Well, that was an amusing phone conversation - when I booked for my "free consultation" last week, I was told they would take £25 on my credit card in case I didn't show up for the appointment. I noticed today that the £25 was still taken out of my account, so I asked them (whilst I was booking a proper appointment) when they would be refunding it.

It was "explained" to me that the £25 would be refunded to me when I paid for one or more sessions. So I said "okay, so then the consultation isn't actually no-strings-attached free, because you only get your £25 back if you actually get treatment with Sk:n following the consultation? Shouldn't your brochures say 'consultation £25, refundable against treatments'? That would be more accurate" and she just repeated what she'd said before, as if from a script.

I call that naughty. I'm still going to get my treatment there (and not just because I want my £25 back ).

It's fairly typical and a reason why I steered clear. I now kind of regret this as the actual service that you get is apparently good but I just don't like that kind of thing.

I used SK:N for my treatments, they're not the cheapest by far but they did a decent quality of service, as most methods claim only a 60% reduction and I got about 90% I think it was value for money, they rest I can manage with plucking until I can get electrolysis on what's left (which is mainly on the front-most part of the neck and chin)

I've opted to go there, because they get really good reviews, and because I can get a deal on part of the package in one part of the country, and the rest over the other side, which is really helpful as I'm moving soon.

I went for my zap test today, to make sure my face won't fall off or turn into a huge manatee when I have the actual laser on me. The woman who saw me was lovely, totally relaxed and friendly and open to what I'm having done and why. I felt stupidly happy to be making an appointment to have the first session next week . I shaved very close today for this, and I really like my face without hair (and always have done - it's just that I can only shave once every 5 days or so without bleeding like crazy). Now I just need to lose some weight - there are some cheekbones under there somewhere .

About the "free" thing - they changed their rules on 1st March, haven't yet updated their literature.

I went for my first session today - downside, their laser was broken so they had to cancel and rearrange an appointment for Wednesday - upside, they're giving me a free session to compensate me . I'll pick a body part nearer the time...