GETTING a splash of nail colour or an eyebrow threading while having a shop may sound unusual, but for the New Look store in Lister Gate it's becoming a popular pastime.
I headed to the store to pay a visit to the Arch Angelz eyebrow and beauty bar, located on the bottom floor.
The in-store salon offers a range of treatments at affordable prices, but I was there to get a quick gel nail fix and stylish hair up-do – the bare essentials of a pre-night out pamper.
Head down the escalators and to the left is the beauty bar – a bright black and blue counter with glowing lights, mirrors and beauty appliances.
The small team offer a menu of treatments including eyebrow threading for £8.50, eyebrow tint for £8, a simple french manicure for £5 and semi-permanent lashes for £24.
All are performed in the middle of the store, something that may sound daunting.
But once I was comfortably sitting in the chair I felt relaxed and at ease.
My evening of beauty treats started with a dry hair styling session, where my beauty therapist asked about the various looks that I liked.
I chose a soft, wavy bun at the back that was achieved through creating soft curls with hair straighteners, and pinning up in sections with bobby pins.
The Arch Angelz eyebrow and beauty bar within Nottingham's New Look is a successful concept and the brand boast a counter in the Middlesbrough store, as well as various Debenhams around the UK.
Business to business marketing manager at New Look, Julian Courtney, says that for the brand it's all about offering a great experience for their customers.
She says: "To be able to shop the latest trends, but also be able to get your nails or lashes done at the same time makes the store the perfect destination to get a complete look.
"Our customers have really responded well to the beauty bars.
"The price points are very competitive and with an array of treatments available we feel we've made a real difference in Nottingham."
Many beauty lovers will have already heard of Shellac gel polish. Lasting up to two weeks without a single chip in sight, the gel concept has become hugely popular in the world of pampering.
For my second treatment, I chose a scarlet red gel polish on my fingernails.
Almost two weeks later, and I'm still happy with the turnout. I'll definitely be heading back next week for a pop of pink!
"All the Arch Angelz staff are qualified beauticians, nail and hair technicians.
"This was very important as we want our customers to get the best possible treatments and service available," says Julian.
She adds: "We're definitely seeing the number of customers increase, and we're building on a loyal customer base."
The Arch Angelz eyebrow and beauty bar can be found on the bottom floor of New Look, 14-20 Lister Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7DD. Both drop-in and booked appointments are available. For more information go to www.archangelz.com or call the store on 0115 852 5320.
