The Story Behind the Shadow - BE Cares: Sweet Smile Eye Shadow + a Giveaway!

A few times each year, Bare Escentuals creates an eyeshadow that benefits a charity. Right now, that shadow is a really pretty and complex glimmer called Sweet Smile and a portion of the sales will help support the non-profit Smile Train.

The shadow itself is a beautiful taupey, silver/purple shimmer with itty bits of blue and purple sparkle. Smile Train  is a non-profit focused on solving a single problem: cleft lip and palate. Clefts are a major problem in developing countries where there are millions of children who are suffering with unrepaired clefts. Most cannot eat or speak properly. They aren’t allowed to attend school or hold a job. And many face very difficult lives filled with shame and isolation, pain and heartache. Smile Train not only provides surgery to children who need it, they teach local doctors how to do the surgery. These doctors can continue to help those in their area.

(Shown on left, with and without primer and on right, foiled, with and without primer.)

One of my sisters-in-sparkle, Jessica, saw first hand the agony that someone born with a cleft and lip palate goes through during their life. Her sister was born with a cleft lip and palate and had her first surgery at the tender age of two and a half months. So far, she's had to have over twenty surgeries in thirty-five years, including bone grafts and reconstructive facial and ear drum surgery. It's been a long road for her sister, and it's not over yet.

Throughout her life, Jessica has made it her mission to find ways to help support organizations like Smile Train. An avid BE collector (although "lovingly addicted" is a better description!) and one of Leslie's Angels, Jessica had the chance to share her story with several corporate employees from BE over time, including Leslie herself. Everyone was moved by her story and a few years later, the Sweet Smile shadow was born. Jessica's hope is that this beautiful shadow will go a long way towards making a difference in the lives of children who need help now. Personally, I'm really proud to be associated with BE for their charitable efforts, and I am so proud of Jessica for working so hard to make a difference.

The first surgery children receive is often the most important and life altering procedure they go through. The cost of each surgery through Smile Train is only $250. Can you imagine how many children can have their lives changed by small direct donations or by the purchase of something as simple as a gorgeous eye shadow? Those who know me know I believe it's important to give back to your community. Sweet Smile eye shadow is a gorgeous way to give back while getting a shimmering pot of pretty for yourself.

Looking for inspiration on how to wear this shade? Jessica loves to wear Sweet Smile on the lid with Big Smile on the brow bone and Lucky in the crease. She then defines her eyes with Soft Grey Shadow Liner.

I love to wear Sweet Smile foiled on the lid and Black Ice in the crease with a serious coat of BE Flawless Definition Mascara. So easy and so pretty! If you already own this, tell me your favorite way to wear it!

While I urge you to check out the shadow online or in boutiques, Jessica is incredibly kind and purchased several to give to others to help spread the word about this important cause. I have one to give away to you!

To enter, just leave a comment telling me how you like to give back to your community. I'll pick someone (with the help of Random.org) on April 15th . US only please. Be sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the event you are chosen. The winner will be notified by email and must respond in 48 hours to claim the prize. Want extra entries? Promote the contest on Facebook or Twitter and leave me an extra comment telling me you shared the love. Like GR on Facebook and follow Gouldylox on Google and get extra, extra entries! Still need more ways to enter? Submit this contest to Stumble Upon or other similar sites. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.

 I bought this and one was donated to giveaway. BE does not test on animals. Photos by me.

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