I’m going to safely assume that 99.9% of you reading Makeup Minute are women. ;) With a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes I am also going to assume that in some, way shape or form, breast cancer has affected either yourself or someone you know in your life. This is why awareness, early detection, prevention and most of all fund-raising are so important in the campaign against breast cancer.

This month I am am part of an initiative with the Total Beauty blog community to educate more women and collectively raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Fund through Total Beauty-Total Cure. The blogs involved will each be giving away some fabulous products all month long for those who are entered to win via answering breast cancer trivia correctly. Just become our friend on MySpace and Facebook to learn all of the details.

I have made it my goal to raise $1000 between both Makeup Minute and A Girl’s Gotta Spa, but I need your help in order to meet that goal. This month, if even all of you reading Makeup Minute donated $1, I would most definitely meet (and exceed) that goal. I plan to auction off some Limited Edition MAC products on ebay to help add to the pot.

If you can make a $1 donation through the Paypal button found in the sidebar of A Girl’s Gotta Spa! (unfortunately the way MM is set up, I can’t embed a paypal code into a post), it collectively goes into an account attached to all of the blogs participating, but will identify that you were a reader of mine. In November that money is then compiled and sent to the Breast Cancer Research Fund.

If you made a I donation, I would love for you to post a comment here and let me know if it was in memory of someone who has passed, in honor of someone who has survived or because you have battled the disease yourself. Your words may impact those reading this post.

Thank you and let the fund-raising begin!

Post from: Makeup Minute

<blockquote>PeaceKeeper is deeply committed to the health and safety of humans and the environment,” said Jody Weiss, founder of PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics. “Our mission is two-fold: to raise awareness and funds for charitable women’s health organizations and human rights advocacy issues AND to ensure that the products that we sell are sustainable and safe for the consumers who use them.”</blockquote>

In 2005 PeaceKeeper reformulated its entire collection of color cosmetics, featuring a new formulation that is superior in its ingredient-base and quality. The mineral-based formulas are made without parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, acetone, toluene, mineral oil, synthetic FD&C colors, artificial fragrances, artificial preservatives, and of course, includes no animal testing.

What is in PeaceKeeper’s Lipstick?

Peacekeeper is dedicated to creating cosmetics using non-toxic ingredients that will keep your body safe and healthy. Following is a list of all-natural ingredients found in PeaceKeeper’s lipstick:

§ Beeswax is produced from the hives of honey bees.

§ Carnauba Wax is derived from the leaves of a Brazilian plant called the carnauba palm.

§ Candelilla Wax is derived from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub which grows in the Southern United States and Mexico.

§ Shea Butter is extracted from the fruit of the Shea Tree. Shea Butter has strong moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

§ Castor Oil is an evergreen shrub that has been used medicinally for about 4,000 years. Castor Oil contains Lectins which are carbohydrate binding proteins.

§ Jojoba Oil is derived from the Jojoba plant. It is a lipid with high levels in fatty acids and is considered a Oleochemical or a chemical derived from biological oils and fats.

§ Grapeseed Oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of Vitis Vinifera grapes. Grapeseed Oil possesses regenerative ingredients for the skin such as high levels of linoleic acid, anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, Omega 3-6-9 and other skin revitalizing ingredients.

§ Vitamin E is a fat-soluable antioxidant called Tocopherol. Antioxidants like Vitamin E play a big role in protection against free radicals which contribute to chronic illnesses.

§ Mica is a silicate mineral from the earth whose name comes from the latin word Micare, which means “Shine”.

§ Carmine is a pigment derived from Carminic Acid from the scales of certain insects such as the cochineal. Carmine is a red color alternative to synthetic FD&C coloring.

§ Titanium Dioxide is the natural occurring oxide of titanium, a substance mined from the earth. Titanium Dioxide can be found in toothpastes and other food substances as well.

§ Iron Oxides consist of sixteen known compounds of either oxides or hydroxides and oxidehydroxides. Iron oxide yields pigments which are used in cosmetics. They are considered non-toxic.

§ Ultramarines also are found in the earth and are considered to be non-toxic.

About PeaceKeeper:

PeaceKeeper is the first make-up company to donate ALL of its profits, after taxes, to women’s health and human rights advocacy issues. Through its unique brand of “dual-purpose” cosmetics, PeaceKeeper encourages consumers to more fully recognize the level of abuse and inequality suffered around the globe – and to become an active part of the solution simply by how they choose a product. To learn more about the programs PeaceKeeper supports please visit www.iamapeacekeeper.com.

Also, be sure to check out Kristen of the Beauty Addict’s post on lead in lipsticks as well. Have no fear my lipstick-loving beauties!

Post from: Makeup Minute

My uber talented friend, Billy B , is currently traveling the states doing his American Beauty Tour; I’ve watched his blog as he appeals for people to apply to be a model at each of his tour stops (which people happily clammer for). So imagine his surprise when he gets a call at midnight from the Production Assistant from American Idol claiming that Paula Abdul wants to be his model for his Atlanta event. Was he speechless…yes–and I think he still is (and my gawd, I would be too–I love Paula!)

Paula Abdul flew into Atlanta for auditions for American Idol when she picked up the Atlanta Peach and read a blurb about Billy being in Atlanta at the same time for The American Beauty Tour. She has long been a fan of his and has always wanted to work with him, so she decided …this was her in.

With everything squared away, Paula snuck in while everyone was seated and Billy gave the opening piece of his presentation. He then introduced his model to the group of attendees and when Paula appeared, “Everyone’s mouthes hit the floor.” When I asked him what kind of model Paula was Billy told me, “She was great! She asked questions, engaged the audience; she even posed for photos.”

Billy has a really important stop on his tour coming up. On November 4th he and Ruth Roche will be teaming up to do both makeup and hair at his New Orleans stop of his tour. Both the seminar itself and the cocktail party that evening will benefit Hairdressers Unlocking Hope a Vidal Sassoon and BehindtheChair.com initiative with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Habitat For Humanity. The money being raised that day will be put towards rebuilding an entire neighborhood in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Billy’s & Ruth’s seminar is from 1:30-4:30pm; the cost is $145. The cocktail party (and seminar) will take place at the W French Quarter. The cocktail party cost is $145 and dress is…”fabulously casual or casually fabulous” as The Powder Group’s Michael DeVellis told me today. The Powder Group is the organization producing and organizing The American Beauty Tour, as well as this fabulous charity event. The Powder Group artists are also the creatives behind the artwork done on the bodies of the people in the photographs on the Hairdressers Unlocking Hope website.

While Billy and Ruth are Pro’s, the event is open to absolutely everyone–and believe me, Billy is so super fab, you will want to meet him in person. (I know I can’t wait for the day when I finally do!) At the event you’ll also be able to purchase the entire set of Billy B Paintbrushes I have raved about at a great discount!

Please head over to The Powder Group’s website to see complete details about this event. Can’t make it to the event itself? Consider making a direct donation to Hairdressers Unlocking Hope.

Post from: Makeup Minute

inside out vitamin-infused lipstick and core include:
- Preservative-free and paraben-free
- Grape seed extract & Vitamin C help accelerate production of natural elastin, protecting skin against free-radical damage & restore skin’s clarity
- Chamomile extract soothes skin and helps to counteract redness

tarte’s skinvigorating lipstick ingredients:
- Jojoba, shea butter and beeswax nourishes, moisturizes and conditions lips

Borba’s age-defying nutraceutical cocktail core:
- Acai & green tea extract help strengthen capillary walls, reduce epidermal irritation and enhance skin’s clarity and radiance
- Vitamins A & E act as antioxidants to give you that healthy glow
- Clinically tested formula-lipstick with antioxidants and other vitamins & minerals can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

During the month of October, 20 percent of the retail sales (or $4.40/lipstick) will go to the Young Survival Coalition, www.youngsurvival.org. During QVC’s Pink Ribbon Show in October 2007 and on qvc.com, 20 percent of the retail sales will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Post from: Makeup Minute

PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics launches its fifth specialty lip gloss called Eternal Equity Gloss. PeaceKeeper will donate $1.00 from the sale of each Eternal Equity Gloss to the Poverty Reduction Initiative, a program lead by former Senator Mechai of Thailand’s National Assembly and other pro-active micro-finance projects to help fund an economic option for Thai women who live on less than a dollar a day.

What does eternal equity look like? Eternal Equity means that women everywhere have equal access to food, education and freedom from oppression. Inspired by this idea, PeaceKeeper’s Eternal Equity Gloss is a shade of pale rose pink with a hint of gold shimmer that is universally flattering.

According to PeaceKeeper founder Jody Weiss, “We have a unique opportunity to use our buying power to help others who are less fortunate. By purchasing PeaceKeeper products, the consumer takes an active role in becoming part of the solution.”

Eternal Equity Gloss and other PeaceKeeper products can be purchased at Whole Foods stores, Marriott Spas, Earth Fare and other specialty stores nationwide. Suggested retail price for Eternal Equity Gloss is $16.50.

Post from: Makeup Minute

Auction goes live on June 10th at 12pm PST, so the links on our ebay page don’t work until then. However, check out the awesome list of products in each auction!

Goodie Bag #1:

58 items total / starting bid: $100
item product highlights:
1 Pure Pashmina Black Shawl
Tarte Cosmetics Collection (18 items)
Kenzo Perfume Set (3)
China Glaze Nail Polishes & Treatment Products (6)
Zoya Gift Bag (8)

Goodie Bag #2:

88 items total / starting bid: $200
item product highlights:
Du Wop Cosmetics (5)
SkinActives Skincare (7)
Bourjois Paris Makeup (16) ($250 value)
Alterna Hair Care (4)
Max Factor Cosmetics (13)
1 Narrow Wet/Dry 1″ Straightening Iron

Goodie Bag #3:

9 items / 5 sets / starting bid: $20
Nubar Nail Polish Collections (2) +Manicure Set

Click here to see a slideshow of all the products. Click here to go directly to the BBN page with the ebay links.

THANK YOU to all of the beauty brands who generously donated these products and THANK YOU in advance if you take the time to bid on these auctions to help us raise money for the ACS.

Post from: Makeup Minute

There are several other beauty blogs in the networking participating, all with their charity of choice. Please make sure to also check out our ebay auction through Mission Fish to benefit The American Cancer Society full of fabulous beauty products donated by some wonderful companies. Auction begins on June 6th so look for that link soon! If you also feel so inclined, we have products listed through Cafe Press with our Comments 4 A Cure logo on them for you to purchase, with 100% of the profit going to The National Brain Tumor Foundation. On our network page, we also have a ChipIn! button, where you can also make a donation to benefit The American Cancer Society.

For Makeup Minute, my charity is Alex’s Lemonade Stand in honor of my friend Maureen. She was diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer at age 19 and passed away in August of 2001 at age 23. She is missed everyday.

So please post a comment here (and if in honor of your loved one, please be sure to say who) and on the participating blogs in the network, place a bid on our ebay auction, check out other members ebay auctions up for grabs and purchase some gear from Cafe Press to show your support of our worthy cause.

Thank you for helping to make our fundraiser a success!
xo

Post from: Makeup Minute