Stephanie Boughey, senior technician at Toni and Guy in Piccadilly, Hanley, coloured Sharon's hair.

She says: "When Sharon came in she had her natural hair colour underneath and she also had quite chunky, old highlights. She said she wanted something softer and more natural, and something she could maintain. Using Wella colouring products, we decided to stick with highlights. I added some foils in a light blonde, a honey blonde and a darker caramel, and underneath I applied a block colour to lighten the hair a shade and give it a bit more shine."

Fiona Taylor, stylist at Toni and Guy, did the cut and blow-dry.

She says: "We chose an inverted bob style which was quite similar to what she had already. I inverted the back a bit more, put some more layers through and changed the parting. I used some volume mousse and did a volumising blow-dry, and I also did some texturising and used straighteners. The other products I applied were Sea Salt spray, which thickens and texturises, and Souffle, a soft wax which separates the layers. Sharon looked good. Her hair was a lot softer, it blended with her natural colour more and was quite funky too."

COST: The colour would have been £65 and the cut would have cost £36. To find out more, call the salon on 01782 283100.

Zoe Zakrzewski, a beauty consultant at Debenhams in Hanley, used products from the store's Estée Lauder counter for the make-up.

She says: "I began by using Take It Away make-up remover and eye make-up remover to take off the foundation and mascara she was wearing. I then applied some Perfectionist serum, which you put on before moisturising to help plump up the skin. We call it 'Botox in a bottle'. I also used Resilience Lift Extreme moisturiser, which helps to lift and firm, and also adds radiance.

"Next, I applied Resilience Lift Extreme foundation, followed by three shades from the amber honey eye-shadow quad. I blended a light dusty pink with a darker pink and applied that all over the lids, and then added a darker pink in the centre of the eyelids.

"I lined the lash line with Soft Smudge eyeliner in brown and applied a lash primer treatment, followed by mascara. I used bronzer on the face and some blusher in nude rose on the cheek bones, and I finished with Crystal Baby lipstick. Sharon looked really nice. I think she was a bit surprised because she normally goes for natural colours."

COST: A full make-over at the Estée Lauder counter in Debenhams costs £10, but that is redeemable against anything the customer purchases. For further details, call 01782 211037.

Mark Redding, assistant manager at Gap in the Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley, says: "Sharon was dressed casually when she arrived and she wanted to stay casual.

"We picked some Real Straight jeans in light stonewash for £39.50, a lace tank top in beige-brown for £12.50 and a multi-cardigan in oatmeal for £39.50. (Sharon wore her own shoes).

"The look was more trendy than what she came in with, as multi-cardigans are up-to-the-minute."

Sharon says: "I had a lovely day and everybody was great.

"I really like the hair with all the different shades of blonde they put in, and the cut is really nice too. The make-up was done lovely.

"I don't usually wear make-up and it's been done very natural. And I don't normally come into Gap, so I was quite surprised when we picked some clothes I liked and they fitted me nicely."