Four beauty brands that not only look good, but do good too

As much as your favourite face cream or lipstick makes you feel good every morning – wouldn’t you feel better knowing that slathering on your go-to beauty product is helping a good cause? We have the list of top brands to put your money behind - not only for their amazing formulations but the charities they support.

L’OCCITANE

A brand that has always supported various causes such as Fair Trade ingredients, L’Occitane’s most important initiative is that of supporting organizations that finance eye screening and prevention of avoidable sight loss. A brand that recently signed a contract with the Brien Holden Vision Institute, all L’Occitane products have packaging with text written in English and in Braille in support of their eye care causes and potential customers who are blind.

MAC VIVA GLAM

Along with a long line of celebrity buy in, MAC has been supporting the fight against HIV and AIDS with the Viva Glam lipstick line with ambassadors such as Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and now Taraji P Henson. A lipstick collection released every year, all proceeds from the sale of a VIVA Glam lipstick, retailing at R240, goes towards women, men and children living with HIV and AIDS.

LUSH CHARITY POT

The next time you step into a local Lush Cosmetics store, try purchasing the Charity Pot Hand and Body Lotion for only R245. Not only is this rich cream hydrating and vegan but all proceeds of sales go towards small charity organizations such as Pebbles Project that support children and their families in terms of education, healthcare and nutrition and Animal Welfare.

THE BODY SHOP

While the spirit of giving has bitten you and you’re considering a present for a loved one; consider getting any gift set, from R120, from The Body Shop to support the Play for Peace Project, this year supporting the Sisanda Foundation, which provides a safe haven for children of troubled backgrounds to play, learn and find peace though recreational activities.