Effective Date - 16/10/2025

Last Updated - 16/10/2025

Cookie Policy

Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how The Painless Artist ("we,", "our,", "us", "Wayne Howard-Saunders", "Wayne") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website ("www.thepainlessartist.co.uk") (the "Site"). It also provides information on how you can manage your cookie preferences and understand the types of cookies we use.

Our use of cookies is designed to be in compliance with:

The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR),

The Data Protection Act 2018,

The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR).

Cookies will only be used in accordance with your selected preferences via our cookie banner or browser settings.

Cookies Definition

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website.

Cookies allow websites to:

Remember your preferences and settings,

Analyse site usage,

Provide essential functionality, such as secure logins or e-commerce baskets.

There are different types of cookies, which are categorised in this policy.

Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the operation of the Site and cannot be disabled. They enable core website features and security measures, ensuring a smooth and safe browsing experience.

These cookies are used to:

Maintain user sessions across pages for seamless navigation.

Enable secure login and authentication for registered users.

Store user preferences, such as language or cookie consent choices.

Protect the Site from security threats, including cross-site request forgery (CSRF).

Preserve the contents of shopping carts or form entries during browsing.

Ensure core website functionality operates correctly, including page navigation and dynamic content.

Remember cookie consent settings, so users are not prompted repeatedly.

Note: Disabling essential cookies may cause some parts of the Site to stop working.

Optional cookies include:

Analytical cookies (e.g., Google Analytics),

Advertising and marketing cookies,

Social media integration cookies.

Under EU GDPR and UK GDPR, these cookies require explicit prior consent before they are set on the user’s device.

Consent Under UK & EU law

Under UK GDPR, EU GDPR, and PECR, users must be provided with clear, comprehensive information about cookies.

Essential cookies: do not require consent, but users must be informed.

Non-essential cookies: require explicit opt-in consent before being placed

Managing Cookies

You can manage or block cookies via your browser settings:

Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data

Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data

Edge: Settings → Site permissions → Cookies and site data

Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data

Disabling essential cookies may prevent full use of our Site.

Third-Party Cookies

Should third-party services (e.g., analytics or payment providers) be added, a separate consent mechanism must be provided in line with GDPR requirements.

We currently use Wix Analytics; however, this is limited to aggregated data that does not identify individual users. Any future integration of additional third-party cookies will be subject to explicit user consent.

We are not responsible for the use of cookies or the handling of data by third-party services. Users should review the privacy and cookie policies of any third parties integrated with the Site.

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data, which includes data stored in cookies:

Right of access: Request access to the personal data collected.

Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate data.

Right to erasure: Request deletion of personal data.

Right to restrict processing: Limit how your data is used.

Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interest or direct marketing.

Right to data portability: Receive your personal data in a structured format (where applicable).

Right to lodge a complaint: With the ICO (UK) or relevant EU supervisory authority.

These rights apply even when only essential cookies are used, as some may store personal identifiers.

Cookies set by The Painless Artist are retained for the following periods:

Session cookies:

Last until the browser is closed

Used to maintain user sessions and secure logins

Persistent cookies (e.g., preferences):

Retained for up to 12 months

Used to store user preferences, such as language or cookie consent choices

Cookies are automatically deleted from your device after their retention period.

Note: Retention periods are designed to balance functionality with data protection requirements under UK GDPR.

Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect the data stored in cookies from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure. We implement practices such as, limited data access, multi-step authentication, data minimisation, and periodic password changing, to help ensure personal data is handled with appropriate safeguards, including protection against loss, damage, destruction, unauthorised processing, or unlawful activity.

Essential cookies are encrypted where necessary, and session cookies are transmitted securely via HTTPS.

Changes To This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or Site functionality.

Updates will be published on this page with the “Last updated” date updated accordingly.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding use of cookies, your data, or similar matters, please contact:

Data Controller: The Painless Artist

Email: thepainlessartist@gmail.com