MAKEUP WORKSHOPS with the FABULOUS BOBBI BROWN PRODUCTS

It has come to our attention that most of you lovely ladies are more than interested in learning about good makeup application, choosing the right foundation for oneself and changing your day look into a glam evening look.  Some are even interested in learning how to do the odd GHD curl or a quick n easy up do.  Have no fear ladies,  Introducing the latest HIL COOK MAKEUP WORKSHOP!!!!

 Thanks to all of you that wrote to us regarding what they would like to learn, and your general feed back on ideas from previous workshops.  We now have in place, our first workshop in the NEW PREMISES, happening June 25th at the NZ Radio training school in Wellington.  We are also extremely excited to say we now have a new exclusive makeup sponser... the fabulous BOBBI BROWN. Everyone gets to try out their fantastic range and learn all about great application, not to mention what works well for you!.  Click on the TITLE of this article and check out BOBBI BROWN'S gorgeous products on their website, or better still come and try them out at one of our workshops!!!. 

 We are booked out solid for June 25th workshop , but there will be plenty more!!!  Those of you whom are interested in our future workshops, please contact angeduncan@gmail.com  to ensure yourself a place.   See you there!!Hil X

AIRBRUSHED BEAUTIES!

More and more of our brides and clients are asking to be airbrushed, we thought it was high time to share the light on the subject and hopefully answer your questions...Airbrushing uses a fine mist of color that gently covers the skin for a flawless appearance. The makeup is not rubbed into the skin to exaggerate and irritate the pores. Instead, the airbrushed foundation sits on the skin’s surface for a soft & more natural looking result. The skin is able to breathe, while flaws and discolorations are successfully concealed.We use 2 main types of foundation through our airbrushes, Temptu from Europe and now Mac has also launched their range (which is fantastic!). A few small drops of foundation gets squeezed into the airbrush, which is then connected to a small compressor , The trigger on the airbrush is pulled back and circular motionThe airbrush creates the illusion of skin perfection since it is misted on and does not mask the face. The feel of the makeup is equally pleasant, as the foundation is extremely lightweight & incredibly durable. as though there is nothing on the face at all. The application of foundation with an airbrush has been used for over a decade in the TV and movie world because of its ability to create a flawless look on and off the screen. It looks natural,soft, beautiful in close up , and equally gorgeous on the screen and in print. It is the solution for all women or brides who desire to wear foundation to protect and enhance their skin, while remaining natural and youthful in the process.

MAKEUP TREND: STATEMENT LIPS !

Statement pouts are oh so hot - and the perfect winter pick me up!  From hot pink and blood orange to electric purple and danger red, it really doesn’t matter the colour as long as it can be seen from a distance.

Statement lips are perfect for winter - they liven up cosy outfits and brighten pale winter complexions. The most flattering shade for all complexions is a bright hot pink - just make sure it's not too deep - the key is to find a colour that POPS!

 

 

Unfortunately you can't just slap some bright lipstick on and go (ok, you can, but flaky lips and lipstick all over your teeth should be left to Courtney Love). It is a good idea to exfoliate your lips with a soft flannel or gentle exfoliant beforehand, and condition them well - dry lips and bright colours do not go well together.

 

Liner is a MUST - so a nude coloured lip-liner or clear is a great investment as it will work with all shades. It helps the lipstick stay in place and stops it from bleeding outside the natural line of the lips.

 

The team love the matte look, but if you are more of a juicy lips type of girl then a dollop of clear gloss in the centre of the bottom lip will look fab.

In terms of the rest of your face, keep in simple - a perfect base, a little bronzer, and some fat lashes is all you need.

 

Hil will make my day!!!

Of the MANY competitions I entered at the bridal show, Hil's was the one my fingers were crossed tightest for. I'd seen examples of Hil and team's amazing work before coming to the show so was absolutely thrilled (jumping up and down screaming in the office!) when I found out I'd won this competition! I can't wait to see how everything will turn out on the day. What excites me the most is getting to work with these girls who are not only so fantastic and professional at what they do, but who will also work with me to create a look that is 100% unique to me and the look I want for my bridesmaids. Doing things a bit differently to the norm, I'm looking forward to their input that I know will also help me put the final touches on all of our outfits for a stunning overall image of each girl. I will happily put me and my girls safely into their capable hands to make each of us look as great as we can. With so many ideas out there and so much pressure on what a wedding 'should' be and look like, Hil and team will really help me keep to what's important to me: that mine and Matt's wedding will be about us being absolutely 100% us (the most gorgeous version possible!), remembering that the wedding's only the start of what it's all about - the marriage to come!

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 allusion 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!

PUT A MODERN TWIST ON A CLASSIC CHIGNOG

KRISTY from "DANCING WITH THE STARS"


Put a youthful, modern twist on a classic chignog by braiding hair first.  kristy from "Dancing with the stars", danced the Tango with Chris Hobbs in this updated little number.

We took a classic chignog and modernised it by braiding 3 separate fishplaits (a two plait) into a low off centred ponytail.  Each braid was loosened off and pinned in a clock wise direction to create this modern and youthful look.  To give Kristy an edgy twist, we took a triangle section off center of her part and did an inside out french braid , this continued  along her hair line. Braiding can really update a look ! Let our readers know about any hair styles you have tried with braids.

Hil x

HIL COOK MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST: CHECK OUT THE NEW WEBSITE!!!

HIL COOK MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST: CHECK OUT THE NEW WEBSITE!!!

GNARLY MAKE-UP DOCO STYLES

These are some images of my work today.  We are in the midst of shooting a Documentary which has some pretty gnarly cuts, bruises , scabs and pus! 

I will not indulge you yet with details as it is still in the making but watch this space for more wounds and when it will be out for viewing.

Hil x 

CAROLE IS OUR LUCKY CLASSIC HITS WINNER !

Big ups to all of you that entered into our BE A QUEEN ON QUEENS BIRTHDAY and congratulations to Carole our winner. 

Caroles lovely daughter n law Carolyn , entered Carole into the competition without her knowing.  

Carolyns daughter n law told us how she entered Carole into the comp as she had had a rough year losing both her husband and mum , all with in a few months of one another.   Carole had given up her job to look after her sick mother but always had time for family and friends who needed her.  Carolyn felt Carole deserved to be treated like a queen for a day so entered her in and with luck on her side, it couldn't have gone to a more lovelier lady!

The prize for the Queen winner was a fabulous $500 outfit courtesy of  leading designer Sophie Voon from her wonderful Voon store , then out to our Hil Cook makeup studio to be made up like a star, having a 2 hour hair and makeup session along with Champagne and nibbles .  We decided that because Carolyn had been so kind entering her mother n law , we would also make her up like a star,  as the 2 of them were going to be picked up by Capital Limos and chauffeured around the towns sights.  Then it was off to deliciously ambient Largerfield for a dinner for 2.

 Carole being the lovely lady she is,  had her son and 2 granddaughters meet her at our makeup studio to go along for the Limo ride and then paid for the extra editions to join her for dinner.

Congratulations Carole.... We think you look like a true STAR!

TIPS FOR MATURE MAKEUP

Always remember "less is more".  Using a makeup primer is a fantastic way to even out and soften lines as well as something good for the makeup to adhere to.  There are plenty of primers on the market but 2 of my favorites are Aero pilot by Napoleon and Becca hydrating or mattifying primer.  I would recommend using a liquid foundation or tinted moisturiser rather than a powder foundation as this can sit in eyelid creases and weigh them down, it also gives a matt dull effect on the skin rather than a youthful glow which can add years to your appearance rather than subtract!  Women over 40 should look for an illuminating foundation as this has light reflecting qualities in it and  will give a soft glow to the skin giving it more youthful radiance along with softening the appearance of fine lines. 

 

Conceal only where needed, just dotting on the exact problem areas and pressing in with finger tips.  Use a colour corrector on any sun spots just to even out skin tones and a light reflecting pen under eyes to lighten and brighten. 

 

Set eyes with a light fine translucent powder to stop eyeshadow moving to creases.  Stick with a light wash of neutral colour over the entire eyelid to the brow bone.  Having illuminating qualities in it, will have an immediate smoothing effect.  To really bring out eyes use a soft line of eyeshadow close to lash line , top and bottom.  Soft colours like browns and  earthy greens flatter mature skin, whereas bright colours can be too dominating.  TOP TIP: When you do the line across the top lashes, continue the line for a few millimeters in an upward direction on the outer corners.  This adds lift.  Using a powder liner rather than a hard pencil line is also a much softer and natural look!  Curl the lashes and add mascara which will give a bright eyed look to your peepers.

Brows are a really important frame to the face, always remember to fill them in with a soft to medium taupe colour but never black!!  Once filled in , brush a clean mascara wand over brows to give a feathery  natural effect.

Cream blush applied to the cheeks will give a youthful glow and take off years.  Make a cheesy grin and pat on to the apples of the cheeks then following on to cheek bones.  TOP TIP:  A little colour should be added on the forehead where you would be kissed by the sun as this will give a more natural appearance.  

Add foundation over lips, powder then trace the edges of your lips with a clear coloured lip liner and fill in with the same liner.  This will prevent lipstick bleeding.  Use a nice vintage rose shade of lipstick that is fairly natural in colour, blot, powder then re apply .  Lastly, run a slick of gloss on the centre bottom lip to give the appearance of a fuller lip.  

Be prepared to stop traffic!!!  Ladies, the world is your oyster!!!

MAKEUP OVERLOAD

Makeup is meant to enhance, not overwhelm your features.  How do you tell if you are a little, well... overzealous in the application department?  If any of these tell tale signs apply to you, its time to opt for a lighter hand.

These days, an overly made-up face is passe and can make you look much older than your years.  Try out some of our ideas below and be on the way to a more youthful and radiant look!

FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH FOUNDATION.

A base that matches your skin tone exactly gives a more natural look than one that's slightly off and your likely to use less of it. Find you closest Bobbi Brown or Mac store for some professional advice!

CHECK YOUR LIGHT

If you apply makeup in a dark bathroom you'll wind up looking too made up once you step outside.  Apply makeup next to a window and if that's not possible , invest in some bright white light bulbs for your room. It makes all the difference!

SHAPE YOUR BROWS

Makeup artists far and wide swear that well shaped brows give your face and instant polish ... If you keep those brows groomed, you will need less makeup to keep them in tact and they instantly frame your peepers giving you a bright eyed look!

CHECK YOUR CONCEALER

Don't use a thick creamy concealer under your eyes as all this will do is add more years by emphasising any fine lines. These days there are wonderful illuminating  and eye brightening products that are light and ageless.  Try Bobbi Browns eye brightening or  YveSaint Laurent illuminating pen Touche eclat.  I wouldn't leave home with out it, I swear you will love these products!

OVER POWDERING? READ ON!

When it is time to touch up your makeup during the day, re powdering to remove shine will just create build up and start to look too cakey!  Try some of the anti shine products on the market where you just dab on a little on to the shiny area to give a natural non caked look.  They are very silky and smooth in texture and absorb easily.  Lancome does a fab Anti shine product or if your strapped for cash, the Body shop does a great priced mattifying Gel!

MAKEUP & HAIR FOR CLASSIC HITS FM COMPETITION

BE A QUEEN FOR QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!

For those of you that are dedicated listeners you will know all about the great prize Classic Hits Fm is  doing this week leading up to the Queens birthday... for those of you who are not, tune in every morning this week to Dave and Camile on 90 fm for the breakfast show and enter in the fab prize!

We at the HIL COOK team have offered a free hair and makeup to the lucky winner who will be made up to look like they are going to a red carpet event!!!!  Think dewy skin, sumptuous shimmers, delicate glosses and a hair do that will make your friends green with envy! 

Along with this fabulous package,  Sophie Voon from Voon clothing is giving the lucky winner a gorgeous new outfit for the evening and  the fabulously ambient Largerfield is doing a 5 star dinner for 2 .  In between all of that there will be an extravagant limousine ride just so you feel like the star you are.

Tune in to 90 fm  all of this week for this great competition... some one has got to win!

SOME OF MY BEAUTIFUL BRIDES

WINNER OF WEDDING EXPO COMPETITION

A big congratulations to the winner of our Hil Cook  "Win a wedding hair and make-up" for your big day

My Fabulous business partner Ange and I ran a booth in the Wellington Wedding expo which was a highly successful event and whilst into our second day we held a competition for a hair and makeup package to the value of $450.00 for all you lovely people who are about to get hitched.

The lucky lady,  Shelly, was totally over the moon to hear her good fortune.  She is getting married on September the 19th this year so we will keep you all informed as to how it all goes and hopefully post some fab pictures  of the day

For those of you that didn't manage to get to the wedding expo, I just have to show you our booth.

I just wanted a place that was incredibly lush and girly that just invited you to come in and sit down but with a little edgy twist to it. Hence the French powder room was created and how it went off!!! everyone loved it.

Thanks to everyone that participated and entered our competition.

Hil X

MODERN TWIGGY FOR VOON

I just did a fabulous shoot for designer SOPHIE VOON and what fun we had!

Sophie is an incredibly talented woman totally true to herself.  She has an amazing flair for mixing beautiful vintage style fabrics and looks with modern to create a complete unique look of her own.  Sophie has a huge dedicated client base that just keeps coming back for more and more.  She also has  an amazing knack of coming up with incredibly different themes that she bases her collections on each season.... 

Check out our gorgeous model Jess whom I have re- invented her as the infamous" Twiggy" from the 60s modelling a sneak peak of the up n coming collection from Voon.

Hil x

WOW FACTOR MAKE-UP FOR THE BENDON LAUNCH

Wellingtons latest and slickest store launched its opening with a glamorous red carpet event.

I was asked to design wow factor make-up for our beautiful lingerie models and had my wonderful "Hil Cook" team to help with application on the day.  I chose this gorgeous geisha girl look with a modern day twist to it.  I wanted to portray a beautiful airbrushed look but at the same time it needed to be mimicking extoic textile silks and satins to compliment the stunning garments. 

The event went off with a bang with most of New Zealands A listers being present and a wonderful night of expensive bubbles to finish!

Hil x