October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer touches the lives of countless women, and supporting them as they navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of going through treatment is not just important, it's an honour.
Many of my own values are reflected in what we do here at Graydon Skincare. We believe in the power of self care–feeling good about yourself and being empowered and connected to your body. I see how often so many of us–myself included–can fall out of self care practices, run out of time for them, or simply forget.
For people who need and deserve the empowerment of self care as they navigate cancer, finding those moments of connection and pampering can be even more difficult. That’s what makes those self care moments all the more vital for them.
Self care is essential to your emotional well being no matter who you are or what you’re going through.
That is why we’re supporting Lipstick Angels this month. This phenomenal nonprofit organization offers beauty, skincare, and wellness services to people undergoing cancer treatment. Their goal is to, “create a space for each person to feel pampered and to spark empowerment and joy through the essential practice of self-care.”
I’m proud that we’ve donated our products to Lipstick Angels in the past because I believe in their mission wholeheartedly. I’m truly thrilled to continue to support them with our breast cancer awareness month initiative.
For the entire month of October, 15% of our Aloe Milk 100mL online sales will be donated to Lipstick Angels.
I want to tell you more about how fantastic Lipstick Angels is, and also share a story about how they helped me.
About Lipstick Angels
Lipstick Angels is a charity dedicated to providing oncology-safe skincare, makeup, and wellness services to those undergoing cancer treatments. Through personalized services like facials and makeup application, they empower people to embrace joyful selfcare during one of the most challenging times in their lives. By partnering with hospitals and treatment centers, Lipstick Angels ensures that clean beauty products and care-filled experiences reach those who need them most.
Founder Renata Holfman was inspired to start Lipstick Angels because her grandmother–a cancer survivor–had a ritual of putting on her favourite lipstick before chemotherapy, and she saw the impact it had.
“Wearing lipstick was a red badge of courage—a few swipes could instantly ground you, brighten your face, and elevate your spirit.” –Renata
Here’s a look at someone getting a facial and hand massage from 2 angels before chemo. I love seeing these amazing volunteers in action!
My Introduction to Lipstick Angels
Some years ago, I was out in San Francisco for a brand event. I was really excited because it would be an amazing opportunity to meet many other indie beauty and skincare brand founders and connect with them. There were also events and talks planned so many of us could learn more about each other.
One I was super interested in learning more about was Lipstick Angels. Renata was going to be there to speak more about the nonprofit and what they did.
What I didn’t expect was to receive a call from my dad that morning before the event. On that call, he told me he had stage 4 cancer. I was devastated. But without much time to process the news or even really reflect on how it was affecting me, I was off to try and put on a brave face to interact with the very founders I’d been thrilled to meet just minutes before.
The first part of the event, I felt numb. When it was finally time to hear from Renata, I sat down with everyone else in the audience to listen.
Hearing about Lipstick Angel’s work, about how they wanted to give back dignity, empowerment, and connection to those going through cancer treatments–it broke through my shock and numbness. I couldn’t help but think of my dad.
I started to cry. Not small, silent tears–I truly began to bawl and had to leave the room. I felt emotional, heartbroken, and also a little embarrassed for such a big interruption to the day. When I came back in to apologize, I also told those there the news I’d received that morning.
It turns out, I didn’t have to apologize at all. The kindness, humanity, and support I received from everyone there that day is something I have never forgotten. When you go through difficult times, it’s those moments of human connection and care that linger in your mind.
When you go through difficult times, it’s those moments of human connection and care that linger in your mind.
Later that day, Renata and I spoke, and her words and compassion helped me begin to process the news. I’ve always valued that conversation as well.
That day and many moments after it confirmed for me just how important it is to care for someone’s emotional health alongside their physical health. Cancer treatments and doctors help with the physical, but it’s the people in your life who offer you compassion and joy–whether it’s family, friends, or people in an organization like Lipstick Angels–that can give you a different kind of healing. A healing of your heart and spirit.
Why Aloe Milk Cleanser
I chose Aloe Milk for our charity initiative because it’s pink colour matches the breast cancer ribbon perfectly. Plus, Aloe Milks is clean, formulated for sensitive skin, and free from fragrances, alcohol, dyes (the pink colour comes from gromwell root), or harsh exfoliants–all ingredients most people going through chemo need to avoid.
Aloe Milk is also a deeply nourishing and protective cleanser–not to mention it’s packed full of anti-inflammatory ingredients. Black tea extract revitalizes skin and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the antioxidants and polyphenols in the ingredient. Aloe vera, gromwell root, and maple sap water offer moisturizing and soothing properties. Dark circles are reduced using apricot kernel oil, and niacinamide helps minimize the appearance of pores.
Essentially, Aloe Milk cleanses your skin without leaving it tight, dry, or irritated after. It feels creamy and soft on the skin and has a very light, natural scent that adds to the experience without being overwhelming–especially for those sensitive to scents.
While you get your selfcare on with Aloe Milk, you can know your purchase is offering a similar empowering experience to someone going through cancer treatments.
Keep scrolling to shop the limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness Aloe Milk or click here. This initiative runs for the entirety of October 2024, so make sure you get yours before the end of the month!
