One woman every ten minutes is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. That’s a terrifying stat, no?
So thinking pink for Breast Cancer Awareness isn’t just a fluffy mantra – it goes a long way to improving education about early detection, which is crucial for breast cancer treatment. The trouble is, one in five women have never checked themselves for breast cancer symptoms, according to new research by The Estée Lauder Companies, and one in seven have never seen or been shown how to check their breasts.
The importance of checking your breasts
According to TV doctor Dr Zoe Williams, self-checking at home is simple:‘There’s a real lack of confidence about checking breasts,’ she says. ‘Often I think that we are all overthinking it. It is really about getting to know your own breasts so you can identify if something is odd. Do it once a month ideally – getting your period can serve as a reminder. Have a good look from the front for changes in size, shape, a rash or lumps, then from side to side. Repeat with your hands on your head, then with your hands on the hips and your shoulders rolled forward. Next use three fingers and your palm to press the skin. Use circular movements to compress the breast tissue. Feel the nipple and all the way up to the collarbone and back down. Finally feel the side of the breast up to the armpit.’Need a gentle reminder? No problem as The Estée Lauder Companies are releasing over 650,000 new self-check leaflets on over 1,750 beauty counters in the UK and Ireland in addition to providing these with online orders.
Best breast cancer awareness beauty buys
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What’s even better is that you can support Breast Cancer Awareness month by shopping your favourite beauty products. Many brands have pledged to donate proceeds to organisations that encourage breast cancer screenings, treatment, and research such as CoppaFeel!, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Breast Cancer Now. That’s what we call painting the town pink – all with a click of the mouse…
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Estee Lauder Limited Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II With Pink Ribbon Keychain, £78, John Lewis
This iconic peach liquid, packed full of cell-energising actives, is renowned for sinking into the skin quickly without feeling sticky. Now you can pick up a limited edition metallic pink bottle knowing that 20% from each sale will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The Estée Lauder Companies’ largest corporate philanthropic initiative, which has a mission this year to raise $9 million globally.
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Dove Rose Oil Shower Mousse, £1.75, Asda
It’s time to come up smelling of roses and support Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now while you’re at it. Dove has partnered with Asda to created limited-edition products like this indulgently scented shower mousse. 10% of the RRP will be donated to the Tickled Pink campaign.
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Aveda Limited Edition Hand Relief Moisturizing Crème with Cherry Almond Aroma, £23, John Lewis
Let your hands do the talking with this cossetting hand cream, packed with plant hydrators and a new good-enough-to-eat scent. $5 per purchase goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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GHD Platinum+ Limited Edition Styler, £175, Look Fantastic
GHD has supported breast cancer charities for 15 years, raising over £10million globally. This October, it has collaborated with tattoo artist David Allen to create the Ink on Pink collection, an original floral design based on his acclaimed work with mastectomy scars. A generous £10 from every styler will be donated to Breast Cancer Now.
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The Natural Deodorant Co. Clean Deodorant Balm in Palmarosa + Mandarin, £11
100% natural? Tick. Vegan? Tick. Cruelty and plastic free? Double tick. Better still, The Natural Deodorant Co. is also donating to CoppaFeel!, a charity that encourages young people to check their breasts regularly.
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La Mer Limited Edition Breast Cancer Campaign Treatment Lotion, £75, John Lewis
The beauty equivalent of an espresso, this treatment lotion helps to jumpstart your skin’s natural renewal. Containing the legendary Miracle Broth, it is also powered by 73 different sea minerals to seriously hydrate. 20% from the RRP goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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Jo Malone London Breast Cancer Campaign Red Roses Cologne, £98 for 100ml
Proof that rose perfumes needn’t smell fusty or like your favourite auntie. No fewer than seven different roses form the addictive base and Jo Malone is pledging £20 from every sale to The Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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Origins Think Bold Limited Edition Blooming Bold Lipstick Kit, £18.50
Nothing gives us more joy than the perfect shade of pink lipstick that makes our skin sing and a brand that is donating a whopping 100% of the purchase price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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Elemis Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Supersize, £110, Fabled
It’s already a cult product – now it’s supersized and comes in a pink ombré pot and luxe leather case. What more could you want? Especially when Elemis has pledged to donate £25,000 to Breast Cancer Care.
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Clinique Great Skin Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Limited Edition Jumbo, £39
Treat your wind-whipped winter skin to a jumbo-sized bottle of this face cream and do some good at the same time as £7.84 from every sale is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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Bobbi Brown Proud to Be Pink Lip Color Duo, £35, Debenhams
Perfect for creating this season’s on trend ombre lip and supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with £5 per product purchase. Simply use the lighter shade on the centre of your lip, gradually blending out to the darker pink shade and dab the edges with your finger for an undone effect.
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Look Good Feel Better Luxury Brush Set, £21.99, LookFantastic (available from Mon 14th Oct)
A beauty editor favourite – not least because the soft bristles are designed for even the most sensitive skin and 12% of the wholesale price supports the charity’s work. Look Good Feel Better is famous for using beauty – in particular, its skincare and make-up sessions – to boost the confidence of women going through cancer treatment.
