FABULOUSLY FLAWLESS

It all started back in September, I was wandering through Sale town centre during my lunch hour when I was approached by a cheerful young man wearing a funky hat promoting Secret Salons Experience Days. I must admit I was somewhat dubious about the offer but after several minutes of gentle persuasion I signed up for me and a guest to visit the Flawless Studio’s in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I could choose who I went with and when, just so long as I booked within the next six months. Now all I had to do was decide who I was going to take. The decision was easy and that evening I called my niece, Kerry, the daughter I never had. She was delighted to join me and we agreed we would arrange something for before Christmas as a treat. It was difficult to get through on the phone at first but eventually I managed to contact the right people and our day was booked for the afternoon of Sunday 6th December.

A mixture of nerves and excitement rushed through my veins as Kerry & Jack arrived to pick me up. We each had a bag containing a selection of outfits as instructed with shoes and accessories to match. Jack, (Kerry’s partner) had offered to drop us off at the studio then later, David (my husband) would drive them both into Manchester to meet so we could go out for something to eat. Kerry and I chatted between ourselves about the outfits we had brought and within no time at all we had arrived at our destination. We were a little early so nipping off to find somewhere we could get a coffee we wandered through the northern quarter until we found a café. Suitably relaxed having talked through our plans for our makeover we made our way back to the studio to check in with them. The door to the building was open so taking a deep breathe we walked inside. Wow, it was packed with people waiting at various stages of their day, a full reception area greeted us. Large chaise long seating covered in deep purple velour with fancy silver painted woodwork were cleverly positioned in the compact space. Chart music played from hidden speakers and a mixture of different scents filled the warm air inside. The place had a great atmosphere about it with people of all ages clearly enjoying being pampered wearing smiles as they waited their turn as they sipped on refreshments. The receptionist instructed us to take a seat saying she would be over in a moment to give us a form to fill in and explain the order of the day. We sat momentarily on a large comfy velour covered bench seat taking in our temporary environment. To our left was three chairs positioned before large ornate mirrors where the makeup artists were busy at work perfecting the looks of their clients. Behind them were another three chairs fully equipped with curlers and tongues and such like for the hair styling session. A number of doors led off from this treatment area to unknown zones. Soon we were directed to leave our bags and coats in one of the rooms and asked to take a seat in the reception where we were offered a choice of beverages and handed a clipboard with an information form attached.

So our day was about to start and sitting back we completed our forms filling in all the parts including those that gathered information about how we wanted our styles to be created. At first I wasn’t sure why we were doing this but as the day progressed all became clear. Realising that everything happened on this floor Kerry and I were a little concerned that people would see us as we changed and waited to be called to the photo studios of which we had learned there were two. This fear was soon put to bed as it was explained that we would share our own changing room and dressing gowns would be provided to allow us to cover ourselves if indeed we had chosen lingerie or semi naked shots. We were also reassured that it was an all-female staff which had us both feeling much more relaxed about the whole thing, relieved that we wouldn’t have to pose in front of any strange men. We were treated wonderfully and nothing was too much trouble for the team there, regularly checking in with us to ensure we were okay as we waited patiently for our turn. It was great to just sit and watch people as they progressed through various stages of their makeover, just a couple of them accompanied by their partners who must have been bored to death but none the less sat patiently beside them. Ha, I don’t think the men in our lives would have been so accommodating, waiting around all afternoon. Thank god we’d arranged to meet up later. Soon we were called to the makeup chairs for a consultation with our designated stylist. The forms we’d filled out earlier had been given to the stylist beforehand which meant they’d already had a chance to have a look at our preferences. I told you there would be a good reason for filling them in. My stylist was called Meghan and Kerry’s was Lindsay. After a brief chat about the look we wanted to create with our hair and makeup work began on making us both look beautiful. Not that Kerry needed much work, she’s beautiful already. I however was hoping that Meghan would be able to work some magic and hide a few wrinkles and dark circles. Yep at forty five I feared my best years were way past me. First they started work on our hair and as we’d both gone for the wavy look the top section of our hair was dressed up in heated rollers while they went to work with the curling tongues on the rest. Conversation was light and cheery as they worked their magic and the atmosphere remained relaxed yet at the same time there was a buzz in the air. Meghan was great, offering me lots of advice about the application of my makeup answering my many questions about what products she was using and why. No time was wasted as clients passed from hair to makeup, to changing rooms and studios. People were moving all the time around us as staff guided them through their day. We were also given the option of having our nails painted but as we’d both already had them done didn’t need that option. The makeup application was quick and professional but not rushed as we were consulted every step of the way, making sure we had just the right look and were completely satisfied with the end result. Wow, now I know how the stars look so good all the time, having a makeup artist do your makeup for you was definitely an advantage. With big bouncy curls and waves to our hair, perfect makeup, we took a seat once again while we waited for our changing room. The earlier beverage we’d declined we were now in need of and quickly we were each brought a glass of wine. Just what we needed, a bit of Dutch courage before stepping in front of the camera. It barely touched the sides as we drank eagerly, our earlier nerves returning. I don’t normally drink wine but right then alcohol of any variety would do. We were collected by our photographer and taken to our changing room where we had a discussion about the order of our photographs deciding which outfits we would wear in which order. We had two photographers, Amy and Megan who each worked one of the studios. We were to have two shoots done in each studio with each of the photographers. The changing room was dimly lit with a large mirror covering one wall. There was a chair and a small table leaving plenty of space for both of us to change. We quickly slipped into our first outfit then went again to wait till we were called to our studio. Kerry went into one while I went into the other. Once inside the room was quite dark with a vast array of different backdrops and props at our disposal. The photographer was brilliant immediately putting me at ease. Again she talked about the look that was to be created and cleverly directed me into the right pose for each shot, setting backgrounds and lighting to maximise the effect. She was friendly and efficient and soon I was sent on my way to change before my next session. In and out of the changing room I went, sometimes meeting Kerry inside and others in there alone. After the first two shoots I changed studio swapping around with Kerry, this time entering a lighter, more spacious room. More props greeted me, with a new set of back drops offering a different look and giving this studio a very different feel to the other. Again the photographer was completely engaged with my needs and was a bubbly and friendly individual who kept me relaxed the whole time. With all our photo’s now taken we redressed in the clothes we had arrived in putting everything we had brought back into our bags excited to see what the pictures would turn out like. We were offered another full facial treat if we wanted to have our makeup removed but as we were going out with the boys afterward we decided to keep it on. I for one wanted to make the most of my professional look hoping my husband would be pleased with how I looked. I’m afraid the application of makeup is not one of my strong points so having had someone do it for me was a real treat. This time when offered a drink we opted for a cup of tea as we waited for our pictures to be edited and prepared. You could choose as much or as little editing as you wanted with a healthy choice of effects available. All as I said before clearly marked on our little forms when we’d arrived. The boy’s arrival was announced with the sound of Kerry’s phone ringing. Jack and Dave were outside so letting them in they joined us in the waiting area as Kerry and I sat anxiously with our cups of tea. At last we were put out of our misery, the wait was over and off we went into another little room to view our images on a large screen situated on a desk with chairs awaiting us. 117 images displayed before us, the combined total of our photo shoot. Wow. This was going to be difficult, narrowing it down to our most favourite ones. Image after image flashed before us on a slide show provided. Oh my god, they were incredible. Beautiful pictures of me and my niece, my eyes barely able to believe the amazing shots that had been created. Every person involved in our day playing their own special part in making us look fantastic. With almost too many to choose from we began the difficult task of making our selections. All the different packages available were explained in detail with only a 10% deposit required on the day. They offered a selection of payment options with interest free credit available if required. Unfortunately neither Kerry nor I had really given the cost of purchasing the images much thought and sitting there wished we had. The time of year also putting restrictions on our spending ability. We did however after much deliberation manage to whittle it down to just a couple of favourite images which were downloaded onto a disc meaning we were free to do whatever we like with them in the future. We also chose and received a free image given as a 7 x 5 print to take home with us. There was no pressure to buy and the purchasing of the images is completely optional, the printed image a free gift to all who attend. I don’t however believe anyone would be able to resist making a purchase even if it was just a couple as Kerry and I chose to do.

It was a memorable day and a lot of fun. The staff were incredibly friendly and the hustle and bustle of the place was testament to its popularity lending to a fantastic atmosphere. Refreshments were freely available to all who were there and as we gathered our things thanking the team and bidding them farewell it was way into the evening. With the studio quieter and devoid of waiting clients we left the staff to finish off their day. This was a day I would highly recommend and something that can be special for all sorts of occasions. I saw young and old in the studio last Sunday with them catering for every need and desire. All in all it was a long but enjoyable day where we were pampered and made to feel beautiful and special every step of the way. Thank you to the team at Flawless! I am thrilled with my pictures and had brilliant day! You can follow them on twitter @FlawlessStudio1 or find them on Facebook here http://ow.ly/VAZJE or why not visit their website @ www.flawlessstudios.net