Alright, readers (if you’re still out there): I want to say that I’m sorry. I know I’ve been ‘blissing’ in action for the past couple of months. I’m not even going to make excuses for why I was away so long, but suffice it to say it involved a hush-hush new beauty ingredient and a VERY dashing man in a lab coat. (I would have written even sooner, but this week was the premiere of American Idol, and watching four hours worth of auditions can really eat into a girl’s time.)

Luckily, my social media sisters have kept up the tweets and Facebook updates while I’ve been gone. (If you’re not doing so already, be sure to follow us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news, and become a fan of Bliss on Facebook.)

Anyway, there’s a lot going on in the Bliss beauty universe right now, so I’ll just get right into the roundup:

• Feeling guilty about an embarrassingly overgrown bikini line? Get 20% off our Brazilian Bikini Wax and our waxing products!
• Did that New Year’s resolution about not gossiping already end at the water cooler? Well, at least you can keep your beauty resolutions with our New Year’s blowout sale.
• If your complexion is showing signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder, cheer it up with our new skin-reviving superstar, triple oxygen+c energizing cream.
• Attention ‘spa’-pparazzi! Bliss Hollywood opens January 28th!
• Want to get massaged in Mi-’aah’-mi? Bliss South Beach opens February 4th!
• If you’re ‘Hungary’ (yeah, I said it) for the next big luxe legend in skincare, check out Budapest-based brand Omorovicza.
• Any girl who thinks size DOES matter should check out our pro-sized body and skincare products. They’re an amazing value, and it’s the closest you’re going to come to that dream where you dive headfirst into a giant tub of vanilla+bergamot body buff.

That’s it for the moment, my lovelies—stay tuned for more. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a man in a lab coat to see.

‘Skin’-cerely,

Miss Bliss

Hi again! Julie here, to finish up my list of primping product suggestions for the pregnant ladies out there. Here are some more mom-to-be must-haves*:

diamancel #2 nail file
Prenatal vitamins can make your nails grow super-fast. Keep those newly strong talons in shape with this nail file. Made with genuine diamond, it’s so durable it might last until your baby graduates college.

bliss underarmy
I’m at my biggest during these hot summer months. (Lucky me!) Between the heat and the extra pounds I’m carrying, sweat is pretty much a given, but this minty anti-perspirant keeps me dry and cool as a cucumber.

bliss blood orange+white pepper scrub
I chose this purely for the ‘spoil myself’ factor. While scrubbing away with this heaven-scented stuff, I can forget—even for just five minutes—about the momentous task at hand. A must for moms-to-be who are long ‘overdue’ for some me-time.

ted gibson individual color shampoo and conditioner
Dyeing hair during pregnancy is one of those ‘better safe than sorry’ areas that no one will give the definitive green light. Try washing with these formulas instead, which can prolong a treated tint or just bring out your natural color.

spanx bra-llelujah! full coverage front closure bra
You may be delighted with your newly voluptuous bust, but without a comfy bra, those suckers are going to feel like two sacks of potatoes. This wide-strap bra offers ample support, and its hosiery-like fabric stretches to grow with you.

My final recommendation? Try some tummy-friendly tension taming in-spa with our great expectations massage. I haven’t had it yet, but since I’m well past my first trimester (when it’s off-limits) and feeling those pregnancy aches and pains more than ever, I just might have to treat myself. I hear it leaves you feeling ‘reborn’.

Julie

*Again, I’m no doctor—so please consult with yours if you have questions about using any of the products above.

Here at Bliss HQ, more than 10% of our staff is pregnant. And between friends and family members who are also expecting, there seems to be a mini-boom going on. (Hey, maybe the economy forced everyone to find cheap forms of entertainment, if you know what I mean.) Our Copywriter Julie is one of the ladies in this ‘swell’ condition, so I asked her to guest blog and recommend some pregnancy-friendly beauty buys. Here’s what she had to say –

Miss Bliss

Greetings, readers! Now that I’ve got a bun in the oven, I’m discovering just how much of a number pregnancy does on your body. Between ballooning bellies, inflated ankles and pregnancy acne, all of us moms-to-be could use a little something to help us feel more glam. So whether you’re still staring slack-jawed at a positive pregnancy test or are about to pop any day, these prenatal pampering picks will ‘deliver’ a much-needed beauty boost.*

mama mio tummy rub
Some say stretch marks are genetic and unavoidable—but I know that won’t keep any of us from trying our darndest to stop them. Keep the stretching from permanently etching your skin with this award-winning, omega-rich oil.

bliss foot patrol
Towards the end of pregnancy, your feet may swell from water retention. (On the bright side, you probably won’t be able to see them past your bulbous belly.) This exfoliating foot cream has peppermint to relieve tired soles and puffy ankles.

bliss triple oxygen instant energizing eye mask
You think sleep deprivation starts post-baby? Think again. Between mom-to-be anxiety and extra bathroom trips, pregnancy can leave you looking pooped. This instant brightening eye mask will help you fake a full night’s rest.

dr sebagh deep exfoliating mask
Many women develop what’s called the ‘mask of pregnancy’, a darkening of skin caused by hormonal changes messing with melanin production. This exfoliating mask will lighten it up so you don’t look like the Lone Ranger.

bliss steep clean pore purifying mask
So you’ve got a bump not only in your belly, but a few on your face, too? I was just thrilled to see pregnancy-induced pimples appear in my first trimester, but this clog-clearing mask can help keep hormone-induced breakouts at bay.

I’ve got more recommendations where those came from, so stay tuned for the rest of the list tomorrow. In the meantime – happy gestating!

Julie

*I’m no doctor—so please consult with yours if you have questions about using any of the products above.