TWO Hale beauticians are South Africa-bound to compete against the world’s best skincare therapists.

Tori Tarren-Hope, 23, of Timperley, and Laura Thomson, 36, of Sale, fought off competition from salons across the country to be named two of four British finalists in Nimue’s International Skincare Therapist of the Year 2017.

Tori and Laura, who both work at Face Values, in Moss Lane, will be jetting out to Nimue’s HQ in Johannesburg in February, where they will go up against 60 finalists from around the world for the title.

The women in the running for the international crown can look forward to bush drives, dinner under the stars and gala dinners, as well as getting to meet the experts behind the prestigious brand.

“I felt ecstatic to get through; it made it even more special that we both got through and we get to share the experience together,” said Tori, whose signature treatments are microneedling and lash extensions.

“I feel I could gain so much from this and would take this opportunity to learn as much as I could. It would be a huge accolade – to say I am Nimue’s top skin care therapist.

Laura, whose favourite part of her job is meeting clients and helping them to feel confident, shared Tori’s sentiment.

“It would be a fantastic achievement to win, it would make all of the hard work worth it,” she said. 

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the therapists we are competing against.”

In the national heat of the competition, therapists had to demonstrate their skills through case studies.

Tori won a place in the finals after helping a 36-year-old client from Hale overcome acute adult acne through microneedling.

“It’s such a great honour to be nominated for the award but for me the best thing was being able to help her get her life back,” added Tori.

Salon owner Lynne Tarren-Hope – who is also Tori’s mum – said the girls are both winners in her eyes.

Lynne said: “I feel so proud that I have two top Nimue therapists in my salon.

“Knowing that my longest standing therapist and my daughter are in the top four makes this achievement even more special to me, and knowing they can share this experience together is the icing on the cake.

“I have seen the hard work and hours upon hours of revision over the years they have both put in and it really couldn’t go to two better therapists. It’s been lovely to see the outpour of congratulations and support we have received from our clients and members of the local community.

“I have always believed in my girls and knew they were a cut above the rest. All of my team go above and beyond to ensure we can give the best possible experience and advice to our clients and we will always go the extra mile.

"Although I knew how fantastic my girls are, it’s amazing to have it backed up knowing they are in the top four in the country.”