This cookie policy explains what cookies are, how Mesmerising Beauty uses them on our website, and your choices regarding cookies. This policy complies with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and ICO guidance updated in 2025.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

1.1 How Cookies Work

When you visit our website, your browser stores cookies on your device. These cookies can then be read by our website on subsequent visits, allowing us to recognize you and remember your preferences.

1.2 Cookie Lifespan

Cookies can be categorized by how long they last:

• Session cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies on our website. Under UK PECR regulations, we obtain your consent before setting non-essential cookies.

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (No Consent Required)

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly. They cannot be switched off and do not require your consent under PECR.

2.2 Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information. We use Google Analytics for this purpose, but only with your explicit consent.

2.3 Third-Party Cookies

When you book an appointment through our Fresha booking widget, Fresha may set cookies on your device. These are controlled by Fresha's privacy policy:

• Provider: Fresha
• Purpose: Appointment booking and management functionality
• Privacy Policy: Fresha Privacy Policy

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

3.1 Essential Website Functionality

• Remember your cookie consent preferences
• Maintain secure sessions during your visit
• Enable appointment booking functionality
• Ensure website security and prevent fraud

3.2 Website Analytics (With Your Consent)

• Understand how visitors use our website
• Identify popular pages and content
• Detect technical issues and improve performance
• Measure the effectiveness of our content

Important: Analytics cookies are only set after you give explicit consent through our cookie banner. If you decline, we will not track your website usage.

4. Your Cookie Choices and Rights

4.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that complies with the ICO's 2025 guidance. The banner provides:

• Clear information: What cookies we use and why
• Equal prominence: "Accept All" and "Reject All" buttons are equally visible
• Granular control: Option to customize your cookie preferences
• Easy withdrawal: Ability to change your mind at any time

4.2 Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences in three ways:

Option 1: Use Our Cookie Settings

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie Settings" in our website footer. This will reopen the cookie banner where you can accept, reject, or customize your preferences.

Option 2: Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete cookies when you close your browser
• Notify you when cookies are being set

Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Option 3: Opt Out of Google Analytics

You can prevent Google Analytics from recognizing you on return visits by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

4.3 Impact of Blocking Cookies

If you choose to block or delete cookies, you can still use our website, but some features may not work as intended:

• You may need to re-enter your cookie preferences on each visit
• The appointment booking widget may not function properly
• We won't be able to remember your preferences

Note: Blocking cookies will not prevent you from accessing our website or services. Your ability to browse and book appointments will not be affected.

5. Cookie Consent Compliance

5.1 ICO 2025 Requirements

In January 2025, the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) updated cookie compliance requirements. Our cookie banner complies with these requirements by:

• Equal prominence: Accept and reject options are equally visible
• No pre-ticked boxes: Consent is not assumed
• Granular controls: You can choose which cookie categories to accept
• Easy withdrawal: You can change your preferences at any time
• No "cookie walls": Access to our website is not conditional on cookie consent

5.2 Consent Records

We keep records of your cookie consent preferences, including:

• What consent you gave (accept all, reject all, or custom preferences)
• When you gave consent
• How you gave consent (through our cookie banner)
• When you last updated your preferences

These records are stored securely for compliance purposes and are not shared with third parties.

6. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this cookie policy to reflect changes in:

• The cookies we use
• Legal requirements
• Our services or website functionality

We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website
• Asking you to re-consent if required by law

7. More Information About Cookies

7.1 Official Resources

For more information about cookies and how to control them, visit:

• ICO: ICO Cookie Guidance
• AboutCookies.org: www.aboutcookies.org
• AllAboutCookies.org: www.allaboutcookies.org

7.2 Legal Framework

This cookie policy complies with:

• UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003
• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• ICO Cookie Guidance (Updated January 2025)

8. Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@mesmerisingbeauty.com
• Phone: 0191 285 5055
• Post: Mesmerising Beauty Ltd, 77 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 4AA

For data protection matters, please see our Privacy Policy or contact our Data Protection Officer at privacy@mesmerisingbeauty.com.