Shopping is stressful.

Choosing your purchases to best match your bank balance is difficult enough for any girl, but couple that with having to lug your bulging carrier bags from store to store while weaving in and out of people and you have a real challenge on your hands.

So it was a real treat to escape the bustle of Luton's Arndale Centre last week and indulge in some beauty pampering instead at the temporary Virgin Vie makeover studio.

With a choice of a free facial, makeover or mini manicure, the beauty therapists at the make-shift stand in the shopping centre were faced with a mammoth crowd of weary shoppers hoping for a new lease of life and a slick of coloured lip gloss to go with it.

It was a beauty freebie at its best, with no hidden costs or catches, just uninterrupted relaxtion bliss without even opening your purse.

And, the real bonus, you were even able to book an appointment to save waiting around for hours.

Perfect - just enough time to pick up a new frock before my alloted slot.

I left the studio with a spring in my step and a dose of extra confidence after a fabulous facial and minimalist make-over that was just what I needed for a day in the office.

Great eye colours, and base make-up that lasted all day, bar a small smudge from where I rubbed one eye - a girl can't complain when it was free of charge.

The two-day free makeover stand, complete with hair and nail consultants and a make-up artists, was part of a two-month drive to promote fashion and beauty in the shopping centre.

During May, and through April too, the Arndale is hosting a range of fashion, health and beauty initiatives and events.

And shoppers who spend £40 or more on fashion, health or beauty items in one day will be able to claim a free pamper session worth £25.

Customers can claim their free pamper session and a whole host of other special offers in the Arndale's fashion passport, by taking their receipts for fashion, health or beauty items to the customer services desk in Smiths Square.

For more details about the promotions on offer in the Arndale, visit the mall's customer services desk in Smith's Square.