Saturday 26 April 2014

Weekend News Digest - 26 April 2014

It's all about anniversary specials in this week's news digest, featuring Gurlain and Lancome, plus Clinique, Laura Mercier and Givenchy.

Guerlain Terracotta 30th Anniversary Limited Ed
Here comes the sun! Guerlain celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Terracotta line with a gorgeous line-up of limited editions. The Terracotta Sun Celebration (£47) is a combined bronzing powder and blush that suits all skin tones; Terracotta Le Parfum (£45) is a summer fragrance with notes of tiare flower, ylang ylang and vanilla; and Cils d'Enfer Maxi Lash Mascara (£18.50) is now available in a waterproof formula. The collection also features Gloss d'Enfer (£25.50), La Laque Couleur (£18.50) and Rouge Automatique (£25) in Nahema, Tonka Imperiale and Jardins de Bagatelle. Available from May 2 at House of Fraser and nationwide from June 4.

On 1st May, Lancôme celebrates the 10th anniversary of  Hypnôse and to celebrate the brand will launch an Anniversary Collection including a new mascara, Hypnôse Extra Black, containng iron oxide pigments for a more intense effect than ever.  There’s also a new neutral Hypnôse Palette (£37) and a double ended pencil for highlighting and defining the brows Limited Edition Le Sourcils plus Lancôme's first eye lid primer, La Base Paupières Pro (£21).


Clinique has expanded it’s CC Cream range with Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact Hydrating Colour Corrector SPF 25.  The compact is an alternative format to the original Moisture Surge CC Cream, with the same visible colour-correcting benefits to create natural, glowing skin.  In six different shades to match a broad range of skin tones, the formula is also oil-free, non-acnegenic, dermatologist tested and ophthalmologist tested. Available exclusively now at John Lewis (£30) and then all Clinique counters nationwide from 25 April.




Laura Mercier Artist Palette for Eyes
Laura Mercier Artist Palette for Eyes
The much-sought-after limited edition Laura Mercier Artist Palette for Eyes is returning as an exclusive to Space NK  (in the UK) and Nordstrom (in the US). There 6 matte shades (Noir, Deep Night, Coffee Ground, Café au Lait, Ginger and Buttercream), 3 sateen shades (Guava, Sable and Rich Cocoa) plus 3 lustre shades (African Violet, Diamond Pink and Violet Steel).  The latter 2 lustre shades are limited-edition.  Also included are minis of Caviar Stick in Cocoa and Full Blown Volume Lash Building mascara.  Sadly, the kit will retail at £60, whereas the palette on its own last year was c£34.  Ouch!

If you are already a fan of Givenchy’s Vax'In For Youth line, watch out for the latest addition in the form of the Vax'In Vital Energy Infusion Mask. This complex formula is designed to prolong cells' life expectancy, boost the skin's natural defense and slow down the wrinkle process, as though “vaccinating” the skin against aging. It also mask works instantly to reveal a more toned complexion. Yes please – I love a mask! Launching in May and priced at £43.

Finally, just a note to let you know that from now on, news of upcoming QVC TSVs will be in their own, seperate post on a Friday, see this week's here, and the Weekly News Digest will become the Weekend News Digest, published on Saturdays. I hope you find these changes useful?

Friday 25 April 2014

Sneak Peeks - QVC TSVs April 25 - May 01

I've received several requests that my QVC TSV sneak peeks have their own dedicated post rather than appearing at the end of my Weekly News Digest.  I'm more than happy to oblige :)









Because it has been so eagerly anticiapted, I've already posted details of WEN Haircare's debut TSV on QVC UK - 4 Piece Heroes Collection here.  The collections includes: 
  • 1x 480ml pomegranate cleansing conditioner (RRP £26.95)
  • 1x 480ml sweet almond cleansing conditioner (RRP £26.95)
  • 1x 56g pomegranate remoist intensive hair treatment (RRP £14.98)
  • 1x 56g sweet almond remoist intensive hair treatment (RRP £14.98)
Item number 205237, £35.88+£4.95 and available to buy on 4 installments, pro-rata value £83.85. Launches at midnight on 27 April.
Another brand with a debut TSV is celebrity facialist Sarah Chapman, which launches midnight 30 April.
Sarah Chapman 5 Piece Pro Expert Home Facial Collection
Sarah Chapman 5 Piece Pro Expert Home Facial Collection

  • 100ml Ultimate Cleanse (RRP £40)
  • 15ml overnight facial (RRP £45)
  • 30ml intense hydrating booster (RRP £57)
  • 25ml 3D moisture infusions (RRP £9.75)
  • 1 Facialift Massager (RRP £25)
  • 2 mitts (RRP £6)
  • 1 bag


Item number 205516, priced at £71.98 plus £5.95 P&P - pro-rata value £182.75

Advance notification of QVC UK item numbers and details courtesy of Ian Burkitt, with permission

Over in US, there are TSVs from Bobbi Brown and Tarte

I've posted details of the new Bobbi Brown's Basic Collection here, launches on QVC.com at midnight 29 April ET.

There is also a Tarte Supersize Braziliance Self-Tanner TSV on 2nd May, which includes:

Tarte Supersize Braziliance Self-Tanner TSV QVC
  • 1 x Brazilliance skin rejuvenating maracuja face and body self-tanner (12 fl oz)
  • 1 x application mitt
  • 5 x Brazilliance skin rejuvenating maracuja self-tanning facial towelettes


QVC.com do not dispatch direct to UK, but you can use a parcel-forwarding service to get around this.

Have any of these caught your eye and will you be buying?

Thursday 24 April 2014

A Sneak Peek of Bobbi Brown's Basics Collection April TSV on QVC

A really quick sneak peek of the Bobbi Brown's April TSV on QVC, which is the Bobbi's Basics Collection.  
Bobbi's Basics Collection Bobbi Brown TSV April 4/29
Bobbi's Basics Collection Bobbi Brown TSV April 4/29


The Bobbi Brown 5-piece Bobbi's Basics Collection will include:

  • A six shade Eyeshadow Palette (.29 oz) - Ivory, Hot Stone, Graphite Sparkle, Naked, Opal Sparkle and Rich Caviar
  • Dark Chocolate Pencil (.045 oz)
  • Rouge for Lip and Cheek in Katie (.13oz)
  • Pink Sparkle High Shimmer Lip Gloss (.24 oz)
  • Face Touch up Palette (.30 oz) in six shade choices (Porcelain, Sand, Beige, Natural, Honey, Warm Almond)
Launches on QVC.com at midnight 29 April ET, item number A251409, $79.96 on 3 easy pay.  There is also an 
auto delivery option, with a second shipment in Sept.  QVC do not dispatch direct to UK, but you can use a parcel-forwarding service to get around this.

Personally, whilst I love the Bobbi Brown range generally, I think you need to be very careful with glitter shadows if (like me) you're 40+.  What do you think?

Update:  September Auto-Delivery Details:
Bobbi Brown Back to Basics September Eye Palette Colours
Cream, Pebble Metallic, Dove Gray, Chiffon Sparkle,
Quarry Shimmer Wash, Smokey
  • A six shade Eyeshadow Palette (.29 oz) - Cream, Pebble Metallic, Dove Gray, Chiffon Sparkle, Quarry Shimmer Wash, Smokey
  • Jet Long-Wear Eye Pencil (.045 oz)
  • Rouge for Lip and Cheek in Homecoming Pink (.13oz)
  • Dusty Rose Lip Gloss (.24 oz)
  • Face Touch up Palette (.30 oz) in six shade choices (Porcelain, Sand, Beige, Natural, Honey, Warm Almond)

Wednesday 23 April 2014

A Sneak Peek of the debut WEN Haircare TSV on QVC UK

WEN Haircare TSV QVC UK 27 April 2014
WEN Haircare TSV QVC UK 27 April 2014 © QVC
Lots of interest in WEN Haircare's debut TSV on QVC UK.  Here's a quick sneak peek - 
  • 1x 480ml pomegranate cleansing conditioner
  • 1x 480ml sweet almond cleansing conditioner
  • 1x 56g pomegranate remoist intensive hair treatment
  • 1x 56g sweet almond remoist intensive hair treatment
WEN haircare is a "co-wash" hair cleansing system, ie a  conditioning washing - or using your conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo.  Co-wash is definitely a marmite technique, people either love it or hate it.   Advocates find that it prolongs their colour and is generally less stripping on the hair.  Decryers say it makes their hair feel heavy, sticky and not clean!  It is essential to thoroughly rinse your hair after use. 

4 Piece Heroes Collection - item number 205237 and this will be available to buy on 4 installments. Launches at midnight on 27 April.
Advance notification of QVC item numbers courtesy of Ian Burkitt, with permission

Have you tried co-washing, how do you find it, do let me know in the comments section below!

Friday 18 April 2014

Weekly News Digest - 18 April 2014

This week’s news features summer nails, new formulations from well-loved brands and very pretty lips.
Beauty News and Launches for May and June

Monday 14 April 2014

Spring into the Office

One of the things I tend to do over the long Easter weekend is change my wardrobe over from Autumn/Winter to Spring/Summer.  If you are looking to refresh your work-wear wardrobe for the sunny days to come, take a look at my Spring Into The Office look.
Spring Into The Office
Clockwise from left: Sarah Dress by Hobbs £,  John Lewis Navy Linen Jacket £89, M&S 
Hammered Heart Drop Earrings £7.50, M&S H-Band Sandals £25, Radley Dayton Large Leather Tote £149

And I can never resist freshening up my make-up bag too!  I'm a big fan of Laura Mercier, so I'm hoping the Easter Bunny will be bringing me this new limited edition Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in Summer in St Tropez £33 instead of an egg on Sunday!  Combine with Elizabeth Arden's clever new Beautiful Colour Define and Highlight Eyeliner Duo in Midnight Sail £17, with this spring's de rigour nude pencil for the lower lidline.  

Finish your new spring look with a pretty pop of pink gloss (Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Pink Pop £19.50)

How will you be freshening up your look for the SS14?  Do tell!

Friday 11 April 2014

Weekly News Digest - 11 April 2014

New Estée Lauder Clear Difference Serum, Blemish Treatment, BB Creme
Estée Lauder is introducing a “grown-up solution” for those who suffer from blemishes. Clear Difference is a rapid-acting system that Estée Lauder says targets, treats and reduces the look of blemishes effectively yet gently, as well as preventing blemishes from forming.

Within the range are two targeted treatments plus a BB cream.  The Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum (£45-£60) and Clear Difference Targeted Blemish Treatment (£25) contain something Estee Lauder are calling Triple Action Clarity Technology, which claims to penetrate the skin to act on blemishes whilst reducing redness and irritation. Also new in the line is the Clear Difference Complexion Perfecting BB Creme SPF 35 (£33) which aims to hydrate, protect, perfect, calm and soothe the look of the skin. Currently exclusive to John Lewis until 28 April.

Tuesday 8 April 2014

Beauty All Boxed Up - The 8 Best UK Beauty Box Subscriptions!


Beauty All Boxed Up - The 8 Best UK Beauty Box Subscriptions
You Beauty Discovery-BirchBox-GlossyBox-Latest in Beauty-LoveLula-Love Me Beauty-SoukSouk-Wantable
Do you love to discover new beauty products, but really like to test a product before buying the full size?  Are you a bit shy about asking for a sample?  If so, the answer could be a beauty box subscription.  Every month you could recieve a gorgeous selection box of interesting and luxury beauty products to sample and discover.

But which one to choose?  Worry not, Dips Delectus has tracked down the 8 Best UK Beauty Box Subscriptions to help make your decision quick, simple and fuss-free.  Read on for the low-down on the best Monthly Beauty Boxes including: You Beauty Discovery, BirchBox, GlossyBox, LoveMeBeauty, LoveLula, Latest in Beauty, SoukSouk and Wantable.

Friday 4 April 2014

Weekly News Digest - 4 April 2014

Innovations in packaging takes the headlines this week's news.
Firstly, new from Sephora! If you love to try to new nail colours but always end up to loads of hald used bottles, then this innovation may be for you! Sephora is launching a set of one-time-use nail polish samples. 
Sephora Formula X Press Pod Sample Polish CollectionsThere are 24 colours in the launch collection, all from Sephora’s Formula X range Each comes in a Press Pod with a built-in brush, and enough polish to cover ten nails with two coats of polish. Intended to give the chance to experiment with new colours without making the commitment to buying a full bottle, they are suitable for travel purposes. To use, break off the top of the pod and roll the brush between the fingers which causes a drop of nail polish to appear in the middle of brush. 

New samples will be available online from April.  Although nail polish is a “banned” product category in US to UK delivery, it appears as though it is ok to order polish from Sephora.fr and should be c €45 (based on the quoted US price). Take a look at my blog post The Definitive Guide to Ordering from Sephora for Delivery to the UK for the low down on how to order. Look out for the remainder of Formula X’s 200 shades in this format in the future.

Charlotte Tilbury has launches Bigger, Brighter Eyes CollectionIconic make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury has launched her latest eye make-up collection, titled ‘Bigger, Brighter Eyes’, in an innovative video box presentation.  As you open the lid, the video which begins to play a tutorial on how to create ‘bigger, brighter eyes’ given by Charlotte Tilbury herself.
Priced at £85 (contents worth £103), the kit contains;
Full Fat Lashes Glossy Black Mascara
Rock 'N' Kohl Eye Cheat Eye Liner
Rock 'N' Kohl Eye Liner in a choice of Midnight, Mink, Violet, Black or Brown 
The Retoucher Conceal & Treat Stick in a choice of 4 colours
Life Changing Lashes Eyelash Curlers £18

Finally, watch out for the following QVCUK.com Health & Beauty TSVs this coming week:
Mally 6 Piece Guide To Gourgus Collection (Item no 205030)







Advance notification of QVC item numbers courtesy of Ian Burkitt, with permission

Has anything new caught your eye this week, do let me know in the comments section below!

Wednesday 2 April 2014

The Good Wife 100th Episode - 8 Ways to Shop the Alicia Florrick Look

The Good Wife 100th Episode - 8 Ways to Shop the Alicia Florrick Look
Perhaps, like me, you can hardly wait to watch the 100th episode of The Good Wife tomorrow night (3 April 9pm More4)?  Julianna Margulies style and look as Alicia Florrick has certainly evolved since the pilot episode. 

Alicia Florrick Pilot Episode The Good WifeWe first met Alicia as a stay-at-home wife/mother having to return to work following her politician husband's corruption scandal and incarceration

In the 100th Episode, Julianna wears a stunning combination of grey abstract style jacket by Basler teamed with an Armani black pencil skirt.  Her signature “Alicia” make-up features subtle smokey eyes, immaculate brows, soft lips and gorgeous structured contouring.

I think Alicia's style translates very well into a look to be emulated for the office, do you agree?