The beauty, fashion and homeware brands offering free online consultations

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We still can’t physically get to many of our favourite shops, brands and appointments right now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have access to them at all.

From working from home (and needing to be Zoom-ready at all times) to exercising in our living rooms and becoming our own hair stylists and manicurists (often with mixed results), it’s been a period of adjustment - and that includes for brands.

But many brands have now found a way to bring their expertise to their loyal client base without breaking social distancing measures: they’ve started offering consultations for their clients online - and best of all, you can often bag some time with a brilliant expert free of charge.

Whether you’re desperate for a skincare appointment to help you perk up dull skin after months of living indoors or want to crack on with repainting your home and are seeking the advice of an interiors insider, you can now do so from the comfort of your living room.

Take a break from FaceTiming a friend and FaceTime your favourite brand instead. Here are all the best brands offering free consultations right now. Booking ahead is essential, though getting dressed for them is optional.

7 brands offering free consultations right now

Beauty brands

No7 | Book here

That’s right this top UK skincare brand has launched a range of virtual telephone and video calls beauty services offering customers personalised sessions with No7 advisors.

There are four 15-20 minute cosmetics and skincare services to choose from, including an appointment with their specially trained No7 Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors who can provide make-up and skincare advice to people living with cancer on how to manage the visible side effects of cancer treatment so you can feel more yourself.

All sessions is tailored to you - whether you’re after a new lipstick recommendation or want to know how to combat your dry skin - and are available to book from 10am - 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am - 4pm on Sunday.

Caudalie | Book here

Caudalie’s new 1-2-1 Online Skincare Consulations offer personalised skincare advice, recommendations and a friendly chat straight from your sofa.

Discover how Caudalie harnesses the power of grape vines to create exceptional skincare products and receive personalised skincare advice directly from your home in your complimentary 30-minute video chat consultation.

With the help of a beauty expert, you’ll learn which clean, natural and effective Caudalie products suit your skin’s specific needs to keep it healthy and glowing and find out how to combine products for a completely personalised skincare routine.

You’ll also be able to voice any skincare questions you might have.

Sessions can be booked via Facebook and are available Monday - Sunday between 10am and 5.30pm.

Foreo | Book here

Luxury skincare brand FOREO is launching free virtual one-to-one skincare consultations, where an expert will be able to address any concerns or queries from pigmentation to eye bags.

Whether you want to chat about ageing, your T‑zone, acne, those dark under-eye circles or the best skincare regime for your skin type, the Foreo pros are at your disposal.

One-on-one appointments can take place via Facebook, Instagram or Skype - whichever works best for you - so make sure to have your social media info handy when booking your slot.

Sessions are openly every day between 9am and 4.15pm but are booking up super fast (next weeks already nearly booked) so we recommend reserving your slot ASAP.

Lush | Shop here

Cult bath and body brand, Lush have launched one-on-one Virtual Product Consultations.

While you won’t get those delightful hand massages you’re privy to in-store, you will get 25-minutes of to talk you through, and demonstrate, product ranges, discuss what would work best for your body and expert advice on any current concerns.

Appointments are available to book between Monday and Friday, 10am-5pm.

Liz Earl | Shop here

The matriarch of skincare, Liz Earl has created a skincare brand that is respected the world over - and she’s a glowing example that it works.

There are three types of video appointments available: brighter eyes, personalised skin solutions and beautiful skin every day.

30-minute video appointments are available to book between Monday and Friday, 9am - 4pm and many slots are already booked.

Fashion brands

John Lewis | Book here

If you’re looking to make the most of your existing wardrobe and declutter with confidence, John Lewis are on hand to help.

Book a virtual appointment with one of their Stylists through a video call on Instagram, where they'll talk through your existing outfits, help you identify the pieces you’re missing and give you tips on everything from working from home style to looks to try on your next video call with your friends.

The department store are now also offering menswear styling appointments to help you pick out new pieces and make the most of your existing pieces.

Their aim is to get you feeling inspired, confident, and excited to try out new looks with your existing clothes.

Plus, they'll create a personalised shopping list for you, which they'll email to you for your reference later. You’ll never want to shop alone again.

To book your slot, simply visit the John Lewis Personal Styling page, choose the personal stylist you want and then click to direct message them on Instagram and sort out a convenient date and time.

Home and interiors brands

Lick Paint | Book here

If you’re struggling to select shades or lacking confidence in colour combinations, the Lick Video Colour Consultancy will help you find the perfect palette to transform your space.

From the comfort of your own home, you can have a short video call conversation with one of their colour experts who will not only introduce you to Lick, their colour palette and wallpaper range but will also help make sure you find the right colour to decorate your space.

There are two appointment types: Decorating up to three rooms? Simply book an appointment for 30 minutes. Decorating more than three rooms? Then drop Lick an email and they’ll arrange a longer session. After the appointment is arranged you’ll receive an order confirmation email with a link to choose a date and time.

IKEA | Book here

If you’re anything like us, you’ll have spent your time in isolation redesigning your kichen over-and-over.

But now you can think about bringing those visions to life but working one-on-one with an IKEA Kitchen planner via an easy, online meeting programme.

Through their screen sharing tool, your planner will plan your new IKEA kitchen in front of your eyes.

This appointment can last up to two hours and a further 30-minute follow-up session can be made for minor revisions if needed.

Timeslots are available Monday - Saturday and are easy to book via the IKEA online tool.