ovarian cancer

A Heart to Heart with Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier is one of my absolute favorite cosmetic brands and the "Laura Mercier look" is what I'll be requesting for my upcoming wedding.  However, besides being known for her successful makeup brand, Miss Mercier has been up to something else that makes you fall in love with her just a little bit more.  With September being Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, I was honored to chat with her about the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund and find out how we can help spread awareness of the disease and raise funds for research. Why is raising awareness around ovarian cancer is important to you?

Claudia Poccia, the President & CEO of Gurwitch Products, and I have both been touched by ovarian cancer through the experiences of loved ones. For years, I’ve witnessed my dear friend, Ranee Flynn, battle ovarian cancer, and I am incredibly inspired by her strength and determination. When Claudia joined Gurwitch more than two years ago, she was in the midst of one of the most devastating times of her life – the illness and passing of her younger sister, Laura Lia Murray, from ovarian cancer.

As we discussed our personal experiences with the disease, we quickly realized that we had been brought together in business for a greater reason and a higher purpose, and we made it our shared mission to leverage the success of the business to make a difference in the lives of women. Last September, during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we launched the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund.

What's the mission of the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund and how can we help? 

The mission of the Fund is to raise awareness and fund research and educational efforts that will help diagnose, treat and support women with ovarian cancer. We raised funds from the sale of fundraising products and direct donations, and in our first year, we issued grants totaling approximately $450,000.  This year, we are donating 100 percent of the profits from the sale of three products to the fund.

Which three products?

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheek Crème Colour Palette,  which is a permanent product available year round, as well as the Matte Radiance Healthy Glow Baked Powder & Mini Face Brush, and Kiss of Hope Lip Glace, which are limited-edition and available while supplies last. (Shop all of the products here).

Why did you choose these three products?

Bonne Mine translates to “healthy glow.” The palette holds special meaning for Claudia because her sister used it when undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. We decided to make it a permanent fundraising product in her honor.

The other two products also support this philosophy. I love how all of the products, used together or alone, complement every skin tone and truly provide a natural “bonne mine.”

***If you'd like to make a direct donation to the Fund, you can do so here