One way to support patients and survivors for Breast Cancer Awareness month: meeting their needs. These beauty and style finds do that and more. They were created by fellow survivors as an antidote to products that don’t necessarily consider the circumstances and desires of people dealing with or recovering from the disease. But here’s a twist: They actually work for everyone. Think extra-gentle skincare products, comfy bras, non-toxic makeup, and cozy fashion picks. And as a bonus, many of the makers behind them are also donating a portion of sales to BCA charities in October.
Glow Away: OrganiGlowSkinCo Ultra-Hydro Body Butter
This waterless green tea-scented shea and mango body butter is a hydrating dream-come-true for finicky skin. The survivor behind it is Kristin Smith, who teamed with her friend Kay Cola to create a line of natural, organic skincare products. Her inspiration? It’s based on a soothing cream she created for herself to help get her through radiation therapy for stage 2 breast cancer in 2012. Available at theorganibrands.com, $19
Support System: Everviolet Astrid Jersey Bralette With Lace
This patent-pending wonder is great for anyone recovering from surgery—or those who just want a no-fuss everyday bra. Its two layers of soft jersey hide a layer of power mesh designed to help women dealing with arm mobility issues due to lymphedema. It was created by Keira Kotler, a visual artist, marketer, and double cancer survivor (thyroid and breast) who’s on a mission to create functional, pretty lingerie for those needing support in more ways than one. For all purchases of this style made from October 16 to 18, 10% of proceeds will go to Rethink Breast Cancer in Toronto. Available at everviolet.com, $68
Just Brow-zing: SurvivorEyes Forever Brows Eyebrow Kit
While dealing with her own ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis, Lisa Brambilla was inspired by her friend Laurie’s radiation-triggered hair loss to find a way to help fill a hole in the market—by filling in eyebrows. The solution: a set with 10 arch templates, sweat-proof pomade, and an applicator that makes getting perfect stay-put brows easier for all. Every purchase made in October will be matched with a product donation to various cancer patient-supporting charities. Available at survivoreyes.com, $39.95
That’s a Wrap: AnaOno Miena Robe
After undergoing a bilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction at the age of 27, Dana Donofree set out to answer the call for beautiful and functional intimates that work for everyone. One of her latest offerings, this lovely robe features ultra-soft, lightweight modal fabric (which is made from beech tree pulp) and extra-wide armholes that make it a must for anyone suffering from irritation. For those who need a little post-surgery care, there’s an optional $10 drain management belt you can add on. Available at anaono.com, $68
On the Bright Side: Hynt Beauty Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum
Anyone battling a dull complexion—whether from breast cancer or run-of-the-mill lack of sleep—will love this radiance-boosting potion. With stabilized vitamin C ester, hyaluronic acid, and marine extracts, it’s a brightening treat for the face. The warrior behind it: Meryl Marshall, a former gemologist who started the line to help others avoid ingredients like phthalates and petroleum by-products after receiving her 2004 diagnosis. And 10% of sales made from October 12th through 18th will be donated to BCA charities. Available at hyntbeauty.com, $79
Bra Boost: Cosabella Never Say Never Valeria Bralette
Launching this month, this supportive racerback bra is named after the brand’s founder Valeria Campello, an eight-year survivor of invasive carcinoma. Made to hold post-mastectomy prosthetics or regular ol’ push-up pads, depending on your needs, this little lace number is almost too pretty to cover up. Note: Five percent of the retail sales price (and all the specially marked Never Say Never products) will go to the Susan G. Komen through October 31. Available at cosabella.com, $89
Sleep Tight: Odacité Crème de la Nuit
This night cream is a lovely pre-bed treat packed with plant and sea botanicals, including pomegranate juice and algae, that de-age you as you sleep. It’s the latest offering from this brand started by green guru Valérie Grandury whose interest in natural and organic beauty was spurred by her own journey with breast cancer. Order through the brand’s site between October 19th through 21st and 20% of the order price will be donated to the Keep a Breast Foundation. Available at odacite.com starting October 6, $120
Crown and Glory: StyleEsteem Wardrobe Komen Together for a Cure
A stylish solution for those dealing with hair loss—or just a bad hair day—this stretchy poly blend wrap is a great toss-on-and-go solution that’s also incredibly chic. It was created by Sonya Keshwani, a cancer survivor since 2018 who found wearing a wig painful and untrue to her identity. Twenty percent of each head wrap sold is donated to Komen. And for every wrap sold, one is donated to a cancer patient in need. Available at styleesteemshop.com, $31
Right on the Kisser: Beauty Bakerie Drive Me Glazy Liquid Gloss Lipstick
Cashmere Nicole’s 2010 diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, HER2+, ER+ and early-stage breast cancer put her on a mission: to focus her beauty line, Beauty Bakerie, on healthy ingredients that still performed. One of her personal favorites is this bronze lippie that’s not only non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free, but features subtle glitter flecks that make your smile stand out from across the room. Available at beautybakerie.com, $18
Fresh Start: Violets Are Blue Magnesium Deodorant
Knowing from her own journey that some breast cancer patients choose to switch to natural deodorant out of personal preference, Cynthia Besteman, a survivor who received her own diagnosis in 2011, has added this deo to her gentle skincare line. A mix of magnesium, coconut and sunflower oil, and tapioca starch, it tackles odor without possible irritants like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. 10% of the purchase price supports Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC. Available at violetsareblueskincare.com, $25
A Better Bath: SaltyGirl Beauty Lemongrass Ginger Bath Salts
The way to turn a bath into a relaxing moment: Add a scoop of this booster featuring detoxifying Himalayan pink salts and mood-elevating essential oils. It’s just one of the many nourishing products from the line created by cancer warrior Sarah Kelly (diagnosed at 36 years old and 32 weeks pregnant) and her oncology nurse sister Leah Robert, who set out to create products that were organic, minimalist, nourishing, and safe for cancer patients. A portion of the proceeds from all sales goes to the brand’s Foundation4Love charity. Available at saltygirlbeauty.com, $20
by Beth Shapouri
