Look Good and Feel Good: Luxury Beauty Brands that Give Back

In the glittering world of high-end cosmetics, a new movement is blossoming that’s as beautiful as the products themselves.
Philanthropy meets luxury beauty as prestigious brands blend opulence with altruism, proving that true radiance comes from giving back. From supporting education and environmental causes to championing health initiatives and social equality, these beauty powerhouses are redefining what it means to be a luxury brand in today’s socially conscious world. Join us as we explore how six popular names are making the world a little more beautiful, one charitable initiative at a time.
M.A.C Cosmetics is painting the world with kindness through its VIVA GLAM campaign. Since 1994, this makeup maverick has been applying a generous dose of compassion to its business model, raising an eye-popping $500,000,000 for communities in need. Talk about putting your money where your lipstick is! The VIVA GLAM initiative isn’t just glossing over issues – it’s tackling them head-on, with 100% of lipstick sales going to organisations fighting HIV/AIDS, supporting women and girls, and championing the LGBTQIA+ community. M.A.C has always stood for “All Ages, All Races, All Genders”, and now, with four fabulous shades of their MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick, they’re proving that true beauty isn’t just skin-deep, it’s about making a vibrant, lasting impact on the world, one lipstick at a time.
Products we love that do good from M.A.C:
Macximal Silky Matte Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Equality
Macximal Silky Matte Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Planet
Macximal Silky Matte Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Empowered
Macximal Silky Matte Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Heart
Tatcha goes beyond skin-deep with its Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures education fund. Started by founder Vicky Tsai, the initiative supports Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program, helping girls stay in school and reach their potential. This program is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty, as educated girls are less likely to marry young, and as a result, are likely to earn higher wages and raise healthier families. Every Tatcha purchase contributes to this cause, providing girls with life skills education, mentorship, and material support worldwide. The brand’s commitment extends to global literacy efforts, with Room to Read publishing thousands of children’s books in local languages and establishing libraries, proving that true beauty starts with education and empowerment.
Products we love that do good from Tatcha:
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, a replenishing and plumping moisturiser
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair, a barrier strengthening cream
Tatcha The Essence, a skincare boosting treatment
Tatcha The Rice Wash, a soft cream cleanser
Tatcha The Rice Polish: Classic, a foaming enzyme powder
La Mer is making waves with its commitment to ocean conservation through their Blue Heart Oceans Fund. Born from the sea and inspired by the regenerative powers of kelp, La Mer has has anchored ocean preservation at the heart of its mission. The brand’s Blue Heart initiative is on a global voyage to protect marine habitats, partnering with eco-warriors and splashing out donations to make a real difference. They’re not just skimming the surface either – La Mer’s dedication runs as deep as their sustainable harvesting of Giant Sea Kelp, the magic ingredient that forms their Miracle Broth. By teaming up with ocean champions like GreenWave and EarthEcho International, La Mer actively supports restorative ocean farming and youth empowerment in ocean conservation. It’s clear that for La Mer, luxury beauty and saving our seas go hand-in-hand, proving they’re truly committed to keeping our oceans as beautiful as the faces they treat.
Products we love that do good from La Mer:
Crème De La Mer, an ultra-rich cream that deeply moisturises
The Regenerating Serum, visibly diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
The Eye Concentrate, reduces dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles
The Hydrating Infused Emulsion, a skin-repairing solution
The Hand Treatment, emollient-rich cream for smooth and soft hands
Hourglass redefines beauty with a strong ethical stance. Founded in 2004 by Carisa Janes, this vegan and cruelty-free brand has made animal welfare the cornerstone of its mission. Hourglass demonstrates that luxury beauty and conscience can co-exist, donating 1% of annual online profits to the Nonhuman Rights Project. The brand’s innovative spirit shines through with its creation of Red 0, the industry’s first vegan alternative to carmine, saving thousands of female insects used for traditional red pigments. Through their Unlocked collection, Hourglass further supports animal rights, donating 5% of profits to help free wild animals from captivity. This approach proves that high-end beauty can be a powerful force for positive change, marrying high-quality formulas with a commitment to ethical practices.
Products we love that do good from Hourglass:
Unlocked Soft Matte Lipstick
Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Unlocked Satin Creme Red Lipstick
Unlocked Satin Creme Lipstick Red 0
Glow Recipe is serving up a delicious blend of skincare and social responsibility, proving that true beauty goes beyond skin-deep. This fruit-forward brand is using its juicy platform to nourish communities and organisations close to its heart. Since 2021, Glow Recipe has been spreading the glow love with a fruitful mix of monetary and product-based donations. Their commitment shines particularly bright in their partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming children’s health and shaping a brighter future. This collaboration underscores Glow Recipe’s dedication to not only enhancing skin radiance but also illuminating the lives of children in need. Supported by their devoted community, Glow Recipe demonstrates that in the world of luxury skincare, making a tangible difference is the ultimate form of beauty.
Products we love that do good from Glow Recipe:
Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum
Chantecaille, the high-end beauty brand, proves that luxury can give back to Mother Earth with its “Wild About Nature” charity initiative. Founded by Sylvie Chantecaille, this 20-year commitment to environmental philanthropy began with a passion for gardening and a concern for disappearing Monarch butterflies. Since then, Chantecaille has expanded its focus to various endangered species and ecosystems, including sea turtles, coral reefs, gorillas, wolves, bees, elephants, and giraffes. Through dedicated philanthropic product collections, the brand raises funds and increases awareness about these critical environmental issues. Chantecaille’s approach demonstrates that beauty can be a powerful voice for nature, turning each product into an opportunity to support and protect our planet’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
Products we love that do good from Chantecaille:
Cheetah Eye Trio in Rich Neutrals
Sea Turtle Collection in Lip Chic
Future Skin Cushion Foundation
Luminescent Eye Shades
Philanthropy Cheek Shades
For more Prestige exclusive beauty news, click here.