HIL COOK MAKEUP, HAIR and PROSTHETIC ARTIST

HIL COOK MAKEUP, HAIR  and PROSTHETIC ARTIST
Join Hil and her savvy team on their journey behind the scenes in the world on makeup and hair. Mobile on the go EVERYWHERE!

How to do a fishtail braid and win a set of our Hil Cook brushes!

We have had so many of you readers asking how to do a fishtail braid that I decided it was time to give you a detailed description on how to achieve this look your selves. 
Those of you that take on this challenge could be in to winning yourselves a set of our very own Hil Cook Professional makeup brush set in an embossed brush roll, all you have to do is send us in a picture of you and your fishtail braid, with your details, to hil@hilcook.co.nz and the best one will receive our Hil Cook brush set prize. :)


Good luck
Hils x




Like all the best hairstyles, the fishtail braid is one that looks intricate and tricky to do, but with a bit of practice becomes nearly as easy to create as a regular three-strand braid. And like so many of today's popular styles, it actually looks better when it's slightly messed up rather than being perfectly neat and tidy - so no big deal if you happen to drop a strand here or there. Read on for tips on how to make a beautiful fishtail braid, along with the usual gallery of celebrity photos for your hairstyle inspiration.


Minka Kelly hair
Minka Kelly's messy side fishtail braid makes her look effortlessly chic.


Step One: Divide your detangled hair into two equal sections.


Step Two: Hold the righthand section in your right hand. With your left hand, take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the lefthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the righthand section.


Step Three: Do the same thing on the other side: that is, hold the lefthand section in your left hand, use your right hand to take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the righthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the lefthand section. You'll need to use gravity to your advantage as you keep changing hands, and if the strands keep slipping then your hair probably isn't 'dirty' enough (running some mousse or styling wax through your hair will fix this problem in a jiffy).


Step Four: Repeat the process until you've reached the ends of your hair, tie the braid with a hair elastic, and voila - you're done!

Herringbone braid
If you want a single fishtail braid at the back like this, get a friend to do it for you.


One of the most effective ways to wear a fishtail braid is on the side, as an extra-special version of 
the classic side braid. It not only looks awesome but means that you can do it yourself in front of the mirror, without needing to have anyone else there to help out. The looser you hold the strands, the 'fatter' your fishtail braid will be, giving a more relaxed finish to the overall look.
Herringbone hair braid celebrities
Rihanna, Amanda Seyfried, and Demi Moore keep their side fishtail braids relatively neat and tidy...

Fishtail hairstyle celebrity braid
... while Shailene Woodley, Vanessa Hudgens and Leona Lewis choose a more dishevelled look.





Like all the best hairstyles, the fishtail braid is one that looks intricate and tricky to do, but with a bit of practice becomes nearly as easy to create as a regular three-strand braid. And like so many of today's popular styles, it actually looks better when it's slightly messed up rather than being perfectly neat and tidy - so no big deal if you happen to drop a strand here or there. Read on for tips on how to make a beautiful fishtail braid, along with the usual gallery of celebrity photos for your hairstyle inspiration.


Minka Kelly hair
Minka Kelly's messy side fishtail braid makes her look effortlessly chic.

Step One: Divide your detangled, second-
day hair into two equal sections.

Step Two: Hold the righthand section in your right hand. With your left hand, take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the lefthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the righthand section.

Step Three: Do the same thing on the other side: that is, hold the lefthand section in your left hand, use your right hand to take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the righthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the lefthand section. You'll need to use gravity to your advantage as you keep changing hands, and if the strands keep slipping then your hair probably isn't 'dirty' enough (running some mousse or styling wax through your hair will fix this problem in a jiffy).


Like all the best hairstyles, the fishtail braid is one that looks intricate and tricky to do, but with a bit of practice becomes nearly as easy to create as a regular three-strand braid. And like so many of today's popular styles, it actually looks better when it's slightly messed up rather than being perfectly neat and tidy - so no big deal if you happen to drop a strand here or there. Read on for tips on how to make a beautiful fishtail braid, along with the usual gallery of celebrity photos for your hairstyle inspiration.


Minka Kelly hair
Minka Kelly's messy side fishtail braid makes her look effortlessly chic.

Like all the best hairstyles, the fishtail braid is one that looks intricate and tricky to do, but with a bit of practice becomes nearly as easy to create as a regular three-strand braid. And like so many of today's popular styles, it actually looks better when it's slightly messed up rather than being perfectly neat and tidy - so no big deal if you happen to drop a strand here or there. Read on for tips on how to make a beautiful fishtail braid, along with the usual gallery of celebrity photos for your hairstyle inspiration.


Minka Kelly hair
Minka Kelly's messy side fishtail braid makes her look effortlessly chic.



Step One: Divide your detangled, second-day hair into two equal sections.

Step Two: Hold the righthand section in your right hand. With your left hand, take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the lefthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the righthand section.

Step Three: Do the same thing on the other side: that is, hold the lefthand section in your left hand, use your right hand to take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the righthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the lefthand section. You'll need to use gravity to your advantage as you keep changing hands, and if the strands keep slipping then your hair probably isn't 'dirty' enough (running some mousse or styling wax through your hair will fix this problem in a jiffy).


Step Four: Repeat the process until you've reached the ends of your hair, tie the braid with a hair elastic, and voila - you're done!

Herringbone braid
If you want a single fishtail braid at the back like this, get a friend to do it for you.


One of the most effective ways to wear a fishtail braid is on the side, as an extra-special version of the classic side braid. It not only looks awesome but means that you can do it yourself in front of the mirror, without needing to have anyone else there to help out. The looser you hold the strands, the 'fatter' your fishtail braid will be, giving a more relaxed finish to the overall look.

Herringbone hair braid celebrities
Rihanna, Amanda Seyfried, and Demi Moore keep their side fishtail braids relatively neat and tidy...


Fishtail hairstyle celebrity braid
... while Shailene Woodley, Vanessa Hudgens and Leona Lewis choose a more dishevelled look.


Other ways to wear a fishtail braid include as a single addition to loose hair (like Aubrey O'Day has done), in two super-girly pigtails (like Kim Kardashian's), or incorporated into a more elaborate braided style like Diane Kruger's (but unless you're a braiding expert, you'll probably want to leave this one to your hairdresser!) 

The Launch of the new Wellington Wedding show

All of our team were invited to the launch of the new wellington wedding show which promises to be the latest greatest savviest thing around for all those new brides, and we tend to agree with them.  There are lots of changes happening that are very exciting!!  
Lea and I managed to get into Dion Howards Amazing travelling photo booth and capture some magic moments of the night which I thought I would share with you :)

The next wedding show is on October 30th 2011 and then May of next year.
You will see our stand only in the May shows as we tend to be booked out for the season by October so get in fast and don't "dilly dally" ladies! :)

Hils and Lea in the amazing travelling photobooth

Hils x

Fantastic reference from Tre-belle Trio :)

We got sent this fantastic recomendation by Tre-belle

Dear Hil,
I've written this recommendation of your work to share with others.

Details of the Recommendation: "Tre-Belle partnered with
www.hilcook.co.nz for Tre-Belle, In Harmony at the St James Theatre in Wellington. Hil and her team are second to none when it comes to their hair and makeup creativity and were extremely impressed by their capability. I would be one happy person if I could have them work their magic on a daily basis! I have no hesitation whatsoever recommending their services." 


Thanks so much
 Tre-belle trio x

Another award!!! Silver in the Australian pro photography awards in the Fashion Category

Yay another award with our Hil Cook hair and makeup for Talented photographer Mandi Lynn from A La Mode photography, a Silver award in the Australian fashion photography awards!. The dress is by amazing designer- Kerry Huges. EXCITING!!
Hair and makeup by Hil Cook, Photography by Mandi Lynn @ A La Mode and Dress design by Kerri Huges

A La Mode Commercial: Who says the Hutt isn't fashionable? Silver Photo...: "Very excited that one of the images from the Dark White Goddess Series has scored a silver award in the Canon Australian Professional Photo..."

Hil Cook Solution buds- 30% off for pro makeup artists




ATTENTION ALL PROFESSIONAL MAKE UP ARTISTS.....30% DISCOUNT FOREVER ON HIL COOK SOLUTION BUDS.
 
If you are a professional make up artist send us your details with proof of work credits and we will discount our Hil Cook Solution Buds by 30% for you...FOREVER!!  www.hilcook.co.nz
 
Hil Cook Solution Buds were born on set in beautiful Rarotonga, during the filming of a TV series.  Our actors were melting in 40 degree heat but the heat was no match of our Hil Cook Solution Buds!!!! They are the fastest and cleanest way to touch up or remove eye make up.
 
 
" Hil Cook Solution Buds are an innovative, convenient and cost effective product that help me keep my celebrity clients red-carpet ready at all times !! " Michael Ashton -  Make Up Artist to Adele, Peaches Galdoff and other noted celebs
 
"Call me for endorsement! I think they are FANTASTIC! THANKS a MILLION" Karen Hopwood - Make Up Artist to Cindi Lauper, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady GaGa, Kings of Leon, Pussy Cat Dolls.
If you haven't tried them yet, go to www.hilcook.co.nz and order yourself a sample!!  We know you'll come back for more :)

30% discount for makeup artists

ATTENTION ALL PROFESSIONAL MAKE UP ARTISTS.....30% DISCOUNT FOREVER ON HILCOOK SOLUTION BUDS.
If you are a professional make up artist send us your details with proof of work and we will discount our Hil Cook Solution Buds by 30% for you...FOREVER!!  www.hilcook.co.nz
Hil Cook Solution Buds were born on set in beautiful Rarotonga, during the filming of a TV series.  Our actors were melting in 40 degree heat but the heat was no match of our Hil Cook Solution Buds!!!! They are the fastest and cleanest way to touch up or remove eye make up.
(put in here link to tilly)
" Hil Cook Solution Buds are an innovative, convenient and cost effective product that help me keep my celebrity clients red-carpet ready at all times !! " Michael Ashton -  Make Up Artist to Peaches Galdoff,  Ardele and other noted celebs
"Call me for endorsement! I think they are FANTASTIC! THANKS a MILLION" Karen Hopwood - Make Up Artist to Cindi Lauper, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady GaGa, Kings of Leon, Pussy Cat Dolls.
If you haven't tried them yet, go to www.hilcook.co.nz and order yourself a sample!!  We know you'll come back for more :)

Paper Lashes! OMG these are amazing!!!


These are my latest addiction, Paper Eyelashes, and the detail on them is so intricate.  You will get to see them in live form when we use them on the fishead mag shoot for October/ Nov edition

Inspired by the traditional craft of Chinese paper cutting, these intricately cut and delicately pretty eyelashes are one of Luna & Curious' most popular items.
The new designs are: Deer & Butterfly, Peacock, Small Peonies and Clown. Captivating and expressive, the eyelashes come in two sizes: small to accentuate the corners of your eyes for a subtler look and the large full lash is a definite statement.
The paper eyelashes are made of FSC certificated paper, the only ethical alternative to recycled paper.
The lashes are £12. The large lashes are sold as one pair and the small lashes are two pairs in a box.



20,000 readers ahhhhhh Party time!!!!!


Hey all you avid blog followers, yes all 20,000 of you!!!

Thanks for your amazing support we are truly grateful :)

Brace for yourselves for all the latest goss right after I have finished my client .  Back shortly
Hils x

Tips for cheeks


natural, rosy radiance

creating a natural, rosy radiance
When applying blush, you want the color to look soft and natural, as if it comes from within. Read below for tips on how to put on blush.



1. Tap or lightly blow on the applicator brush to remove any excess blush before applying to prevent a harsh and uneven application.
2. Smile, then apply your blush on the apple of the cheek and carefully blend towards your natural hairline.
3. 
If you have two shades, apply the darker one on the apple of the cheek first, then use the lighter shade to highlight. Blend well so there is no visible line between colors.
4. Highlight your temples, forehead and chin.

 Tip: To know "where to glow" bend over for 30 seconds, then slowly stand up. Where your cheeks are flushed is where you are meant to blush. Apply your blush there and it will be naturally rosy every time.

 Tip: Cheek color should be used to enhance your complexion, not to change your natural skin tone. Use sparingly for daytime, then add more or a deeper shade for a more dramatic nighttime effect. For special occasions, dust a light shimmer powder over your cheekbones for a subtle but alluring glow.
 Tip: Make sure to blend your blush into your foundation. 
By using a fibre optic brush you get the perfect airbrushed blush look, blend in circular motions. 
These can be purchased at Farmers for a very reasonable price or if you are after a better quality brush, try the MAC fibre optic :) 
Fibre optic brush example for the perfect blend of blush or bronzer


Hils x

Just an update on what we are up to

To those of you that are wonderful dedicated followers to our blog, my humble apologies for not blogging of late,  our team have all been sooo flat out and working silly hours on various projects so I thought I would take a mo to fill you all in.

Our Lovely Lea has been working full on with Tom Scott's production, TV Show, " Rage", she has been doing all manner of hours day and night and having a blast. The show is about the 1981 Springbok tour that caused the closest thing to a civil war in NZ.  We will keep you posted when it is due to hit the screens.

Nat has been hard out re creating amazing Pin ups with Photographer Mandi Lynn from La mode photography boutique, they have just launched the latest Neonatal  Pin up Calendar which is sooooo gorgeous and worth every penny ( not to mention the proceeds go to a worthy cause).
We also have Nat bouncing up and down the country doing makeup and hair for all manner of social  butterflies and their high end functions, this has proven to keep her very busy, you Aucklander's have very social calendars!

Then there is our rock, Ange.  I assisted her with the most gorgeous bride and bridesmaids in the weekend, the bride was jaw dropping drop dead gorgeous, as were the bridesmaids.  Ange also has been working with Bella Isdale designing her hair and makeup looks for her latest Album soon to be out.  Bella is one of our talented Kiwi singers that has made it in the singing world and will be gracing the stages of the huge Glastonbury festival in the UK. woop woop.

Me (Hil), I have been bouncing on and off set working in the makeup and prosthetics departments on the Hobbit which has been seriously long hours but recently I have just jumped ships,  I am back at my old Haunt Weta Workshop.  Going back to Weta and getting stuck into some seriously creative stuff has been a whole heap of fun but it totally feels like de jar vu, everywhere I look the same people I worked with 10 years ago are all back, we are all just a bit older and wiser :)
On the days off there is always still plenty of brides and Fishead magazine shoots so yes, things are ticking along just nicely.


Hils x

Check out our girly special with La mode photography boutique

http://alamodemuse.blogspot.com/2011/05/get-your-spot-booked.html

Mandi lynn is a very talented photographer who has been doing all our amazing shoots that have got  us into Italia Vogue.  We have teamed up with her to do an amazing girly day special for anyone that wants to experience this fun girly day, get made up by a Hil Cook artist in Pin up styles, have your hair done, do a photo shoot and then get the canvas photo at the end of it.

The previous days we have done have been a huge hit so please check out the link to enquire.

Hils x

Our lovely bride Chloe made it on a Californian blog "Oncewed"

Hi!

I just saw a wedding that you were a part of on Oncewed.com and the bride was stunning!!! I was crossing my fingers that you were from somewhere in California and was so disappointed when I saw that you actually reside in NZ--lucky you! Not so lucky for me though because I'm getting married in July and have yet to find anyone whose work I like enough for my wedding day.  And while I cannot afford to fly you and your team out to Orange County, I am hoping that you may be able to shed a little light on some fellow makeup/hairstylists in my area whose work you admire or think is close to yours.  I would appreciate any help you can give!

Thanks so much!

Jillian Duncan





Hair and makeup by Ange Duncan from Hil Cook

Hair and makeup Hil Cook, Photography- Kate McPhersonhttp://www.katemacpherson.com/

Come and meet us at the Wellington wedding show this Sunday :)


Sunday 15th May 2011
10.30am - 3.30pm
TSB Arena,
Queens Wharf
Wellington
Admission $15.00

The Hens party with a twist! :)

Want something a little different for your Hens party, check out what we are up to with Mandi Lynn from A la mode photo boutique.

Its almost embarrassing that 3 more of our works have made Italian Vogue ahhh!

Wow will this has been a bit of a crazy ride the past 6 weeks with a total of 7 of my works in Italian Vogue for hair and makeup ahhhhh

Works in Italian vouge -  Hair and Make Up: Hil Cook
Designer: Kerrie Huges
Milliner: Liza Foreman
Photographer and Post Production: Mandi Lynn at A la mode
Hair and makeup by Hil Cook

Hair and makeup by Hil Cook

Hair and makeup by Hil Cook