When the going gets tough, the tough get blow-dries. Seriously, when funds are tight and you have a special event to dress for, a little grooming goes a very long way. This is particularly the case in the UK where ‘making an effort’ has historically involved non-laddered tights and a bit of lipstick. Stick to your most flattering outfits for instant feel-good factor and accessorise with an elegant up-do and neatly polished nails.

In fact, we should look to our very own Ms. Hurley for grooming-goddess inspiration. She always looks fabulously turned-out but quite frankly, I’m sure that there are only three outfits in her wardrobe: the white jeans/cashmere sweater combo for the school run, the leopard-print-kaftan-over-bikini-look for the beach, and of course the full length Versace dress for after 7pm. Liz is no fashionista but she always dresses to her strengths and rises above the competition with perfectly blow-dried hair, immaculately applied make-up, extraordinarily white teeth and great posture.

Obviously, the savings are greater if you can groom yourself but if not, shop around. I have paid anything from £9 to £50 for a blow-dry. This kind of price range exists for almost all treatments and is rarely an indicator of quality. My favourite pedicure is from a very unassuming place on Edgware Road - £20 for 90mins of scrubbing, scraping, buffing and painting. Certainly, salons in more ethnic neighbourhoods typically charge lower prices but there is sometimes a language barrier to overcome – without photos, a haircut in Chinatown can become quite an adventure!

Local beauty schools and hairdressers are another source of cheap treatments as students need willing guinea pigs to practice their skills on. For both, be aware that treatment times tend to massively run over so make sure you factor in an extra hour or two. For the latter, be very clear on what will happen to your hair before you agree to anything!

As they have fewer overheads, mobile practitioners can also be a source of good value treatments. Having the treatment at home has the added advantage of being able to stay put afterwards; travelling is the last thing on your agenda after an exhaustive craniosacral treatment. To find a local therapist, word of mouth is the best way but there are a number of websites dedicated to particular treatments (especially those that require a high level of qualification, such as reflexology, reiki and massage) and some still advertise in newsagent windows.