It was back in November 2011, that I was invited to the launch of the 1^st Yorkshire Fake Bake boutiques. The event was held in Selfridges, Manchester and I got to try relaxing treatments, amazing products and meet the wonderful James Read.

I can only apologise to my PR contacts working on this event for only just blogging about this At the time of the event I was 6 months into singledom at 30 (which sucked!) and whilst the event itself perked me up, I have not felt up to blogging at all since. I am determined to have the best year yet in 2012 though so wanted to share my experience with you all and hope it’s not too late!

The idea behind these boutiques are for busy ladies to get great quality beauty treatments on the go. They provide a one-stop to beauty shop ideal for preparation before a night out or big event. It completes a perfect girly shopping day – with champagne on arrival and a chance to put your feet up and be pampered.

I was lucky enough to sample a few treatments. First of all I had a simple, but always needed and loved, manicure and nail paint. I chose a gorgeous natural nail colour by Leighton Denny and the beautician added delicate diamanté at the tip of each nail. The manicure lasted up to 10 days so I was really pleased with that.

I then tried some permanent lashes as I wouldn’t usually experiment with these. Having naturally black hair means I have dark lashes and they are fairly long so mascara usually provides the impact I need for nights out. As lashes become increasingly popular, and as a beaut blogger, I felt it only right to test and review these. It was a relaxing treatment that lasted about 1 hour. The beautician slowly and delicately applied individual lashes which were glued (using semi-permanent glue) to the base of each natural lash. The outcome was amaze! When I went to work everyone noticed (yes, even the guys!) but yet all agreed they looked completely natural. Almost 3 weeks passed and they were still looking great – and with such large lashes I didn’t need eyeliner or mascara so my make-up application time was reduced which was an added bonus. The lashes slowly started to shed after 4 weeks but I made a stupid mistake by removing my eye make-up after a rum too many with Vaseline forgetting it would dilute the glue and remove my lashes. So, I experienced a little disaster when my natural lashes came out at the same time leaving me feeling very bare! I missed my lashes after only a few hours so went to Mint Nail and Beauty Spa in Leeds to be rescued! The girls there were great and simply added a few thick, individual lashes to the gaps I had. These lasted around 2 weeks and provided me with enough time for my natural lashes to grow back. So, overall girls, I would highly recommend lash extensions but warn you to be prepared to spend extra care when removing make-up (purchase wipes specifically for false lashes or at the very least choose products with no trace of oil) and do not – however much you are tempted – remove the extensions at home. You really do need a professional to apply lash removal gel and careful take them off without damaging your natural lashes.

Finally, I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with James Read. We chatted about my skin type and fake tan techniques, and he demonstrated some of the Fake Bake tanning products which I am now a huge fan of. My favourite is the Flawless Self Tanning Liquid which ticks all the boxes of easy to apply, natural (yet dark) colour, nice scent and long lasting. I use this probably about every 14 days or so and I find it fades so naturally you can’t actually tell it is fake tan. I apply this with the tanning mitt and do find it creates a much smoother and streak-free result – as well as limited stained hands and fingers!

Overall, a great experience I was lucky enough to attend and something I will certainly visit the next time I’m shopping in Manchester. We just need one in Leeds now!