The Focus – Stories https://stories.qvcuk.com Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:02:07 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.9 https://stories.qvcuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/stories_Q-logo.svg The Focus – Stories https://stories.qvcuk.com 32 32 Get to know Faace with founder Jasmine Wicks-Stephens https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/jessica-m/faace-jasmine-wicks-stephens/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/jessica-m/faace-jasmine-wicks-stephens/#respond Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:00:07 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=119848 Pared down and concise, the Faace skincare range is all about gentle treatments that pull serious punches. With beautiful, sensorial fragrances and names like Sweaty Faace, Dirty Faace and Stress Faace to help you choose the product you need, it’s easy to slot a Faace formula into your everyday routine.

Founder Jasmine Wicks-Stephens shares everything you need to know about her soon-to-be iconic brand…

What inspired you to create the Faace range?

I’ve worked in beauty for almost 20 years, helping brands launch internationally and have always wanted to create something for myself. Doing the job, I’ve been surrounded by amazing beauty experts – journalists, skin experts, aromatherapists – and we all joined forces on Faace, including my husband Dan who is an excellent designer.

The idea came when I’d just become a new mum and when brushing my teeth even got bumped off the list some nights due to sheer exhaustion, I realised that what was out there (multi-step routines that require you to be your own skin chemist), and what I was doing previously in my beauty routine wasn’t realistic for a time poor, tired mum.

Also at that time, I worked in an all female office and we were period obsessed. Obsessed with how our cycles would sync and how it impacted our skin. I was a big Period Faace candidate. But when I went to try and find something to pacify the skin problems, I couldn’t find anything. And so, Tired Faace and Period Faace (and Sweaty Faace) were born.

How do hormones affect our skin’s balance?

Whether it’s stress, periods or menopause related hormones, they can play havoc with our skin. From dryness to spots, fine lines and wrinkles to redness, hormones can show up in our skin. Traditionally skincare has looked at skin type – dry/ageing etc. But that’s problematic in that firstly, you have to know exactly what your skin type is and also, it’s targeting concerns only for that type. But what if skin has contradictory concerns like dry skin and spots at the same time? This is what we’re looking to provide – easy solutions, so you can grab for just a couple of items but know they are going to be super effective.

Which products help to solve a midlife/menopause problem?

Perimenopausal and menopausal skin concerns can include dryness, blemishes, redness, hyperpigmentation, lack of elasticity, dullness. Menopause Faace is our bestseller. It’s a cream and mask combo that also works to prime the skin. Not only is the creamy texture great for moisturising a dry complexion, it also mattifies on the skin so works as a great base for make-up. You can slather on a thick layer overnight and wake up feeling plumper and more hydrated. Knowing that menopausal skin can have multiple concerns, we’ve included lots of different ingredients to help. For example, you could be getting spots again for the first time in 20 years.

For dry skin, we’ve included ingredients like hyaluronic acid/glycerin that can work well to keep skin moisturised, ingredients to calm the skin and help reduce blemishes like rose water and zinc, and something with skin regenerating properties like rosehip or vitamin A to help keep skin springy. You can also find that sometimes traditional anti-ageing creams are very heavy on the skin, which is the last thing you need if skin is hot or greasy. Plus, it comes in a hefty 100ml tube, which is better value than skin creams that come in 30ml or 50ml sizes.

Menopause Faace is complemented really well with the Dull Faace Cleanser, which we have in an exclusive bundle for QVC. This creamy/clay formula is packed full of lots of active ingredients to not only thoroughly cleanse but also treat the skin with its brightening, nourishing formula.

The ingredients list for Dull Faace is extensive, but it contains a trio of acids for brightening as well as vitamin C and avocado to name a few.

We’ve also worked with an aromatherapist on the blends, so if you enjoy a spa-like product, then Faace is for you. All of our products are vegan and ethically sourced and we also donate to two organisations with purchases – The Menopause Charity, set up by menopause doctor Dr. Louise Newson and also Hey Girls, where we operate on a buy one, give one initiative, providing sanitary products to those experiencing period poverty.

I love the fact that our products are branded for your ‘Menopause’, ‘Period’ or ‘Sweaty’ Faace too, as it feels feministic to be like, so what, I am experiencing that, and owning it! Conversations around these topics have been taboo for women in the past, and we are passionate about changing that.

For more stories, advice and interviews, head to the Menopause Your Way Stories hub. To browse and shop a curated edit of menopause products, visit the Menopause Your Way page on QVC.

The content of the QVC website is for information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the QVC website.

We understand there’s a lot of information out there on the menopause. You can read through the NICE guidance on menopause management, as well as the NHS overview on the menopause.

 

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Katie Taylor on how menopause created her new career https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/guest-author/katie-taylor-menopause-career/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/guest-author/katie-taylor-menopause-career/#respond Sat, 24 Jun 2023 08:00:32 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=119163 I was 43, when I began to struggle with low mood. My usual bubbly, outgoing, capable persona was slowly replaced with low energy, brain fog and anxiety.

As a mum of four kids I just put it down to juggling my family, home and job.

But hit with insomnia, I spent the next four years trying to function on just three hours sleep a night. My unrelenting symptoms forced me to give up my much loved job in charity communications.

I didn’t get the typical hot flushes and night sweats, but I did have heart palpitations and my periods had become shorter, and heavier and I put on a lot of weight.

My GP said I was probably stressed and depressed, as I was working full-time and had a very busy family life and so that was when it was suggested I took some time off, hence why I quit my job.

I was given antidepressants but they didn’t make things any better, they just made me feel numb. I just felt like I could no longer get any joy out of life.

I tried going to the gym a bit more and eating more healthily, but nothing helped.

I was sent to a heart specialist for my palpitations, which ruled out a heart condition. A neurologist, which ruled out early onset dementia. A rheumatologist for my joint pains.  In fact I went back and forth to different doctors and specialists over the years about all the various symptoms I was suffering from, which made me feel like I was either going mad or was a hypochondriac.

It was my father, Professor Michael Baum, a surgical oncologist who specialised in breast cancer, who eventually suspected all my symptoms were hormone-related, and arranged for me to see one of his colleagues – a gynaecologist specialising in menopause.

She did a blood test and said my oestrogen levels were “on the floor” and that all my symptoms were due to perimenopause and suggested I go on HRT immediately.

It was the first time I’d heard the word perimenopause.

Within a couple of months, I’d weaned myself off the antidepressants and suddenly realised that I was starting to feel like my old self again.

I remember watching a comedy show on TV and realising it was the first time I’d laughed and felt any joy in four years.

My husband commented that he felt like he had got his wife back, and my kids their mum.

The night of my diagnosis I came home and cried with relief on my bed that I wasn’t going mad and there was an explanation for everything I’d been feeling but I felt really, really angry at that time that so many doctors had misdiagnosed me and I had wasted four years of precious life not really living.

I decided there and then to start a Facebook group and website aimed at women over 40, so that I could share my experience with others and help all those who may also have been in the dark about their own symptoms.

We now have more than 25,000 members on our Facebook Group and thousands more on Instagram and our other social channels talking about all areas of midlife health and wellbeing, not just perimenopause and menopause.

It is a very safe, warm, friendly and non-judgmental community that our followers are genuinely happy to be part of.

I also have a medical advisory team who I turn to for advice when our members email me with their problems they may need some help with and on our website we also have a directory of specialists, a directory of offers and discounts from our partners and a blog zone, full of evidence-based and exceptionally helpful information about all areas of midlife.

We also run an annual, week long, free online event, The Midlife Festival, where we bring together some of the UK and world’s leading experts in their field to help educate and inspire women with the most up to date information on all areas of midlife health and wellbeing.

Last year we launched our podcast; Midlife and Menopause Uncovered which has already had over 50,000 downloads after only a few episodes!

Through our platform we also raise awareness and funds for our charity partner, The Eve Appeal – the UK’s gynaecological cancer research charity, researching the five main gynae-cancers: Womb, Ovarian, Cervical, Vulva & Vaginal.

I also use my experience to educate and raise awareness of menopause and perimenopause – particularly in the workplace where I run awareness events and support the development of menopause guidelines and policies and increase knowledge of how employers can support employees through this phase of life, so they can support women to stay in the workplace.

I don’t blame my drs for what happened to me, after all they only have 10 minutes to chat to a patient, and there is no mandatory GP training in menopause currently, hence why so many women are not getting the right treatment. That’s why I’m constantly working alongside many other menopause campaigners and colleagues who I’ve met through my work, to try and change all that sooner rather than later.

I am now passionate about campaigning and supporting women with their perimenopause and menopause symptoms, as well as all health and wellbeing issues throughout midlife and beyond.

I now look back on my negative experience and am grateful for all the positives it has given me, because had I not gone through that troubling time, The Latte Lounge would never have been created and I would not have been able to help all the thousands of women who come to us for support day in day out.

For more stories, advice and interviews, head to the Menopause Your Way Stories hub. To browse and shop a curated edit of menopause products, visit the Menopause Your Way page on QVC.

The content of the QVC website is for information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the QVC website.

We understand there’s a lot of information out there on the menopause. You can read through the NICE guidance on menopause management, as well as the NHS overview on the menopause.

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Discover beauty joy this June! https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/discover-beauty-joy-this-june/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/discover-beauty-joy-this-june/#respond Fri, 09 Jun 2023 23:01:50 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=119122 This month, discover our spectacular Hello Summer Beauty event, packed full of fresh beauty deals, brand launches and so much more to dive into! And boy, have we got a lot in store for you. There’s no P&P to pay on all beauty Today’s Special Values and Big Deals in June, plus there’s a wow-worthy beauty deal to take advantage of (worth over £175!) when you buy just two beauty items during the month – check that out here.

As well as this, we’ve got some exciting new make-up and skincare launches every week, so you can keep making discoveries throughout the month. In true QVC fashion, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite picks from our Hello Summer Beauty event, which we think encapsulate all the joy the season can bring. From refreshing aromatics to special SPF, we’ve got plenty to put some pep into your step this summer!

Nail your look
It just wouldn’t be a new season without a marvellous mani! Freshen up those fingertips with Orly’s Great Escape Collection, filled with six Nail Lacquer shades that sing of summer. Think juicy reds and oranges, stand-out yellows and blues worthy of an ocean – perfect for grabbing the attention of anyone who passes you by. Perfect for your nail art ventures or for introducing a pop of colour to your summer looks, this Nail Lacquer wardrobe is all you need to give your beauty routine a vibrant twist!

A hair superhero
In an impressive supersize and with no P&P to pay, this haircare miracle is super in more ways than one! Moremo’s Water Treatment Miracle 10 is specially formulated to help revive the look of dry, over-processed or brittle hair, and it’s infused with three types of natural keratin and 17 amino acids.

Working to revitalise the look of your locks by delivering deep hydration, this intensive formula will help to leave your locks with beautiful body and shine. The best part? All you have to do is leave it on for 10 seconds after your usual wash, so it will effortlessly slot into your routine. Now that’s what we call a miracle!

Turn your face to the sun
At the start of summer, it’s good to have SPF to hand – we’re all aware of its unrivalled benefits, not just for maintaining your skin’s beauty, but also for protecting it from harmful rays. But we get it, it doesn’t always feel great on the skin, so invest in a formula that does – Ultrasun’s Anti-Pigmentation Face Fluid SPF 50+. It’s just different from many other sun creams out there – forget the greasiness, the stickiness, the clogged pores… this lightweight fluid glides onto your complexion to help deliver optimum protection from UVA, UVB and Infrared-A rays, as well as blue light; plus it works to deliver plenty of hydration to your skin, so you can use it as a daily moisturiser, too. No wonder it’s loved by so many worldwide, and once you try it, we’re pretty sure you’ll be joining them.

Heavenly scent
Flood your home in the scent of summer with Neom’s Wellbeing POD Luxe! Perfect for spritzing a dose of delightful fragrance into any room or large space, it comes with two supersize essential oil blends so you can switch up your scent as often as you like, making it ideal for creating a summery ambience when your guests come round, or if you just want to sit back and unwind.

It even boasts a clever remote control so you can experience Neom’s beautiful essential oils at the touch of a button.

A marvellous makeover
We don’t need to sing you Estee Lauder’s praises, so we’ll just say that this edit takes the crown when it comes to revamping your whole beauty routine. This seven-piece collection features a cleanser, Face & Neck Creme, skin concentrate, Advanced Night Repair for face and for eye, plus mascara and lipstick, freshening up your whole skincare and make-up ritual for the new season. You’ll hardly want to use anything else this summer!

Your shower shake-up
This summer, get ready to smell like a bed of roses with this triple dose of Molton Brown’s sumptuous Rose Dunes Bath & Shower Gel. Showcasing the versatile bath and shower formula we all know and love, this gorgeous gel boasts a blooming mirage of golden saffron, rich cassis, velvety rose and geranium, and earthy patchouli, mingling together to create your signature scent for the summer. It’ll look stunning next to your bath or shower too, what with its swirling shimmer – just the thing for adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine.

Ready to dive into beauty joy this June? Discover these brilliant beauty buys plus so much more in our event, and don’t forget to check out our mesmerising Tili offer when you buy two or more beauty items this month!

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Inside QVC Podcast Episode 184 – Debbie Flett https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/podcasts/inside-qvc-podcast-episode-184-debbie-flett/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/podcasts/inside-qvc-podcast-episode-184-debbie-flett/#comments Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:30:28 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=118812 Will Gowing speaks to presenter, actor, model and Tova brand ambassador, Debbie Flett. Debbie tells Will about the very first time she met the late Tova Borgnine, her early career appearing on those hit Saturday night TV shows, working with Richard Branson and of course a treasured friendship with Tova Borgnine.

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Incredible skincare ingredients for your routine https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/incredible-skincare-ingredients-for-your-routine/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/incredible-skincare-ingredients-for-your-routine/#respond Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:01:01 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=118683 In our books, skincare is only as good as the ingredients in it, which is why we’re focusing on what it’s made of in our brand new series on-air! Showcasing hero ingredients like retinol, collagen, vitamin C and more, each week we’ll be taking you through the stuff that makes our favourite skincare fabulous, so we thought we’d give you a little taster of what’s to come…

Retinol
Known by many as a wonder ingredient, retinol pretty much does it all – it can help smooth out the appearance of fine lines, even the look of skin tone, give your complexion a gorgeous glow and so much more. The thing we love most about this ingredient? Everyone can benefit from it, no matter what their skin type!

That’s why we love this dynamic duo from Murad, which will boost any complexion with the power of retinol, providing day-to-night care that will slot seamlessly into your existing routine. There’s a serum for the day and a night cream for the evening, each formula infused with retinol, so you can really try it out to see what it does for your skin! Just remember to add SPF to your routine to protect your skin from sun exposure, and you’re good to glow!

Collagen
Renowned for its bounce-boosting properties, collagen has been a buzzword in the beauty industry for years and shows no signs of slowing down. Hydrating, smoothing and oh-so-versatile, it’s in everything from face creams to daily supplements, and boasts benefits for your skin’s tone, texture and radiance.

And what better to celebrate this incredible ingredient than Elemis‘ renowned Pro-Collagen range? This duo boasts Pro-Collagen Night Cream and Superfood Midnight Facial that will work together to quench your skin overnight and leave it looking radiant by morning – just in time for that sunrise!

Vitamin C
Speaking of sun, we dare you to find a skincare ingredient sunnier than Vitamin C! Sure to give your complexion a brightening boost, this is one ingredient you’ll want to have in your skincare stash whatever the weather.

Amp up your whole skincare routine with this four-piece collection dedicated to this radiant ingredient, courtesy of Perricone. Complete with moisturisers for day and night, as well as serum and eye cream, it boasts everything you need to reveal your skin’s radiance throughout your whole skincare ritual.

Glycolic Acid
For amazing exfoliating benefits, look no further than glycolic acid. Also known as an AHA, it’s an ingredient that works to slough away dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking brighter and more even, as well as warding away pesky blemishes that can be caused by flaking skin. It doesn’t have to be harsh either – depending on the concentration, glycolic acid-infused skincare can be used every day to get your glow on and help you feel skin confident.

Alpha-H‘s lauded Liquid Gold range is ideal for harnessing the power of glycolic acid and discovering your skin’s luminosity. This three-piece collection will bring a bit of bottled brilliance to your regimen with iconic Liquid Gold treatment, an all-in-one toner, exfoliator, serum and moisturiser, as well as Golden Haze Face Oil and Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream to target every inch of your complexion with glycolic acid goodness.

Ceramide
Just think of this wonder ingredient as your skin’s personal shield! Ceramide is the perfect preventative against environmental stressors as well as moisture loss, making it a silent hero in skincare that you’ll want in your arsenal!

This trio from Skinsense makes ceramide the star of the show, with a day cream, treatment mask and eye cream that are each designed to deliver hydrating, radiance-enhancing benefits to every inch of your complexion. The ideal starter set to find out if ceramide works for you, this collection is just the thing to slot into your skincare regimen.

SPF
Where would we be without it? Whether you’re stepping out into a hot summer’s day or you just want to prevent fine lines from forming, SPF is an essential in your skincare routine. But not all SPF is created equal – if you want to avoid the notorious stickiness SPF has a bad rep for, look no further than our selection.

Ultrasun is legendary for its luxurious, non-greasy formulas that feel good on the complexion without compromising on protection against UVA rays, which is why its facial formulas are loved by so many. This supersize duo of Anti-Pigmentation formulas boasts an impressive SPF 50+ and both clear and tinted formulas, specially formulated for your face, so you can enjoy incredible protection for a long time.

Ready to put these wonder ingredients into your skincare recipe? Tune into our weekly show to find out about these fabulous formulations, plus discover them and much more right here at QVC.

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Nutritionist Karen Newby on brain-boosting foods https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/guest-author/brain-boosters-karen-newby/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/guest-author/brain-boosters-karen-newby/#respond Sat, 28 Jan 2023 09:00:39 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=118166 We need to feed our brain, not just our body, in menopause! The psychological symptoms of menopause can often manifest way before a lot of the physical symptoms and can include brain fog, anxiety, low mood and a lack of motivation.

The symptoms are due to the far-reaching effects of oestrogen and progesterone which include effects on our brain chemistry. Oestrogen helps to support production of our ‘happiness neurochemical’ serotonin,[i] most of which is made in the gut,[ii] so gut health is always a first port of call for me in supporting anyone with low mood. Oestrogen is also linked to dopamine, which is not only related to reward, but also to motivation and pleasure, which explains these feelings of lack of interest in things we used to get a lot of pleasure from.

Progesterone is also called the ‘everything will be OK hormone’ so when we stop ovulating so frequently and progesterone is likely to be disrupted we can start to feel low. Progesterone is intimately connected to GABA, our calming neurotransmitter, and is indicated as one of the reasons for menopause anxiety.[iii]

Many of us have to deal with the dreaded foggy head. We can also start to forget people’s names or why we walked into a room….or completely forget what we were talking about mid-sentence! However all is not lost as findings from the longitudinal SWAN study state that this menopause blip doesn’t affect our ability for lifelong learning and that cognitive ageing might indeed be malleable.[iv]

I’m very much about what we can add in not necessarily take out of our diet to help us at menopause. For most of us our diets aren’t ‘bad’  – they’re not full of fried foods and takeaways – but they are often low in micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and proteins which are essential brain boosting foods too.  So how do we feed our brain? Here are some therapeutic foods to increase:

  • Our brains are made up of 60 per cent fat, so eat oily fish at least two or three times a week. Opt for small fish such as mackerel, trout or salmon to minimize mercury. Plus nuts (interesting how walnuts look like the brain!), seeds and linseed oil.
  • Phytoestrogens can help, which have been shown in studies to improve memory.[v] From tofu, tempeh, soya, linseed, nuts, apples, fennel, celery, parsley, alfalfa, pulses, beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, green vegetables, carrots, red peppers, broccoli and cabbage, sage and red clover.
  • Phosphatidylcholine is good for the memory neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and phosphatidylserine helps brain-cell communication. Both are found in egg yolk, tofu, oily fish, beef, sardines and fatty cheese.
  • Phenylalanine converts to tyrosine for alertness, attention and focus: eat pumpkin seeds, Parmesan, soya beans, lean beef, chicken, salmon, mackerel, cod, eggs, pinto beans.
  • B vitamins… or memory vitamins: found in eggs, cereals, brown rice, fish, chicken, asparagus and dark-green vegetables.
  • Amino acids, especially tryptophan and glutamine, which is the precursor of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter: all these are found in lean meat, poultry, nuts, seeds and avocado.
  • L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea (opt for decaf) that is traditionally used to enhance relaxation and improve concentration.
  • Vitamin C is a needed for good circulation and is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off the free radicals that can damage brain cells. Plus vitamin C supports brain health as we age: get it in citrus fruits, parsley, greens.
  • Antioxidants such as flavonoids to protect the brain: from artichoke, basil, berries, celery, citrus fruits, parsley and turmeric.
  • Eat rosemary for remembrance.

 

Then I recommend supporting our gut which is often referred to as our second brain.[vi] The easiest wat to do this it to aim for thirty-plus unique plants per week. If you don’t have many plants in your diet at the moment then increase them slowly as suddenly eating lots of plant based fibre can cause bloating! Cooked over raw is easier to digest too. These can include herbs, spices, fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds and gluten free grains. Also be wary of how gluten affects your concentration. We are all individual, but gluten and dairy can have an opioid-like effect on the brain.

Brain-boosting lifestyle hacks

  • Keep hydrated – dehydration is linked to drops in memory and concentration.
  • Buy the best food you can afford and take time to enjoy it.
  • Channel food as love. Warm, grounding food to help take energy out of the head and into the digestive system – this is an Ayurvedic remedy. Eat protein-rich broths, warm salads over raw, curries and tagines.
  • Keep moving to help circulation and blood flow to the brain.
  • Be in nature more. Across multiple studies, researchers have found a fascinating link between being in nature and an improved mood and increased life satisfaction.[vii]

 

[i] Hudon Thibeault, A.A., Sanderson, J.T., Vaillancourt, C., ‘Serotonin-estrogen interactions: What can we learn from pregnancy?’, Biochimie (Jun 2019), 161:88–108; ISSN 0300-9084; doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2019.03.023

[ii] Banskota, S., Ghia, J.E., Khan, W.I., ‘Serotonin in the gut: Blessing or a curse?’, Biochimie (Jun 2019), 161:56–64; doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.06.008; Epub 14 Jun 2018; PMID: 29909048

[iii] Sovijit, W.N., Sovijit, W.E., Pu, S. et al., ‘Ovarian progesterone suppresses depression and anxiety-like behaviors by increasing the Lactobacillus population of gut microbiota in ovariectomized mice’, Neurosci Res (22 Apr 2019), S0168-0102(19)30142-7; doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2019.04.005; Epub: ahead of print; PMID: 31022413

[iv] Karlamangla, A.S., Lachman, M.E., Han, W. et al., ‘Evidence for Cognitive Aging in Midlife Women: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation’, PLoS One (3 Jan 2017),12(1):e0169008; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169008; PMID: 28045986; PMCID: PMC5207430

[v] Sumien, N., Chaudhari, K., Sidhu, A., Forster, M.J., ‘Does phytoestrogen supplementation affect cognition differentially in males and females?’, Brain Res (13 Jun 2013), 1514:123-7; doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.02.013; Epub 13 Feb 2013; PMID: 23415935; PMCID: PMC3677816

[vi] Foster, J.A., McVey Neufeld, K.A., ‘Gut–brain axis: how the microbiome influences anxiety and depression.’, Trends Neurosci (May 2013), 36(5):305–12; doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.01.005; Epub 4 Feb 2013; PMID: 23384445

[vii] Bowler, D.E., Buyung-Ali, L.M., Knight, T.M., Pullin, A.S., ‘A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments’, BMC Public Health (2010)

For more stories, advice and interviews, head to the Menopause Your Way Stories hub. To browse and shop a curated edit of menopause products, visit the Menopause Your Way page on QVC.

The content of the QVC website is for information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the QVC website.

We understand there’s a lot of information out there on the menopause. You can read through the NICE guidance on menopause management, as well as the NHS overview on the menopause.

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Beauty Day bargains you can’t miss! https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/beauty-day-bargains-you-cant-miss/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/beauty-day-bargains-you-cant-miss/#respond Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:01:22 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=117884 With party season just around the corner (and plenty of gifts to buy!), there couldn’t be a better time for Beauty Day – especially when you see the selection of make-up, nailcare and more that’s on offer! From OPI nail polish that will dazzle on the dancefloor to beautiful baked formulas courtesy of Laura Geller, there are plenty of treats in store at fantastic prices.

Be it a beauty bargain you’re hunting for or a gorgeous gift for someone you love, you’re sure to find something totally fabulous. The best part is, all of these beauties will be delivered in time for Christmas when you order them this weekend!

Now, where to start…?

 

From Laura Geller

We couldn’t let this one go by without shouting about it! The Cheek to Chic Tropical Glow Baked Face Palette showcases the very best of Laura Geller’s baked cream formulas, and it’s all you’ll need to take you through the upcoming season and beyond. With two marbled bronzers, blushes and highlighters, they go on so smoothly they’ll simply look like your skin but with that extra touch of ‘wow’, making this palette a shining star in anyone’s collection (no matter how big it is!).

It’s a stunning gift for any beauty buff out there, but we also like to think it’s the perfect investment for party season if you fancy giving yourself a little treat – after all, with six sumptuous shades inside, it’ll go the extra mile giving your skin a beautiful finish for a long time to come!

 

From Bobbi Brown

Let’s face it, the festive season can leave you feeling rushed off your feet, whether you’re heading out to a last-minute party or you’ve only got five minutes to get ready before the kids invade your bedroom! That’s where these little beauties come in: Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks, in a handy, perfectly-co-ordinated trio.

Gone are the days of fiddly brushes and half-hour make-up rituals – these creamy eye shadows can simply be blended out with your fingers and work to stay put all day long. With impressive pigmentation and plenty of mesmerising eye looks to create, this trio is all you’ll need to take you from day to night. And at this price, who could say no?!

 

From Manucurist

Saving time, expense and a lot of fuss couldn’t be more welcome in our books (especially this year!) so why not take the nail salon home with a little help from Manucurist Paris?

The Green Flash LED Nail Polish Pro Gel Kit is at the top of our Christmas lists this year, boasting an innovative slim LED lamp, four gorgeous gel nail polishes and everything else you need to help create a pro-looking mani or pedi that lasts up to 10 days.

It’s vegan, acetone free, boasts 84% bio-sourced ingredients and, frankly, looks gorgeous from the bottles to the box – everything we look for in the ultimate beauty buy!

 

From Shay & Blue

Wow-worthy doesn’t come close. We love Shay & Blue’s Blood Oranges Eau de Parfum at the best of times, but when it comes in this gorgeous limited edition sparkly bottle, we’re falling in love all over again.

Perfect for pretty much anyone who loves fragrance, this beauty boasts notes of juicy blood orange segments, hot napa leaves and sultry musk, giving off a balanced, sensual aroma that will see you through the season and well into new year. Go forth and spritz liberally – or make it a gorgeous gift and let a loved one in on the magic!

 

From OPI

What would the festive season be without a bit of OPI? Nail this season’s beauty trends and flaunt your fingertips in colours that stray away from your classic Christmas red with the five-piece Pink, Bling & Be Merry Collection.

From shimmering blue to hot pink, you can give you festive mani a fabulous twist this year. What’s more, all the shades are radiant shimmer, metallic or pearlescent finishes, so your nails will stand out from the crowd from season to season!

Feeling inspired to bag one of these bargains this Beauty Day? There are plenty more where these came from, so dive into our Beauty Day event in our online beauty department before they go! You can even spread the cost with code SHOP3EZ.

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Black Friday beauty bargains https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/black-friday-beauty-bargains/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/emily-c/black-friday-beauty-bargains/#respond Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:10:09 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=117851 Who doesn’t love saving on skincare? Whether you’re ticking off your Christmas list early or you just fancy a little November pick-me-up, we’ve got an array of beauty bargains this Black Friday to give you a boost this month! From world-renowned luxury brands like Molton Brown to beloved favourites like Liz Earle and Elemis, there really is something for everybody, all at incredible prices that are limited to this Black Friday weekend only.

Dedicated to all things skincare and bodycare (and that includes beauty tools, too!), this edit showcases our favourite Black Friday deals to give you and your loved ones a proper pamper. But don’t worry, there’s plenty more where these came from in our big event!

From Liz Earle
There’s always someone on your Christmas list who seems impossible to buy for, so get their gift sorted early with this can’t-go-wrong collection from the experts at Liz Earle.

Whether they’re a skincare novice or a beauty buff, they’ll simply adore these six fabulous formulas, including iconic Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in Original and Relaxing editions, cult classics Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser, as well as eye lotion and Cleanse & Polish Body. It’s a whole routine revamp that they’ll simply love and, because they can use it every single day, it makes a pampering present for anyone – even if they’re not your typical ‘sit back and relax’ type of person!

Of course, if you’re a fan of Liz Earle yourself, or you know someone whose skincare regime needs a re-write, what better way to stock up on sumptuous formulas than this collection at an incredible Black Friday deal price?

From Theragun by Therabody
It’s time to bring out the big guns!

Theragun is a cult icon in the health and fitness world, and it’s not hard to see why – this tool is so powerful it helps to temporarily relax muscle tension, work out knots and soothe your muscles of aches and pains, whether you’re prone to shoulder ache or you work out intensely at the gym.

What we love about this Mini Massager is that it’s pocket-sized and more portable than the larger original, plus it’s a little gentler on your hard-working muscles thanks to the Supersoft attachment included. Perfect for those who are new to the power of Theragun, as well as those who are already a fan of the original and need something easier to use on-the-go (it’s ideally sized for gym bags).

It also boasts an impressive 150 minutes of continuous use, so it’s always ready to gowhen you need it – and we think once you try it, you’ll be reaching for it again and again!

From SBC Skincare
We know what it can be like when your scalp is a bit troublesome, and that’s why this supersize Propolis shampoo and conditioner duo from SBC Skincare is the perfect way to get your hair to bee-have, from scalp to tip!

Specially formulated to help treat sensitive, itchy scalps, as well as give your hair a luscious, voluminous look, these SBC Skincare winners boast beautifully-fragranced formulas that will give your locks that added oomph, without compromising the comfort of your skin. Infused with a cocktail of natural extracts, the result is hair that looks and feels amazing – oh, and there’s a Black Friday price to match!

From Molton Brown
Whether you’ve got guests coming and going over the Christmas season or you just want a bit of a pick-me-up every time you wash your hands, you can’t get higher quality than Molton Brown. This luxurious collection not only features their indulgent Hand Wash in your choice of fragrance, but it also features a bumper-sized refill so you can keep the scent-sational fragrance going all season long!

From L’Occitane
It’s no secret that the cold weather can wreak havoc on our hands, which is why it’s wise to stock up on hand cream! L’Occitane’s Shea Hand Cream is nothing short of marvellous and it’s favoured by so many because it boasts a luxurious, balm-like texture that’s enriched with an impressive 20% shea butter, which will help tackle even the coldest of days with ease.

It’s non-greasy, intensively hydrating and even has a stunning scent – all the things you could ever wish for in a hand cream. Oh, and this bundle comes with not one but three tubes of cream, so you can enjoy beautiful hands all winter!

From Gale Hayman
For those who are already fans of Gale Hayman’s Lip Lift, you’ll be delighted to find this trio of supersizes in gorgeous, glittery, limited-edition packaging! And if you’ve yet to experience how marvellous this iconic lip balm is, you’re in for a treat – it works to make lips feel soft, plump and ultra-hydrated, while also helping to reduce the look of fine lines around your lip contours.

It’s magic under lipstick or worn alone when you just need a bit of protection on a winter walk. Your lips will love you for it and, at this price for three supersizes, we think you’ll love it even more!

If you’re ready to bag a beauty bargain this Black Friday weekend, this is just the tip of the iceberg – there are plenty more steals right here at QVC, as well as lots of make-up to fill your bag with, so what are you waiting for? Dive right in before these deals go!

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Inside QVC Podcast Episode 162 – Jenniefer Kirk https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/podcasts/inside-qvc-podcast-episode-162-jenniefer-kirk/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/podcasts/inside-qvc-podcast-episode-162-jenniefer-kirk/#respond Sun, 23 Oct 2022 23:30:13 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=117668 Will Gowing speaks to the founder and owner of Kirks Folly, Jenniefer Kirk. Jenniefer tells Will about the early days of launching Kirks Folly, the lessons learnt along the way and her incredible international community.

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New in fashion: the Ben De Lisi relaunch https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/saleena-b/new-in-fashion-the-ben-de-lisi-relaunch/ https://stories.qvcuk.com/style/the-focus-style/saleena-b/new-in-fashion-the-ben-de-lisi-relaunch/#respond Sun, 02 Oct 2022 23:00:22 +0000 https://stories.qvcuk.com/?p=117439 Gear up for autumn/winter 2022 with the fabulous relaunch of exciting new collections from the man himself, Ben de Lisi! Exclusive to QVC, and back with a bang, this premium range is dripping in style and above all, Ben’s luxurious designer look. From fresh handbags to brand new boots, Ben has collated beautiful fabrics and timeless design to build a vibrant capsule wardrobe. Just what you need to escape the winter blues, we say!

Versatile and easily adapted to suit you and your plans, you’ll find everything from luxurious knitwear to elevated essentials in this collection, all of which are sure to inspire your seasonal outfits. Scroll down to see some of our favourite picks…

 

Palazzo Trousers 

Comfy, stylish and so ready to join your wardrobe, these palazzo trousers are perfect for both day and evening styling. Pair them with a top or tunic, and pop on your favourite heels to elevate your ensemble – or even go casual with some trainers! The choice is yours.

Crew Neck Jumper

This is the layering item you’ll choose every time! Comfy and stylish, it’s perfect for those errand runs and casual lunches. Welcome the autumnal season with this fabulous crew neck jumper and give your daily wardrobe essentials a cute and cosy treat.

Leather Crossbody

 

Weekend styling just got even better with this gorgeous mustard cross-body bag, brand new to the Ben de Lisi collection. Modern, minimal and perfect for when you don’t have much to carry, you can reach for it whenever you’re on the move. Now that sounds like a must-have accessory to us!

Leather Hobo Bag

A leather bag is an essential in any wardrobe, and as fashions come and go, this classic Hobo style is here to stay. Transcending fashions and transitioning easily from season to season, you’ll be picking it up time and time again for easy outfit accessorising, thanks to Ben!

Biker Jacket

Elevate your jacket collection with this chic faux leather biker jacket. It’s gorgeously versatile, so you can pair it with just about any ensemble! It adds a little cool-girl edge too, and will to take you from day to night in style.

Lace Up Pebble Trainer

Stylish new trainers? Oh, go on then! Wear these super-chic ones with anything from jeans to skirts, and step out feeling fabulous. Brand new and exclusive to the Ben de Lisi collection, we all need a comfy go-to pair, so we say… make yours stylish!

Chain Link Ankle Boot

Make a style statement every day in these fabulous ankle boots – we’re crushing on the chain detail and suede feel! What’s not to love? They’ll instantly elevate your outfits and add a little sass too. Let the boots do the talking, wear them out or even to the office to give your outfits that chic edge.

Head over to the official Ben de Lisi page for an exclusive look at our new arrivals – it’s got all the brand new accessories and fashion collections that we’re sure you’re going to adore!

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