Be Fearlessly Fresh with Secret Mean Stinks.

Last year I told you about this amazing stand against bullying from Secret called Mean Stinks. This year, they are taking it a bit further with a larger campaign, a new product and some really fun ways to get involved to take a stand against bullying.

The latest U.S. Department of Justice report shows 30% of female students grades 6 – 12 were bullied at school or cyberbullied during the 2009 – 2010 school year, and Mean Stinks is committed to being part of the solution.

Secret wants to help bring an end to girl-to-girl bullying by inspiring girls to “gang up” around acts of good.  As I talked about last year, kids are mean, girls in particular.  I don't think a week goes by that I don't witness this horrific behavior happening, either right in front of me or on the internet. With so many things like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, there is so much "mean" in front of me all the time.

Simply put, we need to change our thoughts and behavior. Secret is helping lead the way. Not only do they want to get the message across, they have taken one of their great products, Clinical Strength Deodorant, and made a new version for Mean Stinks. Secret Mean Stinks gives us a Clinical Strength product to help protect against the ‘stink’ caused by wetness and odor, while providing a way to ‘stick-up’ against what really stinks – BEING MEAN.  Secret will be donating $1 (up to $150,000) from the purchases of this new Mean Stinks Clinical Strength sold to Girls on the Run®, to fund their girl empowerment programming and help prevent mean behavior before it starts.

A super easy and fun way to get involved and bring awareness to the problem and the campaign is to take the Mean Stinks Pinky Swear. To take the Pinky Swear, just paint your pinky nail blue in a show of peace & solidarity to keep mean out of your group of friends before heading back to school. I have been wearing mine and everyone asks me about it. Already, a few of my friends are now sporting blue pinky nails too.

To find out even more and get involved in the Secret Mean Stinks campaign, join them over on the Mean Stinks Facebook page.

You can get Fearlessly Fresh right now on the P&G e-store or at your favorite drugstore starting next month.

Back to School Beauty: Shave with Pure Silk Shave Cream.

I know getting back into the school swing of things takes time. It is a busy time of year. No matter how busy you are, don’t let your shaving routine "fall" by the wayside! Make sure you keep your shower stocked with the essentials, such as shaving cream. One of my favorites is Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream.

Once the cooler weather sets in and bikinis and dresses are traded for pants and sweaters, it’s tempting to skip a shave here and there. But it’s important to shave year-round, especially the bikini line! Shaving the bikini line with Pure Silk on a regular basis helps to form a microscopic layer of calloused skin, which helps prevent irritation from shaving. Come summertime – or that much-anticipated winter vacation – this calloused layer will help keep away those unsightly red bumps that can appear when skin becomes irritated after a prolonged period without shaving.

Keep it smooth by simply purchasing at drugstores and mass retailer nationwide where it sells for under $2.00.

6 Beach Bag Beauty Essentials!

I have been to the beach a few times already this summer. While you are reading this, I am actually on my way to the beautiful island of Nantucket with my family. I went last year and it is one of my most favorite places I have ever been. I actually convinced my parents that we had to spend some time together there this year so I am super excited to be on my way! Yay!!! Next week, I will be going to the Connecticut shoreline for a few days with my bff and then we'll be heading for another week on Cape Cod with our other bff. I. Love. Summer. And yes, I. Love. The. Beach.

My beach bag, a really cute peach striped one from J.Crew, is filled with my beach bag beauty essentials.

1. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - I spray this in my hair after I come out of the water before I brush. I helps to detangle my hair a bit, but it helps it dry to that beachy wave look I like at the beach.
2. Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant - This deodorant goes on clear, dries in seconds and lasts up to 48 hours, but I like to reapply after a day at the beach before I get dressed. I'd never chance being stinky!
3. U by Kotex Tampons - These are a necessity, well, just in case. You never know when you or a friend will need one, so a box is always in my bag. When needed, they are easy to insert and super comfy to wear.
4. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick - I know I'm not a baby, but I love this super gentle sunscreen on my face. It protects with SPF 60 and has never made me break out.
5. Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15 - Of course I need to protect lips from a long day in the sun. This lip balm is super soft and keeps lips smooth and protected from the sun.
6. Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Spray - This sprays on, leaving a light oiled look that doesn't feel overly greasy. I use SPF 15 because I am pretty dark skinned already and this lets me get a bit of a tan. It does comes in higher SPF ratings too.

Happy beaching!