Ah, October. The season of golden leaves, pumpkin-spiced lattes, and Halloween. But amongst the glorious perks of the cosiest time of the year, there is one thing that we mustn't forget - it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the NHS, about one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and for this reason, it's important that we encourage each other to raise awareness on the issue.
Up until the 31st of this month, charities and organisations like Against Breast Cancer will be making great efforts to raise awareness of the disease, as well as support organisations conducting vital research such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Many celebrities have shown their support for the cause, in particular, Girls Aloud. In honour of the late Sarah Harding - who sadly died from breast cancer back in September last year- Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh have reunited once again to create a range of nightwear in memory of their late bandmate.
As well as this, well-known brands such as Jo Malone and Q+A have created gorgeous products in collaboration with breast cancer charities that are now available to buy this month - but be quick, as some of these products are limited edition.
Each of these brands donates a portion of its profits to charity, so you can treat yourself to something pretty while also supporting a very worthy cause. We've listed as many as we could find, so take a look below.
If you're also looking for some advice on checking your breasts, we've included a help section underneath our product list.
SHOP: Breast Cancer Awareness Month beauty and fashion buys 2022
1 of 11ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener
Hair care icon ghd has teamed up with Breast Cancer Now and the Irish Cancer Society and will be donating £250,000 between both charities this October. Emblazoned with ghd's 'Take Control Now' message and accompanied by a matching heat-resistant bag, this platinum+ hair tool in glorious orchid pink is an important reminder to everyone to self-check.
2 of 11Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne
Peony & Blush Suede Cologne is one of the many delicious fragrances by Jo Malone, and this month, the British brand has teamed up with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to create a limited edition version of the cologne - complete with a pink cap. With every purchase of the limited edition bottles, Jo Malone has pledged to make a £20 donation from the purchase price to its chosen charity to help combat breast cancer. FYI - this perfume smells like walking through a flower patch on a warm summer's day.
3 of 11Skinny Tan Limited Edition Coppafeel! Self-Tan Mousse
With its gorgeous coconut and vanilla scent, there is every reason to pick up a bottle of this Self-Tanning Mouse by Skinny Tan. It's super easy to apply and leaves a glorious streak-free tan that will have your co-workers wondering if you've just come back from Tenerife. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the self-tanning mouses will come in this limited edition Booby Bottle, and £1 of every sale will be donated to CoppaFeel!.
4 of 11Beauty Kin Exfoliating Body Bar
This wonderful Body Bar by Beauty Kin is full of exfoliating goodness, complete with lactic acid, ground olive stone, squalane and grapefruit. Beauty Kin has confirmed that they will be donating 20 per cent of each sale of the Exfoliating Bar to Cancer Research UK. So while you're unclogging your pores, exfoliating dead skin cells and moisturising your skin, you can rest assured that you're supporting a fantastic cause.
5 of 11Q+A Vitamin A.C.E Warming Face Mask
This gorgeous gel mask from Q+A is a perfect pick-me-up and an ideal addition to any skincare regime. With a honey-like texture, warming sensation on the skin and easy application, there's no reason why you shouldn't bag this product and support an amazing cause at the same time. When you purchase their Warming Gel Mask, Q+A will donate 20 per cent of the profits to Against Breast Cancer. We recommend buying the Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel and the Q+A Grapefruit Cleansing Balm with this product, too.
6 of 11Bedew Skin Pink Clay Glow Up Mask
This Pink Clay Glow Up Mask by Bedew Skin goes on the skin like a dream and leaves the skin feeling absolutely incred. There is no denying that this mask is perfect for a night binge-watching Netflix with a glass of rosé. 20 per cent of sales of this product will go to Make2ndsCount all of October.
7 of 11Bobbi Brown Proud To Be Pink Crushed Oil Infused Gloss Duo
Bobbi Brown has teamed up with Estée Lauder on its fabulous Breast Cancer Campaign and has created a lip gloss duo that gives back. In two shades - Bellini and Free Spirit - these lip glosses are the perfect addition to your make-up bag. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will donate the full sale price minus VAT for each Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss Duo bought.
8 of 11Estée Lauder Limited Edition Advanced Night Repair Serum
Estée Lauder's bestselling Advanced Night Repair serum comes in an adorable pink cap bottle in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. This dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested serum will replump skin, diminish wrinkles and give skin a healthy glow, and is perfect to use at any time of the day, making it extremely versatile for any beauty buff.
9 of 11Beautyblender Rosie For Breast Cancer Awareness
Ah, the trusty Beautyblender. With its iconic aqua-activated material, your skin will look flawless and airbrushed without the filter. The brand is donating one of every Rosie Beautyblender sold to Pink Ribbon, a fantastic organisation supporting people who have or have had breast cancer.
10 of 11Christophe Robin Let's Think Pink Limited Edition Bundle
This bundle comes with an amazing trio, Christophe Robin's Cleansing Volumising Paste, Delicate Volumising Shampoo and Instant Volumising Leave-In Mist. With each bundle sold, Christophe Robin will donate $5 to Fake Hair Don't Care, a French charity supporting people with cancer by collecting hair donations to create natural wigs for people who have suffered hair loss.
11 of 11ROXY Keep A Breast Day T-Shirt
Iconic surf and snow brand ROXY has created the cutest t-shirts in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Partnering with Keep A Breast Foundation for the fourth year in a row, these t-shirts remind us of the importance of breast health, as well as encourage young women to self-check.
How to check your breasts
Checking your breasts is incredibly important, even if you have no suspicion that you have breast cancer. Checking your breasts regularly will help you spot anything different and new.
We spoke to Rachel Rawson, Lead Cancer Nurse Specialist at Perci Health about checking your breasts and how to approach a difficult and sometimes daunting task.
"Get used to looking at yourself in the mirror - you will be able to see under your breast.
"When checking, remember that breast tissue goes up to your collarbone and under your arms. Most breast changes will be nothing to worry about, but if you notice something different or new, always have it checked by a doctor", says Rachel.
When checking, always look for:
• A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
• A change in the colour of the breast, as it may look red or inflamed
• A nipple change, for example, it has become pulled in
• Rash or crusting around the nipple
• Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
What are some common misconceptions about breast cancer?
"Breast cancer is not always a lump so when you are checking your breasts you are checking for anything that is different and new from normal," says Rachel.
Though commonly associated with women, breast cancer can affect men, too. According to Rachel, whilst it's not as common in men as it is in women, it still affects around 370 men every year in the UK.
If I notice a symptom, what should my next steps be?
"Contact your GP - they may want to see you in person, they may suggest waiting a few weeks to see if things settle down or they might refer you to a breast clinic," explains Rachel.