Bliss

With the Republican National Convention wrapped up and the Democratic National Convention on the horizon, the 2012 presidential election is well under way. But before your TV is inundated with mudslinging ads and things truly get heated, Bliss is lightheartedly imploring you to vote in its "eau"-lection. Making your voice heard — and your body parts hydrated — comes with a price, however. To be the proud owner of the cleverly named Mint Romney or "O"bama body lotions, you must first make a purchase of $50 or more at blissworld.com. Then, all you have to do is "vote" on your lotion of choice to receive a limited-edition, 2 oz. sample. Now, if only politics were that simple.

Many night creams make your face feel heavy and greasy come sunrise, but Bliss has found a way to lighten things up with its The Youth As We Know It Anti-Aging Night Cream ($79). This feather-light, soaks-right-in moisturizer, however, still packs plenty of punch. And it smells rather amazing, too, redolent of fresh, light citrus aromas. Free from sulfates and phthalates, this mighty hydrator is formulated with vitamin A to aid in cellular turnover, making for a plumped, smoothed, and brightened mug. In fact, it would make an excellent night cream option for those who are looking for something that's not very intense. Think of it like the training bra of night creams.

With all the swimming, beaching, and short-shorts wearing that you're doing this season, what better time to indulge in a little full-body bliss? As important as it is to exfoliate your face during warm weather, you shouldn't forget about the rest of your skin; creating a smooth canvas for shaving, moisturizing, and applying bronzer is key — and it'll only make your skin look that much more amazing in all your pretty Summer ensembles. There are tons of great body buffers out there, but to see three of the best skin-smoothing scrubs, just keep reading.

This weekend marks the Chicago Marathon, and if you're among the thousands of runners making your way down Lake Shore Drive, I salute you. I also urge you to drop hints to generous friends and family, because anyone who runs that long deserves a sybaritic reward.

A nice splurge-y option: Bliss Spa's new Extreme Sports Massage ($145/60 min., $205/80 min.), which aims to send overworked muscles to a relaxed state. The massage starts with a warm parafango pack, moves into a deep tissue rubdown, and finishes with a perk-you-up gel. If you've made it through a marathon, don't forget your race number; show it off at any Bliss location (except) for DC, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale) and you'll receive a free Foot Patrol cream. After 26.2 miles of running, you'll need it.

If you have a valid student ID, and the new school year has you in need of a little beauty bliss, you're in luck. Now through the end of October, Bliss spas are giving students 20 percent off any service they offer, from facials to the well-beloved Poetic Waxing.You just have to sign up at the Bliss site, and then you can conveniently book your appointment online. If you're not currently enrolled, it almost makes you want to register for some college classes, doesn't it?

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Bliss is doing two things to make us smile this April. First, the spa brand has removed parabens from its moisturizing body butters. (Lemon+Sage is a perennial Bella favorite.) What's more, all Bliss brand products will be paraben-free by the end of 2011. While the jury's still out on whether parabens are safe or worrisome, the spa has decided to err on the side of caution. Can't hurt.

Secondly! For bikini-wax virgins, the spas (locations here) are offering 20 percent off your first bikini wax throughout April. If you're a waxing newbie, Bliss is a good place to test the waters. Their wax is gentle, doesn't stick to your skin, and makes hair removal much less stress than it might be. If you decide you want to try waxing, this is definitely not a bad way to start.

Here's a solution for a hairy situation: from Jan. 11–24, Bliss spas nationwide are offering 20 percent off Brazilian bikini waxes and Bliss hair removal products. If you've been thinking of going on this kind of grooming adventure, Bliss is honestly a great place to take your first "trip to Brazil." Because their hard wax grabs on to hair, not skin, it is about four times less painful than strip wax. Trust me, it makes all the difference. The offer is good at all Bliss spas except for locations in downtown Atlanta, Washington DC, and Fort Lauderdale.

But wait, there's more! If you're not into deforestation, you can shave 15 percent off the prices of Bliss and Remede brand purchases through Jan. 10. Just use the code JAN110 at Blissworld.com and you'll score the discount.

I'm in the market for a new toner, so what better place to find advice than from Bella readers on the Product Reviews website? Here's what marleygyal02 had to say about her not-so-great experience with Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner ($21):

[It's got a] really refreshing smell, which is why I picked it up in the first place. But, it doesn't really do anything and it leaves a slight film on the skin. The film goes away, but I still feel there are way better toners out there.

Have you been disappointed with your choice of toner, or perhaps you've got a favorite skin refresher you'd like to tell us all about. Whatever the case, just hit up our Product Reviews website and type away. We love to hear your opinions.

Our beauty correspondent Zelana goes to W's Bliss Spa in Hollywood to test out its The Youth As We Know It facial, aka the "Little Black Dress" facial. This treatment is known to give celebrities that fresh, dewy glow — perfect for your next big night on the town. The expert technician will reveal what is involved in this treatment, and Zelena lets us know if this facial truly makes a dermal difference. Watch now!