R&B Legend Dares to Join Forces With Nature to Help Launch New Degree(R) Women Natureffects

NEW YORK, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Research shows that the closer you live to nature, the healthier you're likely to be, and according to a recent survey by Degree® Women, a little touch of nature goes a long way to improve a woman's mood throughout the day. To celebrate the first week of spring and nature's awakening effects, new Degree Women Natureffects anti-perspirants/deodorants and matching body mists are literally "grass-phalting" the streets of Times Square with cascading flowers and trees along the concrete sidewalks and hosting a "Dare to Join Forces with Nature" outdoor event complete with a special performance by superstar recording artist Mary J. Blige.

"Degree salutes women who dare to feel more alive, and who are inspiring and confident, which is quite an empowering message!" says Blige. "That's why Degree Women Natureffects is helping to support my organization FFAWN, which is dedicated to helping women gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their full potential."

Today in New York City Mary J. Blige will perform songs from her new album at the free outdoor "Dare to Join Forces with Nature" event. Women everywhere can watch highlights from the event on March 23 at Degree Women Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DegreeWomen.

Empowered by Nature

The daily grind makes it tough for women to get the touch of nature they crave, but it's important to look for small ways to release their "outdoorphins" and incorporate nature into every day.  In fact, a recent survey conducted by Degree Women reveals that 86 percent of women agree that just by taking their lunch outside, they improve their productivity.

Get Out!

• While most women say nature makes them feel good, a majority don't get out nearly enough. In fact, 85 percent of all those surveyed say they would like to spend more time outdoors. Many women (40 percent) have even gone so far as to call in sick to work just so they could enjoy a beautiful day outside!

Uplifting and Scentsational

• An overwhelming majority of women surveyed (81 percent) find that using products infused with nature improves their moods while nearly the same number (78 percent) say using products with fragrances inspired by nature makes them feel happier.

Bring the Outdoors In

• Almost everyone agrees (88 percent) that bringing nature into their homes lowers stress and makes them happier. More than half surveyed keep plants at home to stay connected to nature.

Inspired by Nature

Women now have an easy way to infuse a little nature into their daily routines, thanks to new Degree Women Natureffects anti-perspirants/deodorants and matching body mists. The new anti-perspirants/deodorants infuse Degree's top odor and wetness protection formula with fragrances inspired by natural ingredients. Matching body mists found in the deodorant aisle add a layered splash of refreshment to allow women to experience an uplifting, naturally inspired fragrance.

Designed by world-renowned fragrance expert Ann Gottlieb, "the nose" behind many of the most successful and prestigious fragrances, the scents are inspired by nature and incorporate fragrance ingredients known to fight odor. Degree Women Natureffects provides exceptional protection in three vibrant scents: Honeysuckle & Tea Tree Oil, Olive Leaf & Pink Pepper and Orange Flower & Cranberry. The Degree Women Natureffects Collection is available nationally at mass market retail stores with a suggested retail price of $3.99 (3 fl oz) for body mist and $3.99 (2.6 oz) for anti-perspirant. For more information, become a fan of the Degree Women Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DegreeWomen, follow Degree Women on Twitter at @DegreeWomen or visit www.DegreeWomen.com.

About Unilever North America

Unilever works to create a better future every day.  We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others.  Each day, around the world, consumers make 160 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. In the United States, Canada and the Greater Caribbean (Trinidad & Tobago, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico) the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Blue Band, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Klondike, Knorr, Lipton, Omo, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs more than 13,000 people across North America – generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2009. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com.

About the Degree Women Survey

The survey was conducted via telephone with a random sample of 500 women ages 18 and older. Research was conducted in October 2009 by KRC Research.

SOURCE Unilever North America