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It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Shop Pink!

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Kelsey Damassa Student Contributor, Boston College
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Julianne Wojno Student Contributor, Boston College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Over this past weekend, I filled my break from schoolwork with some much-needed retail therapy.  While shopping on Newbury, I overheard a customer mumbling under her breath about something called “pinkwashing.”   I had never heard this term and was fascinated.  What in the world does this mean?  After completing some highly credible research on Google, I found that “pinkwashing” is a relatively new term referring to when a company or group does a pink breast cancer promotion, but sells and profits from a variety of pink-themed products.  Well, I guess that kind of makes sense, especially since it is October – the official Breast Cancer Awareness month!

With only a few weeks left in October, why not make some purchases for a good cause?  It gives you an excuse to shop while at the same time, a portion of your spending goes straight to breast cancer research.  Saving the world one handbag or pair of shoes at a time?  That sounds like a good deal to me.  Here are some can’t-miss pink products from some companies participating in “pinkwashing!”

Make-Up:  Stila’s BCA Positive and Pretty Palette ($14)
This limited-edition palette not only has great shades for all skin-tones, but also the proceeds go straight to breast cancer research and bettering the lives of women who are living with cancer.  The palette has a mirror, four eye shadows, a blush, and a highlighter, as well as a how-to chart.  So head online and make your purchase before October comes to an end!

Fragrance:  Promise Me Eau de Parfum ($59)
This perfume was created by the Susan G. Komen For the Cure® foundation specifically for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  The scent is light and airy with characteristically feminine notes of citrus, peony, orchid, and rosewood.  Wearing this fragrance will transport you to the carefree, joyous times of summer during the harsh Boston winter.

Sportswear: New Balance Lace Up for the Cure® Kaspian Jacket ($57.99)
Besides being super cute, this versatile jacket is perfect for fighting off the autumn chill in the air.  It wicks away moisture and has plenty of pockets, making it perfect for any kind of exercise.  New Balance has an entire line of Lace Up for the Cure® sportswear that you should definitely check out, plus 5% of the suggested retail price of sales goes straight to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®!
  
Chocolate:  DOVE Promises of Hope Chocolate ($2.99)
What girl doesn’t love her chocolate?  These individually wrapped DOVE chocolates are simply delicious and the perfect size.  In addition, each wrapper is printed with a message of hope from a breast cancer survivor.  The best part is that the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®!

Tea:  Sip for the Cure® Pink Lady Apple™ Tea Bags ($11)
I don’t know about you, but I am a HUGE tea drinker.  I absolutely love this tea and I was elated to find out some of their proceeds were going towards Susan G. Komen for the Cure®! If you aren’t a big apple tea fan, check out the five other flavors in the Sip for the Cure® line.  I am positive you will find at least one you love!

These are just some of the pink products filling stores this October.  So look for those “pinkwashing” stores, both online and in Boston, and go do some charitable shopping! Everybody needs some retail therapy after the stress of midterms, so treat others by treating yourself!  Let us know in the comments what fun and interesting pink products you find!
 
Photo Sources:
http://makeupforlife.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/stila-bca-positive-a…
http://www.panachemag.com/Beauty/Images/Promise_Me.jpg
http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/NB/detail_hero_template_400x400?&$product=NB/rwfj1350bk_nb_04_i
http://zomgcandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/sgk_dc_2009.jpg
http://www.republicoftea.com/sip-for-the-cure-pink-lady-apple%3f/p/V00642/

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Kelsey Damassa

BC

Kelsey Damassa is in her senior year at Boston College, majoring in Communications and English. She is a native of Connecticut and frequents New York City like it is her job. On campus, she is the Campus Correspondent for the Boston College branch of Her Campus. She also teaches group fitness classes at the campus gym (both Spinning and Pump It Up!) and is an avid runner. She has run five half-marathons as well as the Boston Marathon. In her free time, Kelsey loves to bake (cupcakes anyone?), watch Disney movies, exercise, read any kind of novel with a Starbucks latte in hand, and watch endless episodes of "Friends" or "30 Rock."
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Julianne Wojno

Julianne is an Ohio native studying communication at Boston College with a concentration in journalism. She got involved with Her Campus BC when the chapter launched in December 2010. She began as an editor and contributing writer, and since has moved up the ranks to Campus Correspondent. Aside from working for Her Campus, Julianne is a certified personal trainer at Boston College's Flynn Recreational Complex and teaches group fitness as well. During her sophomore year, Julianne was a part of the Arrupe Program at BC and traveled to Guatemala, learning about the culture, political, social, economic, and religious issues of the country. Her goals post graduation include writing for a health and fitness magazine or working in communications for college or professional athletics. As for now, however, she is enjoying life at the University she loves so much! An avid hockey and football fan, one can always find Julianne in the stands rooting on BC and the Boston Bruins! Other hobbies include running, yoga, cooking, baking, and photography.