For those who cannot resist a bargain, for those who would like to be pampered like a Queen this bank holiday weekend, Groupon is the place to be. Groupon was launched in 2009 and features a variety of fabulous things to do daily in each city. These offers can vary from meals out with your friends, pamper packages, great days out or greatly discounted holidays abroad.
Groupon's philosophy is that 'they treat their customers exactly how they would like to be treated'.
To put their philosophy to the test, me and my beautiful friend Abi bought a pamper package off their website:
www.Groupon.co.uk. The package included: An express facial, spray tan, plus Gelac nails for two people at The Cutting Room, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. In total this came to £29, with a saving of 72%! This deal seemed far too good to be true.
Me and my friend Abi are newly engaged and needed an opportunity to escape our partners and indulge in some girlie activities: first stop the local Weatherspoon. Having time to spare, we grab a quick beverage and discussed the daunting task of getting out our 'wobbly bits' in the tanning booth. Both of us were spray tan virgins and didn't really know what to expect. Returning home would we be orange? How much of our bodies would be exposed? Is this a brief or thong scenario? Discussing the episodes of the Only Way is Essex and our close relatives situations, we both decided wearing a thong and braving exposing our 'humps' as Fergie from the Black Eyed Pea's would say, seemed be the best way forward.
Arriving at the salon (an hour late, unfortunately due to a muddle up), we was surprised how glamorous it seemed for the price. The salon had beautiful leopard print wallpaper, soft leather sofas in the reception and the floor gleamed with cleanliness. Explaining our situation, the staff remained polite and friendly, giving us the laid back treatment we desired.
Within five minutes of arriving, me and Abi went our separate ways for our facials. The beautician told me to lay on the bed and close my eyes whilst she exfoliated and mositurised my face ready for the tanning. With sounds of the ocean playing in the background and the soothing hands performing effleurage movements, I doubt it would possible for me to feel more relaxed.
I was then taken upstairs for the spray tan, where I was greeted by the lovely salon owner. She kindly asked me to get undressed and stand in the black booth. She remained friendly throughout the process, talking to me about my life and helping me forget that I was naked in front of a complete stranger. The most peculiar experience I take back from having my first spray tan was the fact that to get an even coverage on my skin, it was like having to perform basic yoga techniques. Standing with my legs apart and leaning on the tanning booth edge felt a little bit intimidating, but once you get used to the situation, you will be laughing in no-time. As for the tan, it literally felt like I was being splashed with sea breeze on holiday - incredibly light texture and no-where near as sticky as I expected. Having finished the whole process, I was then asked to put on my clothes and venture downstairs for my final treatment.
Finally it was time for me and Abi to get our Gelac nails for my engagement party next week. I decided to go with a vibrant red and Abi decided to go jet black. Gelac is a light weight nail polish that can last up to 2 weeks and adds a gorgeous shine to your nails. The process took around 15minutes each, starting with a base coat, then double layers of the colour and finishing with a beautiful top sheen. My nails feel elegant and ready to party next week.
When leaving the salon, I was told that my tan would take approximately 8 hours to properly develop. I left looking not much more tanned than I was when I entered, but within hours I looked beautifully bronzed with a healthy glow to my body.
Has Groupon lived up to expectations? Yes they have. Offering amazing opportunities at such low cost, at first I was dubious, but I cannot find any fault in the service they provided. From payment to pampering, the whole process went smoothly and the salon that I visited had such a friendly atmosphere. If you're a student or anyone that loves a bargain, I would definitely see what Groupon has to offer, before parting with too money elsewhere.
Here's my tan this morning and I'm still really impressed with the whole experience.
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