More Than Just A Pretty Face

We love small local brands – you know exactly where your money is going. Sometimes the big ones, not so much. That’s why it’s refreshing to find the socially responsible ones, doing great things with a portion of their profits.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Dermalogica

The Dermalogica skin care line has partnered with Kiva.org to help 25,000 women worldwide achieve financial independence.

The FITE program, launching in January 2011, will aid thousands of loan recipients by helping them get their small businesses off the ground.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop has put together a petition alongside the Somaly Mam Foundation and ECPAT calling on governments to give children greater protection against trafficking. Specifically a “Safe Harbor Law” that would:

• Protect and prevent any person under the age of 18 from being charged, prosecuted or incarcerated for prostitution.
• Refer exploited children to special services and shelters that will support their recovery.
• Require the training of law enforcement, judges and first responders. Washington and New York are two states that already have a similar law.

MAC Cosmetics

Every cent from MAC Viva Glam Lipstick and Lipglass goes towards the MAC AIDS Fund which provides a host of services for women living with AIDS. Here’s a partial list of where the money goes:

• Childcare during doctor’s appointments for a women living with AIDS
• HIV Prevention Workshops
• Counseling
• Safer Sex Kits
• Shoes for children orphaned by AIDS

OPI Nails

Next time you pick out your favorite OPI color for that manicure, remember this: OPI and its employees rallied to help after 9/11, and during Hurricane Katrina, OPI joined with its employees and others in a matching funds program, raising more than $350,000 for the American Red Cross. The company also donates annually to a North Hollywood health clinic which provides health care for families without insurance.

For a list of other big names giving back go to: pungle.org