Brilliant thread. I have to say I do love my beauty TSVs. Because. I also buy them for my sisters, the p&p works out a bit cheaper overall. However, I know there is a lot of hype and part of the buying comes from seeing grown women gushing over the products - gullible of me, I know.
The brands that I have repeat purchased are the AD skin synergy oil, some philosophy amazing grace stuff but it has to be at a really good price, Laura Geller (getting the balance and brighten in a TSV is just a no-brainier for me) and Mally.
The brands I have stopped buying are l'occitane and Liz Earle. There are just too many good, cheaper alternatives out there. I use the NSPA and the superdrug hot cloth cleansers (and the simple facial wash on occasion) instead of C&P and all are great for my skin, and for bath products a brand called Naked Bodycare. Their shower gels and body butters are beautiful and their Thirst Aid moisturiser is gorgeous for dry skin. All of these are a fraction of the inflated individual QVC prices and even the ammaaaazing value prices in sets. I tend not to buy individual items anyway as they always seem so expensive and then you have the hideous p&p on top.
However, still love QVC for introducing me to some lovely things and often get taken for being 10-15 years younger than I am. I do believe that if you use a moisturiser regularly and an SPF you are doing good things for your skin, no matter the brand and cost.