During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stores are filled with "pink collections" of merchandise, with proceeds to benefit the cause.

At Sephora, a special Breast Cancer Awareness collection for October features a makeup palette ($25), a manicure kit ($20) and a brush set ($39). A portion of proceeds from each item will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, with a minimum donation of $10,000. Lexington's Sephora is in Fayette Mall, 3401 Nicholasville Road, or go to Sephora.com.

Clinique's popular Chubby Stick lip balm is now available in the limited-edition shade Pink With a Purpose ($16), with a pink carrying case and heart-shaped charm puller. $3 from each sale will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Clinique products are available at Macy's, Dillard's and Sephora in Fayette Mall and at Ulta, 3220 Nicholasville Road, or at Clinique.com.

Essie, the nail color destination, has made a donation to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. To bring attention to the cause, the company has introduced a selection of pink shades: Check Up, Good Morning Hope, We're in It Together and I Am Strong, $8 each at drugstores, or at Essie.com.

For fashion on the go, there is the New Balance Lace Up for the Cure Collection, which includes sneakers, zip-ups, capris, tees and tanks. New Balance will donate 5 percent from the suggested retail prices of sales from the items, with a $500,000 minimum, to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Newbalance.com.

Harriett Hendren: (859) 231-3324. Email: hhendren@herald-leader.com. Blog: fashfood.bloginky.com.