October 22, 2020
111ICONS: Hila Karmand
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.
111ICONS: Hila Karmand
Contouring the complexions of models and A-listers alike, Hila Karmand navigates the beauty industry with grace, talent and humour. From Jourdan Dunn and Cheryl Tweedy to Leomie Anderson, Hila creates magic with cosmetics.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
111SKIN: Tell us about how you grew into your career?
HK: I started with a job at MAC Cosmetics (the only thing I knew to do at the time was the sharpest, quickest eyeliner). I worked part time to help pay for my degree in Fine Arts & Art History and I fell in love with my part time job which is now my full-time career. I love having the ability to make someone feel good through my work.
111SKIN: Has anyone inspired you and supported you as you grew to where you are today?
HK: I wish I could narrow down the list to one person but honestly, it's impossible. This question is a difficult one. I'm inspired by so many, whether the presence of that person is permanent or temporary. Being an Afghan refugee myself, I'm inspired by stories of overcoming, people who have faced struggles in life and have continuously grafted and thrive. My closest friends and my family have always supported me and saw my potential before I even saw it myself.
111SKIN: What has been the best project you have worked on and why?
HK: I have been blessed to work with incredible people and amazing projects. From Chanel and Valentino campaigns to touring with Prince and being a part of a book project with him. My best work was whilst I worked at MAC, I served a lady who was terminally ill with cancer. She wasn't used to wigs and it made her extremely hot. Whilst doing her make up, I convinced her to take her wig off. I covered her head in vibrant flowers that I drew. We both cried on my counter, I'm actually crying now. I loved that I made her feel confident, and she felt beautiful. That interaction though very brief, was and has been the driving force in my career and will stay with me forever.
“I'm actually crying now.”
111SKIN: What are your plans for the future?
HK: To have a charity and to be involved in always giving back in one way or another. I feel like we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place and I truly do believe our future depends on what we do today.
111SKIN: Now onto your personal routine, what is the first thing you do when you wake up and the last thing you do at night?
HK: I always like to give thanks to God and the universe for living for another day. Whether I've had a bad day or good day, I’m always grateful. Gratitude is not just for our biggest accomplishments or achievements, but for all the little things we take for granted.
111SKIN: What is your morning skincare and haircare routine?
HK: Skincare is always simple for me in the mornings, I cleanse with a Face Halo, which is a microfibre, reusable face cloth ( I'm trying to be more environmentally friendly with how many wipes/ cotton pads are used in my day to day). I always cleanse with freezing cold water as it wakes me up and gets me ready for the day. When travelling, I use the Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Masks and I keep them in the fridge to really help reduce my undereye circles. I mainly use my Celestial Black Diamond Serum, easily my favourite product as it's so light weight and easily absorbs to the point where I can put my concealer on straight away without having to wait.
I love lashes so I empty a bottle of mascara on my eyes, put my little dots on in my water line and I am ready to take on the day. I've also stopped straightening my hair, so mornings are a lot easier. Leaving my hair wavy I like to apply Oribe's Soft Waves Lotion for completion.
111SKIN: Do you have an evening routine?
HK: I always prefer the evening as I have more time so my routine turns into a ritual as I prepare for the end of day. I love the Black Cleansing Oil by Erborian, I use it to take my make up off, with the aid of a Face Halo. I follow this up with the Antioxidant Energising Essence, this really helps soothe and calm my skin, restore PH balance especially if I have had a scrub and end with the Celestial Black Diamond Serum, it’s an absolute God send for my skin.
111SKIN: A signature product that you can’t live without?
HK: Water! It's true my skin is like a dry raisin without it and also the Black Diamond serum. I discovered this in Barney's in the winter about 4years ago. The cold and wind were ruining my skin and after 3 days of using I went back and bought the whole range. The way it helped hydrate and resurface my skin was amazing, it helped healed my eczema and calmed my rosacea.
111SKIN: Are there any wellness or fitness habits that you cultivate?
HK: Well, up until this year I had none but Quarantine was an amazing time for me to change my thought process and change internally. It took me most of my life to realise your fitness comes from your wellness. By that, I mean mental wellness, it's the key to being a healthier person. I'm on a journey right now, to be mentally and physically stronger. The best thing I have done is meditation, it is really calming. I'm also a beginner yogi, I would love to be an expert one day...
111SKIN: Do you have any beauty icons that you look up to?
HK: The supers, Naomi, Eva, Linda, Cindy and Cristy, I have to honour them. Pam Grier, her face is incredible, 60s Motown singer Tammi Terrell. Grace Jones, Prince (his eyeliner was perfection), Erykah Badu, Zendaya... The list could go on.
111SKIN: Your on the go essentials?
HK: Under eye masks, I can't live without them! I wear them everywhere, pop on a pair of big sunglasses and no one will even notice you have them on (beauty hack). Mascara, my absolute favourite is Lash Sensation by Maybelline and a gloss. I wear CTZN Cosmetics Nudiversal and sometimes I'll use the same colour as blush and eyeshadow.
111SKIN: How do you wind down in the evening?
HK: Music. I live for it. I'm an incredible shower singer even though I'm completely tone deaf. My taste in music varies from Afghani to Arabic, Afro Beats, Bollywood, Hip Hop and R&B. Due to the current situation, during quarantine I’ve watched a lot of TV and I'm not usually a TV person.
I will always pick music over it or reading a book. I feel like they help you escape it takes me to a completely different place and detaches you from the normal world.
111SKIN: Your best beauty hack?
HK: My best beauty hack is knowing that none of the other hacks matter if you don't have a good skincare routine. However, my ultimate is to always end my showers or cleanse in freezing cold water. It helps improve circulation, tightens pores and calm skin.
111SKIN: Where do you see the beauty industry going?
HK: I love seeing change and change for the better is always welcomed by me. I see the beauty industry diversifying and becoming more accepting. The whole aesthetic of people's perceptions of what beauty is, is changing and it's an exciting time, to open a magazine and see plus size bodies and BAME models gracing covers. It's an incredible feeling to see people who look like you in the industry.
111SKIN: What things bring you joy everyday?
HK: This is the easiest question; I love making people happy. Whether it's being the clown in our family gatherings, pranking my brother to sharing silly memes. I just love to make people laugh and feel good.
111SKIN: The best advice you have ever received?
HK: Be kind, always. I live by this motto. It costs you nothing and takes less energy and karma will always be on your side.
SHOP MAsKs
111ICONS: Hila Karmand
Contouring the complexions of models and A-listers alike, Hila Karmand navigates the beauty industry with grace, talent and humour. From Jourdan Dunn and Cheryl Tweedy to Leomie Anderson, Hila creates magic with cosmetics.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
111SKIN: Tell us about how you grew into your career?
HK: I started with a job at MAC Cosmetics (the only thing I knew to do at the time was the sharpest, quickest eyeliner). I worked part time to help pay for my degree in Fine Arts & Art History and I fell in love with my part time job which is now my full-time career. I love having the ability to make someone feel good through my work.
111SKIN: Has anyone inspired you and supported you as you grew to where you are today?
HK: I wish I could narrow down the list to one person but honestly, it's impossible. This question is a difficult one. I'm inspired by so many, whether the presence of that person is permanent or temporary. Being an Afghan refugee myself, I'm inspired by stories of overcoming, people who have faced struggles in life and have continuously grafted and thrive. My closest friends and my family have always supported me and saw my potential before I even saw it myself.
111SKIN: What has been the best project you have worked on and why?
HK: I have been blessed to work with incredible people and amazing projects. From Chanel and Valentino campaigns to touring with Prince and being a part of a book project with him. My best work was whilst I worked at MAC, I served a lady who was terminally ill with cancer. She wasn't used to wigs and it made her extremely hot. Whilst doing her make up, I convinced her to take her wig off. I covered her head in vibrant flowers that I drew. We both cried on my counter, I'm actually crying now. I loved that I made her feel confident, and she felt beautiful. That interaction though very brief, was and has been the driving force in my career and will stay with me forever.
111SKIN: What are your plans for the future?
HK: To have a charity and to be involved in always giving back in one way or another. I feel like we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place and I truly do believe our future depends on what we do today.
111SKIN: Now onto your personal routine, what is the first thing you do when you wake up and the last thing you do at night?
HK: I always like to give thanks to God and the universe for living for another day. Whether I've had a bad day or good day, I’m always grateful. Gratitude is not just for our biggest accomplishments or achievements, but for all the little things we take for granted.
111SKIN: What is your morning skincare and haircare routine?
HK: Skincare is always simple for me in the mornings, I cleanse with a Face Halo, which is a microfibre, reusable face cloth ( I'm trying to be more environmentally friendly with how many wipes/ cotton pads are used in my day to day). I always cleanse with freezing cold water as it wakes me up and gets me ready for the day. When travelling, I use the Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Masks and I keep them in the fridge to really help reduce my undereye circles. I mainly use my Celestial Black Diamond Serum, easily my favourite product as it's so light weight and easily absorbs to the point where I can put my concealer on straight away without having to wait.
I love lashes so I empty a bottle of mascara on my eyes, put my little dots on in my water line and I am ready to take on the day. I've also stopped straightening my hair, so mornings are a lot easier. Leaving my hair wavy I like to apply Oribe's Soft Waves Lotion for completion.
111SKIN: Do you have an evening routine?
HK: I always prefer the evening as I have more time so my routine turns into a ritual as I prepare for the end of day. I love the Black Cleansing Oil by Erborian, I use it to take my make up off, with the aid of a Face Halo. I follow this up with the Antioxidant Energising Essence, this really helps soothe and calm my skin, restore PH balance especially if I have had a scrub and end with the Celestial Black Diamond Serum, it’s absolute God send for my skin.
111SKIN: A signature product that you can’t live without?
HK: Water! It's true my skin is like a dry raisin without it and also the Black Diamond serum. I discovered this in Barney's in the winter about 4years ago. The cold and wind were ruining my skin and after 3 days of using I went back and bought the whole range. The way it helped hydrate and resurface my skin was amazing, it helped healed my eczema and calmed my rosacea.
111SKIN: Are there any wellness or fitness habits that you cultivate?
HK: Well up until this year I had none but Quarantine was an amazing time for me to change my thought process and change internally. It took me most of my life to realise your fitness comes from your wellness. By that, I mean mental wellness, it's the key to being a healthier person. I'm on a journey right now, to be mentally and physically stronger. The best thing I have done is meditation, it is really calming. I'm also a beginner yogi, I would love to be an expert one day...
111SKIN: Do you have any beauty icons that you look up to?
HK: The supers, Naomi, Eva, Linda, Cindy and Cristy, I have to honour them. Pam Grier, her face is incredible, 60s Motown singer Tammi Terrell. Grace Jones, Prince (his eyeliner was perfection), Erykah Badu, Zendaya.. The list could go on.
111SKIN: Your best beauty hack?
HK: My best beauty hack is knowing that none of the other hacks matter if you don't have a good skincare routine. However, my ultimate is to always end my showers or cleanse in freezing cold water. It helps improve circulation, tightens pores and calm skin.
111SKIN: Where do you see the beauty industry going?
HK: I love seeing change and change for the better is always welcomed by me. I see the beauty industry diversifying and becoming more accepting. The whole aesthetic of people's perceptions of what beauty is, is changing and it's an exciting time, to open a magazine and see plus size bodies and BAME models gracing covers. It's an incredible feeling to see people who look like you in the industry.
111SKIN: What things bring you joy everyday?
HK: This is the easiest question; I love making people happy. Whether it's being the clown in our family gatherings, pranking my brother to sharing silly memes. I just love to make people laugh and feel good.
111SKIN: The best advice you have ever received?
HK: Be kind, always. I live by this motto. It costs you nothing and takes less energy and karma will always be on your side.