Can’t find what you’re dreaming of? QVC has it!
Alison Blackman, Editor in Chief, advicesisters.com
Do you remember November 24th 1986? That was the evening (at 7:30 pm) that QVC did it’s first live broadcast. QVC stands for: “Quality, Value, Convenience”. What was the first item ever sold on this home shopping (eventually online as well) network ?
It was a “Windsor Shower Companion” shower radio!
Whether you enjoy watching the TV hosts demonstrate products, or you peruse the huge web site, QVC has so many items to buy for yourself or give as gifts, the experience can sometimes leave you a bit breathless — but happy. There are other shopping networks, but QVC has upped the “it” factor of a lot of their products, and they have exclusives (I especially love their beauty offerings) that you kind of feel like a kid in a candy store on the QVC website. Even if you don’t buy anything, an hour of TV or online window shopping with QVC is a fun experience. QVC also stands behind it’s products, so it’s an easy and safe way to buy things. The Advice Sisters have selected four products that target women, men, teens/women and family. These are sure to sell out because they are unique and some are exclusives to QVC. You might find something else you like even better, but don’t procrastinate (that’s why I’m putting this feature up early). If you see something you like on the web page, go directly to http://www.qvc.com and grab it!
I’m making a bold statement here, but I personally think QVC’s beauty department rivals Nordstrom Beauty, and offers limited edition and exclusive sets that even Sephora doesn’t carry. No matter what your budget, you’ll find the things you dream of, for gifts, and for yourself. For example, this Tarte High Performance Deluxe LipSurgence Lip Creme Set. (approx. $42.00). The Tarte gift sets are so popular because they’re not just a great value, the LipSurgence minis in this set offer light to deep options with the same nurturing ingredients as their larger sisters (which you can also purchase on QVC), These include shea butter, jojoba oil, and mineral pigments with intense color that keep your lips soft and hydrated. The mini sized pencils are perfect for even a small evening bag. Some of the colors are so pigmented, they really stay on your lips with gusto (be careful because these can transfer on napkins and clothing if you’re not careful) but the intense, moist color is un-beatable.
The limited edition shades in this set include: glamorous, plush, stunning , ritzy, jazzy, luring, luscious, striking, and my favorite, a deep sexy red called “Pizazz.” Their names on right on the sides of the pencils, but the outer color of the pencils is not exactly what the lip color is. With nine different shades, you’ll find most delight you. None of these have parabens, phthlates, mineral oil, triclosan, sodium lauyrl sulfate, and they’re gluten free and dermatologist tested. your lips will stay soft and nourished with intense color. What I really love about these is that they look like plain old chubby pencil sticks, but they swivel up from the bottom so they don’t ever need to be sharpened. Just apply as you would with a normal lipstick, An elegant rose gold and burnished gold metallic cardboard box features three clear windows showcasing three pencils each. When you open the box, there are three more smaller boxes in the same metallic with clear window, housing three each of the pencils. Give one box to three friends (Each box has a to and from right on the back), save one for yourself and give two away, or gift the entire nine pencils to your BFF!
QVC has a huge selection of jewelry items to satisfy a variety of budgets, ages, and personalities. Since we could pick just one (or you’d be reading this review all night) we selected this Diamonique Double Finger Ring ($45.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling). The star of this ring is the long, slim bar of prong set, tiny, round Diamonique(R) simulated diamonds (total weight is approximately 1/4 carat) to add just a bit of sparkle without being gaudy.ring. The ring itself is long but slim ( 1/16″L x 1-3/4″W) making it comfortable to wear. For those not familiar with this kind of knuckle ring, they are worn over two fingers so you’re restriction movement a bit. However, I’m typing this review with the ring on my left hand ring and middle finger without any issues at all. he most difficult decision you will have is which one to choose: Sterling Silver, 14K Yellow Gold-Clad Sterling Silver, 14K Rose Gold-Clad Sterling Silver, or Black Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver. My review sample is silver (I personally like silver or white gold to highlight the sparkle of diamonds) but the photos on the QVC web site give you an idea of what all of the rings look like. Since everyone’s fingers differ, it’s important to get the right fit. I’d size it to the larger finger you’ll be wearing the ring on (Sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
QVC does a nice job of presentation, too. The ring arrives in a cream colored hard sided gift box with QVC logo, and inside that is a plushy taupe drawstring bag. This trendy ring is sure to be a hit with younger women, and their trendy moms!
I’m sharing a secret with you: about a quarter of our readers on advicesisters.com are adult men, who also want to be informed about the things that help make life easier, more successful, and more fun. When I first started writing reviews on advicesisters.com years ago, there were few products just for men. But now there are tons of different items, and men like these products just as much as we enjoy ours. Even with all the new products just for men, some men haven’t tried any.
The QVC Beauty Man of the Hour Eight Piece Men’s Collection $34.50 + $3.00 shipping) is the perfect gift for the man who already appreciates grooming products, and for the man who is still kind of clueless. It is also a great gift for men who travel. The silver presentation box slides out to reveal the products (the photo is of my editor’s sample) which are from very popular brands that will make a believer in beauty of of him (if he isn’t already). This set gives men a chance to try new things including:
- 0.1-fl oz Givenchy Gentlemen Only Intense EDT
- 0.11-oz Smileactives Tooth Whitening Pen in Spearmint
- 0.35-oz L’Occitane Cade Shaving Cream
- 1-oz First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- 1-fl oz Molton Brown London Black Peppercorn Body Wash
- 1.5-fl oz Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
- 2-fl oz philosophy the microdelivery exfoliating wash
- 2.7-oz Peter Thomas Roth Modern Classic Shaving Cream *if you want to know the ingredients, they are all listed on the QVC website for this product .
QVC does gift sets like this so well, and this nicely curated collection doesn’t have anything weird or difficult to understand/use in it. It’s not a complicated regimen that a man has to follow , just a great collection of products every man needs and will use. There’s nothing fussy or frilly about this elegant gift set. It’s a deal that looks more expensive than the actual cost. Get a few for all the men in your life — without breaking your budget.
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#E281893 QVC Crosley cruiser portable 3 speed turntable $79.96
choose any of these colors for your Crosley Cruiser!
Give me that old time rock and roll! Do you remember 45’s and 78’s? Do you know what the middle adapter for 45’s that you have to slap on a turntable, is for? (hint, it’s named after an insect–tweet me @advicesiters if you want to know the actual name). If you are a lover of vinyl records, or you’re just discovering them for the first time, the gift of the holidays is the Crosley Cruiser Portable 3-Speed Turntable vinyl E281893 plays records in 45, 78 or 33 1/3 rpm. e. In the “good old days” even before expensive and complicated audio systems, “kids” played their favorite records on a turntable with built in speakers, no other equipment required. There was an on/off switch and one to change the speed of the record. It was so simple a child could operate it, and tons of fun.
The Crosley Cruiser ($80.00 with free shipping ) is a modern version of the record player we loved. This is not a complicated DJ turntable and it doesn’t’ require a connection to expensive, bulky audio equipment. It is an all-in-one 3-speed way to play vinyl records in 45, 78 or 33 1/3 rpm (there is no battery, use the included AC power adapter). The Cruiser is made of wood and bound in a leatherette material in a compact, briefcase design ( 14″W x 4-5/8″H x 10-1/2″D; weighs 5.5 lbs) with a handle, and two sturdy metal clips to keep it closed. The player is lightweight and small enough to fit in a a tote. It comes in a variety of colors (see above) and has a genuine, real retro look. What isn’t retro is the modern bells and whistles you want, including built-in, full-range dynamic stereo speakers (not concert hall sound, but you can pump up the volume fairly high for a party). It’s a belt-driven turntable with a manual return tone arm (there’s a clip to keep it in place when stores), and it even an RCA audio output should your trip down memory lane prompt you to turn some of those vinyl discs into digital, for your iPod. There is also a headphone jack if you want to listen, quietly. The Crosley Cruiser is UL listed, with a one year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty. Although the product is under $100, you can also purchase insurance: a 3-year ($14.99) or a 3-year with Drops & Spills Coverage ($34.99) *learn more on the QVC Web Site
We love this “life of the party” player. Play records at home without taking up a lot of space for bulky audio equipment. Be the hit at the party. Take it to the beach. Enjoy “twisting at the pool.” It’s a fabulous way to play those vinyl records you haven’t heard in years, but not take up a lot of space or invest a lot of money. We tested this one with 45’s that we hadn’t heard in decades, and had the time of our lives! It’s an affordable, nostalgic gift that will bring years of pleasure to those who remember “45’s” and for younger people who are into vinyl. Basically, this is the gift of the year for just about everyone!
