Do brands that support a cause convince you to buy?

Article by BR Tabatha

Beauty isn’t about having a pretty face.It’s about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart, and a pretty soul.- Unknown.

Is there anything more beautiful than the act of giving? Whether it’s one person giving their time to those who need it, or a company passing on their profits to a cause they believe in, the act of giving is an admirable one, and it’s something many beauty brands take part in on a regular basis.

LUSH’s Charity Pot is a stunning initiative – 100% of proceeds (excluding GST) from the sale of Charity Pots go to grassroots charities and sustainable farming initiatives worldwide. Since it’s launch in 2007 LUSH’s Charity Pot has raised over AUD$13 million globally, with the proceeds given to causes such as: Humane Society International, Sea Shepherd, Reprieve and more. In 2010 the SLush Fund was established, which took LUSH’s buying of fairly traded ingredients one step further. They were able to develop partnerships with the communities that grew the products, enabling LUSH to achieve a sustainable organic alternative to traditional agriculture. The latest Charity Pot is out now and contains seven ingredients from SLush Fund projects. Find out more here.

In 1994 M.A.C set up the M.A.C AIDS Fund, and pledged that every cent of the selling price of M.A.C VIVA GLAM lipstick and lipglass would be donated to the fund, with the money going to support men, women and children affected by AIDS/HIV all over the world. To date over US$315 millions has been raised, funding innovative programmes and giving the M.A.C AIDS Fund the opportunity to invest in areas and people often ignored by others. For more info visit www.macaidsfund.org.

It’s not just global companies that give back either; our local beauty industry does too. 

From the beginning of their business Trilogy chose not to test on animals, and they continue to work with their ingredient suppliers to ensure they’re aware of the company’s stance. As for giving back? Trilogy like to help out with local communities and causes, they’re passionate about the environment and animals, and are huge supporters of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation and have donated over $53,000 to help preserve their habitats.

If you’re a Facebook or Instagram follower of Oasis Beauty you’ll have no doubt seen the gorgeous photos of the animals that have made their home at Oasis Head Cottage. Not only is this the headquarters for their business, but it’s also a five-acre oasis to rescue and rehomed animals. This love of animals extends to the charities they support: SAFE, World Animal Protection, Hedgehog Rescue New Zealand, and a charity on their back doorstep, Oxford Bird Rescue.

Bella Vi is a New Zealand owned and operated company that not only offers beautiful cruelty free mineral makeup, but likes to give back too, supporting local charities such as: Look Good Feel Better, Heart Children New Zealand, Endometriosis New Zealand, and Angels for Children.

These are only a few examples of companies whose beauty goes so much further than skin deep. If you’re keen to support such businesses check out their ‘about’ pages as they’ll often feature information on the causes they support.

Are you a keen supporter of companies that care? Does it influence who you buy from? Are there any other companies you know of whose charitable works need to be outed? Spread the word here!