Carol's Daughter Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection

They got me. And by they, I mean Lisa Price and those hustlers at the Home Shopping Network.

A few weeks ago while at home on maternity leave, I was channel surfing and landed on HSN. Lisa, founder of Carol’s Daughter, and the HSN host were raving about the ‘Today’s Special’ – the new Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection. They extolled the virtues of the products’ ultra-hydrating properties, and couldn’t stop gushing about the collection’s unique fragrance profile. And by the end of the presentation, I had reserved a set for myself.

I don’t think I’ve ever purchased bath and body products without smelling them before, so ordering the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla products online was a leap of faith. And I fully intended to give someone a piece of my mind if my order didn’t live up to the hype. Luckily, the products turned out to be just as amazing as they were described – which is why I’m taking this opportunity to start spreadin’ the news.

For all of you fellow vanilla addicts out there, I think you’re going to dig the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla fragrance. Why? Well, because notes like peach, pink peony, guava, water lily, sandalwood and cotton candy set it apart from your run-of-the-mill vanilla scent. It smells so soft and fresh, and the fragrance is so flattering that I think a lot of vanilla haters will actually love it too. Trust me, you won't smell like baked goods.

You’ll also love how the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection - which includes body wash, body cream, and an ‘All Over Sheen’ (plus a loofah) – deeply moisturizes skin while leaving it velvety soft…not greasy.

I’ve been using the collection every day since it arrived on my doorstep, and I adore it so much that I’m kicking myself for not also buying the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Eau de Toilette Rollerball.

The Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection are an HSN exclusive, so if you take my advice and snag yourself a set, visit hsn.com.

All I Want To Wear Is Trance

Add this to the "why didn't I think of this" list: the 2 Carat Cup. The handle on this oversized porcelain mug looks like a solitaire diamond ring. Lianne and I discovered this little treasure at a Fashion Week event. It will soon be available on HSN.

I'm also dangerously in love with Lianne's Trance nail polish from Ginger + Liz. It's #1 on my shopping list right now.

All I want to wear is...all I want to wear is Trance!

Benefit's New Blog!

Introducing...The Secret Life of a Benefit Gal!

Benefit Cosmetics just launched their official blog, featuring exclusive insider tips, tricks and tales from the Benefit gals. Visit daily for the latest and greatest behind-the-scenes scoop.

And don't miss Benefit Makeup Trend Artists, Maggie Ford Danielson and Annie Ford Danielson, this Wednesday and Thursday as they make their debut on HSN.

They’ll be sharing the latest dish on looking gorgeous...and introducing the best instant beauty solutions from Benefit available on the Home Shopping Network. Check it out on Wednesday at 7am & 7pm, and Thursday at 2am, 4pm & 8pm.

Serena Williams Launches Beauty Line...Win a Chance to Meet Her!

Serena can do it in 90 seconds…can you?
Over the weekend, not only did Serena Williams beat her older sister and two-time defending champion Venus Williams to take the Wimbledon women’s tennis title, but she also announced the news of her beauty line, Mission Skincare Active-Beauty Featuring Serena Williams.

Meet Serena:
Starting today and ending July 21st, Serena is hosting a contest to see what you can do in 90 seconds. Enter at SerenasMISSION.com for the chance to meet her and win two VIP tickets to one of her upcoming tournaments. Other prizes include an autographed tennis racquet and $1,000 gift basket of Serena’s personal favorites. Follow her on Twitter @serenajwilliams to get contest updates.

The 90 Second Beauty Challenge:
The signature beauty solution Serena formulated works in just 90 seconds: Oxygen-Active Daily Facial Cleanser. A triple threat, this unique product is a cleanser, makeup remover and hydrating toner in one. Just apply, let the foam do its work, and wipe off. No water required. The result? Skin that appears younger and healthier looking – all for $39.99 at HSN.com beginning July 23rd.

Watch Serena Live!
On July 23rd and July 24th, Serena will appear on HSN to launch her line. Be sure to tune in!

Serena Wins Wimbledon and Announces New Beauty Line

Over the weekend, not only did Serena Williams beat her older sister and two-time defending champion Venus Williams to take the Wimbledon women’s tennis title in London, but she also announced the news of her very own beauty line with Mission Skincare.

On July 23rd and 24th, Serena Williams, a Mission Skincare co-founder, will appear on HSN to launch her luxe new skincare line called Mission Skincare Active-Beauty Line: Featuring Serena Williams. The products are engineered to offer proven solutions for the demanding active lifestyle of today’s woman.

The signature hero product is the Oxygen-Active Daily Facial Cleanser ($39.99), engineered with a unique, self-foaming oxygenating technology that cleans impurities, removes makeup, nourishes and renews skin in only 90 seconds. Antioxidant properties help fight free-radical damage and environmental aggressors. The result: skin that appears younger and healthier looking.

The line also includes the following all-star products:

Sugar Body Scrub ($29.99): Honey Sugar – Refined sugar granules suspended in a moisturizing gel that gently exfoliates the body, leaving the skin smooth, hydrated and healthy.

Restorative Body Butter ($29.99): Honey Sugar – A rich blend of natural extracts and moisturizing agents formulated to deliver superior nourishment and emollients to the skin to protect and hydrate.

Lip Balmer SPF 15 ($3.99): Pomegranate – Who better to design the perfect lip balm than professional athletes who battle heat, sun, sweat and freezing temperatures all in a day’s work? Introducing a long-lasting lip balm in Serena’s favorite flavor – pomegranate. Featuring broad-spectrum SPF 15 sun protection and moisturizing cocoa butter and soybean oil to hydrate and nourish lips. Added bonus – the formula is preservative and paraben-free.

Lip Balmer SPF 15 ($3.99): Pink Lemonade – Formulated to nourish, protect and deliver long-lasting hydration, this refreshing Pink Lemonade lip balm is clinically proven to lock in moisture for up to 8 hours, while providing powerful SPF 15 sun protection.

The products also highlight Mission Skincare’s unique M-10 formula, loaded with a variety of ten vitamins and antioxidants that meet the needs of active women worldwide.

Pretty Nifty: Do My Back

Add this to your list of summer beauty essentials...

Do My Back ($22) is designed for you to easily and thoroughly apply sunscreen, self tanner, moisturizer or shower gel to your own back with ease. Simply pour your product onto the pad and do your back! The ergonomic feel, extendable handle, and unique swivel movement of the head make it easy and comfortable to reach every part of your back...and your arms and legs too! Do My Back has been designed to use folded and unfolded, giving you the easiest, most thorough, fluid and clean application. It's the perfect addition to your beach, pool, spa or bath experience.

Do My Back is available at domyback.com, and will make its HSN debut on June 8, 2009.