Cosmetics that care: Laura Mercier launches products to benefit ovarian cancer
Cosmetics just found a new cause. This month French makeup icon Laura Mercier is debuting two special products that can give wearers a smooth, sun-kissed glow while giving women in need around the world hope.
For the past several decades, leaders in the beauty industry have taken impressive actions to educate the public about breast cancer and raise funds for research. But did you know that September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?
Laura Mercier wants to make sure you do. In honor of the cause, the company is releasing two new products – the limited-edition Rose Hope Lip Glacé, $24, and Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheeks Crème Colour Palette, $48. Both fresh offerings are on par with the company’s dedication to creating beautiful, natural-looking, flawless looks for women of all ages. All of the proceeds from the sale of these cosmetics will be donated to the recently established Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund.
The launch was inspired by the bond between Laura Mercier and her CEO, Claudia Poccia, a resident of Stamford. Both highly successful, striking, dark-haired, globe-trotting fashionistas have friends and families that were unexpectedly humbled by ovarian cancer.
Every year, the disease affects more than 225,000 women worldwide. Often, it’s not diagnosed until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. That was the case for Poccia’s younger sister, Laura Lia, who lost her battle last year. In April, Poccia helped host Hope Thru Handbags, a widely attended silent auction in Norwalk benefiting ovarian cancer research in honor of her sister.
Soon after, Laura Mercier and Poccia decided to use the makeup brand’s prominence to take ovarian cancer research, support and education initiatives to the next step with the release of exclusive products and a stunning fall ad campaign shot by photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Beside upcoming donations from beauty products, the company has donated $100,000 to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to develop the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund, which will be operating independently by next year.
The company is also partnering with Cosmetic Executive Women Fund’s Cancer and Careers to create a video series for working people living with cancer.
The presence of hope through help is the number one reason Laura Mercier’s Bonne Mine Crème Colour Palette and Rose Hope Lip Glacè are September’s best “necessary indulgences.” But let’s not forget that the consistent quality and clean beauty of Laura Mercier cosmetics will benefit the generous wearer as well.
The ultra-sheer Bonne Mine Palette was inspired by Mercier’s experiences working with celebrities who wanted a barely-there look that could give a natural, healthy glow all in one universal compact product. Apply the palette’s creamy bronzer on nose, cheeks, brow bone, forehead and chin for a light, sun-kissed effect. Then add color with one or a blended combination of its two sheer cheek veils. (Mercier recommends using fingertips to blend over the apples of your cheeks). Finish your fresh-face makeup with two highlighting glow veils applied on cheekbones, the center of your nose, brow bone, Cupid’s bow and the top of your forehead.
Add a burst of colorful, luscious shimmer with the Rose Hope high-shine lip gloss that flatters any skin tone. You can apply the pigmented gloss to your favorite lip color or wear it alone for a long-lasting shine that’s always noticeable and classy, and, as Mercier might say, voilà!
The shelf life of the worthy Rose Hope and Bonne Mine additions will certainly last far beyond Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, but perhaps ultimately the best way to keep giving back is to, well, keep giving. Laura Mercier’s latest creations are not only the nicest “necessary indulgences” du jour for you, but since power is in fact in the shopper’s pocketbook, they’re also the perfect presents that we can buy for our chic and caring friends too.
Beginning this month, you can find these giving products at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora. Or you can visit lauramercier.com to shop and donate.
