Grey skies and wet weather hardly herald in the sunny season, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of hundreds of women who were determined to get into the mood for summer at a beauty gala evening in the Black Country.

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The bleak outlook failed to deter ladies from across the region stepping out for department store Beatties’ annual event.

While the weather was miserable outside, the mood was far from it inside the Wolverhampton store as up to 300 females attended last night’s beauty and fragrance event last night.

Customers were offered advice and tips on summer beauty looks, with leading beauty and fragrance brands, including BareMinerals, Lancome and Benito Brow Bar, providing mini-makeovers and demonstrations on how to get the perfect look for summer – while customers kept their fingers crossed that the sunny days witnessed in the past few weeks would make a quick comeback.

BareMinerals is the latest addition to the store’s beauty department, and the make-up counter appeared to be going down a storm with female shoppers.

Friends Pauline Edwards, of Bloxwich, and Julie Rathbone, of Walsall, are both fans of the mineral makeup and keen to try out the latest products.

“I’ve used the products for the past 18months but had had to buy them on-line so I’m delighted to see they have moved into the store,” said Pauline, as Julie was given her own ‘make-under’ by BareMinerals consultant Joanne Barlow.

“I’m not making anyone over, I’m providing make-unders, which bring out the best of your skin,” said Joanne.

Helen Gotsall, of Essington, near Wolverhampton, was splashing out on a host of beauty products.

“There’s some great offers of gifts with purchases, which I’m taking advantage of,” the 36-year-old said.

Shoppers also enjoyed refreshments throughout the evening.

“It’s the first time I’ve been to the gala evening and I’m pleased I came along, it’s a good social event,” said 24-year-old Natalie Webster of Tettenhall, Wolverhampton who was joined by her friend Carleen Doherty, 23, also of Tettenhall.

Wolverhampton sisters Jessica Puri, 30, and Michelle Chandel, 24, were also enjoying the evening.

“It’s nice to have a look at the latest make-up and fragrances but it’s also a good night out,” said Michelle, of Goldthorn Park.

Beatties’ beauty department manager Tracey Pigott hailed the evening a success.

“The weather may have been miserable outside but there was a great mood in store.”