I have been to a couple of the original Stylist Live events both as a standard ticket holder and as a VIP ticket holder. After taking feedback, the Stylist magazine team decided to revamp the live format and make it Luxe. I translated that as it being a full VIP experience because the perks were the same as those in a VIP ticket. Or so I thought!
For the most part, the perks were the same. I paid £60 for an early bird ticket but I think the full price was £80. In the past, I have attended on the days when I wanted to go to particular talks but the information on that came out really late so I just picked Sunday, the day I was most likely to be available.
Similar to the old VIP ticket, the Luxe event included a go on the Vending Machine of Dreams (in which I actually won a prize this time!), access to makeovers and treatments which was my incentive for purchasing a ticket, inclusive cocktails or non-alcoholic alternatives and food. The catwalk seating was first-come first-served rather than reserved front-row seating. Not having to pre-book a limited number of talks was a good idea but I didn’t want to attend any this year.
As a beauty obsessive, I was mainly interested in the beauty offering. The main thing I wanted to do was get my free OPI manicure as advertised on the Stylist Live Luxe website and in the guide for the event. You can imagine my disappointment when I arrived at the OPI stand only to see a sign saying ‘free manicure with purchase’. Needless to say I felt just a tiny bit cheated. You might think that was extreme but manicures had been on offer for VIP ticket holders at previous Stylist Live events and are regularly on offer at other beauty events as part of the ticket price. I’m not sure who made that decision but in my opinion, that was cheeky and simply not cool.
I could have had my hair straightened or made wavy at the Babyliss stand or received a Pixi makeover but I really didn’t want that. Sometimes you just don’t want anyone else that far into your personal space and besides, I left the house wearing makeup and my hair was the way I liked it.
That aside, I still had a good time and stayed longer than I thought I would. I didn’t queue up early enough to experience Paula’s Choice because I got distracted buying books! You can’t win them all I guess.
One of the main reasons I go to events like this is to discover new brands, sample new products from brands I know and to meet the founders and learn the stories behind the brand.
I discovered some brands that were new to me such as Makeup 54. The founder is soon to launch The Conscious Beauty Co. which addresses my issues with beauty packaging and waste. That was exciting! I also bumped into someone I hadn’t seen for years and she recommended I try Sukin so I promptly took myself to the Sukin stand. It is a brand which I had heard of but never tried. I purchased the limited edition Arkie x Sukin hand wash and hand lotion set and received a bunch of samples to try. I was also advised that the Rosehip range would be best for my dry skin. I’ll try it once I work though my current mountain of products!
Dr Paw Paw had some good offers so I decided to stock up on tinted lip balm and purchase the new hair and body products to try. I also stocked up on my beloved Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula oil as I had just run out and the offer was too good to resist. I then encountered a product that I hadn’t seen in shops but I wish it was more readily available – the Palmer’s shea butter hand cream! Hand massages were available but I didn’t want to queue up.
I finally managed to sample some Floral Street fragrances and I even won a sample by spinning the wheel! I purchased the discovery set because the scents were quite light and I think they would be best worn layered. I was also given a sample of a fragrance that wasn’t in the discovery set. I’m glad I picked it up early because it looked like they were selling out fast. There was also a beautiful Elie Saab fragrance stand where you could get a bottle engraved which was lovely. I wanted to get a bottle as a gift for someone but the customer service towards me wasn’t great and I don’t need to spend my coins where I don’t feel welcome. Out of all of the scents, Elie Saab Royal was my favourite and I’m glad I was able to test it.
The catwalk makeup was by Barry M and there’s a particular deep plum lip colour I need to track down! There was also a Barry M product in my goodie bag but it didn’t make it into my IGTV video because it rolled away and I didn’t find it until I had tidied up! I give my quick first impressions of the goodie bag on Instagram to be sure to check it out.
Overall, I had a good time – check out my Instagram Stories highlights. The space was better so it felt less frantic and claustrophobic. It was also more experience based rather than just a shopping space. My main issue is that it didn’t quite feel luxe enough for me. Queueing times were still too long – there needs to be more staff to provide the advice and experiences on each stand.
I look forward to seeing an improved event next year!
Posts on the goodie bag and fashion will be next…
Love this review, it’s thorough. When attending events I want to know I’m getting value for money. Sukin is a staple of mine and I recommend their rosehip as well. I really like the night cream from that range.
Thanks! Same here! I filled in the Stylist Live Luxe Survey and there wasn’t a proper option to express why I thought it was a bit too expensive because it didn’t feel that luxe but I did say I would like different ticket tiers because you don’t always want everything such as alcohol or treatments.
Very good review. When deciding on events I like to know if it’s value for money.
I do agree Sukin is good and affordable. I use it regularly especially the rosehip night cream.
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful. Looks like I have to try some more Sukin products. I prefer personal recommendations.
Thank you! I’m going to try the Sukin Rosehip range once I get through all my other skincare.