Milk + Blush Meets... Alyson Peacock

Milk + Blush Meets... Alyson Peacock

This week we shared our Halloween looks for 2019, including a very spooky cowgirl and a glamorous vampire. We really wanted to go the extra mile this year so we asked makeup and hairstylist Alyson Peacock to help us create something new. She’s incredibly talented, and it only took a quick scroll through her feed to see how creative she is. Today she’s spilling her top tips on making your Halloween look last longer and a few pro tools that are worth investing in…   M+B: How did you get your start in the industry? AP: I’ve been playing around with hair and makeup since I was a kid so the interest has always been there. I’m a really creative person and have a few creative pursuits, one of which is hair and makeup. I’d been talking about going to makeup school for years and my mum was actually the one who said to do it, so I did. I loved school, I was like a sponge with everything I learned and I still am. Never stop learning! For me and for so many artists it’s about word of mouth and really putting yourself out there to connect with the creative community. Especially when it comes to freelance work. I connected with photographers and modelling agencies and offered free services to start, then once I built the trust I started booking paid work. It’s all about the hustle.   M+B: Are there any pro tools in your kit that we could incorporate into our daily hair routines? AP: The H2D Haircare Interchangeable Curling Wand, hands down! It’s a little longer than regular wands which is great for working with hair extensions. It also comes with 3 different sized, interchangeable wands that create different size curls. You definitely need a good hairdryer too. It’s a game changer in your routine as it dries your hair quicker if you are short on time and is way less damaging, especially if it has different heat settings.     M+B: Do you have any advice for making your Halloween hair and makeup last? AP: Prep is the key! For makeup, I always use a good primer like the MAC Prep + Prime 24 Hour Eye Base. I also avoid using creams or oily products as they crease throughout the night. However, if you do want to use cream products then just make sure you set them with powder to increase their longevity. You always want to make sure you’re using a good setting spray, like the Urban Decay All Nighter. As for hair prep it’s so important in making a look last. You definitely want to avoid overloading your hair with hairspray as it just weighs it down and will make your curls drop. You also need to find a good heat protector and fixing spray that you can use on your hair before styling. I love the White Sands Liquid Texture Spray as it’s really versatile and holds your look in place throughout the night.   M+B: What are your favourite hair products at the moment? AP: Kerastase Elixir Ultime is my favourite product. It’s the first thing I put in my hair once I’m out of the shower as it’s repairing, smoothing, a heat protector and adds shine. If it’s looking a little lacklustre I’ll use some more after I’ve finished styling to add shine. I also use it on my clients to smooth their hair and make it look glossy. It’s on the pricey side but it’s worth the investment and lasts a year, sometimes more as you only need the smallest amount. I also love the Ouai Finishing Creme, it’s great for creating effortless, undone beach waves. I only use the smallest amount and run it through the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. It creates a piecey look to your curls while smoothing the ends. Lastly, Olaplex No 3 is a great treatment for anyone who’s hair is prone to breakage or if you have processed hair. It’s like Botox for your strands and I love using it as an overnight mask.   M+B: What do you think is the biggest mistake people make with their hair? AP: I would say overloading the hair with too much product. This weighs it down and can cause your hairstyle to drop within an hour. On that note, I think too many people use the wrong products for their hair type. Just because it works on someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Everyone’s hair is different, it’s like skin and there’s no one product that fits all. You need to find what works for you and stick to it.   M+B: Do you have any tips for making your hair look amazing in photographs? AP: You definitely want to invest in a good shine serum or shine spray to finish the hair. They last forever as you only need a small amount but they make such a huge difference and look amazing in pictures.   M+B: What do you think the biggest hair trends will be for the winter? AP: Hair accessories for sure, like hair clips and scarves. I love braiding a scarf into a messy bun or adding a few glam pins as it instantly dresses up your look. I’m also seeing a lot of halo braids. It seems hard to do but it’s worth mastering as it’s a great transitional, day-to-night look.