With multiple natural disasters, important social movements, and an enduring pandemic, 2020 could easily be coined not only a global annus horribilis, but also the year of compassion fatigue. Of course we care about the environment, systemic oppression, and the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us, but during ‘these times’ it’s very easy (and completely understandable) to become overwhelmed by each fresh wave of horrible news stories and want to close our eyes to it all. If you’re anything like us, that can bring along with it crushing guilt, which doesn’t help anyone. Thankfully some of our most-loved beauty brands are making it easy to engage in self care that also brings with it a financial boost to some incredible charities. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourites here so that you can easily go forth, spend, and feel good in every way for doing so.

COLOUR ME HAPPY

It may seem aeons ago now given what has transpired since, but the literal hellscape the Australian bushfires created is far from being repaired. Goldwell has stepped up to the plate and reminded us that, as important as human health is, while we all focus on COVID-19 there are animals and their environs who need us as well. For its 2020 Color for a Cause campaign, Goldwell is partnering with not-for-profit Bush Heritage Australia, which works with indigenous communities to buy and manage land and, in the case of bushfires, nurse it back to health. So it was in the name of the environment, you understand, that I visited Brisbane’s Luke Reynolds Hairdressing to be a Goldwell guinea pig. Hand on heart, I can say I have never received so many compliments on my hair colour before. This is surely a testament both to the quality of the product itself, and it being expertly wielded by colourist extraordinaire Bec. In classic beauty parlance, she took me right into the often-elusive ‘my hair but better’ territory – richer, glossier, softer.

To support this wonderful cause, just book a colour appointment at any Goldwell salon and then upload a selfie of your freshly coloured hair to Instagram tagging both #goldwellcolorforacause and @goldwellaus. For each valid entry, Goldwell will donate $20 to Bush Heritage Australia.

HERE I AM POST-GOLDWELL GLOW UP. TO FIND A GOLDWELL SALON NEAR YOU, CLICK HERE.

CHECK YOURSELF

Earlier this year ghd launched its new collection Take Control Now, with an emphasis on the importance of women of all ages making self-checking our breasts a regular part of our routines. One touch I particularly like is that the name of the collection is embossed on each tool, acting as a handy little reminder to take our health into our own hands, this time literally, by giving ourselves monthly breast checks. The collection, in an ultra-soft powder pink, includes the Platinum+ Styler, the Gold Styler, and the new Helios hairdryer, and $20 from each of these limited-edition products sold will be donated by ghd to breast cancer research. In short, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your hair styling situation.

GHD’S PINK COLLECTION STYLING TRIO

LIP SERVICE

Beauty aficionados will be familiar with MAC’s global support of people with HIV/AIDS, as characterised by its long-running VIVA GLAM campaign. Now in its twenty-sixth year, VIVA GLAM sees MAC donate 100% of the sale price of that year’s limited edition lipsticks to relevant charities, which it has done so far to the tune of US$500 million worldwide, and US$10 million in Australia alone. So from 24 September, get thee to a MAC counter for this year’s matte orange-red shade and know you’re making a difference, both to your face and to the greater good.

MAC’S 2019 VIVA GLAM V25. 2020’S VIVA GLAM V26 AVAILABLE FROM 24 SEPTEMBER.

‘BOMBS AWAY’ YOUR TROUBLES

In collaboration with major Brit beauty vlogger Zoe Sugg, Lush Cosmetics has released a new bath bomb, ‘IRL’, that will do more than brighten up your bathwater. Proceeds from the sales of this new bath bomb will be distributed as grants, ranging from $100 to $10,000, to small, grassroots groups worldwide working on mental health projects. Part of the global digital detox movement, Zoe’s idea behind the IRL bath bomb is to encourage us to stop and enjoy all of the real moments that life has to offer, instead of accepting what we see through the unreal lens of a screen. A simple way to do it? Jump in the tub and pay attention to the sunset-hued swirls of powder blue, peach, and lavender, all dreamily fragranced with orange flower and gardenia.

CARE BEARS

Having worked towards community and environmental improvement right from its very inception back in 1976, The Body Shop continues to be the place to go for that little beauty item that will do more than beautify. Case in point? A too-cute koala headband, just the ticket for keeping those little wispy bits of hair out of your way when washing your face at the end of the day. Better yet?  The Body Shop will donate $5 from the sale of each headband to WWF Australia’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund, which has been established with the important goals of improving environmental fire management strategies and, over the next decade, growing and caring for two billion trees. So you can get your koala on in the comfort of your own home, knowing you’re helping a real life koala get a new home.

Currently sold out online but available in-store – click here to find one nearby.

Story by Zoe Briggs. Main image by Thomas Bichler.

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