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In GT Cover Shoot

A CONVERSATION WITH Hifsa Khan

A CONVERSATION WITH Hifsa Khan

Hifsa Khan, the visionary behind the eponymous Hifsa Khan Salon, has long been synonymous with luxury beauty, refined aesthetics, and flawless bridal artistry.

With an eye for detail and a passion for transforming every bride into her most radiant self, she has built a legacy that seamlessly merges tradition with modern elegance.

Her latest bridal campaign, featuring the sensational Aima Baig, is a celebration of opulence, individuality, and timeless glamour — reaffirming why Hifsa remains at the forefront of Pakistan’s beauty industry.

In an exclusive conversation with Good Times Magazine, the beauty maestro opens up about her journey, her signature approach to bridal artistry, and the inspiration behind this show-stopping collaboration.

You’ve been at the forefront of Pakistan’s beauty industry for years. How would you describe your journey from starting out to becoming one of the most sought-after makeup artists?

My journey in the beauty industry has been a labor of love, driven by a vision to empower women and celebrate their individuality. I transitioned from a successful banking career to makeup artistry after realizing my true passion lay in making brides feel like princesses on their special day

What was the “aha” moment when you knew beauty and makeup were your calling?

The “aha” moment struck when I got married and had an incredible wedding makeup experience, understanding the importance of time, love, and care in bridal services

 How do you define your signature makeup style?

My signature makeup style is soft, subtle, and dewy, focusing on enhancing natural beauty without overdoing it.

As trends keep changing, how do you strike a balance between timeless beauty and current trends?

By striking a balance between current trends and timeless beauty principles, I create looks that are both modern and enduring where my clients leave feeling confident and beautiful, knowing they’ve achieved a look that’s both on-trend and uniquely their own.

What’s the one makeup rule you always live by?

My top rule is to always listen to the client’s needs and preferences, ensuring the final look is tailored to their vision

Your recent makeup campaign with Aima Baig created quite a buzz. Tell us about the inspiration behind the looks.

The campaign’s inspiration came from Aima’s vibrant personality and style, blending traditional elegance with modern glamour.

Did Aima’s personal style influence the makeup choices for this shoot?

Aima’s personal style significantly influenced the makeup choices, with a focus on accentuating her features while maintaining her signature bold yet subtle natural look.

How was it working with a bride who’s also a music icon?

It was an absolute pleasure working with Aima, who brought her music icon charm to the shoot, making the entire experience enjoyable and memorable since she is really professional & passionate about her work too.

You work with brides on one of the most important days of their lives. What’s your secret to giving each bride a unique, unforgettable look?

My secret to giving each bride a unique look involves thorough discussions about their skin tone, preferred colors, jewelry, and attire, ensuring a personalized approach.

In your opinion, what’s the biggest bridal makeup mistake to avoid?

The biggest bridal makeup mistake to avoid is overdoing it, which can make the bride look unnatural and detract from her beauty.

What’s the atmosphere like inside your salon on a busy wedding season day?

On busy wedding season days, the salon buzzes with energy, as my team and I work together to create magic for each bride. We ensure that all the protocols are followed since to give best-in-class luxurious experience is ahead of everything for all of us.

How do you train and inspire your team to maintain the salon’s standards?

I train and inspire my team through on-the-job training with local and international experts, ensuring they maintain the highest standards.

Which makeup artists or creatives inspire you globally and locally?

I’m inspired by various makeup artists globally, but my biggest inspiration comes from my clients and their stories.

How do you stay creatively fresh after years in the industry?

To stay creatively fresh, I continually update my skills through workshops and training sessions, exploring new trends and techniques.

Do you believe makeup has the power to change someone’s confidence or self-image? Can you share a memorable moment when you saw this happen?

As a makeup artist, I’ve seen firsthand how makeup can transform not just one’s appearance, but also their mindset and confidence. It’s a privilege to be a part of such moments, and I’m constantly inspired by the impact makeup can have on people’s lives.

What’s your personal beauty routine when you’re not behind the brush?

Matte or dewy?

Dewy

Bold lip or smokey eye?

Both, depending on the occasion

Signature scent?

I adore luxurious fragrances, especially having floral notes

Coffee order?

Latte obviously.

Favorite travel destination?

Greece

Dream celebrity to work with?

Working with international icons would be a dream come true

What exciting projects can we expect from you next?

We’re working on expanding our services and introducing new product lines, staying true to our commitment to excellence and innovation.

Where do you see the Hifsa Khan brand in the next five years?

I envision the Hifsa Khan brand becoming a global name in the beauty industry, synonymous with luxury and exceptional service.

What advice would you give to young makeup artists who want to make it big in this industry?

My advice would be to stay passionate, work hard, and continually update your skills. Building a strong network and learning from failures are also crucial steps to success in this industry

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In GT Event

Spa Day

Highlights from the launch of Shanell Beauty Salon in DHA Lahore.

 

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In GT Interview

Up-close with Beauty Entrepreneur Zunaira Ovais

Zunaira is the owner of Pakistan’s first medical spa, Picture Perfect. She is a licensed and certified permanent makeup and microblading artist with 6 years of experience. Trained in Dubai with PhiBrowsTM and BioTouchtm, she offers microblading, lash services, permanent makeup, and more to enhance your natural beauty and leave you feeling confident and radiant.

So Semi-Permanent makeup, that means we have to put less makeup on in the morning right? What inspired you to become a semi-permanent makeup artist?

Yes, semi-permanent makeup can definitely save time in the morning since it’s designed to last for an extended period. As for what inspired me to become a semi-permanent makeup artist, I’ve always been passionate about enhancing natural beauty and helping people feel confident in their own skin. The idea of providing a long-lasting solution that simplifies daily routines appealed to me, prompting me to pursue this career path.

Tell us a bit about your journey from learning, practicing and then introducing a medical spa in Pakistan.

My journey began as a certified SPMU artist trained by Biotouch and Phibrows UAE. I started by practicing my craft diligently, building my skills and reputation. As demand grew, I transitioned from a home-based studio to establishing a medical spa in Pakistan. It’s been a fulfilling journey of learning, growth, and realizing my entrepreneurial dreams.

Zunaira tell our readers what actually is a medical spa and What treatments are offered at your med spa?

A med spa is a facility that offers medical-grade cosmetic treatments and procedures in a spa-like environment. At Picture Perfect, we specialize in advanced aesthetic treatments like microblading, micropigmentation, facial rejuvenation, injectables, laser hair removal, and skin tightening. Our focus is on enhancing natural beauty and rejuvenating skin in a safe, personalized, and professional environment.

What’s the difference between a MedSpa and a salon?

A med spa offers medical-grade cosmetic treatments supervised by healthcare professionals, while a salon primarily provides hair, nail, and basic skincare services without medical oversight.

What are the four most in demand treatments at your salon?

At our clinic, the four most in-demand treatments are microblading, permanent hair extensions, laser hair removal, and injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers.

As we get to experience a very humid summer season tell us about 3 important treatments we all should go for?

In preparation for humid summers, consider three key treatments: BB glow for radiant skin, especially beneficial as it provides a semi-permanent foundation-like coverage, perfect for days when traditional foundation may not fare well in the humidity. Aqua Gold facial to minimize pores and rejuvenate, and Hair Botox for sleek, frizz-free hair. These treatments ensure skin and hair stay hydrated, radiant, and resilient in humid conditions.

How do you think acceptance has grown towards these procedures and semi permanent makeup in Pakistan?

Acceptance of semi-permanent makeup in Pakistan has surged due to global beauty trends, increased visibility on social media platforms, and the availability of skilled professionals offering these services. This growing acceptance reflects a broader understanding of the benefits these procedures offer in enhancing appearance and boosting confidence among individuals in Pakistan.

What is the difference between BOTOX®? and fillers?

Botox relaxes muscles to smooth out wrinkles caused by facial movements like smiling or frowning, while fillers plump up areas to reduce wrinkles from aging and volume loss.

Are MedSpa services expensive?

MedSpa services may have a higher price point due to the use of advanced technology, medical-grade products, and expertise involved. However, clients often find value in the quality and effectiveness of the treatments.

What are permanent cosmetics?

Permanent cosmetics involve implanting pigment into the skin to enhance facial features like eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips, mimicking the look of makeup for long-lasting results.

Tell us about two most important facials that brides and bridesmaids must get from your salon?

For brides and bridesmaids, our salon offers the HydraFacial and Glow Facial. The HydraFacial deeply hydrates and nourishes, while the Glow Facial exfoliates and brightens for a radiant complexion on the big day. These treatments ensure everyone looks stunning for the special occasion.

What are your future plans and do you plan to introduce some more services at your salon?

Our future plans for the med spa are quite exciting! We’re aiming to expand our services by introducing an Operating Theater (OT) for more intricate procedures. Additionally, we’re looking to collaborate with a plastic surgeon to offer a wider range of aesthetic treatments. Every new innovation in the field of beauty and aesthetics will find its place in our med spa !!!

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In GT Interview

Up-close with HENNA BAIG the Creative Director “The Cutting Edge” Salon

Henna your salon, The Cutting Edge has marked its name in the beauty industry of both Pakistan and Dubai. How do you feel about it today?

The success of my brand brings a feeling of satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment.  There is a sense of validation and recognition for all the hard work and dedication of the past 17 years. It drives me to work harder and do better.  I’m  grateful for the overwhelming response from the UAE market.  It’s been a rewarding yet challenging experience so far and my aim is to make a mark amongst the top hairstylists of the world.

It has been a great learning experience to work out of my comfort zone and work in an extremely competitive market in Dubai.

What inspired you to become a hair and makeup artist?

Playing with hair has always intrigued me.

I was a 5-year-old when I first noticed that dolls’ hair could be coiffed. This hobby extended to my sisters and I would spend hours playing with their hair;

braiding it, brushing and trying different hairstyles.

Growing up I would go through my mother’s magazines and notice how impactful the hair is in a picture. I believe 70% of your look is how your hair is done. The first thing that grabs my attention is the hair, the colour, the style and everything related to it.

My mother opened her first salon when I was 19 years old and that’s how I got a platform to pursue my passion.

A brief overview of your experience as a hair stylist, including any specialized training or certifications you have received?

I started training in 2009 and have been working since then. Over the years, I  have taken multiple courses from Toni and Guy, Singapore to  learn different haircut techniques.

I started my colour training with Loreal Paris and I go there every year to learn new techniques and colour trends. I have also taken training from famous hair dressers like Mounir and Catherine Boden.

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest hair trends, styles, and techniques?

I am constantly studying and attending trainings(virtual and in person) to keep myself updated with the latest trends and techniques. I take courses every 2/3 months with different beauty academies and hair and makeup trainers.

Tell us about a challenging hairstyle or color request you have successfully executed? What made it challenging, and how did you achieve the desired result?

Oh Gosh! There are soo many but there  is this one that I recall right now, a client came to me with repetitively box dyed ginger (orange) hair and requested for an ash shade. This is sometimes impossible to achieve in one sitting without damaging the hair. I managed to do it in one sitting without any damage and it took almost 6 hours to achieve the result.

Explain how you’d advise a young girl going for a makeup & hair look that’s both trendy and parent-approved

Please take care of your hair health and skin.

Invest in good hair and skin products. Trust me- healthy skin and hair doesn’t require a lot of makeup or hairstyling.

Tell me about three hair & makeup trends you’re a fan of.

  • Korean lips. It gives a very raw tint to the lips, accentuating the pout.
  • Curtain bangs are just soo much fun.  Depending on your face shape and hair type, they contour your face and add that oomph factor.
  • Feathered eyebrows- they add softness to your face

Which hair trend you think will be trending this summer’s season?

Copper gingers and very vibrant shades of rose copper are definitely back. Whether is a blend, balayage or highlights, the fiery shades are definitely the IT look for this summer.

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