The beauty industry can be more style than substance when it comes to supporting the kinds of great causes that International Women’s Day brings much-needed attention to. So ignore the femvertising and support brands that back up their posturing with action. Here are three that deserve a look.
Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls is linking up with Lulu Guinness, the designer famous for her lip and lipstick motifs, this International Women's Day. The irresistibly sweet Bobbi Brown x Lulu Guinness make-up bag contains two Bobbi Brown bestsellers, its Smokey Eye mascara and Art Stick in Bare, a neutral lip shade that looks chic on skin of any age or tone. The Irish proceeds of the €45 set go to Dress for Success Dublin, which helps get women into the workforce through practical assistance: clothing for interviews, application advice and career mentoring.
![](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/NRFTI7WTER4KAZVLXPB6UJQYOI.jpg?auth=58160378c2cdc568d162dca1527a1f03bd4f88f2d94eed20c7051d0b1c948319&width=800&height=663)
If your budget won't stretch to that set, there is always the option of Elizabeth Arden's March On Beautiful Color lipstick in Pink Punch, a shade chosen by Reese Witherspoon. Proceeds from the limited-edition lipstick, which costs €26, will be donated to UN Women.
For a smaller but no less meaningful contribution, you could pick up L'Occitane's Solidarity Balm (€6 at L'Occitane stores around Ireland). The orange-blossom-scented balm, with neroli and vanilla, is useful for dry cuticles, elbows, knuckles or any little patches of dusty-looking dry skin – particularly useful in these recent up-and-down temperatures, which are hard on the extremities. The balm also looks beautiful and would be a lovely gift. All profits go to the L'Occitane Foundation to promote women's leadership in Burkina Faso.