This September and every September we devote our pages to Companies and their charitable affiliations. I know you’ve passed these shops on the street many times, but I wanted to give you more information about thrift stores and the work they do to help fellow New Yorkers. 23rd Street is thrift shop row. One thrift store after another – all supporting worthy causes, but only one supports the Arts. City Opera Thrift Store takes donations throughout the week. They do have movers for big pieces and if you’re traveling by cab to donate something they will reimburse you.

The shop has two floors; the first is clothing and accessories. The second has furniture, house wares, Books, CD’s and men’s clothes. A complete Mikasa service $90.00, a loveseat goes for $45, lamps start at $25.00.
City Opera Thrift Store 222 E23rd Street, 212-684-5344 Monday through Saturday 10AM – 6PM, Sunday 10AM – 5PM. Website: subscriptions.nycopera.com

Christabelle’s Closet www.christabellescloset.com is a New York City based online consignment shop that’s beloved by O magazine. It’s featured in the September issue as one of the top 7 websites to shop. Half of the proceeds from the Clearance Closet go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Housing Works Thrift Shops are all over the city. The proceeds from the sales of all items goes to provide shelter, counseling, medical care and more to people living with HIV and AIDS. They accept gently worn clothing, furniture, bric-a-brac, books, CD’s, jewelry, and appliances. To find a location nearest you go to www.housingworks.org and yes, they’re always on the lookout for volunteers.

Cancer Care Thrift Shop not only has amazing deals on Chanel flats, but the proceeds from this shop help provide free assistance to people with cancer and their loved ones. They accept everything from home furnishings to books. They do have movers for estates and heavy pieces. And accept donations weekdays. Cancer Care Thrift Shop 1480 2nd Avenue, (between 83rd & 34th) 212-879-9868.Hours – Mon-Tues 11AM- 6PM, Wed – Thurs 11AM-7PM, Friday 11AM – 6PM, Saturday 11AM-4:30PM, Sunday 11:30AM – 5PM. Website: www.cancercarethriftshop.org

Just down the block is the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop. They accept everything from household furnishings to art to clothing. When I walked in, they had a table of brand new Belgian Shoes for $95.00 All items are in pristine condition. It was like shopping in a mini Saks. Memorial Sloan-Kettering is one of the city’s and the world’s most renown cancer hospital. Proceeds from this shop go to the hospital. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop 1440 2nd Avenue (near 82nd St), 212-535-1250 Hours: Mon-Friday 11-5:30, Saturday 11-5. Donations Mon-Friday 9:30 – 3PM

I’d like to take this time to pass on some dos and don’ts if you are going to donate an item or a thousand to any of the above mentioned shops. Please remember that any and all items must be resalable. In plain English, if it’s worn out, stained, doesn’t work or smells, trash it. There isn’t a thrift shop in the country that can use a broken anything or torn, ripped, missing buttons etc., clothing or linens. They just throw them out. How do I know? I’ve volunteered for years at thrift shops and had to throw out many unsalable items. If you want to help, but don’t want to donate clothing or household items, volunteer or donate money. But please don’t give them items they can’t use.

You spend your money on cosmetics, clothing and stuff. Where does that money go? You’d think it would go back into the company, right? Well, lots of firms take that money and support charitable organizations.
Lancôme is herding girls into a brighter better future with their Girls Inc. Corporate Camp venture. The international beauty firm has teamed up with Girls Incorporated, a national non-profit organization dedicated to teaching young women, many of them underprivileged, that the world is their oyster. Each summer Lancôme hosts the camp, dubbed “She’s Strong, She’s Smart, She’s Bold, She Shines!” program where fifteen girls from ages 14-18 from all over the country converge in New York City and show them the inner workings of the corporate world and their future possibilities. The girls get unprecedented access to Bloomingdale’s, Teen Vogue and other top industry corporations, including Lancôme. Selection is based on a nationwide competition where the young members of Girls Incorporated are asked to develop a new product targeted to women. To find out more about Girls Incorporated go to their website www.girlsinc.org.

e.l.f. eyes.lips.face is working with two charities. They’ve teamed up with WINABC (Win Against Breast Cancer) and created the color therapy program. The program battles the negative psychological effects of breast cancer with their color therapy program. e.l.f and WINABC believe that color therapy (the use of colors to promote a better mental outlook, which in turns aids the healing process) is a very strong tool in promoting wellness. In October, e.l.f. will donate 20% of the proceeds from their Shimmering Facial Whip sales to WINABC and will create and donate special color therapy care packages of their cosmetics that WINABC will in turn disperse to breast cancer patients in inner city hospitals throughout the country. To find out more about WINABC go to their website www.winabc.org

The other charity that e.l.f. is working with is High Five Tickets To The Arts www.highfivetix.org. It’s a non profit organization that wants to make the arts accessible and affordable to teens. Any teen can buy a $5.00 ticket to any museum, film, theater dance, spoken word event in New York City. They have to be between the ages of 13-18 and have a school ID. They can check out anything that’s going on from Off-Broadway to Lincoln Center and everything in between. e.l.f will be donating cosmetics to the organization for goodie bags to the teens.

Tees and casual wear never go out of style. Wildlife Works makes tees and things with a mission. Each time you buy a shirt or anything else by them, and Celebs like Rachel Leigh Cook, Anna Paquin, Britney Spears, Robert Downey Jr., David Allen Grier and more have bought them, the money goes to wildlife preservation. Their first location was in Kenya, where they created an 80,000 acre Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephants, cheetahs and 46 other large mammals roam freely. They also created and operate an Eco-Factory near the sanctuary where they employ local community members to create some of their products. The sportswear is made from cotton, hemp and other environmentally friendly fabrics. They’ve even gotten kudos from Dr. Richard Leakey. To find out where you can buy Wildlife Works clothing or to find out more about the organization, go to their website www.wildlifeworks.com

DDF Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula is inviting men and women to fight against breast cancer in October and November, when they will donate a percentage of their profits of Cellular Cleansing Complex to the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization. Their minimum donation will be $5000.00
Cellular Cleansing Complex is a creamy cleanser, formulated with enzymatic exfoliants that dissolve impurities while nourishing the skin.

Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization provides information and support to those who are battling breast cancer. To find out more about the organization go to their website www.y-me.org. To buy the Cellular Cleansing Complex or to find out more about DDF go to their website www.skincare.com

Christo Fifth Avenue and Christo contribute to many charities in New York and around the world. Christo and the salon have worked with Fashion For A Cause, where all proceeds are donated to the children of India. Christo Fifth Avenue and Christo has donated products and services to City Of Hope, Children’s Blood Foundation, The Rainforest Foundation, Discover The Smile Foundation and New York City’s Public schools. They often provide services including color, cuts and treatments for silent auctions where the proceeds go to charity.

Christo Fifth Avenue 574 fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York City 212-997-8800

Charity Vance, the owner of Luscious Cosmetics donates to many local charities in California. Among the charities that she works with is the local chapter of the Assessment and Treatment Center (ASTC). It’s a non-profit that provides family counseling and therapy free to area troubled children and teens and their families. She also is involved with the Friends of San Clemente Animals, the volunteer arm of the non-profit San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter and has worker with the United States Equestrian Foundation. Charity is a dressage rider and recently donated her time to the 2004 US Olympic Dressage Selection Trials in San Juan Capistrano, California. Check out Luscious Cosmetics at www.lusciouscosmetics.com

NaturallyCurly.com supports Girlstart. It’s a non-profit organization created in Austin, Texas in 1997 that empowers girls to excel in math, science and technology. Check out www.girlstart.org and www.naturallycurly.com

There’s a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. In New York City, there are two very determined Grandmothers who are trying to raise a city full of children. Ms. Maxine Joyner and Ms. Sylvia Burns are using their community center in Harlem to create an after school haven for students They run the Arts Program for children on Tuesdays. I’m going to quote Ms. Joyner right now, because she can tell her story better than I can. “….and we will distribute school supplies to the children a few days before school starts. We are not funded by anyone, we are not incorporated. We are just two Grandmothers who are doing what needs to be done in this community…to help people. The economy is bad, and everyone is stressed out, yes, even the kids!

On Tuesdays, we go into the community room and put on some jazz or “oldies” (nothing to offend parents) and lay out checkers, chess, UNO, Old Maid cards, watercolors and paintbrushes, markers, crayons and drawing papers, scissors and ribbons and strings. We let creativity take its course. We also plan special holiday projects. For Easter, we dyed and decorated eggs, and on Mother’s and Father’s Day we made special gifts.

Sometimes the kids stop by my apartment, asking for a particular book or an internet search to help them in their school projects.
We intend this year, to stock graphing paper and other odd school supplies like poster boards year-round so when that special project comes around, kids don’t have to journey and search and pay high prices for a few sheets of “special paper”.

Kids also come by to let us know that there may be a problem with them or another child, we try to help in the best way we know how. If we were to ever get incorporated as a non-profit, we would probably call ourselves: “Two Grandmothers, Incorporated”! But that’s expensive and very far down the line.”

These women have been posting on www.craigslist.org for a month trying to get donations for their flea market which was held in August. They are planning to hold it again if they can’t sell the items that were donated to them on Wednesday September 1st from 5-8 PM. The location of the Flea Market is 1428 Fifth Ave (nr. 116th Street) in Manhattan in our Community Center from 5-8 p.m. New Yorkers were generous and carloads of donations appeared on their doorsteps.

If you would like to donate school or arts supplies, or games, or even help them get that Non-Profit status, or find out if the sale is on September 1st; please email Ms. Joyner at queensophia2@msn.com . All you need is a pebble to create a far reaching ripple in the pond. A couple of great products are hitting the counters this month, so of course I had to tell you about them…..

Lancôme has just come out with a nifty new moisturizer, Aqua Fusion. It’s never too early to start a good skincare regimen and Aqua Fusion is a moisturizer for women in their twenties. It’s easily absorbed into your skin, no shininess or greasy feel after applying. Works 24-7 and has a patented formula that contains Calcium, Maganese, Zinc, amino acids, organic acids, and water. It’s lightweight, won’t clog pores, has a refreshing scent, and it works for sensitive skin. I like the fact that I had a little glow going on after the first time I tried it. There’s a lotion and a crème. You can pick it up with an SPF 15 or not. Me, I always go for sunscreen. The sun may be your friend, but wrinkles aren’t. We sometimes forget that we live on an island. You know what happens when you’re surrounded by water all the time? Humidity and that means (accidentally) really, really and I do mean really big hair.

The next time you lose the battle with frizzy hair, grab Rene Furterer’s Fioravanti Anti Frizz Silkening conditioner and their Super Shine Straightening Gel. The Silkening Conditioner has Vitamin C and Acerola Acid which helps tame unruly hair. Leave it in for three minutes, and you’ll hear your hair saying, “thank you.” It softens and silkifies your hair. It has a wonderfully light citrus scent; this’ll perk you up immediately. After shampooing, just use a small drop of the Super Shine Straightening Gel. It won’t make your hair stick straight, but it builds on the conditioner, helps battle frizzies and gives your hair a beautiful glossy shine. It also contains Vitamin C, Acerola Acid and is enriched with Guar-gum. Both products made my hair calmer, less frizzy and left a clean, subtle scent behind.

Till next month!

Founder and Chairperson of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Evelyn Lauder’s message is to overcome fear. “Don’t be afraid of breast cancer. Don’t be afraid to do a breast self-examination. Don’t be afraid to have regular mammograms. Don’t be afraid – or wait – to go to your doctor and get information if you find a lump or suspect something,” she said.

Evelyn has become a pioneer in the fight against this devastating disease which affects one out of seven women throughout her lifetime. In 1992, The Estée Lauder Companies initiated their Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with then Self magazine editor Alexandra Penney. The pink ribbon created for the campaign would become their trademark and symbol of awareness which was distributed to over 45 million recipients, along with informative material, at their beauty counters worldwide.

Estée Lauder’s Pink Ribbon Jeweled Pin symbolizes the fight against breast cancer
For October, pink is the new black. Next month, Aveda, Clinque, Donna Karan, La Mer, and Origins, to name a few, have joined the The Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign to support national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The companies have selected products which will benefit the cause. At least 85 cents out of every dollar will go to the charity.

Aveda will contribute to the cause by donating $1 from the sale of each Shampure Shampoo or Conditioner. The company will then match that dollar with an additional donation from the brand. The limited-edition, pink top bottles, remind you to “remember your monthly breast self-exam.”

What is more feminine than pale pink – pale pink lip balm. Donna Karan is contributing to the cause through the sale of her Soothing Lip Balm, sold exclusively to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness.

La Mer’s, Crème de la Mer will get a makeover for the cause. The limited-edition, special pink box will house the moisturizing cult classic.

In the spirit of change, Origins’ Make a Difference Hand & Skin Rejuvenating Treatments will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation by donating $70,000 to the cause.

Clinque is focusing its attention not only on Breast Cancer Awareness, but the company has made recent contributions to the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York. Their Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Lip Palette is the only thing better on your lips than girl scout cookies – with not nearly as many calories.

According to Evelyn, “in 2004, the American Cancer Society estimates that 215,990 new cases of invasive breast cancer (Stages I-IV) will be diagnosed among women in the U.S., with 40,110 deaths – and don’t forget that 1 percent of all breast cancer occurs in men. By reaching as many people as possible with the message that early detection saves lives – and giving as much support as we possible can to research – we can continue to drive those numbers down and ultimately make them obsolete.”

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has already earned more than $20 million and counting, which will be donated to those professionals committed to goal of victory. For more information visit www.bcrfcure.org or call 1-866-FIND-A-CURE. Products may be found at participating department stores.

Founded in 1994, the MAC AIDS Fund was initiated by MAC Cosmetics to offer vital support to men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. Since that time, through the sales of its Viva Glam Lipstick Collection, Kids Helping Kids Cards, and the MAC Book of Cards, it has raised more than $32 million. These proceeds have been distributed around the globe to organizations that serve people afflicted with these diseases. The organizations use the funding for educational, awareness, and prevention programs in addition to supporting the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against those who are afflicted. Every cent of the selling price of MAC Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund and directed to local and geographic regions where the need for HIV-related care is the most urgent. And in its tenth anniversary year, the MAC AIDS Fund shows no signs of slowing down.

The primary fundraising tool for MAC Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass has been its always creative and compelling celebrity-based campaigns. Renown names throughout the movie, music, and modeling industries are continually onboard to contribute their time and famous faces to the cause. This year proves no different. Celebs onboard for 2004 include Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliot, Linda Evangelista, Chloe Sevigny, and Boy George. The worldwide ad campaign that features these fab favorites was shot by well-known fashion and beauty photographer Michael Thompson. All of the stars sport a Viva Glam T-shirt designed by MAC especially for the shoot, and are made up to look simply marvelous.

In a press release concerning this year’s campaign, John Demsey, president of MAC, expressed this sentiment: “This is a meaningful year for the MAC AIDS Fund. In addition to our 10th anniversary and the fact that we have raised more than $32 million, we are thrilled to present five new faces for the Viva Glam V campaign. As AIDS – the greatest pandemic of our times – affects all areas of the arts. It is important that we continue to find icons who speak to worldwide demographics, not just to a MAC audience. Carefully chosen from fashion, music, theatre and film, each spokesperson holds international acclaim, is morally responsible, and has shown a true dedication to supporting the MAC AIDS Fund and spreading the Viva Glam message across the globe.”

The hues for this helping hand include the Neutral Pink with Pearl Lipglass (retailing at $13.50) and the Lustre Lipstick (for $14.00) and can be found at 750 MAC locations around the world. For more information about the MAC AIDS fund, log on to www.MACcosmetics.com.

In 2004, more than 216,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. For women between the ages of 20 and 59, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. And despite increased cancer research, funding for screenings and treatments, and public awareness campaigns over the past 25 years, the rate of new incidents continues to rise.
It’s time to think pink.

I am not exactly sure when I received my first pink ribbon to wear in solidarity for breast cancer awareness, but I know that Aunt Nancy, an Avon lady, gave it to me. As a female, I was part of a tribe. I started to receive pink pens, pink ribbons and generally, pink thoughts.

While my earliest recollection of corporate awareness campaigns was Avon’s Breast Cancer Crusade, corporate giving to raise funds for screenings, treatments, research and education has proliferated in the past decade or so. Since 1997, BMW of North America has raised awareness – and $7 million – through its annual Ultimate Drive™ for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In time for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October, BMW aims to collect another $1 million.

Each year, about 230 BMW dealers team with a Komen Foundation affiliate around the U.S. to not only raise awareness and dollars, but to honor the heroines and heroes who are on the front line in the battle against breast cancer. Be it a survivor, relative, doctor or nurse, “these are women who never imagined that BMW would ever be behind them,” Angeli Gianchandani, National Event Marketing Manager for BMW of North America, said.
Under the Ultimate Drive program, two fleets of cars travel across the country raising $1 per mile driven per test drive, and collect signatures from heroes that are honored at each dealership. By its finale, the cars are covered in photos and signatures. This year, the test drive will finish in Chicago at the Bill Jacob BMW dealership on October 13th. BMW has raised more than $750,000 this year. BMW underwrites the cost of this program, ensuring that 100 percent of the money raised is donated to the Komen Foundation.

BMW Ultimate Drive Seatbelt Cosmetic Bag, $24.00 plus shipping
Available exclusively at www.bmwonline.com and all BMW dealers across the U.S.

As part of the program, BMW’s Pink Ribbon Collection sells a variety of products that raise additional money that directly benefit to Komen Foundation. BMW is selling a pink yoga mat and pink cosmetic bag, with 80 percent of each sale donated to the Komen Foundation. Last year, the BMW pink tote bag raised $600,000, Gianchandani said, “our goal was to provide merchandise that was fun, innovative and that was priced well.”

BMW Yoga Mat, $18.00
Available exclusively online at www.bmwonline.com and at all BMW dealers across the U.S.

The Komen Foundation was founded in 1982 in honor on Susan Goodman Komen. The Foundation has supported screening, education, and treatments, pushed for research and awarded more than $112 million for research grants. For more than 20 years the Komen Foundation has been a leader in the fight against breast cancer and supporting survivors. BMW continues to by its side. “Next year, we go into year nine, and we look forward to celebrating year 10 in 2006,” Gianchandani said. “The program is rewarding and really builds a sense of community.” More information about BMW’s Ultimate Drive, and how to donate, can be found at: www.bmwusa.com or by calling 1-877-4A-DRIVE (1-877-423-7483)

More information about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation can be found at www.komen.org.

Here we are at the base of the foothill together. The air is turning towards September’s wonderful fall breezes. It’s just 28 days to go until Brody arrives. How are you doing? I for one feel as though I am dragging a 300-pound gorilla along the sidewalk from the end of a chain that is attached to my uterus. Ha! Emotionally and spiritually however, my heart fills thinking about the beautiful baby that is on his way to us. Speaking about hearts, love and children, there’s a wonderful organization here in the city, called Free Arts for Abused Children of NYC (www.freeartsnyc.org).

All of us; men, women, singles, and married folk can feel compassion towards children everywhere who are struggling to find their place in the world. That’s why so many of us volunteer. Free Arts for Abused Children is an organization that has a mission. One that I’m proud to be a part of, you see I also volunteer there. It doesn’t want a single child that is born to this world, and especially in our own neighborhood of New York City to be to be forgotten.

Did you know that in a single calendar year, approximately 90,000 children have been involved in over 56,000 officially reported cases of abuse and neglect in our Manhattan and its 5 boroughs? Did you also know that 97% of individuals institutionalized for violent crimes were themselves abused as children?* That is terrible and tragic. Organizations like Free Arts for Abused Children-NYC breathe hope into those statistics. There can be a break in the cycle of abuse and violence. Did you know that at-risk students who participate in after-school arts programs show higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence, assume leadership roles and improve overall school performance? Did you also know that children in mentored relationships are:

· 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs
· 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school
· More trusting of their parents/guardians and less likely to lie to them**

Free Arts NYC is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the healing powers of the arts into the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families. I first came into contact with this magical group of people through an introduction by a friend to Corinne Arles, their Program Director, and now a mama to her own 16 month old, Lilianna. Corinne spoke of Free Arts with such passion and sparkle, that I, who was trying to get pregnant at the time, knew this was to be my fertile connection to the true spirit of motherhood and promptly became a volunteer.

That was back in 2000. Free Arts NYC has been around since 1997 – driven, I believe solely in those beginning years, by the passion and hearts of such people as Corinne and the Executive Director, Liz Hopfan. When I call the office now, I get any number of the warmhearted staff members on the phone. Back in those days, it was mainly Liz and Corinne, working tirelessly till all crazy hours. Then a third staff member, and then a fourth. The mission and structure of the organization remain constant.

Modeled after an organization in Los Angeles, which was founded over twenty years ago, it works from a low overhead, with a dedicated staff that manages a sizeable population of trained volunteers. To date, Free Arts NYC has screened, trained and placed over 3,000 volunteers. Volunteer retention rate is over 80%, meaning the majority of volunteers who complete one program commitment return to undertake a new one. These Free Arts volunteers through various mediums of painting, dance, drama, writing, music, sculpture, photography and other creative outlets, assist in helping children and their families express themselves. They help them gain self-confidence and develop positive methods of communication. Additional affiliates meet regularly to share ideas, program materials, and make recommendations for improving quality of services.

The staff of Free Arts NYC are the wizards behind this awe-inspiring machine of love. For me as a volunteer, they made it easy. After my screening and training, I was able to pick from a number of Free Arts Days (FAD) available over the upcoming weeks in the various 5 boroughs. Free Arts activities go directly to the children in need. They take place on-site at domestic violence shelters, foster care clinics, group homes, hospitals, community centers and homeless shelters throughout New York City. All programs are provided at no expense to the collaborating agencies, children, families or volunteers.

I arrived on my scheduled day and was assigned to a creative station making masks with the children. The children would loop around the many stations, laughing, making masks, musical instruments, kites with streamers, etc. They were entertained by a wonderful group of peers and mentors who danced and sang for them. They ate, and played like carefree children. All I remember was the smiles and love. That day felt like a gift to me instead of a gift to the children. I was delighted in being able to participate in that level of joy and creativity. For the children who ran around that day with food smeared on their faces and glue on their fingers, this was a crack in the wall of despair, it was their hope.

Free Arts NYC is of course funded by a generous family of sponsors that include such corporate entities as Goldman Sachs, ABC/Disney, and Bloomingdales. Besides Free Arts Days (FAD), it has Weekly Mentor Programs, Parent-Child Programs (PACT), and many special events including watching a Broadway show. Imagine the dreams inspired by a viewing of the award-winning Lion King performed in Times Square under all the dazzle of mid-town. Once a year, Free Arts NYC holds a fund-raising event where one-of-a-kind, Polaroid artwork is auctioned off to benefit the Free Arts NYC children. This year it was held at Phillips de Pury & Co. Auction house on May 24. Artists who participate include Julian Schnabel, William Wegman and Lou Reed. They had a live and silent auction, filled with fantasy items, including trips to exotic places. It was a star studded event with the likes of Sean Penn and Donna Karan. This year the event made over $300,000.

Bravo, Free Arts, bravo. Although I have been a busy mama lately and not able to volunteer, I thank God for you every time I say my prayers. My own child plays on the streets of New York every day. Because of you, there is one more hope-filled child to run and hug and swing with his/her pals Jax, and Brody. Amen, amen.

*Statistics compiled from the NYC Administration for Children’s Services and the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse.

**Statistics compiled from: President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities, “Living the Arts Through Language and Learning”, The National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, “Involvement in the Arts and Success in Secondary Schools”.

When it comes to beauty how deep can you get? I mean how existential can one become about mascara, eye shadow or lip gloss? After all, as my Dad always says, beauty is only skin-deep, right?

Relax and take a seat on the couch. We’re not talking Freud or Jung. We’re just getting a little deeper about beauty…and the real purpose of beauty.

That’s why I’m analyzing, okay reviewing a company called Philosophy – a cosmetic company that really thinks about what they do, and why they’re doing it.

It seems only fitting that a company who cares deeply about their products should care about other important things like the environment – more specifically the rainforest.

Caring isn’t all they do. Philosophy has worked with the rainforest foundation for many years. And now they have taken their relationship one step further by selling redesigned products “Message in a bottle” to benefit the rainforest foundation and to honor Sting and wife Trudie Styer for all the selfless work they have done for this cause. (See how many references to Sting songs and the Police you can find here).

First here’s a little lesson on the rainforest for you. For those who know all this, just scroll down to Message in a Bottle section.

Every breath we take
What exactly is the mission of the rainforest foundation? Why bother or care? Isn’t it miles away from our lives? It doesn’t really affect us?

Wrong. Tropical rainforests are integral to a healthy planet and its ability to support life. First of all, they regulate earth’s climate, and are a deterrent against the greenhouse effect. They contain edible food crops and other resources and prevent impoverishment and famine. In every sense, a standing rainforest supplies more economic wealth than if it were cleared away. Yet regardless of their importance, deforestation continues – a football field-sized area of rainforest is lost every second of every day.

Every move we make
Rainforests regulate rainfall on a global level which in turn affects the global climate. They are the single greatest terrestrial source of oxygen (the air we breathe).

They bring us food, herbs, ingredients for pharmaceuticals, and many other items that are commonplace in our daily life. Imagine losing the potential cure for cancer or AIDS that may have been found in an undiscovered plant from the rainforest!

Message in a bottle + the rainforest foundation

Message in a bottle is exclusive to Philosophy.com and all proceeds go to benefiting the rainforest foundation.

Basically, Message in a bottle is a mineral enriched, bath and shower gel scented with a romantic, mystical clean, crisp fragrance, inspired the simple fragrances of rain and water. Something to literally remind you of the very cause they believe in – the rainforest.

She wants it so badly
In a magical sea-blue color, Message in a bottle is made with blue algae, sea kelp, spirulina, and a magical, ocean-inspired fragrance. So every time you take a shower you can feel good that you’re not just cleaning yourself. You’re also helping the rainforest. Philosophy donates 100% of the proceeds to the rainforest foundation.

Did You Know?
Forget about your crow’s feet for one second and think about this.
• As food crops, we use only 7,000 of about 75,000 known edible plants.
• 500,000 trees are cut every hour in tropical rainforests.
• We lose 20,000 to 100,000 species a year.

How do you like your cuppa?

Now let’s forget rainforests for one minute. I have to let you in on a few Philosophy-ical secrets. How about a cup o’ Tea in the Sahara? Well maybe not. But why not try a few treats with Philosophy’s tea party. No, you can’t sip them, but you can spray them on.

The tea party consists of 3 light and delicious 1 oz. refreshing spray fragrances of mint tea, luscious lemon, and delectable sugar. Now you can take your tea any way you like it.

· mint tea – an invigorating scent that will clear your mind and awaken your senses. Perfect way to start the day with a more natural jolt!
· lemon – a tangy, citrusy scent to add some zest to your day…zingy!
· sugar – Need a sugar fix? Try a blend of spice and everything nice to keep you smelling sweet all day.

Sweet smell of desserts
If you want to smell great, just use these delicious concoctions. It’s called the new surprise party and it includes 6oz. bottles of raspberry sorbet, coconut cream pie, and strawberry milkshake. Each fruity dessert flavor will and keep you smelling sweet from your nose to your toes.

And just look at the ingredients. These dessert inspired 3-in-1 shampoos are chockfull of sweet stuff that’s all good and healthy! It’s another sweet surprise from Philosophy.

§ glycerin to soften and nourish the skin
§ citric acid to help cleanse blemished skin and add brightness to hair
§ complex conditioning agent to add body to hair

Philosophy – Thought-provoking stuff
Finally with a motto that simply claims “philosophy: the best cosmetic is great-looking skin” – this is one cosmetic company who’s way of thinking about beauty, real beauty, makes a lot of sense for everybody. And I really love the philosophy behind Philosophy. Every little thing they do is magic!

Philosophy’s intelligent skin care and color cosmetics are available at Sephora, sephora.com and by calling 1-800-568-3151 or just go to www.philosophy.com.

I’ve preached about the excellence of men’s products from Anthony Logistics for Men and Zirh. But in the spirit of our September charities issue, companies like these two that go far and beyond the call of male grooming deserve another month in the spotlight. See my November 2003 article for my company profile on Anthony Logistics and my June 2004 article for my profile on Zirh. Unbeknownst to me, Anthony Logistics supports prostate cancer research and solutions year-round by donating a percentage of sales to the cause. However, since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the company is donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their popular Aftershave Balm to prostate cancer research. The American Cancer Society estimates that for 2004, there will be 230,110 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. on top of an estimated 29,900 deaths as a result of the disease. Needless to say, kudos to Anthony Logistics for supporting research to combat the number one cause of cancer deaths in men, excluding skin cancer. On a lighter note, Anthony Logistics introduced a Solution Based line to help round out the line to 46 core products. Still simple and straightforward, here are a few fantastic new products for Anti-Acne and Anti-Aging:

Anti-Acne

One Step Cleansing Bar – for Oil/Combination and Oily Skin
Objective: Wash away Dirt and Oil while keeping skin Fresh and Revitalized.
Solution: A unique Cleansing Complex containing White Tea, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Exfoliating Beads and Vitamins E and A. Clear away impurities, exfoliate, and smoothes troubled skin all in one step.

Acne Cleanser – for Anti-Acne/Oily and Problem Skin Objective: A Kinder, Gentler Acne Cleanser. Solution: Salicylic Acid helps treat acne and helps prevent future breakouts. Vitamin B5helps repair skin; Allantoin, Chamomile, and Camellia soothe.

Spot Therapy – for Anti-Acne/Oily and Problem Skin Objective: Stop the Spots. Solution: Salicylic Acid targets individual blemishes and helps keep skin clear of new breakouts. Alpha Hydroxy Acids lift off pore clogging dead skin cells; Licorice Extract helps even skin color. Cinnamon, Ginger, and Lavender balance, soothe and calm skin.

Anti-Aging – Vitamin A Facial Treatment – for Anti-Aging/Dry and Damaged Skin Objective: A+ Face Regenerator. Solution: Potent Vitamin A increases cellular turnover; Renews, Restores and Replenishes. Carrot Root tones and firms, Squalane lubricates and softens, Shea Butter eases wrinkles, smoothes and moisturizes.

Vitamin C Facial Serum – for Anti-Aging/Dry and Damaged Skin Objective: Extreme C. Solution: Stabilized Vitamin C, a powerful Antioxidant helps skin look Smoother and Firmer. Grapeseed Extract helps rejuvenate the skin; Cucumber Extract soothes.

Continuous Moisture Eye Cream – for Anti-Aging/Dry and Damaged Skin Objective: Advanced Eye Therapy. Solution: Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Squalane provide deep skin hydration; Vitamins A, C and E protect, firm and help diminish fine lines and dark circles. Cucumber Extract soothes. Carrot Root Extract adds elasticity and tones.

Zirh is also on my A List this month. On occasion Zirh will donate samples, gift baskets, and full-sized products to different charity drives. Recently, the company donated a variety of products to Team Focus, a camp that caters to young boys without fathers. In June of this year, 5% of all company web sales were donated to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. I’m personally a huge animal lover and am actively involved in protecting endangered environments and species.

Established in 1995, the Sanctuary provides a safe haven for endangered species of African and Asian elephants. It is located on more than 2,700 acres of land outside of Nashville, Tennessee and is home to elderly or sick elephants in need of specialized care and attention not offered at local zoos or performing arenas. Proceeds help the Sanctuary maintain accommodations that include a heated barn, gated grasslands, lush forests, and fresh water ponds. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.elephants.com or call (931) 796-6500.

Aside from taking care of our gray-skinned friends, Zirh has made great strides in developing new products for us men with the same standards of excellence the company has always upheld:

New for Spring 2004:

Erase – Aftershave Relief Tonic
Use: Smooth all over face and neck avoiding eye contact. Use directly after shaving.
Benefits: Alcohol-free Tonic that relieves redness and razor burn while it moisturizes. Enhances collagen synthesis to reduce wrinkle formation.

Effects: Ingredients have cleansing, astringent, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.

Fortify – though I’m not a fan of “2 in 1′s”, if you’re truly in a rush or wish to travel light, use this conditioning shampoo
Use: Thoroughly massage a small all over hair and scalp. Lather, rinse, and repeat.
Benefits: Provides light conditioning properties while gently and thoroughly cleansing the hair and scalp.
Effects: Enhances shine, restores volume and body to thinning hair, assists in moisture retention, and softens hair.

Rejuvenate – Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Lightly smooth a small amount over face and neck, keeping clear of the eye area.
Benefits: Reduce the appearance of fine lines, even and brighten skin tone, restore skin’s lipid balance and elasticity with regular use.

Effects: Protects skin against moisture and collagen loss, helps prevent wrinkles, and reduces skin elasticity and age spots.

http://www.anthony.com
www.zirh.com

This month, we here at Beauty News NYC, have decided to focus on purchase with a purpose. It is a great feeling to know your favorite lip gloss supports Breast Cancer Research, or may help young adults battle eating disorders. Three outstanding examples of companies that care are Stila, PersoNatalie, and Ramy Beauty Therapy.

“Shut Up and Kiss Me!” No, that’s not a direct order, it’s the name of a delicious new lip gloss from Ramy Beauty Therapy. The rich bronze shade is a lip plumping, minty fresh treat, promising to increase Collagen within thirty days of consecutive use. Fifty percent of the proceeds of “shut up and kiss me” lip gloss go to Cancer Care, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide aid to people with all Cancers through financial assistance, counseling, referrals, and education. Thanks, Ramy!

Tie One On! A Ribbon, That Is…..Makes the World Go ‘Round
Is it money, or music? Perhaps a combination of the two, but not for the final feature of this month. Natalie Bonelli is both a professional singer-songwriter, and make up artist. With a passion for creativity, her music and lyrics have touched the hearts of many women, with the inspirational message to ” be the women we strive to be.” Along with her hit CD, Natalie released nine delectable lip glosses, each one named for a song on her CD. A percentage of proceeds go to Renfrew Center Foundation, which offers medical treatment, counseling, and healing to women of all ages suffering with eating disorders. Well done Natalie!

Finally
Just wanted to say thanks to all contributing companies. Your participation and efforts go a long way to helping many people. And to all consumers, here’s to feeling good about buying that twenty seventh lip gloss.

Pink Roses. That’s what I got my roommate when she crossed the finish line. She had had just walked 60 miles in 3 days to benefit breast cancer research. But my roommate and the thousands of others who completed the walk are not the only ones doing what they can to fight breast cancer. Estee Lauder fighting breast cancer too. For over 10 years, Estee Lauder has been an important contributor in raising money for research, awareness for early detection, and prevention of the disease. The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. is the largest corporate sponsor of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which was started by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1992.

October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s dedicated to making women aware of early detection and the fact that increases the chances for survival. A percentage of the proceeds earned by Estee Lauder companies and products goes directly to breast cancer research grants and awareness programs to achieve prevention and find a cure in our lifetime. In 2003, $14.5 million in grants were awarded to 80 stellar scientists and for 3 years, the foundation has received four stars (highest rating) from Charity Navigator and an “A” from the American Institute of Philanthropy. Estee Lauder was known for encouraging people to wear their pink ribbons as a sign of their support of this worthy cause. Pick up a pink ribbon at any Estee lauder counter. It’s a great fashion accessory and helps to remind people to keep the Breast Cancer fight alive.

In addition to showing support by wearing a pink ribbon, you can purchase various promotional products by many of the Estee Lauder companies and your money becomes a donation. Here’s a partial list of promotional items from their brands; Bobbi Brown is featuring a baby pink lip gloss, and Jo Malone is promoting their line of Red Rose bath products. Of course, at the Estee Lauder counter, you can purchase a pink ribbon Jeweled Pin as well as other BCA cosmetics.

Evelvn H. Lauder was inspired to create the foundation because of the imminent need for awareness and research for breast cancer. After all, annually 40,110 deaths (1% occurring in men) and 215,990 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year alone. But with early detection, breast cancer is 96.4% curable. The Ribbon campaign has been extremely beneficial in getting the message out, but Mrs. Lauder is especially excited about the Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative, which bathes monuments around the world in pink light. This program reaches over 1 billion women and men all over the world.

Actress and Estee Lauder spokes model Elizabeth Hurley and Evelyn Lauder will conduct ceremonies in Las Vegas, Paris and Barcelona to introduce “Turn Up the Heat.” It’s a campaign using hot pink as the signature BCA color instead of the regular pastel pink. Mrs. Lauder is hoping this color change will send out an even more powerful message. There will also be an exhibition of Mrs. Lauder’s photographs in Paris. Proceeds from the photo exhibition will benefit the foundation as well. In the words of Evelyn Lauder, “Don’t be afraid of breast cancer. Don’t be afraid to do breast self-examination. Don’t be afraid to have regular mammograms. Don’t be afraid – or wait – to go to your doctor and get information if you find a lump or suspect something. And please keep spreading awareness and getting the message out to your loved ones.” Her work with the foundation along with feedback from its scientists has led Mrs. Lauder to be optimistic that we will find a cure for and be able to prevent breast cancer within the next 15 years or less.

Finally, net proceeds from sales of the book, “An Eye for Beauty” are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To purchase a copy of “An Eye for Beauty”, go to www.esteelauder.com, www.bcrfcure.org or call 1-866- FIND A CURE. Please contact me at Stephanie@beautynewsnyc.com for more information regarding the 3-day breast cancer walk throughout New York State (and other states as well).

Virgin or Slut? Pick one. It’s not hard. Relax people! It’s lip balm. Blue Q is a company you probably aren’t aware that you already know about. Make sense? Read on. They are the creators of everything “Dirty Girl”, “Queen”, and “Total Bitch”, just to name a few. Originated by brothers Seth and Mitch Nash in Boston 18 years ago, Blue Q has grown from their cardboard cutout of a cat, “Flat Cat – The Perfect Pet”, to include beauty, personal care, paper, magnets, and more. So we know they’re witty, but who knew how thoughtful they were?

The Giving Committee is a small volunteer group that consists of Blue Q’s administrative personnel and warehouse workers, as well as the Nash brothers, that meet once a month. Trevor Ward is the Committee Chair, “Requests were coming in for gifts of product and monetary donations and it was all coming out of the year end bonus pool and 401K plan. It was decided this should be a decision the employees make, not just Seth and Mitch alone, since it’s taking away from the employee’s paychecks.”

Receiving 40-50 requests per month is a little overwhelming so Trevor looks up the charities on sites like www.philanthropy.com and www.charitywatch.org to see what percentage of funds go to administrative fees vs. benefiting the actual cause. Local charities also get preference over national. “Seth and Mitch grew up in Pittsfield, MA and if it’s local it definitely gets attention. We feel we can make more of a difference to smaller venues.” Which is why you won’t see any “Boys Suck, Throw Rocks at Them” paraphernalia in celebrity goodie bags. They’d rather send products over to “Race for the Cure” or local chapters for Breast Cancer Awareness. “We don’t have a lot to give and we want it to count.”

Their community outreach is substantial. Blue Q provides a local scholarship fund so local seniors can go to college. They’re also the largest employer in Western Massachusetts of adults with cerebral palsy and actively sponsor the Berkshire County Association of Retarded Citizens.

On a smaller scale the “Meltdown Retreat” is a day of spa treatments a woman gives to her local nurses and neonatal care workers out of her home. Blue Q donates product for them to take home with them. Then there’s the former Miss Hawaii who sponsors the seasonal “Queen for a Day” tea party for young girls in cancer wards who all take home “Queen” lip balm. The every popular “Dirty Girl” line gets the most requests.

For all their racy product names, these guys are really softies underneath. With Seth and Mitch serving as “inspirational leaders by example” the company is full of friendly, thoughtful people. And no matter what you may be, “good girl or bad” they’ll help you “Wash Away Your Sins”!