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Relaxing treatments and expert make-up classes are not just reserved for wealthy spa-goers and industry insiders. Your local department stores beauty counters offer free treatments, enticing incentives and professional make-up lessons - you just have to know where to look. Heres our inside scoop on getting the most out of your shopping trip
We couldn’t believe this offer when we saw it. Darphin’s treatment room in Oxford Street’s House of Fraser is offering an hour-long Re-balancing Facial or Body Massage Treatment for just £25 each, which is redeemable against Darphin products purchased on the day. The blissful facial includes all the basics; cleansing, exfoliation, plus lots of glow-boosting massage. While the body treatment starts with exfoliation and finishes with forty minutes of deep tissue massage. Book in now.Enq: 020 7529 4793
Eyebrows are one of the hardest areas to take care of yourself. But Bobbi Brown’s Eyebrow Styling service means you’ll never have a hair out of line again. Its experts will show you how to neaten your brows and perfectly frame your face using just brow shadow, a brow brush and brow gel and in only 15 minutes. Think what Liz Hurley’s brow-over did for her and you’ll get the picture. They also offer a Red Carpet Chic service of professional party make-up, complete in under an hour that is absolutely free.All make-up services are complimentary. To find your nearest counter click here.
Not just a sensory experience, the experts at Jo Malone also offer complimentary hand and arm massages too. In just ten heavenly minutes all tension is eased out of tired arms. Well lugging all those shopping bags takes it out of the best of us, especially leading up to Christmas. Arms and hands are left deliciously scented in your choice of body crème, while a final spritz of your favourite cologne will have you ready to battle the hoards of shoppers once more.Complimentary Hand & Arm Massage available at Jo Malone counters and stand alone stores. To find your your nearest Jo Malone, click here.
At the Giorgio Armani counter in Selfridges there is an entire Face Designing Menu to choose from. Whether you are on the quest for the perfect foundation, puzzled about what make-up is appropriate for the office or how to achieve the perfect party look, the Armani experts know the answers and will demonstrate the looks on you. But it’s their Tailor Made Masterclass that takes free counter-services to another level. The one hour class is a bespoke lesson for any occasion and any number of people. You will also be treated to a glass of champagne and a luxury sample – their treat. Face Designing Menu, bookings from £15 redeemable against a purchase made on the day. Enq: 020 7318 2486.
Origins offer a selection of facials to suit all skin types, their newest addition, the Brightening Facial, is ideal for winter-weary skin. It includes cleanse, exfoliate, and mask, plus an application of their new Brighter by Nature serum, moisturiser and eye cream to finish. Thorough, relaxing and all in just 30 minutes. The best bit? It costs just £15, which is redeemable against all Origins products. Go on, treat yourself.Click here to find your nearest Origins store
Forget abrasive waxing or constant tweezing. When it comes to eyebrow shaping, at team ELLE, threading is the only way to go. At Blink Brow Bar, therapists always get the shape and length it right. Plus, their loyalty scheme means everyone gets their sixth treatment free. Like at coffee-shops, all you need to do is collect a stamp on your Blink card each time you go.Threading, £17 by Blink. Click here to find your nearest Blink Bar.
MAC is the backstage make-up brand, their artists create the looks for all the biggest shows at the International Collections including Chloe, Christopher Kane and Moschino. For a fully redeemable £25, an expert will spend an hour marrying which of the latest trends suit you. Whether it’s the pink, glitter eyes at Prada or the bronze contouring at Alessandro Dell’Aqcua, your MAC artist will show you, step-by-step, how to get your favourite a/w looks right. Plus, you’ll receive a personal face chart to take home. All you need? Images of the looks you love. Click here now for inspiration.
Fancy a free spray tan? St Tropez salons in Debenhams offer a Spray Tan for £20 and in return you receive a £20 voucher to spend on St Tropez products. We recommend the Bronzing Lotion, £17.50 and the Latex Gloves, £2.50, so you can make your tan last longer with a neat D-I-Y job. The gloves will ensure a streak free application and stain-free hands. And if you think spray tans are just for the hotter months, think again. With St.Tropez you will only a maximum of 6 shades darker than your natural skin-tone, which guarantees your tan will look natural once it is fully developed and the guide colour is showered off. Click here to find your nearest St Tropez store
If you’re rushing out to a party or hot date but don’t have much time to get ready, Estee Lauder’s Two Minute Touch-up is the service for you. A Lauder expert will freshen up your make-up fast, in just 120 seconds to be precise. If you have a bit more time, try their Expert Colour Advice service, where a member of their team will help you realise the shades that suit you best – taking the guesswork out of make-up for good.Estee Lauder’s Signature services are complimentary and available at counters nationwide.
There is nothing like a manicure to make you feel polished and Nails Inc have come up with an affordable way for you to keep up the habit. Pay for three nail services at counter in one go and get the fourth free. Manicures start from £17 and your loyalty card will last for 6 months.
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