Cool new tip for the party season!!!

I'm so sorry to those who have been checking in lately and nothing has changed, all of our team are filming movies at the mo ( Hobbit and a Horror) so it has been pretty gruelling hours. Once the holidays start you will be hearing a lot more from me again so brace yourselves!

So I have the best new tip for the party season, take your favourite sparkly, shimmery or metallic eyeshadow,



















add a drop of Antipodes organic avocado and rosehip oil to the mix


 and WHALLAH...

You have made yourself the best intense metallic party eye colours ever!!! Check it out...

Cool huh! Get the glad rags on and make your peepers shine

Hils x
www.hilcook.co.nz

Bridal Beauty Side-Effects of Stress !!


When you’re under stress in the lead up to your wedding day, beauty malfunctions are inevitable. Here’s how to cope.


 Pimples

Pimples have a way of popping up at the worst time, like say, the day before your wedding. To prevent the likelihood of pimples, make sure you cleanse your face morning and night, wipe off any excess with a toner (Our favorite skin care is Antipodes which is organic), drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep. If the unthinkable does happen the day before here is our best kept secret revealed!!!  Dash to the Supermarket and grab yourself a packet of Aspirins (The ones that are tablet form and don't have any dis solvable plastic coating on them), Crush a couple of Aspirins in a small bowl then add water until you have the consistency of toothpaste. Apply to your spot and leave until it dries and goes powdery ( about 15 mins).  You will not believe your eyes, its like magic, your stress pimple will be flat as a pancake and extremely easy to conceal from this point as the only thing that will be left will be the redness but NO swelling. :)


Dryness
What can I say- Antipodes Avocado and Rose hip oil - the rescue remedy ever!!






4. Puffy eyes
Sleepless nights caused by stress can often lead to puffy eyes. Avoid fluid from pooling under the eyes by elevating your head when you sleep, and reducing your salt intake.  Our favorite eye cream is ...

I am sold on this stuff!

TIP:  In cases of emergency you can use Hemorrhoid cream which is designed for sensitive spots but works wonders on puffy eyes, totally de-puffs your peepers.  I have used this trick on lots of sleepless stressed out brides and it works a treat.

We won the bright ideas challenge for the technology section with our iPhone application

OMG we can harldyl believe it!!!
Tonight we went to finals in the Bright ideas challenge.  927 ideas were submitted and ....this evening we won the technology catergory for our iPhone continuity ap
. Totally GOBSMACKED!! woop woop.
http://www.brightideaschallenge.co.nz/

I ADORE THIS PRODUCT!!!!


I cannot believe what a difference this had made to my skin, so much so that the hubby asked if I was having secret botox!  

After a very long days work I took my car to the garage and right across the road is a new Spa, ATAAHUA, so I decided I was going to have a relaxing facial whilst the beetle was getting its warrent. The service in Ataahua was impeccable and the young woman, Hannah, was a complete delight, she didn't need to do any hard selling, I was completely sold on the Antipodes organic skin range she used on me and went back the next day to purchase it all!!!!  The compliments are flooding in and I can actually notice a difference, my skin feels more hydrated and plumped, so much so that I reckon any day now I am going to get asked for I.D when I purchase my next bottle of bubbles.

I am personal makeup and hair artist to Evangeline Lilly (Lead elf on Hobbit), she is the biggest fan of organic products so this is going to be the next product I'm going to get her to use. Watch this space, I reckon she is going to fall in LOVE!

Check out below the yum stuff in this wee jar of magic, I reckon its a miracle worker

NATURAL Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream



Nature's anti-ageing by night, beautiful skin by day.
There's no better way to resurrect your skin than with the superior restorative qualities of 100% pure avocado oil. This facial night cream also features calendula oil from marigold petals highly regarded throughout history for its healing and repairing properties. Active manuka honey soothes and moistens your skin. Potent antioxidant Vinanza Grape helps neutralize free radical damage.
"I LOVE this product."



I would love to hear anyones feed back on this product or any of their others, i am truly sold!

Hils x

A beautiful transformation for Patsy's 70th birthday

This is just such a lovely transformation that our talented Ange did for Patsy Mckee's 70th birthday.  I wanted to share with you the pics because I think you will agree, she just looks stunning!


This pic is before Patsy's makeup and hairstyle
Here's the birthday girl looking totally stunning.  Nice job Ange

APPLYING EYELINER



The Different Types of Liner

You can use an eyeliner pencil, a liquid liner or an eyeliner brush dipped into a deep shadow to line eyes. If you use a pencil, set the line with eyeshadow because penciled lines tend to melt and won't stay put all day.

How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner

Too apply liquid eyeliner, line the eye from the inside of the lashes outward in one big sweep. You can also line the eye from the middle of the lash line outward, then finish the line from the inner corner of the eye to the middle.
Another liquid eyeliner trick requires a steady hand and will make eyes appear wider.
  • Start with a completely bare eye.
  • On the upper lashes, dot the liquid liner into the spaces between the lashes, wiggling the liner into the lashes. The result is not supposed to be a line. It's supposed to look as if the lashes themselves are super thick at the root.
  • Apply mascara.
  • Compare eye to other naked eye.

The Basic "I'm Off to Work or the Weekend" Eye

This is the perfect work or weekend look for women who want their eyes to "pop" without giving off the appearance of a woman who's really, really into makeup, so into makeup she has this site bookmarked in her Web favorites.
The key to the basic eye is to apply with a light hand. The basic eye is all about appearing natural so consider a deep brown (versus black) eyeliner if you have light hair.
  • Holding the skin of your upper lid taut, trace the upper lashes from the inside of the eye with a pencil, or an eyeliner brush dipped in a dark eyeshadow. For a more dramatic look, make the outside line a bit thicker than the inside and extend it just beyond the lash line. Another shape I love is narrow at inner corners, thicker in the middle and swept up a bit at the outer edge.
  • Once the line is set, trace over it with a liquid liner. Hand unsteady? Keep your elbow on a table. (You can skip this step, but it will hold the eyeliner longer if you include it).
  • Set liner with an eyeshadow.
  • Apply eyeshadow or an eye pencil to lower lashes. I like to use a different color on the bottom lash line, one that brings out the blue in my eyes. Apply a deep-hued eyeshadow or pencil along the bottom lashes from the outside in. Unless you have wide-set eyes, don't line the entire lower lid. Instead, stop halfway across. If you're using a pencil, smudge the line with a cotton tip or clean brush, so it looks more natural.

Neal from Westpac backing our brand!

Our lovely Ange talking with Neal from Westpac Lower Hutt. Neal thinks our product, Hil Cook Solution buds, is genius and is happy to back our brand.
Thanks Westpac for the lovely evening you put on for all of the finalists in the Chamber of Commerce business awards (we are a finalist). It was a superb evening and we met some wonderful people. :)

Special thanks to the late night Westpac team that shared pizza and laughs with us :) See you all at the awards night.

"Westpac fresh" - backing Solution buds


We got to meet the very cool team from Westpac Lower Hutt last night at the Chamber of Commerce Business awards, meet and greet. Feature rolls went to Rob, Miles and Matt.
Thanks for the fun night and backing our Hil Cook Solution Buds. You Guys ROCK!!!
PS: Make sure our table is near yours at the awards :)

LONG THICK LASHES, YES PLEASE!



We want it all when it comes to mascara. We want eyelashes that are long, thick and have extreme volume. The following mascara tips will give you the ultimate eyelashes
These simple mascara tips can give you long, thick, voluminous eyelashes that last all day every day.
  1. Curl The crimper curlers are the most popular. Remember, you can never, never, never use these once you have applyed mascara. Otherwise you could do one of two things, chop your eyelashes off or pull them out. Either way, not good! The best way to use this kind of a curler is to get as close to the eyelash line as you can, crimp and count to five slowly. Move the curler out just slightly and crimp again, move with the angle of the eyelashes. Depending on the length of your lashes, do repeatedly until you have curled all the way out. Most people can do this 2-3 times.
  2. Define the line "Pushing" black eye shadow into the line of the eyelashes will create an illusion of thicker lashes. 
  3. For Thicker Eyelashes Holding your mascara in a horizontal position, apply your mascara at the base of the eyelash line and "wiggle" your brush all the way up to the top of the lashes.
  4. For Longer Eyelashes Hold your brush in a vertical position, apply your mascara pulling the brush up, this will feel odd at first but it defintely works. ***Side note, if you need thicker and longer eyelashes, alternate steps 3 and 4, doing multiple coats. Just remember to take a minute and let the mascara dry inbetween so you don't have one big cakey mess!
  5. Comb A lot of inexpensive brush sets come with a plastic lash comb. Do yourself a favor, throw it away and find yourself a metal comb. This will straighten out any mascara mess you may have gotten yourself into. Like the commerical says, you don't want tarantula leg eyelashes!
  6. Curl those babies one more time! For this step you will need a very awesome tool, a battery operated heated eyelash curler. They are awesome! I love the one from a company called Japonesque.


OMG out of 925 ideas we have two in the top 11 !!!!



OMG WE ARE IN THE TOP 11 FOR THE BRIGHT IDEAS CHALLENGE. Look at our awesome email we have just reiceved!

Dear Hil,

Congratulations! Your business plan entry for your Bright Idea was of a very high standard. It demonstrated excellent commercial potential, originality, possibility of successful execution, ability to be implemented from Wellington and clarity of presentation.

You are amongst a small group of people that we are inviting directly to the next stage of the Bright Ideas Challenge. There are 11 ideas going directly to the next stage. Another 10-20 may go to the next stage, pending an assessment.
This means you could receive the $25,000 seed funding as well as other support. Last year, over $1,000,000 in support was received by the Bright Ideas with the greatest commercial potential.

Cath Randall
Business Growth Programme Manager
Grow Wellington Ltd
WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP!!!!! 
Ange Duncan and myself have worked blood sweat and tears to get this far and it was worth every hour of sleep lost!
Thanks Ange, love you xx

Ange's fab work for Ashley Fogal

Hi and sorry it has been sooooo long, things have been pretty crazy at the Hobbit and Weta ahhhh!
 My actress Evangeline Lilly, has just gone back to Canada for a break from filming so we have lots of other projects lined up for the next 6 weeks, including lovely weddings :).  I will endeavour to do a bit more blogging while she is away and keep you lot in the loop with what our team are doing while I have a little less gruelling hours.

Anyhow, I thought I would show you a great pic of Anges latest hair and makeup work for Ashely Fogal's latest look book.  I'm sure you will agree that she has done yet again another superb job for our team :)

Check in, in a day or two and I will finally be able to catch you all up with whats been happening, but until then, Chow
Hils x

Hair and makeup for Ashley Fogal shoot by Ange Duncan





Angela Duncans savvy work on the front cover of the Capital times

Check out our Ange's work on the front cover !!


Just thought for those of you who have not seen it, we would give you a  peek of  the wonderful work that our very own Ange Duncan did on Soul Singer Bella Isdale last week.  It is now gracing the cover of the Capital times! Nice one Ange  x

Finalists!!!!!!!





Woop Woop we have just become the finalists of the Chamber of Commerce business awards!!
All will be revealed at the black tie event in November.

 A big fat thank you to all of our team for being bloody amazing and Ange for all the tireless work you continue to do to make our business successful!!! I Love you guys :)



A quick fix tip!

For those of you that have rough elbows and knees, cut a lemon and gently rub over your rough bits.  The fruit acid may help soften away roughness and lighten dark patches on your body.   The miracles of the Lemon Loofah!

Hils x

Natural fibre brushes versus Synthetic


A bit of blush, a few coats of mascara, a swipe of lippy. If you wear makeup, you probably have a routine for applying it. But how exactly do you put it on? A bevy of specialized makeup brushes are available. Even if you usually opt for all-natural beauty products, dont automatically rule out synthetic makeup brushes! Compare natural and synthetic versions, and learn the pros and cons of each.

Different Functions, Sizes and Shapes

When it comes to makeup brushes, one size definitely does not fit all. Specialized brushes are designed for different areas of the face and different types of makeup. So, how can you tell one kind of brush from another? It can be confusing, but here are some quick hints...

  • Blush brush:  Medium-sized head with a round tip and soft natural bristles.
  • Concealer brush: Small synthetic head with a thin, fine rounded but flat tip for a precise application to a small imperfection.
  • Eye shadow brush: It has an oval-shaped or slated natural brislte head. It can apply powder eye shadows.
  • Foundation brush: Med synthetic brush with a round flat head.
  • Lip brush: firm synthetic with a thin, pointed tip, similar to a concealer brush. Some lip brushes are retractable or come with covers.
  • Powder brush: a large, rounded, fluffy  natural brush, similar to a blush brush.

Natural Brushes

What they are made of: The bristles of natural makeup brushes are often made with real hair from animals, like squirrels, goats, horses, minks, sables, badgers, mongooses or a combination of multiple animal hair.  If you oppose using animal products or suffer from alleries from animals, you might not want to choose this option.

Pros
Softer, more natural finish to your makeup (you can get a real air brushed look)
Easy application of powder cosmetics, like loose powder, powder blush or powder eye shadows.
Even distribution of makeup pigments, which prevents streaks, blotchiness or a caked-on look.


Cons
Some people are allergic to certain animal hairs. If you have an allergy to some animal hair or fur, you might not want a natural makeup brush.
Natural brushes are not good for applying cream-based makeup. This can result in a cakey, sticky finish
Natural brushes are often more expensive than synthetic brushes

Synthetic Brushes

What they are made of: Typically, synthetic makeup brushes have bristles made of Taklon or nylon. They dont use natural hair or fur from animals.
Pros
They are ideal for deep, rich colors or dramatic makeup looks.
They offer precise application in small, defined areas, such as your lips, eyelash line or on specific blemishes 
They have a lower price tag than natural brushes .
They are ideal for cream-based concealer, foundation or lippy.
Cons
They can become cakey and goopy with makeup.
Their bristles harden with time, which can make your makeup application more difficult and uncomfortable.

Buying Tips

Make sure the brush fits your hand and is easy to hold, use and control.
Run the brush over the back of your hand: if bristles become misshapen or fall out, they are likely lower quality and wont last long.

When buying a set of good quality brushes, make sure you have both synthetic and natural brushes for the perfect application.

What the team have been up to lately

Well it has been a while I am sorry.  I have barley come up for air since becoming the lead Elf, Evangelinge Lilly's  makeup artist (on Hobbit).  Its been 17 hours each day but great fun and Evangeline has become a great friend and mischief maker :)

I thought I should fill you in on what the rest of the team has been doing...
Ange has been contracting to Weta workshop working on up coming Hollywood block buster Allysium which will be coming out in the new year (I think), She has been making some amazing creations at the workshop which will all be revealed in the up coming movie.

Lea has been working on all our Fishhead photo shoots,fashion and commercials which has been keeping our talented lady out of mischief, not to mention all the school balls that have been happening - with Leas years of hairdressing under her belt, she has that special eye for detail for our brides and ball girls stunning hair dos.

Nat has been working for us up in Auckland, working on the "Cloud" (Gibson Group show) which is for the world cup screening along with sorting out a long list of Fashion week and world cup visitors.  In between all the work, Nat has also just completed and qualified herself at Cut above in hairdressing  so we are very proud of our youngest team member.  Nat will be back home shortly to start a new film called the Cure in November and start on our long list of brides.

And as you already know, I have been personal makeup artist to Evangeline Lilly (lead Elf) on the Hobbit, and sorting out a tonne of work for all the girls.

We have been nominated for Lower Hutt business of the Year which we eagerly await to see how we have done, and have 2 of our ideas have made it through to the final stages of the bright ideas challenge, so I think we could say it has been a successful year to date :)

I will try my best to keep you posted as to what is happening and whats coming up.
workshops are getting sorted as we speak and the wedding season is nearly full yay!

Until the next time. Have fun Hils x
Lea, Ange, Hils & Nat
www.hilcook.co.nz

Questions answered about Lash extentions







 Eyelash extension professionals specialize in this revolutionary new service that will extend your natural eyelashes and draw attention to your eyes. Extensions are perfect for everyday wear as well as special occasions. They are semi-permanent and made from synthetic fibers. Each lash is applied one by one to your own natural lashes. With proper care and touchup visits they can last a very long time. Normally a person's natural eyelash falls out every 60 - 90 days and a new lash grows in immediately so about every 5 to 6 weeks is recommended to get your new set of lashes, this will vary from person to person. Your natural lash cycle as well as how you take care of your lashes will affect how long they last. 

The extensions are single strands of synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash. They provide length and thickness to your own lashes and are available in varying lengths and thickness. They are applied to your individual eyelashes, one lash at a time. There is no need for mascara even though a water based mascara is fine to use. The result is thicker, longer, eye opening eyelashes that are safe in the shower, while swimming, sleeping or exercising.

Eyelash extensions are great for everyday wear or special occassions



Featuring our Hil Cook Pro makeup artistry brushes on SALE for a limited time !

***SALE***

 Hil Cook Pro makeup brush set with short handle to fit in you bag

After working in the industry for 20 years and taking many workshops teaching women correct application of makeup with the right tools, we decided to hand select our very own favorite pro brushes. We designed our brushes with a professional brush head but on a shorter handle so they would fit easily into any ones handbag. Our Hil Cook brushes come in a soft leatherette brush roll that has our logo embossed in the roll and on the brushes.  There are 9 brushes in total, 6 natural bristle and 3 Synthetic fibre.
We use these brushes in all our workshops and they walk out the door being such a great price. All of these brushes add up to the price of one MAC brush and are of the same professional quality.
You can buy them on our Smallfish  E-commerce store which you can get to through our website or click the title above.

Normally our Hil Cook makeup brushes and brush roll sell for $120 but as a special we are doing them for $95 for a limited time.













 Hil Cook Pro makeup brush set with short handle to fit in you bag

After working in the industry for 20 years and taking many workshops teaching women correct application of makeup with the right tools, we decided to hand select our very own favorite pro brushes. We designed our brushes with a professional brush head but on a shorter handle so they would fit easily into anyones handbag. Our Hil Cook brushes come in a soft leatherette brush roll that has our logo embossed in the roll and on the brushes.  There are 9 brushes in total, 6 natural bristle and 3 Synthetic fibre.
We use these brushes in all our workshops and they walk out the door being such a great price. All of these brushes add up to the price of one MAC brush and are of the same professional quality.
You can buy them on our Smallfish  E-commerce store which you can get to through our website or click the title above

Creating a fuller lip

CREATING A FULL GORGEOUS LIP!!

A great little tip to a full lip is to apply a touch of shimmer to the top of your cupids bow.  Using a flat square brush, place a touch of shimmer right on the outer edge of your cupid line.  This will give the illusion when the light catches, that you have full curled pouty lips!  Trust me this really works well!

*Use lip plumpers. Lip plumpers usually contain cinnamon oil. The heat from the plumpers draws blood to the surface, which helps to create more fullness. Better yet, just buy plain cinnamon oil and use on after you apply your lipstick. If you use it before, you’ll have to wait for the oil to be absorbed and sink in to your lips. **Cinnamon oil will heat up your lips and may cause a burning sensation!
A dab of Cinnamon oil is great for a lip plummping effect ;)
Enjoy Hils x

New FishHead mag out now!

Yay! Our fab Welly mag FishHead, is once again gracing the shelves with its latest edition.

Once again a great team effort on the front cover with our lovely Lea Hoare doing the hair and me (Hil) doing the makeup.

 Race out and get your self this page twitcher, snuggle down and read from cover to cover! Its worth it ;)


Enjoy Hils x

Prosthetics shoot. Not for the faint hearted :)

NB:   THESE PHOTOS ARE JUST MAKEUP!!! :)  hope you all have hardy tums!

At the beginning of the week we were asked to do a fantastic shoot for TV, I cant tell you what yet, just that it was epic!
For all you lovely brides, we really can make you beautiful, this is just one of those other jobs we do when we are not making ladies look gorgeous :)

I had to design up prosthetic pieces out of silicon, paint them up and apply them, I even added a lamb rib into the little finger prosthetic to make it look really authentic.  I had my trusty Ange helping me for the day (thank goodness) and together we made magic!

Our brief was to make a guys forehead skinned alive, a bruised jaw, remove left pinky finger and staple him back together afterwards.  Photos below :)  We reckon they look just the part and so did our producer :)

See he is truly acting and really really happy



Silicon prosthetic applied to folded up pinky with a lamb rib inserted in it :)

A very much alive actor that we scalped
JD all stapled up together again, I used soft wire and eyelash glue for the staples :)


My right hand man Ange Duncan did some fantastic wounds for me 

Anges 3d wounds

Our Shoot with NEXT Magazine

As most of you know, Ange is one of our talented makeup and hair artists in our team and is used to being behind the camera not in front,  so when Samantha Hannah, stylist extroidinear asked if she could steal our Ange for the Hat shoot with NEXT magazine, we were thrilled!
Samantha had a fantastic array of hats and not one, but two Ange's to do make up and hair styles on, which I  had the pleasure of doing .
 We think the girls look simply gorgeous even though our Ange was a wee bit afraid of her lush hot pink Lippie,  Im sure you will agree she is simply stunning!

Our very own Ange Duncan
The other Ange


Angie
Hils x

The Winner of our fishtail braid challenge ;)

Our Hil Cook pro brushes Miranda won



Thanks to all of you that took the time and sent us in pics of your fishtail braids, I was amazed at how many of you had a crack and how good they all turned out.

After the team and I spent several hours mulling over all your photos, we finally all agreed on a winner...

 16 year old MIRANDA RAINEY from Birkenhead in Auckland is our lucky lady :)
Miranda - a set of Hil Cook pro range makeup artistry brushes are coming your way- Keep your eye on the post

Miranda had been practicing on her sisters Kendall's hair and sent us in this fab pic of her braid.  We think you will agree that she has done a fantastic job.  Keep up the great work Miranda!

Our winner Miranda Rainey

Rodney goes to NZ Beauty Expo :)

For those of you that haven't had the opportunity to meet the silent one of our team (although sometimes not so silent!), I thought it was high time I did the honors.  Rodney Cook (aka Rams)  is the voice on the phone that deals with many of you and the man in the know when it comes to our product and makeup! oh and he is also my fantastic hubby :)

Rams is very passionate about our product ( Hil Cook Solution buds) so much so that he decided that even though none of our team were available to go up to Auckland to the Beauty Expo this weekend,  he would go and be the voice of reason :).  How many hubby's, I hear you say, would do such a thing!  I asked myself the same question but Rams quietly took himself off to Auckland, reported back to base sending a bunch of photos for the blog, and made a ton of sales today.  Tomorrow will be day 2 and he is eagerly awaiting it!!!

Rodney is actually a Stuntman/ coordinator and we met on Lord of the rings 10 years ago. Being in front of camera for a good portion of his working career has given him all his knowledge of makeup for film and TV( having to be made up for camera often) which is why some of you who speak to Rodney on the ph, often ask me who is the lovely gay man that looks after our phones, and how helpful he was with his knowledge on different makeup bases he he ha.  Anyway I thought I would share a few pics that he sent back this evening of the show and our stand.

Rodney and one of the Prosperina girls selling Solution buds

The winner of hair , makeup and nails comp with trade show people

 A Back tie evening was put on with fantastic live dancing entertainment