Latest news with #Dove
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dove, Walmart and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Announce Back-to-School Partnership to Support Youth Mentorship and Confidence
From July 1 through Aug. 31, Dove will donate $0.05 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for every Dove and Dove Men + Care item purchased at Walmart, supporting youth mentorship across the U.S. ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beauty brand Dove - the world leader in self-esteem education - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and Walmart are teaming up for the first year of a multi-year partnership on a series of back-to-school events at select Walmart locations throughout August. The initiative includes community events designed to support youth mentorship and confidence as students head into the new school year, beginning with a First Friday event on Aug. 1 in Bentonville, AR. Each event will feature interactive activities to show how mentorship fosters confidence, self-worth, and a strong sense of belonging. Attendees can meet local Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees), hear from on-site influencers serving as "Confidence Coaches," participate in the "Picture Your Potential" photo experience, add their goals to the Vision Wall, and receive Dove and Dove Men + Care product samples and swag, along with confidence boosting resources. "The start of a new school year brings excitement and new beginnings for young people everywhere. When we combine that energy with mentorship, incredible things happen," said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "Through this partnership with Dove and Walmart, we're recognizing what happens when young people have champions in their corner–they feel seen, build confidence, and are empowered to reach their full potential. This partnership not only supports students as they head back to school, but also builds connections that will last a lifetime." "As the largest provider of self-esteem education globally, Dove has seen firsthand how confidence-building support can shape a young person's future," said Javeria Rehman, Chief Growth Officer, Skin Cleansing & Purpose, Dove North America. "We're proud to expand that mission alongside our partners in communities across the country, just in time for back to school." Dove, Walmart and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America are united in their commitment to helping young people thrive. As the world's largest provider of self-esteem education, Dove has reached more than 130 million young people through its Dove Self-Esteem Project and believes that no young person should be held back from reaching their full potential. Walmart, deeply rooted in communities across the U.S., provides everyday platforms for connection and support where families live and shop. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America brings over 120 years of experience as the nation's leader in one-to-one youth mentoring, with a presence in all 50 states and more than 5,000 communities. Event activations will take place at the following locations: Aug. 1 – First Friday, Bentonville, AR Aug. 2 – Walmart Supercenter, Rogers, AR (4208 Pleasant Crossing Blvd) Aug. 9 – Walmart Supercenter, Franklin, TN (3600 Mallory Ln) Aug. 16 – Walmart Supercenter, Ledgewood, NJ (461 Route 10, Suite A100) Aug. 23 – Walmart Supercenter, Miami Gardens, FL (19501 NW 27th Ave) To learn more or to sign up to become a mentor, visit To find a Walmart near you to make a qualifying purchase, visit **For every Dove and Dove Men + Care item purchased at Walmart from July 1st to Aug. 31st, 2025, Dove and Dove Men + Care will donate $0.05 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with a minimum donation of $200,000 and maximum of $250,000. (C) 2025 Unilever Media Contact:Ally Lowder, About Dove Dove started its life in 1957 in the US, with the launch of the Beauty Bar, with its patented blend of mild cleansers and ¼ moisturizing cream. Dove's heritage is based on moisturization, and it is proof not promises that enabled Dove to grow from a Beauty Bar into one of the world's most beloved beauty brands. Women have always been our inspiration and since the beginning, we have been wholly committed to providing superior care to all women and to championing real beauty in our advertising. Dove believes that beauty is for everyone. That beauty should be a source of confidence and not anxiety. Dove's mission is to inspire women everywhere to develop a positive relationship with the way they look and realize their personal potential for beauty. For more than 65 years, Dove has been committed to broadening the narrow definition of beauty in the work they do. With the 'Dove Real Beauty Pledge,' Dove vows to: Portray women with honesty, diversity and respect. We feature women of different ages, sizes, ethnicities, hair color, type, and style. Portray women as they are in real life, with zero digital distortion and all images approved by the women they feature. Help young people build body confidence and self-esteem through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, the biggest provider of self-esteem education in the world. About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters' evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters local agencies serve more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 270 million customers and members visit more than 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunities. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting on Facebook at on X (formerly known as Twitter) at and on LinkedIn at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dove Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Campaign ME
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Cannes Lions 2025: The not-so-quiet power of authenticity
As Cannes Lions 2025 wrapped, I found myself thinking less about the spectacle and more about the quieter signals hinting at where our industry is headed. Amid the scale and energy, some signs were too frequent to ignore. I approached this year's Lions with curiosity and a dash of scrutiny, waiting for that inevitable 'Aha!' moment. What surprised me wasn't a specific piece of work, but the conversations being had around the work. Conversations that felt more grounded, more aware and more honest. A region with something to say One of the most personally significant shifts was the regional presence. Not just visible, but active – leading discussions, earning recognition and taking seats at the highly coveted jury tables. What once felt like emerging representation now feels like confident, fully-fledged contribution. The unmissable public sector presence – underscored by the historic appointment of a government representative amongst the jury – alongside brand-led storytelling and bold creativity from emerging agencies, reflected just how far the regional creative infrastructure has come, and how much further it can go when paired with consistent ambition. Technology, tempered Artificial intelligence (AI), predictably, was everywhere. But unlike recent years, the tone was different – less celebratory, more considered. The best work didn't focus on what AI can do, but on what it should do. Dove's 'Real Beauty Redefined for the AI Era', a Cannes Lions Media Grand Prix winner, stood out for that reason. In partnership with Pinterest, Dove retrained algorithms to surface inclusive, diverse beauty. It wasn't a gimmick; it was a correction. Quietly powerful in intent and a reminder of what happens when the systems shaping our perceptions don't reflect our values. It made me think of Buzzman Paris' 'Love Your Imperfections' for Meetic, work that embraced 'realness' a decade ago, long before AI was trending. Authenticity isn't new, but it's now more valuable than ever. Not all AI stories were positive. Several high-profile withdrawals were a sobering reminder of how AI can blur the real and the manufactured. As creative tools evolve, so must our standards of transparency. It's no longer just about what a campaign achieves, but about whether the story reflects truth. That, to me, was the central theme of the festival: creativity at its best is not just innovative; it's honest. Creativity, still personal Some of the most impactful moments didn't come from the work on stage, but from the people behind it. One of the most notable talks I attended was David Droga's. As he transitions out of his CEO role at Accenture Song, he spoke with clarity about the need for care in creativity – that it's not just about being clever but about standing for something. Then there was a quieter moment, a writer reflecting on writing as a deeply personal act. About hearing your own voice in a script and tapping into your own nostalgia to bring it to life. That idea echoes across everything we do: decks, scripts and layouts. When someone taps into their distinct voice, I can hear them presenting it while I flip through slides just before midnight, after the day winds down and I can give the slides the attention they deserve. The very act of trying to connect needs to be amplified, respected and given space to shine. The expensive currency of realness If I left Cannes thinking about one thing, it's how much harder and more valuable authenticity has become. In a world of cheap production and fragmented attention, the things that cut through are the things that feel true. That doesn't mean everything must be quiet, understated or a selfie video. People still want to dream, and in integrated campaigns with high-value productions, how we ask people to dream matters. Not every campaign needs to be profound but, consistently, the best ones seem to start with simple intentions: say something honestly, say it well and offer the audience something back – a laugh, a tear, a revelation, a dream or perhaps an impulse to call a loved one. Cannes Lions didn't offer easy answers. But it did give us space to reflect on where we're headed as an industry, as creatives, and as people in a field that still fundamentally depends on human emotion. Technology will keep evolving. Platforms will shift. But our ability to care about the work, the audience, and the values behind the message, is what will continue to matter the most. By Nada Assaf, Campaigns Section Head, Strategic Marketing and Communications Sector, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The South African
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Meet the AI-generated sisters that are duping the internet
Mia Zelu, a stunning blonde influencer with piercing blue eyes and flawless skin, recently turned heads with her stylish photo series from Wimbledon. To the casual scroller, she looks like just another fashion-savvy content creator enjoying the London Grand Slam – an event known for attracting A-list spectators. However, a closer look reveals something more sinister: Mia is entirely AI-generated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝑀𝑖𝑎 𝑍𝑒𝑙𝑢 ♡ (@miazelu) Her profile, which already boasts more than 160 000 followers, openly describes her as a 'digital storyteller & AI influencer.' Though the creator behind the persona remains a mystery. Her Instagram page is filled with enviable, bucket-list stuff that is so lifelike that many users admit they were fooled at first glance. In her latest upload, Mia is posing with her sister Ana at the Belgian Grand Prix, with the inspirational caption 'Amid all the noise and speed — find your line. The one only you can drive.' Ana, meanwhile, has been active on Instagram since January 2024, and has amassed nearly 270 000 followers.* In fact, Ana introduced Mia on 14 March 2025 with a post that read, 'Meet my wonderful sister Mia @miazelu and my favorite photographer! She finally decided to open up her Instagram, so show her some love!' In the accompanying photo, the influencer sisters are sitting together at a cafe in Spain. Or so viewers are led to believe. More concerning than the fake accounts, as some commentators have pointed out, is that Mia and Ana belong to a new wave of AI influencers promoting an unattainable, Eurocentric standard of beauty. 'AI is shaping our world – and with it, our perceptions of beauty,' said Dominique Baxewanos, creative director at ad agency VML South Africa. VML (who work with Dove) have developed a world-first Chrome extension that makes it possible for anyone to generate realistic images of beauty that reflect all ages and ethnicities. 'AI tools carry with them a significant problem: their outputs reflect the biases inherent in the data on which they're trained,' Baxewanos added. 'Ask an AI to generate a 'beautiful woman,' and the result is often a filtered, Western-centric ideal.' For the Zelu sisters, it's not just the pictures that are convincing, but also their computer-generated personas. And they're not the only ones grabbing attention. Ana and Mia have joined a rising wave of virtual influencers – ever since Lil Miquela first burst onto Instagram in 2016. Miquela now commands an audience of over 2.4 million, while Spain's Aitana Lopez, created in 2023, has nearly 400 000 followers. According to Lopez's creators, the AI model can earn up to €10 000 (R207 00) a month, with the average usually around €3 000 (R62 000) per month.* With creators staying mostly behind the scenes, AI influencers like Mia and Ana Zelu are blurring the line between digital fiction and real life. *at time of publishing Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Campaign ME
a day ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Cannes Lions 2025: Evidence-based, coalition-built, transparent and human
Cannes Lions 2025 felt less like a festival of fireworks and more like a stress test of truth. Serving on the PR jury, I spent long nights debating whether ideas deserved a Lion once the gloss was stripped away. That perspective shaped seven lessons I carried home, and each one speaks to where brand storytelling is heading next. Being believed is now worth more than being seen. On day one, Apple's Tor Myhren warned that AI will not save advertising unless humans raise the standard. Later, our jury dropped a high-gloss submission the moment its impact numbers proved to be guesses. The work that climbed to Gold arrived with proof the public would recognise as real. In an era of deepfakes and automated hype, authority must be earned the hard way. Authority grows fastest when you bring credible partners on board. Dove's 'Real Beauty' campaign won the Grand Prix in the Glass: The Lion for Change category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025 because NGOs, creators and media figures all shared ownership of the message. India's Lucky Yatra, this year's PR Grand Prix, paired Indian Railways with broadcasters and a lottery mechanic that turned humble train tickets into national news. The biggest spend wasn't media; it was relationship-building. Everyone praises diversity but few show it working in real time. Our jury did. We came from five continents and every corner of communications, so each case was cross-examined for cultural nuance, ethical red flags and lived experience I could never see alone. Early debates felt slower until they didn't. By the time we reached the Grand Prix shortlist, the work had survived every angle of attack. When the chair of the jury called for a show of hands – 10 hands rose in 10 seconds. Many voices didn't create gridlock; they created confidence. If you want fast, decisive calls, fill the room with people who see the world differently. Creators underscored the same truth. In government, you never put a spokesperson on stage without a clear brief. The rule now applies when you hand your story to an influencer. The Social and Creator Grand Prix, 'Vaseline Verified', proved it. TikTok dermatology voices received the brand's lab results up front and freedom to film in their own style – sometimes playful and sometimes clinical. Safe hacks earned a 'Verified' stamp while dangerous myths were debunked by the same creators. Because the message arrived through trusted voices, followers believed it instantly and spread it widely. Credibility that you can't buy was amplified to millions in minutes. The same demand for openness echoed on the sustainability stage. Ad Net Zero used Cannes to publish its latest carbon-measurement framework and called on brands to release emissions data as openly as financials. Gulf regulators and mega-projects are moving toward full carbon disclosure in supplier tenders; marketing briefs won't lag far behind, so this 'radical transparency' will reach our tender desks sooner than many expect. Elsewhere, analysts conceded that a single universal metric for marketing is fantasy; brands must embrace multiple measures and show their working. Sunlight is expanding, and anything opaque –whether carbon footprint, fees or research methods – will soon look suspect. The Design for Behavioural Change Lion also earned the spotlight. Lucky Yatra used the chance to win a trophy, showing how it altered commuter habits. Another winner, 'Caption With Intention', rewired video captions so deaf viewers could feel suspense, humour and irony. Ideas that change what people do – not just what they remember – now set the creative bar. Pure PR success came from ideas born for conversation, not media spend. Nordea Bank's 'Parental Leave Mortgage' let parents pause repayments during leave and spread through press coverage without a hero film. In the jury room we pressed every contender with three questions: Is it culturally urgent? Can it move without paid support? Will it survive fact-checking tomorrow? Campaigns that cleared that bar soared; those that relied on rented attention faded. So, what should marketers in our region take from Cannes? First, prove impact before you proclaim it, because audiences now inspect the footnotes. Second, invite unlikely partners – creators, regulators, even rivals – because coalitions unlock reach that money cannot buy. Third, design ideas to shift behaviour, not merely impressions; when habits change, headlines follow. Judging Cannes was a reminder that creativity and public trust are now inseparable. Ideas succeed when they act like good policy: evidence-based, coalition-built, transparent and human. That was the standard we applied at two in the morning in the jury room, and it is the same standard audiences apply in daylight. By Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication, UAE Government Media Office
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
32 Reviewer-Beloved Gems Hidden In The Depths Of Amazon
Nyx's brand new "Smushy" Matte Lip Balm made with mochi rice powder (!!) for the ultimate subtly blended soft matte look. Reviewers love that it's buildable, moisturizing, gives their lips a ~natural~ look, and comes in delicious flavors like cherry pie and raspberry sorbet 😋. A holy grail, internet-beloved 5-in-1 Edgelift Curl Brush to define curls, waves, and coils, help prevent frizz, and create precise parts and sections. Reviewers of all curl and wave types are just short of shouting in the comments about how they never found a brush that worked as well as this one, and parents are especially grateful for how easily this untangles their kiddo's hair! A Bob Ross "Paint with Water" book as the ultimate "turn your brain off" de-stressor to possibly ever exist?? All you have to do is dab a brush full of water on the pages to slowly but surely unearth all the beautiful colors hidden underneath and reveal a beautiful Bob Ross masterpiece. Parents also love this as a mess-free activity to enjoy with kids! A teensy two-in-one nausea relief inhaler designed to help with spontaneous nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and general queasiness (having a human body is hard). You can either use it as a scent inhaler or rub it directly on the tip of your nose for relief. Summer road trips and cruises just got a HECK of a lot more bearable. Moroccanoil's Mini Must-Haves Sampler, which is so affordable that I'm not not pinching myself to make sure I'm awake. Reviewers especially love these teensy versions for traveling in ~luxury~ on the cheap, and for trying these beloved splurgeworthy products without committing to the whole price first! A retro-style Comfort Pro rocking camp chair in a newer "Sweet Tea" color combo so darling that all of its cool features are just an extra perk. Reviewers have loved this cult-fave, lightweight outdoor chair for years because it's super lightweight, portable, and ohhhh-so-comfortable when you're sitting for long spells during games, camping trips, or other outdoor events. Now it's cuter than it's ever been!! A reviewer-beloved Choco Musk concentrated perfume rollerball that's taking the affordable perfume world by storm — this is perfect for anyone who loooooves the smell of warm vanilla, spicy amber, and musky cocoa. Bonus: it's made without alcohol, so it doesn't have that chemical smell and will effortlessly blend with other scents! A floral cover edition of Burn After Writing, a guided journal countless TikTokers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go. Dove's Coconut Milk & Sugar Lychee Body Wash so moisturizing, gentle, and decadently-scented that you're going to feel fully transported to your ~happy place~ every time you lather it on. This is especially lovely for sensitive skin, since the plant milk base is nutrient-rich and sulfate-free to keep your skin feeling eeextra soft and loved. A set of kid-friendly hydrocolloid mosquito itch relief patches you can wear at the beach, pool, bath, or shower without worrying about them sliding off. Reviewers swear by these not just for helping prevent itching, but to reduce the redness and swelling faster. A set of cheerful Lego botanical "happy plants," aka your new favorite coworkers. How can capitalism bring you down when these two are smiling up at you all day long? All the joys of having an office plant without the shame of your coworkers being like, "Shouldn't you ... maybe ... water that??" A limited edition (!!) Eos Marshmallow "Super Balm" lip treatment from the brand's "secret menu" so good that reviewers say it's better than Carmex for healing and better than Summer Fridays for quality. Lip care that also tastes like you're perpetually eating a s'more for less than $5?? My friends, life is good. A set of reusable, commercially compostable sandwich-size food bags so good at their job that they're leakproof, freezer-safe, and *wayyy* better for the environment than their regular plastic sandwich bag counterparts. If you're looking for an easy way to cut plastic from your life, these are about to be your new lunchtime BFFs. McCormick's Potato Topping Seasoning for anyone who's not afraid to get a little feral about their air-fried, mashed, and baked potatoes — this blend of salt, garlic, and asiago cheese is so mouthwateringly delicious that you'll be dumping it on everything from popcorn to grilled cheese to guacamole. A set of lightweight, oh-so-dainty ruffled pajamas inspired by the $89 Piyama version. Revievers are in loooove with this set for summer, saying the fabric is so high quality that it feels like linen. If you're looking for breezy warm weather loungewear, this adorable set fits the bill! Billion Dollar Brows Eyebrow Powder to fill in your brows as naturally and realistically as the $23 Anastasia Brow Duo version for less than half the price. Reviewers are stunned by how effective this is and how long it lasts, especially at such a low price point. A set of biodegradable ultra-soft face towels inspired by the much pricier $18 Clean Skin Club version — a lot of folks with sensitive skin and acne *swear* by these, particularly because it helps prevent exposing their skin to bacteria that may collect in ordinary reusable towels. A pack of instant cold-stirred foam caramel iced lattes so you can get all that delicious, decadent ~froth~ you love so much right from the comfort of your own home. Considering the price of a fancy bev these days, this is a STEAL at a buck per drink. Vacation Orange Gelée SPF 30 Gel, a luxurious "balm to oil" blend designed to smell and look so good that you'll wonder how the SPF even got in there. The iconic orange tint blends perfectly into all skin tones and leaves a glossy shine, and the scent is nothing short of decadent — a "French Riviera" scent that blends sandalwood, bergamot, saffron, patchouli, and clove. Suddenly, putting on sunscreen doesn't feel like a chore!! A pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide leg petal sweatpants that look like they fell out of an Anthropologie ad. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands. Dr Teal's "Hawaiian Bliss" Epsom salt magnesium soak, a ~limited edition~ blend of red sea salt, papaya, and hibiscus, reviewers are so in love with that a ton of them are buying extra bags (or literally hoarding them) before the brand runs out. One reviewer went so far as to call it "heaven in a bag!" A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put all other styles on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version. Yankee Candle's Midsummer's Night, or what I like to call a "goth summer candle," as a perfectly moody way to usher in the warmer weather if you're not a big fan of sweetness and floral. Reviewers compare this alluring blend of musk, patchouli, sage, and mahogany to a soft cologne. An SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, a K-beauty staple with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a non-sticky, white cast-free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. A fully wireless (Shark Tank-featured!) stick-on "Poplight" sconce so easy to install that you literally just charge it up and stick it to the wall with non-damaging adhesive. It is a renter and indecisive decorator's DREAM — all the whimsy and function of a cute sconce with none of the effort!! HGTV nerds all over the world are shaking. A 3-in-1 charging cord to juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. (It's giving witchcraft??) This just solved all your "welp, everything's dying and there's only one outlet in this car/on this flight/in this teensy hotel room" problems for good. A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags or the sugar crash. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. E.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Tint, the $5 answer to the beloved $26 Benetint that does just as brilliant of a job despite costing five times less. This flush of pigment for your lips and cheeks is perfect for those lightweight, "no makeup makeup" looks that are especially key on a day when the sun is showing no mercy. An effortlessly chic woven straw summer clutch to pair perfectly with any summer outfit, whether you're kicking back at the beach or fancying it up for a wedding. This is basically the purse equivalent of that one friend of yours who's always like "Yeah, I'm down" before you even tell them the plans. A clever bee-shaped toothpick dispenser designed so that the toothpicks come out of the "stinger." Everyone will simply be ~~buzzing~~ over how adorable this looks on your dinner table. A set of golden bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from Cartier — the middle one is giving the $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving the $6,000 "Love Bracelet!" A pair of high-waisted "Secretsculpt" biker shorts with some real booty-lifting action (AND NO FRONT SEAM!!) that will have you admiring your reflection in shop windows all summer long. Psst — reviewers compare these to the WAY more expensive $64 Lululemon Align shorts, and these come in a whopping 11 colors!!
