Blogs

Imagine standing on a bustling city street in front of a strikingly beautiful building. Your excitement builds as you peer through the glass windows to the haven that awaits you on the other side. You reach out, pull open the door, and step inside a soothing, tranquil retreat. You’re greeted with your choice of fresh fruit juice or effervescent bubbly. You’re immediately surrounded by a delicate, intoxicating fragrance. As you breathe in the perfumed air and gaze at the oasis around you, you can feel your worries melt away. Sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? Well, now you can recreate that relaxing experience right at home (bustling city street may not be included) with one of QVC’s newest beauty brands, Sanctuary Spa, which is making its debut Friday, February 1. Offering a range of luxurious skin and body-care products, this line hails from one of the United Kingdom’s most-loved spas, yep, you guessed it, Sanctuary Spa. Instead of gushing on about this incredible addition to our beauty repertoire myself, I thought it’d be better for you to hear more about it from a firsthand source. Meet Dawn Gallagher, author, model, beauty and health expert, and, most recently, QVC on-air guest for Sanctuary Spa.

Look familiar? Keep reading to find out where else you might’ve seen her!

Missy: How did Sanctuary Spa become established as a beauty brand?
Dawn: It’s a beautiful, wonderfully luxurious love story. In 1977, a U.S. choreographer by the name of Gary Cockerill was so in love with his ballerina wife that he built a special place close to the Royal Opera in Covent Garden, London where she and her colleagues could indulge and relax after performances. It doesn’t get any more romantic than that! It became known as Sanctuary Spa. After 21 years of women wanting to take home the products they experienced there, they developed a luxury skin-care line.

M: How did your career lead you to working with Sanctuary Spa?
D: I’ve been involved in the beauty and entertainment industries since I was 17 years old. In the mid-1980s, I went to New York City to attend New York University. I wanted to be a cultural anthropologist. I was fascinated with archaeology, culture, science, and biology, so that was the path I was taking when I got pulled into the modeling industry. It’s a funny story. I was walking down the street and someone saw me and asked, “Would you like to try your hand at modeling?” I said, “Absolutely not. I don’t want anything to do with it.” They insisted, and we went to a prestigious agency. From there, I got a contract, and literally within weeks, I flew to Paris and Italy to appear on the covers of major magazines. There I was, a 17-year-old girl from Buffalo, New York who was literally just thrown into this whole other world.

It was a wonderful experience because I let the world be my school. I studied culture firsthand and was really involved in the traveling aspects of my job. I thought, instead of letting the industry use me, I was going to use it. I became a beauty writer because as I was traveling around the world, I learned the secrets of indigenous cultures and what they used for their hair and skin. I kept a big journal and, through the years, compiled a huge list of recipes and treatments that women use all over the world. I approached a publisher and they said there was a book in it. My first book came out in 2000 and it did so well that I was able to get a second book, which just came out a year ago, called Nature’s Beauty Secrets. It’s about spas all over the world and how you can create their treatments at home.

Being a travel and beauty writer and going to different spas, I knew Sanctuary Spa was one of the most prestigious spas in the United Kingdom and I wanted to see it for myself. I went to London last year and just absolutely fell in love with the spa. It’s so beautiful and iconic. They specialize in teaching you how to do facial treatments at home, which is what I write about. So, I approached them and told them I wanted to be their brand ambassador. It was the perfect fit and synergy. They said they’d love for me to represent them on QVC and here I am.

M: What can we look forward to seeing on QVC first?
D: I’m really excited to introduce QVC customers to the brand with the fabulous Youth Boosting Facial In-a-Box. Sanctuary Spa has perfected their techniques and treatments over time, and that’s what you get in this product. I love it. It’s luxury skin care for just $39. Women can use it at home and it’s easy. It includes a guide that explains all five of the steps so you know exactly what to do. Plus, it’s so easy to bring with you when you travel.

M: Can you take me through the Facial In-a-Box step by step?
D: The first step is our Warming Microbrasion Polish, which creates a warming sensation that cleanses the skin and refines the complexion. It’s the perfect prep for a mask.

Then, we have our hardworking Time Reversal Face Mask. It helps reveal more youthful-looking skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. After rinsing that off, we move on to our serum.

Our Firming Youth Serum is a potent blend of antioxidants and green tea, which hydrate the skin. It helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Next, we have the Brighten Eye Complex. It leaves the eye area looking firmer and contains brightening properties that lessen the appearance of dark circles.

From the eye complex, we go to the Night Concentrate, which prolongs the whole facial experience. It works overnight and helps promote the skin’s natural renewal process, so you wake up with skin that looks younger, firmer, and more hydrated.

I think QVC viewers are really going to be excited about this product. It’s something they can do at home in a half hour and they’ll truly see the results.

M: Can you use any of the Facial In-a-Box products more than once?
D: With the exception of the mask, you can get quite a few uses out of the individual products because a little bit of each one goes a long way. Personally, I like to use the Warming Microbrasion Polish every other day because I love to get rid of dead-skin cells. I’d suggest using the Brighten Eye Complex almost every day because you’ll really notice a visible difference over time. The Firming Youth Serum can also be used every day, and the Night Concentrate can be used every night.

M: Who should use these products?
D: They’re for women who are concerned about the signs of aging, who want to rejuvenate and replenish their skin, who want firmer-looking or more youthful-looking skin, and who want to create a spa experience at home. You don’t have to get in the car or travel somewhere. You can use these treatments in the convenience of your own home when you have the time and they’re so affordable.

M: Does Sanctuary Spa’s heritage differentiate its products from its competitors?
D: Its heritage is unique in itself because it’s based on a husband who really wanted to give the best of the best to his wife. Now, over 35 years later, Sanctuary Spa listens to their clients’ feedback. They created a spa line based on it and the expertise of their therapists.

Almost every single one of Sanctuary Spa’s products contains a unique marine complex made from seaweed, which contains minerals and proteins that nourish the skin and reduce the signs of aging. The products also contain powerful actives that deliver efficacious results. It’s serious skin care that really makes a difference in your skin.

When you walk into the actual spa, you’re surrounded by their signature sensorial fragrance. This scent is captured in all of the product lines to recreate the beautiful spa experience in your home. Together, I think these aspects represent the qualities that set Sanctuary Spa apart from its competitors.

M: From your experience, do you have any skin-care tips?
D: Before you begin a facial treatment, you need to create a half hour of “me” time. Turn off the phone. If you have kids, send them to grandma’s or put them to bed. Light a candle and create that time for yourself. When you apply the mask, read a good book. It’ll help you feel relaxed and at peace with yourself. It’s your time. Women need to take care of themselves first. Then, they can help everyone around them and create happiness. If you’re happy, everyone else around you is going to be happy. That’s one of the secrets I think is really important. It’s not self-indulgent. When you get a facial or any another spa treatment, it’s like going to the dentist. It’s self-preservation. It’s not being selfish to your family. You’re helping them by taking care of yourself.

In terms of application tips, never pull or tug around the eyes. Always pat. The skin underneath the eyes is very fragile, like an eggshell.

M: Have you ever done anything like presenting a product on QVC?
D: I have a lot of experience talking about skin care on news networks and morning shows. I love getting in front of a camera and sharing knowledge and tips to help and teach women. It’s a passion of mine. It’s my first time being on QVC, though. I’m really excited to hit such a huge audience. The other programs I’ve been on have had a lot of viewers, too, but QVC viewers are different. They’re also passionate shoppers, and I can’t wait to share beauty, skin care, and secrets with them.

M: If you went to the spa and only had time for one treatment, what would it be?
D: It’d have to be a facial treatment because the first thing that people notice about you is your face. If you’ve just had a wonderful facial treatment and your skin looks gorgeous and is glowing, people always notice. I also love the whole relaxing aspect of it.

I can’t emphasize enough just what a treat the Youth Boosting Facial In-a-Box is. I mean, look at it! Even the packaging is beautiful, which is definitely a sign of things to come. It opens to unveil five little treasures that transport you to the iconic spa in London (minus the long, expensive flight).

Plus, its gifting possibilities are endless. Spoiler alert for any of my loved ones who might be reading this: I plan on giving it as a gift at bridal showers, baby showers, engagement parties, birthdays…really any occasion that focuses on a female. At $39, I can’t think of a reason not to.

Tune in this Friday, February 1 during Friday Night Beauty to see the remarkably gorgeous Dawn present this bundle of joy and be sure to check out QVC.com for full-sized products and even more pampering pick-me-ups.

Enjoy (I know I will)!

—Missy