy name and spectacular style.  Get her fabulous fur-trimmed look on the cheap.  But will you be going faux or keeping it real?

-Whether you want to admit it or not, reality TV has changed made a significant impact upon our generation and society as a whole.  Read up on the ten most influential “real” shows of all time.

-Another dirty secret our generation has?  Internet stalking.  An anonymous blogger shares the 411 here on how to do it right…and get results!  (And don’t act all creeped out.  You know you’re going to be trying these tricks ASAP.)

-OMGZ texting is going 2 kill U.

-And sexting is going to potentially kill your reputation.  Basically, it’s not as innocent as we all thought…

-Live dangerously with texting, but don’t mess around with your health.  Just because Breast Cancer Awareness Month is over, it doesn’t mean you can stop checkin’ out your tatas.

-Mental health is also muy imporante.  So you’ve graduated and things aren’t quite where you’d like them to be.  Six months out is a hard landmark to pass.  Here’s how to make it go by a little smoother.

-The elections are over, but the political battles are still underway.  What does all this mean for you? We’ve broken it down Cliff’s Notes style.

-Speaking of battles, hold yourself back from tossing sharpened pencils at one of these annoying classmates.

-Homeboy won’t let this college girl live her life.  What’s a coed to do?  See how our resident Dude weighs in on this not-so-hard one.  Tough love, ladies.  Tough love.

Whew. I need a break. And my mom’s cooking. And my grandma’s cooking. And a shower that doesn’t require footwear….

The following post was written by Liz, a CollegeCandy reader and 21-year-old breast cancer survivor.

I was your typical college sophomore. I was active on campus, had a great group of friends, and kept myself busy with schoolwork. I was enjoying my time at The College of New Jersey, and felt truly blessed with an amazing life.

Then in April 2009, everything changed completely. In the midst of studying for final exams and celebrating the end of the school year, I was going back and forth between TCNJ and New York City for doctor visits. I had found a lump in my right breast, and went for tests and exams just as a precaution. Although I was optimistic and really believed I had nothing to worry about, I received the news that nobody wants to hear: I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

How could this have happened? I was only nineteen years old, with no family history of the disease, and was a healthy athlete my entire life. Weeks earlier, my toughest decisions dealt with my college course load, finding a summer job, and balancing family and friends. Flash forward and I’m being told I need surgery, months of chemotherapy, and I will have to start my junior year of college wearing a wig. I began making life-changing decisions and dealing with things no teenager should ever have to deal with.

In May of 2009 I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy, which called for the removal of both my right and left breasts. Though the cancer was only located in a tumor in my right breast, I chose to be as aggressive as possible with the surgery. I was diagnosed with this disease at age nineteen; what would stop it from coming back again in my other breast? I did not want to have to relive any of these moments, so I made one of the hardest and most important decisions of my life.

After about a month of recovery from my surgery, I began my chemotherapy treatments and the breast reconstruction process. I needed eight cycles of two different chemotherapy drugs; the entire process would last four months. In hindsight, four months is such a small, insignificant period of time. But those were the hardest four months of my life.

When I started chemotherapy, I kept asking myself, “Why did this happen to me?” “What did I do to deserve this?” I even wondered whether I would be able to get through the whole process. I relied heavily on the strength of my family and friends just to keep me going day by day.

In the days that followed, I realized “Why me” questions were pretty silly and somewhat selfish.  There was nothing I could do to prevent what already happened and focusing on my past would do nothing to improve my future.  The questions I needed to ask suddenly came into focus:  ”What do I need to do to put this behind me?” “How do I get healthy again?”

I realized that sitting around feeling sorry for myself would accomplish absolutely nothing. I was extremely fortunate; I found the lump at such an early stage that my cancer was completely curable.  So I made it a point to lead as “normal” a life as I could – I went to the beach and hung out with friends when I was feeling well, and came back to TCNJ in the fall, taking three classes while finishing the last of my treatments. I put on my wig, got myself dressed every morning, and put on a happy face to let everyone know that I was doing just fine. Cancer was not going to stop me from enjoying my junior year of college.

It was certainly a tough time, but I stayed positive, and was able to push through. Looking back on the past year and half of my life, I cannot believe everything that I have accomplished. I am officially one year out of treatment, and got a clean bill of health from my doctors.

I have learned a lot about myself over the past eighteen months. I have become a stronger person, and everything has been put into perspective for me. I don’t worry so much about the small things, and enjoy every life experience much more than I ever thought I could. I also learned how important the people in my life really are. I would not have gotten through this without the support of my friends and family.

I truly believe that his happened to me for a reason; I am a survivor, and want to help spread my message to other young women. Breast cancer is not just a disease for our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers; it is affecting women younger and younger every year. And as young women we are not invincible, although at times I know we think that we are.

Take my story as a reminder to protect yourself now.

You already know that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What you might not know is that retailers around the country are releasing special Pink Ribbon merchandise to commemorate the occasion. Buy any of these awesome products, and a portion of the price gets donated to breast cancer research.

I’ve always known shopping to be the best form of therapy, but who knew it had the power to potentially save a life?

There are tons of awareness tie-ins out there—one site is selling everything from pink products for pets to “balloons and party supplies”—but have no fear: CC is here to let you know about the best stuff available. Here are six of our favorites:

Sony Reader Pocket Edition in Pink, $199.99

This iPod for books is much cuter than a boring old Kindle. If you buy it directly from Sony, it also comes with a gold clutch and four free inspirational books. Bonus points for the fact that this Reader owner seems to be a fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Pink Ribbon Candy Bouquet, $44.95

Nothing says “I love you” like an enormous basket of chocolate. And nothing says “I honor your strength” to a cancer survivor like an enormous basket of chocolates that kicks some money to breast cancer research. Buy the bouquet—which also comes stuffed with candles and a pink bracelet—and 10% of your purchase gets donated to breast cancer screening.

Unique Vintage, various prices

Got a fancy soirée coming up? Check out the fun, vintage-inspired dresses at this website. 20% of all profits from these items will be donated to Breast Cancer awareness. This peach embroidered tulle is crying out to me.

Sonia Kashuk Beauty Curl For A Cause, $9.99

If there is one beauty product every girl needs (besides under-eye concealer) it is an eyelash curler. Giving a little extra TLC to those lashes makes your baby blues (or browns, hazels, grays, etc.) pop and sparkle. This eyelash curler, from a breast cancer survivor herself, does double duty: making you beautiful and giving back 15% of proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Yummie Tummie Tank, $62

Yes, $62 for a tank top expensive, but you really can’t put a price on looking good. And by good I mean slim, toned and totally smokin’. Yummie Tummie tanks have built in panels that suck and lift so you look a little more like Cameron Diaz (and a little less like Octomom…during the pregnancy) whether you’re going to class or out on the town. And the ladies behind the tanks are giving 50% of every tank purchased during October to breast cancer research. (That’s a LOT of money!) Look good, do good.

Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade,$8.95

We’ve all been looking for a good reason to drink, and the guys at Mike’s Hard Lemonade have finally found one. Their special-edition pink lemonade is available for October only and gives a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer research and prevention. Bottoms up, ladies, it’s for a good cause!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but this is an issue that should be brought to light at all times. In an effort to spread the word, designers have been coming out with some simple and flattering t-shirt designs that can be worn way past the month of October to remind all of us of this worthy cause. Many of the t-shirt designs still show the recognizable pink ribbon and use the bubble-gum pink color that we’ve all come to associate with Breast Cancer Awareness, but in an effort to reach a larger audience, designers are also introducing looks that include more versatile colors, trendy details and cute graphics that still sound as a voice for the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, allowing you to wear these tees for numerous occasions.

Not only would the message for awareness be seen more often, but a large percentage (50% to 100%) of the proceeds are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, helping spread the word for prevention and funding the search for a cure. Even celebrities like Nicky Hilton, Sophia Bush and others are jumping on the Breast Cancer awareness bandwagon and have designed shirts to help spread the word.

Check out the cuteness (slide show!) over at StyleHive to shop the tees and help raise awareness in the process.

I love my boobs!

[October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that almost 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and the disease takes the lives of over 40,000? Scary stuff. Awareness and funding for the disease are the keys to finding a cure, but the most important thing we can do - yes, even this young - is a monthly self-exam. So whip out that breast and check it out. And speaking of breasts...]

As a kid, there were a lot of things I was looking forward to having once I became a “grown-up” — a boyfriend, my period (I don’t know why I was looking forward to that, but I was), and getting my very own set of beautiful breasts. Not only would their arrival mean I was turning into a woman, but I felt like they would make clothes look that much better. And I guess being able to feed my future children from my body is pretty cool too.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited when the time came for my mom to buy me my very first training bra. You know the one – the sports bra looking thing that doesn’t actually do anything but make you feel older. It wasn’t until I started wearing said bra that I realized that maybe it wasn’t so much fun – and that was before there was anything to fill it out.

As puberty progressed, so did the size of my chest. I’m not saying I had the biggest bust around (just a comfortable C), but it wasn’t long before I developed a love/hate relationship with my mammaries. I started realizing the pros and cons of starting to look like a woman, including the classic “my eyes are up here.” But how do other women view their breasts? And what to men really think while they’re drooling? There’s really no other way of knowing than to straight up ask, so I questioned a few friends of mine on their favorite and least favorite thing about boobs.

Coralie – my well-endowed penpal: Big breasts are both a burden and a blessing. You always feel feminine, but tops that look cute and classy on others can look trashy on larger breasted women.

Bonnie – my best friend’s mom: I know I’m older, but there is nothing more beautiful than nursing your baby. But they can be a pain in the butt too!

Ryan – the straight guy: I love when a girl is on top and they’re so close to my face and so easy to play with. What I don’t like is that the girl doesn’t seem to like it as much as I do…

Marcus – the gay guy: My favorite thing about them, is that for me, they’re on a complete “I might look but I’d never wanna touch” scale. I mean they’re nice (when they’re proportionate to said woman’s body). I just don’t see how guys drool at the site of them and have to hide their erections just because, I don’t know, say a celebrity’s tit popped out. Because basically, they’re chests inflated with fat. That’s all. Which makes me wonder why most guys go for super models with big jugs vs. a fat chick. It’s all fat. Why does it matter where it is?

Aimee – high school friend: I like having boobs because boobs are awesome. Especially mine. Don’t ask me why, I just like having them? Downside? Um… I haven’t noticed any.

Okay, so maybe they’re not the greatest all the time. They get in the way while we’re playing sports, and they hurt us sometimes. It seems that most women have a love/hate relationship with their lady lumps, but all in all, would we really want to be without them? I think not.

Love your boobs? Hate them? Share your thoughts and feelings below. And don’t forget about that self exam!

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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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the US during 2008; about 1,990 new cases are expected in men.

Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., and is the second most common cause of death among white, black, Asian, and American Indian women. It is the leading cause of death from cancer in Hispanic women.

While most college women don’t need to worry about developing breast cancer at such a young age (we won’t face the invasion of mammograms until our 40s), there’s still plenty we can and should do to protect ourselves. A  major study released in 2006 indicated that the number of new cases of breast cancer dropped significantly in the reporting period of 2002 to 2003. After 20 years of increases, this is incredibly exciting news and most likely directly correlates to new methods of early detection and prevention.

Over the next few days, CollegeCandy will offer tips, background information and resources to spread the message about this vicious disease. Breast cancer is a scary animal. Even if you don’t have the disease (or know anyone who does), it’s normal to have questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Most college women don’t even know where to begin. CollegeCandy is here to help.

Check back tomorrow for the first blog in our series!

1) Halloween is coming– which means candy and lots of girls prancing around in costumes that always start with the world “slutty”.

2) The return of my coziest sweaters and Pumpkin Spice Lattes which is really one of the happiest moments of fall.

3) Midterms- which usually results in a whole lot of numbers one and two (minus the slutty costumes of course).

But more important than all those things?

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The American Cancer Society estimates the chances of a woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is one in eight.

What’s even scarier is that breast cancer is being found in women younger and younger (such as singers Kylie Minogue and Anastasia).

A key factor in breast cancer survival is early detection. So, listen up!

Right now, in front of your computer (I won’t judge) I want you to feel yourself up. Go for it. Let those girls of yours know its play time. But before you boogie on down: click here for a video on how to give yourself an accurate breast exam. Then, I give you monthly permission to have a play-date with your lil (or big) ladies.

Even more fun than monthly breast exams? During the month of October you can spend, spend, spend for a good cause (not that we really need an excuse to shop) but when all our favorite stores are pitching in to help the fight against breast cancer? Well, that would just be rude of us not to whip out our plastic card.

Here are a few of my favorite Breast Cancer items:

• Bloomingdales has an entire “Pink Boutique” chock full of cute clothes that go towards the cancer cause. AND they even are selling gift cards where 10% of what you spend will go towards Breast Cancer Research.

• Now while I am far (like 3 light-years away far) from being the next Top Chef, the pink products from Kitchen Aid are so adorable that they almost (keyword being almost) make me want to step into the kitchen.

Kitchen Aid’s also started a “cook for the cure” party idea. Go to kitchenaid.com and get started with the “party kit” which is chock full of brunch and dinner recipes. Then invite your faves over for a study-break and ask each one to bring a donation for Breast Cancer…(and don’t forget to don you new pink apparel!). Click here for more info!

• Bobbi Brown released a lip combo of their best selling Sandwash Pink Lipstick and exclusive Pink Flower Shimmer Lip Gloss. A perfect combo of colors (I tried them last time I was at the store) for day or night.

Although no one knows 100% what causes breast cancer (hence all the shopping for Breast Cancer Research!) There are things you can do besides monthly breast exams to help lower your risk:

Eat a healthy diet (and no 100 calorie packs don’t count)

Maintainin a healthy weight (click here to see if you’re currently in a healthy weight range)

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Exercise regularly (try Xflowsion if you’re bored with your workout!)

Researchers do know that a woman’s age, gender and lifetime exposure to estrogen as well as your age at the time of your first childbirth play an important role. So, consider switching to a lower dose of estrogen birth control as well.

Go to komen.org for more pink products and breast cancer information.