There are so many worthy causes in need of funding. From those battered by the recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico, Florida and Houston, to the world-wide need for clean water—humanitarian aid is needed.
And while the best thing you can do is give your dollars, the second best you can do is choose companies that give some of their profits or their time to non-profits, organizations and individuals in need. At Healing Lifestyles we understand that you care. And you care about what goes into the products you buy too. But now, take it a step further, and invest in companies that give back.
Co-founder of jewelry line Soulku, Elisa Van Arnam, states, “we give back because we feel it’s the way business should be done. Imagine how much the world would change if every business had a built-in give back component?”
These companies have all chosen different ways in which to give back, so whether you’re shopping for yourself, a friend, or for the holidays, look deep and choose those that resonate with your own heart.
Marin Bee: Marin Bee Founder Debra Tomaszewski loves bees. She is also the founder of the Planet Bee Foundation, an organization that strives to educate and conserve bee habitat, and assist in repopulating honey bee and native pollinator populations. The Marin Bee line is made from freshly harvested California wildflower honey, that has restorative and rejuvenating properties, and 10 percent of all profits go to support Planet Bee Foundation.
TRY: Marin Bee Honey Shave- This luxuriously smooth, yet easy-to-shave formula, is enriched with aloe, shea butter and olive oil, leaving your skin soft and stubble-free. ($28)
Hydropeptide: Hydropeptide, a skincare line known for its anti-aging products is giving back, focusing their efforts on Charity: Water. “We know the important role ‘clean’ plays in beauty, and to broaden our efforts in making the world both more clean and beautiful, partnering with charity: water was a clear philanthropic choice,” said Annette Rubin, CEO of HydroPeptide. The limited edition, Hydrating Heroes set contains Eye Authority, a silky eye cream, and Aqua Boost, an oil-free hydrator. $3 from every set sold (while supplies last) will go to Charity:Water.
TRY: Hydropeptide Hydrating Heroes- The Eye Authority cream can make even the most tired of eyes look refreshed. ($100)
Aisling Organic Makeup: After discovering that her makeup contained formaldehyde, flame retardants and heavy metals, Krysta Lewis decided to create her own makeup line and Aisling was born. The line includes everything from foundation to mascara, and is designed to help women feel confident not only in how they look but in what they’re putting on their skin. Lewis understands how it feels to be sick and how even a dab of lip gloss can uplift your spirts. Says Lewis, “To combine the special place I have in my heart for those suffering with cancer with my thoughts on the uplifting experience of getting your makeup done, I decided to give back to Lipstick Angels: an organization dedicated to providing empowering beauty services to those going through cancer treatments.”
TRY: Liquid Lipstick- One of the top-sellers in the line this lipstick goes on smooth (like a gloss), but lasts for hours. This non-toxic blend is made with clay, rice powder, calendula, and elderberry. ($32)
Violets Are Blue: In 2011, Cynthia Besteman was diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatment left her skin burnt, scaly, and peeling, and her nails and hair brittle. In response she founded Violets are Blue, a natural skincare line made with such rich ingredients as argan oil, almond oil and anti-inflammatories. Says Besteman, “There are so many physical attributes that scream “I have cancer” that I wanted to combat that. I wanted women to have something to make them feel beautiful, pampered and to feel like a normal human being—even for an hour.” Not only is her line natural and moisturizing, 10 percent of all Signature Line purchases go toward the BeLoved skincare package donations at Mount Sinai’s Dubin Breast Center in New York City. Each woman, on her first day of chemotherapy, is given a full size package of products from the BeLoved line, specifically formulated for people in treatment.
TRY: Violets are Blue Facial Cleanser– Made with Evening Primrose oil, green tea and white tea, carrot seed and argan oil, this cleanser feels silky smooth upon application and rinses easily. It can also be used to remove eye makeup. ($48 for 100ML)
Soulku: The first thing you’ll notice about Soulku jewelry is that their mission is to empower women—not only with the messages and intrinsic meaning behind their designs, but also by employing stay-at-home moms, helping families thrive. Stones include jasper for fearlessness, sunstone for womanhood, and an entire line—the Super Power Stones, that were inspired by women’s marches in early 2017. In fact, with the purchase of a Super Power Stone necklace, Soulku will give thirty percent of the purchase price to organizations that empower women including Momsrising.org and the ACLU. When asked about giving back, co-founder, Elisa Van Arnam, states, “our whole business model is based on empowerment—empowerment for the women who buy/give/wear our jewelry; empowerment for the work-at-home moms who are paid a thriving wage; and as we give back we empower other women who may be in crisis or in need.” One of the groups they contribute to regularly is Our Voice. Our Voice is an organization that helps women after a sexual assault by showing up at the hospital or police station with clean socks, clothes, underwear, etc., and helps them with counseling to get through the traumatic after effects of sexual assault.
TRY: The Super Power stone necklace in chrysocolla, a gemstone that amplifies tranquility, patience, tolerance and unconditional love. ($36)
Pour le Monde: Pour le Monde, which means “for the world” was created by Wendi Berger when she found during pregnancy that she was suddenly quite concerned about the chemical fragrances she was using. Looking to the natural market she couldn’t find anything that was natural, but still beautiful and elegant. After two years of development, Pour le Monde was born. And while the scents are unbelievable, what I truly love and appreciate is her authenticity and transparency not only in the line itself but in how she gives back. “I think we all have a responsibility to give to help improve the lives of human kind, our environment, and our animal friends,” says Berger. Each of Pour le Monde’s certified 100 percent natural eau de parfums benefits a special organization: the unisex scent, Empower, helps Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Together, a light flirty floral, benefits the Cancer Support Community; and Envision, a unisex lavender spice supports the MS Society. Five percent is gifted from each $82 bottle purchased.
TRY: Envision 1.7 fl. oz- With top notes of Italian Bergamot, orange, lime and grapefruit, this scent feels floral yet citrusy, and is balanced with a blend of patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla. Delish! ($82)
American Botanics: Like many other entrepreneurs, Nancy Rimbergas, founded American Botanics after a close friend was diagnosed (for the second time) with melanoma. “I was really pissed off,” shares Rimbergas, “but instead of staying in that head space, we decided to focus on taking action and getting in the fight.” From this American Botanics was formed, a vegan, cruelty-free line designed to help battle skin cancer. As skin cancer was their foundation, they give five percent of proceeds of sales back to the Melanoma Research Foundation. The line has two components: SuperA+ Prickly Pear, which focuses on anti-aging, soothing and fighting lines and wrinkles, and the SuperC+ Lemon Peel line that focuses on brightening the skin and evening texture.
TRY: Super A+ Gentle Cleanser, Prickly Pear– One of their most popular products, the Gentle Cleanser is made with organic aloe and coconut oils, and features their signature Prickly Pear juice to help revitalize the skin. ($24)
Rahua: Rahua oil has been used in the Amazon rainforest for thousands of years, in the 1990s, NYC hairstylist, Fabian Lliguin (a native Ecuadorian), learned about this ancient beauty practice and with a desire to conserve the Amazon forest, founded Amazon Beauty. Says Lliguin, “We were working with the Amazon tribes to help keep them financially stable by selling their arts and crafts when we were introduced to the Rahua oil. Through the sale of the oil, which they harvest and process according to strict tribal tradition, we found a way to help keep the tribes together and in the rainforest. If they are able to sustain themselves without leaving the forest we all benefit. Giving back to the tribes of the Amazon is our way of securing the future of the planet.” Although Rahua doesn’t give a set percentage of sales to the tribes, they work directly with the tribes and travel frequently to ensure they understand what their needs are. Adds Lliguin, “whether it is a generator, school supplies, or a two-way radio, we know when and where the funds go.”
TRY: Rahua Voluminous Shampoo- made with rahua, which helps repair damaged hair, and lemongrass and green tea to create volume, the Rahua Voluminous Shampoo is enriched with lavender and eucalyptus leaving your hair shiny, and smelling lovely. ($34)
Philosophy: This celeb-endorsed beauty line has been giving back in a major way since 2014. In 2014, Philosophy established the Hope & Grace Initiative to demonstrate their commitment to mental health and well-being. Philosophy as a corporation has a strong stance on mental health, says their public relations team, stating that, “mental health issues are one of the greatest challenges women face. More than 450 million people worldwide suffer from mild to serious mental health issues—post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-esteem and financial stress—all of which disproportionately affect women around the world.” Philosophy gives 1% of its USA net sales toward the cause, and to date has awarded $2.4 million to 38 different U.S. mental health organizations. In addition, for a limited time, Philosophy is giving 100 percent of the net proceeds from the Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion to project 1 in 4, a creative organization dedicated to erasing the stigma surrounding mental health, promoting wellness and bringing hope to those struggling.
TRY: Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion– This soothing blend is made with their signature, floral Amazing Grace scent and is enriched with shea butter, olive and macadamia oils. ($37)
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With her love of health and writing, Melissa has written for such publications as Shape, Natural Solutions, Yoga Journal, Self and Pilates Style, and has created recipes and food-oriented stories for such publications as Delicious Living and Cooking Light.
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