HSN and Mary J. Blige are launching Mary’s fragrance “My Life” exclusively at HSN this Saturday, July 31, 2010, at midnight (12 AM EST). This ground breaking launch marks the first time a fragrance My Life NEW perfume by Mary J. Blige: will be launched exclusively through a multichannel retailer. The fragrance is a first from Mary J. Blige and the first celebrity fragrance to be developed by Carol’s Daughter.

HSN has developed unique video footage only available to view at hsn.com. Watch: Mary’s journey in creating the fragrance and her personal stories.

“My life is my journey and I’ve always shared it through my music. I can’t wait to share my story with millions of women through HSN,” said Mary J. Blige. “Working with Carol’s Daughter on the fragrance has been an amazing experience that I will forever cherish.”

My Life Mary J. Blige Eau de Parfum – $55

My Life Mary J. Blige Eau de Parum Rollerball – $25

My Life Mary J. Blige Body Lotion – $30

My Life Mary J. Blige Shower Cream – $25

My Life Mary J. Blige Shower Cream and Body Lotion Duo – $39

On-air times for Mary live at HSN: 12AM–2AM, 7AM–9AM, 10AM-11AM, 1PM-3PM, 4PM-6PM, 9PM-11PM

A portion of the proceeds of My Life will benefit the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN). FFAWN was created by Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute to help women gain the confidence and skills they need to pursue and realize their goals and dreams.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute to forge new ground in the beauty industry, break the existing business model of selling fragrance and leverage the power of our interactive platform to launch My Life,” said Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSN, Inc. “Mary’s story is inspiring to all women, and we believe our customers will identify with her confidence, compassion and perseverance.”

“This partnership will break the stagnant role the fragrance industry has found itself in,” said Steve Stoute. “In the truest sense of a fragrance, the emotional journey will be told directly to consumers from one of the world’s best lyricists, Mary J. Blige, and the best storyteller, HSN. My Life will touch the lives of millions of women.”

My Life is inspired by Mary J. Blige’s life experiences outlined in her most personal work of art — her My Life album. The fragrance is a lyrical composition of florals, fruit and wood understones. It embodies her persona through feminine, beautiful and sensual notes. The premiere is strategically scheduled on July 31, 2010, during the finale of HSN’s popular month-long birthday celebration. The My Life HSN “Today’s Special” will include a 1.7 eau de parfum and a limited edition gold clutch. Future items include a shower cream, body lotion, and eau de parfum rollerpen. For more information, consumers may log on to www.hsn.com/maryjblige.

Mary J. Blige will be appearing on the Oprah Show on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, to announce a very special partnership between her charity, FFAWN, and Carol’s Daughter. Mary has been an avid supporter and fan of Carol’s Daughter for more than five years now, and this Tuesday she’ll be announcing their newest charitable initiative and how you can be a part of it.

Mary J. Blige’s favorite Carol’s Daughter product: Almond Cookie Sea Salt Scrub

FFAWN, the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc is a charity founded by Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute almost three years ago. Born of Mary’s own success story, FFAWN’s mission is to inspire women from all walks of life to reach their individual potential. Through scholarships, grants and programs, FFAWN helps women gain the confidence and skills they need to achieve success.

The partnership between Carol’s Daughter and FFAWN is a natural fit. In the true spirit of beauty by nature, Carol’s Daughter is proud to support FFAWN in their efforts to empower women and instill confidence. Like FFAWN, Carol’s Daughter believes that true beauty comes from within. With their genuinely natural products, they strive everyday to help women look and feel their most beautiful.

Make sure to tune in on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, as Mary unveils the exciting details of this partnership!

R&B legend Mary J. Blige dares to join forces with nature to help launch New Degree Women Natureffects. Today, March 22nd, 2010, 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, 2010, at Degree Women Facebook page!

“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.”

Award-Winning Performer Mary J. Blige Releases “Outdoorphins” At Nature-Inspired Spring Celebration

“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.”

L to R: NEW Degree natureffects honeysuckle + tea tree oil anti-perspirant and deodorant and Degree natureffects Body Mist

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.

Visit degreewomen.com to learn more about their latest products.

Degree Women Natureffects

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010 Report: Avon for Mackage.

Avon’s Global Stylist Advisor Tippi Shorter created the hair look for the Mackage fall 2010 runway show, supported by a full team of Avon stylists. Tippi also creates dashing ‘dos for stars like Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige.

Hair Tutorial: Here’s how to achieve this runway “Second Day Chic” hairstyle as called by Avon at-home!

Apply Advanced Techniques Volumizing Mousse by Avon to hair that has been dried straight, evenly distributing create a sturdy base for the style. Use a comb to create a deep diagonal part that extends from the hairline just above outside corner of one eye to crown.

Using a round barrel brush and blow dryer, create a defined part by blowing the front section forward to create a dramatic sweep across one eye. Just below the crown, backcomb a 2-3″ section of hair and drape over the back of the head to distribute the teased pieces. Gather the bottom section of hair (below the diagonal part) and tie off into a low ponytail using a clear elastic band. Mix Advanced Techniques Moisture Sleek Smoothing Serum and Shaping Gel and apply by hand to the front section of hair enhancing the drape across the front of the face. Gather the draped section of hair and pull into the loose low pony, securing with bobby pins. Finish with Advance Techniques Mirror Shine Spray by Avon for a high shine finish.

Dior will take over the cosmetic floor at Macy’s Queens for an exclusive backstage beauty event featuring Celebrity Makeup Artist Ashunta Sheriff and the talented DiorShow Artist Team. Sheriff is one of the most sought-after makeup artists today, known for her signature “glowing skin” technique and her ability to make A-List women of color look gorgeous and radiant, whether on the red carpet or on stage in front of millions of fans. Some of her clients include: Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Ciara and Jazmine Sullivan.

Ashunta Sheriff

WHERE: Macy’s Queens Blvd.
THE DIOR Beauty Counter
90-01 Queens Blvd.
Elmhurst, NY 11373

WHEN: Wednesday, September 23rd through Saturday, September 26th

Backstage Beauty Sessions with the DiorShow Artist Team
Thursday, September 24th
A special master class experience with Celebrity Makeup Artist Ashunta Sheriff

P.S. Call 718.595.2258 to book your beauty session!

If you live in Atlanta area or visiting this weekend: Carol’s Daughter will be opening their 9th store in Atlanta this weekend at Lenox Mall, and they have a jam-packed weekend planned to kick things off!

Here is the line-up:

Friday August 21st (7pm – 9pm), Carol’s Daughter will be hosting a special VIP event partnered with Mary J. Blige’s charity FFAWN, contributing 33% of the events proceeds to its cause.
Saturday August 22nd (12pm – 7pm), a Mobile Beauty Lounge will allow the public to meet Lisa Price and experience Carol’s Daughter mini treatments (hair, nails and massage). Each guest will receive a 10% discount coupon to shop for the products used.
Sunday August 23rd (12 pm), the public is invited into the Carol’s Daughter store for a celebrity signing.

Lisa Price Founder of Carol’s Daughter Interviews With Marta Walsh

I’ve been trying to interview Lisa Price the fabulous founder of Carol’s Daughter for quite some time now. And, finally, here it is!

I’m so excited to share with you Lisa’s story of  an incredible journey creating a sought after skincare and fragrance line: Carol’s Daughter.

In this interview Lisa Price talks to me about her fascination with fragrance. The Carol’s Daughter Philosophy. Why did she choose Jada Pinkett Smith and Mary J. Blige as the faces for her brand, and what’s new with Carol’s Daughter.

Marta Walsh: When did your fascination with skincare begin?
Lisa Price: It wasn’t so much a love for skincare as it was a love for fragrance which began when I was a little girl. I started creating my own scents and creams because I loved to experiment—it’s always been a hobby and passion of mine.

MW: At what point did your love for making your own skincare products in the kitchen turn into a promising business?
LP: After some time of working as a writing assistant for The Cosby Show, and creating personalized scents and products for the cast, my mom encouraged me to make a small batch to sell at a local church flea market. I nearly sold out on the first day!

MW: What is Carol’s Daughter philosophy?
LP: Every Carol’s Daughter product I create is made with love, and inspired by my own life. Each product is truly unique and created especially for my customers, who are part of the Carol’s Daughter family. The idea is not just about looking good, but feeling good inside and out, comforting your body and spirit. Carol’s Daughter is also about having a strong sense of family as well as love and respect for yourself and others.

MW: Why did you decide to name your brand: Carol’s Daughter?
LP: When I was trying to come up with a name I made a list of things that I was and a list of things I wanted to become. There were other things on the list, like Robert’s daughter and Gordon’s girlfriend. But when I said Carol’s daughter, I got goosebumps. It sounded right. After all, it was my mother Carol’s unwavering love and support that gave me the courage to turn my hobby into a business in the first place.

MW: Mary J. Blige loves the Almond Cookie Collection, and Jay Z keeps it smooth with Ocean Scrub. Why are these products are so easy to fall in love with?
LP: My products are created with love, and I think the homemade aspect really resonates with a lot of people who want something special. Every product has a story, and I think that really shines through.

MW: Where do you draw the inspiration from when creating your skincare collections?
LP: Each product I have tells a story. Some of them come from family, such as my mom or grandmother, others from our friends of the family and many of them from the suggestions of many of our customers. Their comments and feedback mean so much to me.

MW: Jada Pinkett Smith and Mary J. Blige are the familiar faces of Carol’s Daughter. Why have you chosen these women to represent your brand?
LP: These wonderful relationships came about when celebrities started using my products and telling each other how much they loved them. I met Will and Jada through DJ Jazzy Jeff who was first a fan of my products, and Mary is such a wonderful member of the family – she is everything Carol’s Daughter is about

MW: Which is your Carol’s Daughter all time favorite product?
LP: Hair Milk. I love all of my products, but if I had to make a choice, the one thing I could not do without is Hair Milk. It is the only product I have found that can make my hair shiny and manageable.

MW: What’s new this year with Carol’s Daughter?
LP: This August Carol’s Daughter is celebrating its sweet sixteen! This month we are also opening a band new store in Atlanta.

MW: What passions do you have besides making our skin beautiful?
LP: I love to spend time with my family and watch movies. I also still truly enjoy creating new recipes and playing around with new ideas in the kitchen.

At Wednesday’s (5/27) star studded Fifi Awards at Manhattan’s Downtown Armory attended by Paris Hilton, P. Diddy, Marc Jacobs and Mary J. Blige, the royal couple of home fragrance, Harry and Laura Slatkin competed against each other for the first time in the Interior Scent Collection Category – he for Slatkin & Co./Limited brands, she for Candela Group.

Harry and Laura Slatkin
Photo by Steve Eichner via wwd.com

Laura’s new line Nest brought home the award making the couple the first in Fifi history to both win an award in the same category for different collections. She will proudly place it on the mantle next to Harry’s 2003 Fifi for Elton John’s Potpourri Rocks.

About Harry and Laura Slatkin: Harry and Laura left the finance world to begin careers in fragrance. Harry began Slatkin & Co. nearly 17 years ago which grew into a success and was sold to Limited Brands in 2005, he now oversees product for Bath & Body Works’ 1650 stores. Laura is the founder of Candela Group, a candle licensing company and launched a luxury candle collection called “Nest” last year.