I have a secret that to many women will make me seem an aberration of my gender. I am not a fan of shopping.

To be honest, the resulting aching feet and stress levels are only made bearable with lunch, a glass or two of wine, and a catch up with the girls.

Lately, my shopping time has been squeezed into an even smaller part of my daytime trips to town, as I've discovered just how good some of the in-store spas are...

Clarins - Selfridges

A couple of heavy nights on the town had left me feeling dehydrated and lethargic, and it really showed. A Clarins Thirsty Skin Booster was just the remedy I needed. The facial utilises professional Clarins Pro-Active formulas, which contain highly concentrated active plant extracts and aromatic oils. Exfoliation, deep cleansing, intensive moisturising and a hydrating mask left my skin looking like that of a vegan tee-totaller.

Clarins Skin Spa, Selfridges, Exchange Square, Manchester, 0161 8380632

Chanel - House of Fraser

As a brand, Chanel epitomises luxury, and this salon certainly doesn't disappoint. Beauty therapist Natalie Brogan has a natural talent backed up by several years of experience, and it shows. This woman has magic hands. I entered the spa stressed and irritable, with winter ravaged skin. By the time I left, I was utterly relaxed, and proud to show off my baby soft, glowing skin. I even got to take away a few mini products.

Chanel, House of Fraser, Deansgate, Manchester, 0161 839 6985

Elemis - Harvey Nichols

A skin analysis, facial and massage, in just 45 minutes? Not surprisingly, I was pretty sceptical of how much the Elemis SpaPod Power Booster Facial could achieve in such a short amount of time, particularly considering the massage element is done by a mechanical chair. However, I was soon converted. A 15 minute SkinLab analysis showed the therapist exactly what skin woes I was suffering from, so the tailored facial could work wonders in record time. And this is no ordinary massage chair; it's as high tech as they come, expertly kneading the knots away. This proved a real all-over treat, and left me serene enough to smile at snooty shop assistants and deal with horrendous queues for another couple of hours.

Elemis SpaPod, Exchange Square, Manchester, 0161 828 8888