Can you believe it, January is finally here.  And if you’re feeling slightly like you’ve overindulged with all that food, cheeky Bucks Fizz and countless ‘Christmas ‘dos’ then I’ve got the perfect detox!

Though you may feel like your waistline needs some attention, why not treat yourself, and your skin to a detox?

Destination Skin salons are situated within 7 House of Fraser stores and pride themselves on bringing Harley Street to the high street.  Specialised beauty treatments are no longer privy to the rich and famous, whether you’re looking to refresh your tired skin with a prescription facial, tailor made just for you and your skins needs, or you’re looking for something more permanent, there’s no better time to become you at your best.

Read our reviews below to find out about the treatments we love!

Agera Oxygen Facial reviewed by Mary, Online Editorial Assistant

Having never had a facial before I was really keen to try one.  I really liked the idea of this facial as it was described as ‘an instant brightening and hydrating facial, perfect for the party season or to give dehydrated, tired skins a boost.’ Great for sluggish, tired skin polluted by environmental toxins. So, in short it detoxifies, stimulates cell regeneration, increases circulation and hydrates to reveal beautiful, bright skin. Great, with Christmas and New Year coming up I was definitely ready to dazzle!

I met my practitioner Karen who took guide me through each step of the process starting with the infamous skin scanner! Although it was very strange to see my skin under such odd circumstances, a UV light shines onto it to expose patches of dehydrated, congested or oily skin depending on your condition, the results weren’t actually too alarming! I had patches of dehydration which I expected, especially around my eyes which is easily rectifiable with a consistent skin care routine, the most worrying thing was perhaps the sun damage, having been a sunbed worshipper a few years ago I was also expecting this! However, once again this is easily rectifiable, especially as I no longer use sunbeds and always take care in sunlight.

After this the facial began, my skin was cleansed to remove all make up.  A cold, gel like cream was then rubbed into my skin, this contained vitamin C to help brighten and revitalise my dull, tired skin and was left on for a few minutes. This was then taken off and followed by an intense moisturiser to help with my dehydrated skin.  Again this was left one for a few minutes giving me time to relax and even have a cheeky power nap!

Having never had a facial before I found the procedure a real treat and could definitely get used to incorporating this into a regular routine! My skin felt amazingly soft and so clean, like after a trip to the hygienist, I knew I would never be able to keep this kind of routine up at home.  High street products tend to only work on the dead skin cells so rarely live up to the benefits they claim to have.  This is why salons like Destination Skin are great. They bring Harley Street to the high street with their quick, easy and accessible procedures.  I would highly recommend this facial for anyone needing to brighten up there skin.  Despite having to leave with no make up on I definitely felt fresh faced and couldn’t wait to wake up the next morning to see if it had lasted, and it had!

Agera Oxygen Facial, £150 for a course of 3.

Agera Vitamin C Facial Peel reviewed by Emily, Online Assistant Merchandiser

My treatment began with a trip to the ‘Skin Scanner’. The results were a bit scary to say the least but my practitioner Karen assured me that all of what I saw was completely normal and nothing that couldn’t be treated!

The facial started with a thorough cleanse to ensure all make up and grime was removed. The cleanser had quite a strong alcohol smell but didn’t feel harsh at all. Once my skin was primed and ready and my eye shields were on, the peel was applied. The actual peel consisted of 3 layers. Each layer took about 5 minutes to dry and Karen used a hand held fan to speed up the process. After each application I did experience some tingling and itching on my face but this was eased by the cooling sensation of the fan. Karen also pointed out that this meant the peel was working- exfoliating the skin and getting rid of impurities.

After the 3 layers of the peel were applied, my face was covered with damp gauze. Karen then trickled cool water through the gauze to activate and neutralize the peel which sounds strange but was actually very relaxing. After a few minutes of this she took off the gauze and removed the peel. She then applied a lovely fruity smelling Vitamin C peel to hydrate my skin. The facial then ended with the application of DermaQuest Daily Antioxidant Serum which works to hydrate and smooth the skin as well as protect from any further damage.

I then got the chance to look in the mirror and see the results of the peel. Instantly I could see that my skin looked a lot brighter and felt incredibly smooth. Karen said that it is normal to experience some redness afterward but I didn’t have any. She recommended having this type of peel as often as every week to see maximum results and that the results are even more enhanced when paired with microdermabrasion. After seeing the results of the peel I felt fresher, brighter and ready to face the holiday season!

Skin Peels range from £77 – £225  per Treatment.

Microdermabrasion, reviewed by Emily, Online Content Co-ordinator

My skin was dewy and radiant throughout my teens, that is, until I started university. The stress of myriad causes left me with angry, painful spots that were slow to heal and when they eventually cleared up, my cheeks were marked with red imperfections. So, I was extremely eager to trial the Microdermabrasion at Destination Skin.

Microdermabrasion is essentially an intense exfoliation that penetrates deep into pores of the skin and lifts layers of dead skin, dirt and congestion to reveal brighter, plumper and more youthful looking skin.

First my practitioner, Karen, carried out a revealing skin analysis of my face which highlighted the areas of sun damage, congestion, dehydration and scarring. Although it was initially quite shocking, Karen explained what was visible and how the Microdermabrasion treatment could help to clear the build up of dead skin cells and dirt to prevent spots and also to reveal a smoother complexion.

To start Karen cleansed my skin to remove my make up and then covered my eyes with plastic eye shields to protect them whilst she treated my skin.

The Microdermabrasion itself uses a crystal vacuum wand which releases tiny shards of crystals over the skin, whilst suction technology within the wand instantly sucks up the sand-sized particles of crystal, leaving the skin intensely buffed.

Although the treatment could not be described as soothing or relaxing, it is not a painful experience either. The results are instant and although they may vary from case to case, the treatment can essentially benefit a multitude of skin concerns including open pores, Rosacea or redness, congested skin, acne scarring, ageing skin, fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and pigmentation.

Finally Karen applied a hydrating face mask and allowed it to penetrate it to my skin before cleansing again and finally applying a layer of moisturiser to my face.

I noticed a visible improvement in the tone and overall appearance of my skin as well as a minimisation of red marks. Most impressively however, my skin was silky smooth and dewily fresh – I was instantly transported right back to my idyllic days of innocence and perfect skin.

Some customers may experience a slight redness following treatment but I would certainly recommend this treatment to anyone with any of the aforementioned skin complaints; the treatment is pain free and highly effective at targeting the areas of concerns that many people struggle with for years.

Microdermabrasion £67 per Treatment, £160 for a course of 3

Destination Skin salons are situated within 7 of our House of Fraser stores including Westfield, Guildford and Glasgow. They also carry a fantastic range of skincare.

Which treatment will you try first?

New year New You? It’s Destination Skin is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Imagine how delighted I was when a delivery from Shiseido landed on my desk with some gorgeous Skincare treats inside for me to test and review a few weeks ago. The beauty brand has somewhat of a cult following and established way back in 1872, they’ve got pretty good at perfecting their products — I was intrigued and  excited.

I’m trying The Skincare collection. A three step skincare regime designed to combat dehydration (I have combination skin) and manage moisture levels in the skin resulting in a glowing complexion and reduced signs of ageing. Sounds great!

Step one is the Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam. I am always a little weary of facial washes  (I find many drying)  so I approached this with caution. I couldn’t have been more wrong! This satisfyingly sized tube of cleanser feels rich and nourishing, soft and creamy and works into a lather instantly. When I rinsed it away my skin felt ‘squeaky’ clean (it’s now my favourite part of my daily cleansing routine).

Step two is the Hydro-Nourishing Softener which all at once exfoliates and helps the skin to retain moisture. This feels nothing like a regular exfoliator as it’s non abrasive and sweeps on to the skin using a cotton pad. It’s at this stage that you realise how super the cleansing foam is as there is never a trace of makeup or dirt on the pad!

Finally, my skin gets a real treat with the Day Moisture Protection (SPF 15) which is a lovely light lotion.  It’s quickly absorbed and the pump action bottle means the end to messy pots!

I’ve been using this trio of products for three weeks now and can safely say i have noticed a difference in my skin. It feels much healthier and smoother and is softer to the touch. An all round fabulous beauty discovery for me!

Beauty Review: Shiseido is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

It’s our favourite time of year (other than Christmas) !! SALE! If you’ve had enough of the family, can’t bear to think about turkey and didn’t quite get everything you wanted have a sneak peek at some of our top sale picks and start spending your Christmas vouchers…

Picks for the girls

Mary Portas Utility shirt was £105 now £63

Karen Millen satin shift dress was £175 now £120

Planet Pea coat was £179 now £99

J’adore Dior gift set was £98 now £68.60

Biba lip palette was £24 now £19.20

Clarins Gorgeous Getaways was £44 now £30.80

Picks for the guys

G-Star denim shirt was £105 now £78.75

Jaeger merino jumper was £115 now £65

Mango jeans was £49.90 now £34.90

Picks for the pad

Cuisinart coffee machine was £150 now £75

Linea crystal glassware from £7

Panasonic 3D TV was £1099.99 now £749.99

Picks for the little ones

Uttam girls dress was £29.99 now £14.99

Timberland puffa jacket was £85 now £51

Little Joules t shirt was £29.95 now £20.96

Looking for something else? shop the rest of the House of Fraser sale.

Our top sale picks is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

With Christmas around the corner are you struggling to find that perfect gift? You needn’t stick to the same old boring socks and selection boxes.  We’ve picked our favourite gifts whether they’re traditional, modern or kitsch, your bound to find some inspiration to please the most discerning of tastes.

Traditional

These gifts are ideal for those who like to stock up on old faithfuls for the new year. This Howick Robe is great for Dad’s, Uncle’s, Big Brother’s, any man, or woman for that matter, who loves their home comforts.  Searching for something a little more tempting? The traditional Christmas Morning hamper is sure to keep everyone happy with it’s popular festive treats! Keep it classic for that special lady with this gorgeous lingerie set from Elle Macpherson.

Modern

For the beauty addict in the family the Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV palette is an absolute must. With 16 neutral, smouldering and vibrant eyeshadows this palette is perfect for New Year’s eve and beyond. Encourage him to shape up with the Babyliss for men iStubble or treat them both to this Krups Pixie Nespresso coffee machine.

Kitsch

This Yoyo from Ridley makes an excellent stocking filler, or these retro style cufflinks from Paul Smith are perfect for a cheeky treat for him.  I absolutely love this cushion from Horrockses as a welcome addition to any house proud family member.

Need some more inspiration? Shop our range of handpicked gifts in our Christmas shop.

The Perfect gift is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

It’s our favourite time of year, our 2 Day Brand Event is here! We asked House of Fraser staff what they had their eye and here’s what they said…

Biba Faux Fur Sheepskin Coat was £225 now £135

‘I’m definitely treating myself to this cozy number, I’ve had my eye on it for ages and now the temperatures dropped, as well as the price, it’s the perfect excuse!’

Gant Lambswool Jumper was £80 now £70

‘I am going to be buying my dad this Gant V-neck jumper, he has about 3 already but has requested another in a different colour, they are his fave!’

Wolford Tights was £21 now £16.80

‘As with every event, I try to re-stock my tights collection before they get mid-winter bobbly-ness. Buying Wolford tights feels decadent, but when they’re such good quality and 20% off, I can’t resist.’

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Collection was £52 now £46.80

‘I’m a big fan of Bobbi Brown’s make-up, as are some of my best friends. I’m buying this for one of them this year (it’s also on my Christmas wish list – hint hint santa!).’

Toshiba 22DL833 LED TV/DVD Combi was £279.99 now £229.99

‘I have just moved in to my dream home and this is the perfect reason to nab this TV, it’s such an amazing offer I don’t have any excuse not to!’

Cath Kidston bath robes from £22.40 – £26.40
‘This is a lovely fun bathrobe for little ones, absolutely love the prints and sizings great so will keep them cozy for years to come!’

Linea merino wool jumper was £50 now £30

‘My boyfriend has these in every colour as it’s a 100% merino wool jumper for just £30. Effortless daily outfit for work with a shirt underneath and smart trousers, perfect! And here’s a tip, it says hand wash but so far they have survived on a 30 degree wash – even better!’

Bare Minerals Get Started Light Kit was £48 now £43.20

‘I’m getting every female friend and family member this as it is includes the best foundation within an amazing value pack. Top quality brushes x 3, 2 shades of foundation [one for pasty winter one for ‘with a tan’ summer, concealer, bronzer, finishing powder and a DVD to show you how little you actually need to use! We have all bought Medium as we are all have ‘not too pasty’ skin – it includes the medium beige and medium foundations which when I was testing the colours in store most people were being offered!’

What have you got your eye on in the months 2 Day Brand Event?

**2 Day Brand Event ** What’s in your basket? is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

With party season well underway don’t ruin a beautiful outfit with bad underwear! Unusual Lingerie has just launched online so you can look perfectly put together with their luxurious range of bras and knickers. We love the vintage feel of the pretty lace styles and the practicality of their more understated pieces.

Here’s some of our favourite picks.

Unusual Soft cup bra £33

Unusual Soft shorts £13

Unusual Polka dot bra £33

Unusual Polka dot shorts £14

Unusual Lace plunge bra £28

Unusual Lace brief £14

Browse the Unusual Lingerie range.

New brand: Unusual lingerie launches online is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Remember the good ol’ days when playtime seemed a little simpler; there wasn’t any of Wii this or Xbox that? I used to love saving up my pocket money for a new dolls dress and hosting miniature tea parties with all my favourite toys.

Times have changed, and brighter, shinier toys are becoming more and more popular. Whether you’re a bit of a tech head or more of a traditionalist at heart, we have a host of toys that are perfect for your little ones. So, which will you choose this Christmas?

Retro Classics

Forget the batteries. From cuddly characters to classic games, you have everything you need right here.

Contemporary Cool

Destined to impress, these ultra-modern toys will keep kids thrilled for hours.

Christmas Toys: Modern VS Retro is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Here at HoF HQ we absolutely love Motel, especially for the party season, so once we heard there was a bloggers event taking place with an exclusive look at the Christmas collection, we couldn’t wait to see it!

Our intern Emily was on hand to go down and bring us back all the exclusive gossip you need to know so you can look fab for the party season.

Hi, I’m Emily and this week I am interning at House of Fraser HQ. I was very lucky to be invited to the Motel Bloggers Event, where we were exclusively shown the upcoming collection which is launching in the next few weeks.

Motel is a brand driven by its uniqueness and retro style; aiming its pieces towards daring and conspicuous young fashionistas at an affordable price. An exciting event took place last week which showcased their latest garments, featuring trademark slinky bodycon dresses, baggy oversized print t-shirts, flippy bright coloured skirts and much more. It is set to launch in stores over next couple of weeks, so keep a look out on our website! The event was full of British fashion, style and beauty bloggers who eagerly browsed the rails, while sipping on trendy cocktails and snacking on kitsch candy floss and popcorn. Judging by the excited crowds at the event, Motel is definitely the brand to watch out for.

Motel is the ideal brand to add glitz and glamour to your wardrobe, which is great for any night out or party. The trends which stood out to us the most for the upcoming Christmas party season were vibrant coloured and pattered skinny jeans, sequin bodycon dresses, leopard prints skirts and rose print tea dresses.

Our favourite items in the current collection are -

Elsa Lace Bodycon Dress
Wear this for a night out with a fabulous fur jacket and killer heels. 

Renee Strappy Back Dress
Rock the colour block trend while adding a touch of interest to the back of your outfit.

Drop Armhole Shirt Dress
This casual dress is perfect to wear over skinny jeans during the day or with a waist clinching belt and heels at night.

Grid Back Skater Dress
A cute alternative to the bodycon dress, wear with ankle boots for a more relaxed approach or statement heels to dress it up.

Floral Lace Dress
The contrasting lace is a great feature on this head-turning little red bodycon dress.

Alexis Lace Contrast Dress
Wear with a blazer and black heels for the office, and add chunky jewellery for after work drinks.

Motel is available to shop online at House of Fraser!

Shop the Motel collection here.

Motel Rocks bloggers event is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

With the clocks going back and the nights drawing in earlier, it’s time to take charge of our skin.  Skin needs care all year round but it’s during the winter months where it really takes a beating and has to work its hardest, so it needs all the help it can get.  It can be hard to know what’s best for your skin but follow our simple guide and you’ll never need to worry about your complexion being as dull as the weather.

Increase the Moisture

Winter is awful for drying out the skin, with harsh winds as well as constantly fluctuating freezing temperatures and central heating. Upping the water intake is most people’s solution when wanting to add moisture, and this is a great habit to get into long term.  Short term however, the likelihood of your increased intake of H2O getting to the surface of your skin quick enough to make difference is unlikely. It’s a good idea to switch to a heavier  moisturiser, specifically at night so it can be absorbed by your skin while you sleep. We love Crème de la Mer moisturising cream for its thick and luxurious texture while still melting into the skin with out leaving any greasy residue.  If you find this too heavy for every night, you can cut this down to just two or three times a week.

Night serums are also a great way to help brighten up your complexion; the coveted Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is perfect as it’s lighter than a moisturiser and helps to repair the skin over night giving you a fresh complexion for any early morning. If you feel like you need a bit more help on cold days, a lighter weight moisturiser is great to wear underneath your make up to protect skin. Clinique’s Moisture surge is perfect for this; the gel like consistency melts into the skin quickly making it the perfect base for make up application. Don’t forget about your lips! In winter we cannot live without Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream, whether it’s dry skin or chapped lips this is an all in one skin saver!

Wash Away a Dull Day

It’s a good idea to switch to a mild cleanser in the colder months; you don’t want to be stripping your skin of any natural oils you need to help you rejuvenate dull looking skin. Clarins Gentle Cleanser is great for this. With the effectiveness of soap in a formula as lightweight as cleansing milk, skin feels refreshed and clean without that post soap dryness. That being said there’s no need to forget about exfoliating. Dry skin still builds up so keep this as part of your skincare routine in winter but reduce it to times when you feel your moisturising routine isn’t working as effectively— perhaps once every two weeks. Things like moisturising masks are also a great thing to introduce into your winter routine to give your skin a real hydrating blast and the perfect excuse to cosy up on the sofa once a fortnight!

We love…

Clarins gentle exfoliator £17

Lancome Exfoliator £27.50                                                                           Rituals moisturising mask £17

Build a Good Foundation

The key thing to remember in winter is to lighten the tone of your foundation, what worked in summer will absolutely not match in winter. You usually need about two shades lighter to get a natural winter glow but this can depend on how much you’ve been in the sun and whether you tan at all (some English Roses may not need to change)! If you are in the market for a colour change, yellow based foundations are great for warming up your skin tone without making it look too unnaturally pink or flushed.  This is also a good time to go for a fuller coverage but again this can depend on what finish you like.  Estee Lauder Double Wear is a great option for this as it lasts all day and DOES NOT BUDGE! Light reflecting or luminous foundations are a great alternative for those of you who prefer a dewy finish and want to keep the subtle glow that you love in the summer. It also helps to lift dull looking skin rather than concentrating on a heavy coverage. We love the Nars Sheer Glow £29.50 and Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturising foundation £29 depending on whether your skin is dry, combination or oily.

Don’t Ditch the Tan

Just because it’s winter, we’re big advocates of keeping the bronzer on the go. Don’t feel like you have to hide it away and become a paler, ‘winter’ version of your former self just because it’s cold. A gradual tanner or a light dusting of bronzer can perk up any dull complexion instantly, but do restrain yourself from your normal summer routine, you’re going for a slight winter flush not a Marbella tan! The Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder has two shades to choose from, the lighter one is great for any skin tone if you just want to add a flush of colour. Alternatively, Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel is great for mixing into foundation to get a subtle all over glow.

What can’t you live without this winter?

Shop our beauty department here.

Winter skin: A guide to keeping your complexion brighter than the weather is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

For 1 day only sit down with a celebrated M·A·C senior artist, learn new techniques, unleash your artistry, personalise your palette and find your perfect foundation shade. See below for upcoming dates and locations.

Beatties Wolverhampton, 20.10.11

DATE: THURSDAY 20^TH OCTOBER
LOCATION: BEATTIES WOLVERHAMPTON

TEL: 0870 192 5110

£25 BOOKING FEE, REDEEMABLE AGAINST M·A·C PURCHASES MADE ON THE DAY.
SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE BOOK EARLY.
TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT AND FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL THE M·A·C STORE TODAY.

House of Fraser, Bluewater 27.10.11

DATE: THURSDAY 27^TH OCTOBER
LOCATION: HOUSE OF FRASER BLUEWATER

TEL: 0870 192 5044

£25 BOOKING FEE, REDEEMABLE AGAINST M·A·C PURCHASES MADE ON THE DAY.
SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE BOOK EARLY.
TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT AND FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL THE M·A·C STORE TODAY.

Frasers Glasgow 09.11.11

SEMINAR

Join us at a M·A·C Seminar for an exclusive preview

of our holiday collection, exploring THIS SEASON’s

coolest colours.

Get a look that’s all glitter and ice.

Date: WEDNESDAY 9^TH NOVEMBER

Time: 6.00-8.00PM

Location: FRASERS GLASGOW, 0870 192 5038

£25 BOOKING FEE, REDEEMABLE AGAINST M·A·C PURCHASES MADE AT THE EVENT.
SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE BOOK EARLY.
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE AND FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL THE M·A·C STORE TODAY.

Shop M·A·C here

Upcoming MAC events just in time for party season! is a post from: House of Fraser Blog