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Redefining beauty

By Rohama Riaz
19 November, 2019

This week Hira Khan, a Lahore-based beautician, talks about her love affair with hair and makeup...

interview

Now that the wedding season is almost here, in fact, this is already the wedding season, so, we got a chance to have a beauty chat with the immensely talented Hira khan. For the past three years, she has been bringing diversity and sheer creativity with her unique makeup techniques. Breaking the old rules and jumping into experimentations, she redefines the beauty business by making people feel comfortable in their own skin. “I never thought of becoming a makeup artist.

I just started off from home without a plan. I was naturally good at makeup. Being encouraged by my family and friends, I started taking appointments. That’s when I really started to enjoy what I was doing and began to plan it as a career option,” shares Khan. “Once I began from home I felt the need to expand and start working on a bigger level so that’s how I planned to open up my salon.

I have done professional courses in hair and makeup in order to improve my skills and to keep updated with latest trends,” adds Kan. In an exclusive interview with You! magazine Khan talks about her love affair with hair and makes up...


You! What inspired you to become a beautician?

Hira Khan: I feel that I was into everything beauty related since I was a young girl. I still remember stealing my mom’s lipsticks and my grandmom’s face creams.

You! What are the makeup trends right now?

HK: I think it’s the all flushed makeup look with hues of fresh pink which makes you look youthful.

You! What makeup trends are totally over?

HK: Super thin pencil made eyebrows for sure!

You! What kind of hair styles are in this season?

HK: Soft romantic hairdos are a hot favourite!

You! It’s shadi season too, what kind of look is in among brides-to-be?

HK: I love how brides are starting to adapt a more soft and subtle look and are becoming more accepting towards feeling comfortable in the ‘less is more’ policy.

You! What are your three favourite makeup products?

HK: 1. Tom Ford Shimmer Shots

2. Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Primer

3. Dior Pump N Volume Mascara.

You! What are your favourite beauty brands?

HK: My favourite brands include - Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury and Anastasia Beverly Hills.

You! Are women in Pakistan becoming more experimental when it comes to makeup?

HK: Yes definitely. In the past few years especially women have started adapting to different kinds of makeup.

You! What are some of the most common mistakes women tend to make while choosing makeup?

HK: Picking a lighter shade in foundation.

You! What three make-up items should no woman leave home without?

HK: I think it differs from woman to woman. For me, it would be a lip balm/tint/lipstick, mascara and eyebrow pencil.

You! What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?

HK: Over plucking eyebrows and using a lighter shade foundation.

You! What is the biggest challenge make-up artists face?

HK: Making a client realise that we are makeup artists not plastic surgeons. We can bring out the best in you but not alter what’s already there.

You! Are there any trends that you absolutely love?

HK: Glossy lips and matte eyes.

You! How do you wish to make a change in the beauty scene in Karachi/Lahore?

HK: I wish I could take away the obsession to be fair amongst most women. Especially how I have noticed there is no concept of getting a facial done for a healthy skin instead the focus is more on ‘whitening’. And women tend to overuse skin bleach as a result.

You! What are some of the colours a woman of regular Eastern skin tone should never try?

HK: Well, there are no boundaries! But I feel gold complements eastern skin the most!

You! As we are approaching winter, what colours do you suggest for women to wear when it comes to makeup?

HK: Burnt oranges, champagne/gold, copper, warm earthy tones, brick, burgundy, coral.

You! Any makeup tip you would like to share with your readers?

HK: Less is more!

You! Describe your make up style in three words?

HK: Understated, subtle, glamorous

You! What do you love most about your job?

HK: Every single thing!

You! Do you think social media is a good tool to popularise your work, specially for upcoming beauticians?

HK: Yes, I think with the growing trend it is surely the best way to communicate with the masses.

You! What are you currently working on?

HK: Wedding season preps.

You! What are your future endeavours?

HK: Be a better version of myself and keep improvising.