Get the best of Oprah.com in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletters!
Amber Kallor (108 posts) Back to Life Lift Home
Photos: Courtesy of Shauns Shades, Contego Eyewear, Toms Eyewear
Photos: Courtesy of Shauns Shades, Contego Eyewear, Toms Eyewear

Approximately 285 million people around the world are visually impaired, and over 90 percent of them live in developing countries with limited access to basic vision care, reports Vision 2020. These three eyeglass companies set out to help those in need see a brighter future. From top:

Go glamorous and retro with this subtle cat-eye shape that doesn't look overly costumey. For every pair sold, eyeglasses will be donated to a person in need through the Shauns Shades Buy One Give Sight program.

$215, ShaunsShades.com

Polarized lenses in these two-tone frames reduce glare when you're behind the wheel or attempting to read a book poolside. Even better, with every purchase a pair of prescription glasses will be delivered to someone less fortunate through Contego's work with RestoringVision.org.

$124, ContegoEyewear.com

Protect the delicate area around your eyes from sun damage with these oversize tortoise frames and give the gift of sight to someone else. Tom's started its One for One (one person buys, and one person is helped) program with shoes and has delivered over a million pairs to children worldwide. Now the company is partnering with the Seva Foundation to provide prescription glasses, medical treatment and eye surgery in countries like Nepal, Tibet and Cambodia.

$135, Toms.com

Keep Reading:

14 more stylish gifts that give back

2 bracelets that do more than add style


Topics: Fashion
Photos: Courtesy of She's the First and Braced-Lets
Photos: Courtesy of She's the First and Braced-Lets
We found two more affordable friendship bracelets that might be just right for your tight-knit group this holiday season. The best part? Both give back:

She's the First I.D. bracelet, $20: This organization helps send underprivileged girls to school—many of which will be the first in their families to graduate. Twenty percent of these eco-friendly leather bracelets created by Asha Patel Designs support She's the First and the Shanti Bhavan and Kenya Education Fund programs.

Pencils of Promise Braced-Lets, $12 for 3: While your friends may be happy to have left their braces and overbite behind, these bangles made of power chains and brackets will make them happy to wear them again—but this time on their wrists. Two dollars from each pack helps build the El Cacao High School in Nicaragua.

What are you giving to your friends this holiday season?

Keep Reading
14 more stylish gifts that give back
8 ways to build a better gift basket

Topics: Fashion
Photo: Courtesy of T3
Photo: Courtesy of T3
The hot roller set that was passed down to me by my mother was nestled inside an enormous plastic case (which would start to melt at the corners if I left the rollers plugged in too long). It was also a pain to have around—too big to jam under the sink, too ugly to leave on the countertop. Eventually I gave up on my dreams of perfect waves. But I recently discovered T3's Voluminous Hot Rollers ($99), which warm up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit in three minutes. A dot on top of each roller changes from red to white to let you know when its aluminum core is fully heated and ready to use. Plus, the heat-resistant, faceted edges prevent burnt fingers. And a soft carrying case and detachable cord make for easy storage. Now I don't have to wield a curling iron or fire up my blowdryer to get the bouncy look I crave. Hot roller heaven!

Read More
5 best new hairstyling products—and their humble origins
Lazy woman's guide to fabulous hair

Topics: Beauty, Love That!
Photo: Cranky Pressman
Photo: Cranky Pressman

The weekend is within reach...let these little splurges make getting there more fun.

Custom Keychain Stamp, $23. Turn your initials or a business logo into a portable mini stamp and leave a personalized mark on everything from greeting card envelopes to books you lend out from your personal library.

Buddy Bumper Ball, $30. These translucent blow-up balls are like spherical sumo wrestler suits for your niece and nephew who are constantly at war.

Sally Hansen Limited Edition Holiday Nail Polish Strips, $10. Get Fair Isle, plaid, or glitter printed fingertips in seconds for your next holiday party.

Sweet Talk Wipes, $30 for 50. Eliminate germs on your phone, touch screen tablet or remote control with these individually packaged cleaning cloths.

Topics: Love That!
Photo: Courtesy of Speck
Photo: Courtesy of Speck

The case that is currently clinging to my cell phone is metallic red and while it sparkles and protects my phone as it gets jostled around in my bag, it doesn't do much else besides look good. So when I came across these three innovative options from Speck that multitask and give my phone some personality, I couldn't wait to trade mine in:

  • CandyShell Flip: The bottom panel of this cover bends back so that you can stick your phone directly into your dock without struggling to take off the entire case (and ruining your manicure in the process).
  • CandyShell Card: Not only does this cover keep your phone protected, but it has a built-in slot for your credit cards. Perfect for nights when you don't want to lug a bulky purse around a crowded bar or cocktail party.

Read More
The 13 best beauty multitaskers
4 gadgets that can improve your health


Topics: Fashion, Love That!
Photo: Thinkstock
Photo: Thinkstock
Food editor Lynn Andriani recently came over to my desk with her favorite lipstick in hand (or at least what was left of it). The label was entirely rubbed off and the bullet worn down to a nub. Desperate for a replacement, she asked if I recognized this not too bright, not too sheer shade of pearly pink. Without any visible clues—aside from the stub of remaining color—I was on the verge of breaking the news that not even a beauty junky like myself could point her down the right aisle at Sephora or the drugstore. That is until I came across Giella, a company that custom blends everything from lipstick to nail polish to foundation [via Birchbox.com]. All you have to do is mail in your discontinued or mystery makeup and they'll send back an exact match. (It's essentially the cosmetic version of cloning). No more cursing those limited edition shades. No more pleading with the salesperson at the makeup counter. No more disappointment. Now, if only replacing all beloved things in life was this easy.



Read More
5 products beauty editors wear down to a nub
This month's best beauty buys
Topics: Beauty
Photo: Out of Print
Photo: Out of Print

The weekend is within reach...let these little splurges make getting there more fun.

Literary Coaster Set, $20. Raise a glass to the classics with this set of eight water-resistant coasters printed with iconic book covers like Catch-22 and Pride and Prejudice. The best part: Every purchase sends a book to a community in need.

Caldrea Balsamic Fir Countertop Cleanser, $9. Instead of  chemicals, this spray uses a natural vegetable protein extract to clean finished surfaces. Plus, it fills every room—from your kitchen to your bathroom—with a festive winter scent.

LightWedge Kindle Cover, $40. Make your e-reader or tablet look like a vintage novel that belongs in an old world library and prevent it from getting scratched with this microfiber-lined cover.

E.l.f. 24K 32-Piece Eyeshadow Palette, $14. At less than fifty cents a color, you can create countless looks with everything from basic brown to bright teal.

Topics: Love That!
Photo: Courtesy of Yoox.com
Photo: Courtesy of Yoox.com
If you missed the server-crashing stampede when Missoni launched everything from shoes to shower curtains at Target, you'll get another opportunity to shop on Yoox.com. Margherita Maccapani Missoni designed a 12-piece collection for M Missoni, featuring the brand's zigzag pattern, to benefit OrphanAid Africa. And not only do we love that we're getting a second chance to buy these signature stripes at affordable prices (like these flats), but knowing that our purchase helps reunite children in Ghana—separated by poverty and HIV/AIDs—with their families, makes this bold line even better.

Read More
More Italian luxury for less
Winter essentials under $100
Topics: Fashion
Photo: Courtesy of H&M
Photo: Courtesy of H&M

Bold. Bright. Expensive. These are three of the words that usually come to mind when I think of Versace, a fashion house known for its vibrant prints and dresses that leave little to the imagination. (Remember Jennifer Lopez's navel-baring gown at the 2000 Grammys?) Lucky for you, this Italian brand has teamed up with H&M—meaning you'll be able to score Versace's sexy signature style for less than a quarter of the regular price when the collection hits stores on November 19th. O's creative director Adam Glassman says the star-studded fashion show that took place last week in New York City—with an after-party complete with performances by Prince and Nicki Minaj—was nothing short of what you'd see in Milan. His favorite piece that came down the runway: a studded black leather trench. Or if you're looking for a dress that will turn heads your next cocktail party, you might want to consider this flashy fuchsia silk shift, at left ($199).


Topics: Fashion
Photo: Courtesy of Lip Smackers
Photo: Courtesy of Lip Smackers

Craving Thin Mints? This new lip balm collection from Lip Smackers might satisfy your sweet tooth—minus the calories. With five flavors scented like your favorite Girl Scout cookies—including buttery Trefoils and rich chocolate and peanut butter Tagalongs—keeping lips moisturized has never been so delectable. And at $1.75 each, you can afford to sample every kind.

Read More
A lipstick that feels like a gloss
This month's best beauty buys
Topics: Beauty, Love That!
3
...
Advertisement
about   Life Lift
The Oprah blog is a place where you can find engaging news coverage, fresh inspiration, and the straight talk you've come to count on. A place that provides the tools you need to make a change—if not in the world—then at least in your little corner of it. It's a place that will raise your energy, lower your blood pressure and occasionally make you laugh—in short, a place of possibility.
Advertisement
Advertisement