Clean Beauty Close Up with Christine Jairamsingh

Christine Jairamsingh, green beauty consultant and pro make up artist — *Christine Jairamsingh, green beauty consultant and pro make up artis*t

Christine Jairamsingh is a professional makeup artist and clean beauty consultant based in Toronto. With over 15 years experience in the beauty industry and a background in holistic nutrition, she aims to give a unique and fresh perspective on how to incorporate clean beauty in an effortless and modern way. She is one of very few professional make-up artists that use predominantly clean beauty. Her unique style and love of bold colour set her apart. She has worked on campaigns for Vogue Italia, Flare, Corey Morianis, Minnow Bathers, Michons Marigot

Tell us about your journey into clean beauty

I’ve always had an interest in natural, holistic and conscious ways of living. Growing up in Edmonton, I would loiter at the health food and sustainable stores and collect any information related to these topics, at the same time, had an inherent interest in beauty and makeup. I tried countless supplements, herbs and diets in my roundabout quest for health which also led to trying natural skin care and makeup products along the way with limited options, as the industry was very small then.

My makeup career began while I was in University. I started working at a local MAC counter and it was a dream come true. I always wanted to be in the presence of colour and creativity, and to work for a company that supported inclusivity and social causes. I worked there for a number of years and eventually left because there was no beauty or fashion industry in Alberta and I couldn’t see a sustainable future as a makeup artist. I decided to move to Vancouver to attend the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, with the intention of practicing as a Holistic Nutritionist when I graduated. I ended up working in vitamin sales for a short while, but being in a city with a fashion and movie industry, I quickly found myself focusing on makeup again! It’s funny how life works.

When I returned to make up, I didn’t feel good about putting together a professional kit entirely composed of conventional makeup products. I decided to combine my holistic nutrition knowledge with my approach to beauty. I wanted to have a kit using all natural and clean options, but it wasn’t possible in 2010. I gradually incorporated clean options into my makeup applications and when the industry started to grow, I was more than ready to embrace using the products for fashion, commercial and private clients

In 2015, I took on the role of Lead Makeup Artist and Educator for The Detox Market, where I had the privilege of meeting countless founders and interacted with lines just prior to them becoming successful in the mainstream. It was a special time where I learned directly about ingredient sourcing, brand missions, and personal experiences that led to the formation of clean makeup, hair and skin care lines. I think this insider’s view was what truly inspired and solidified my commitment to clean beauty and ensured that it would be a part of my professional career as a freelance makeup artist and consultant.

I currently use all clean beauty products on myself, with the occasional exception, and offer the same option for my clients. With the wide range of current products, I rarely feel like I’m making a compromise by using clean beauty and I also prefer how it feels and performs on my skin. Typically, my professional work involves using a combination of clean and conventional to achieve specific looks, but the industry is growing so rapidly that I’m sure I won’t need many conventional options soon enough.

What is the biggest misconception about clean beauty?

That it doesn’t perform or that it’s inferior to conventional products. I would argue that, in many cases, clean products have surpassed conventional options in terms of quality and benefits. Or, at the very least, they’re bringing something new and valuable to the table that can no longer be overlooked or dismissed.

What are some of the health risks associated with conventional make up? Are there specific ingredients we need to be more aware of or avoid?

Some of the primary concerns associated with conventional makeup has to do with irritation, reactions, congestion and also risks related to hormone disruption and cancer.

For example, phthalates are an ingredient found in some fragrances (makeup typically contains fragrance) and can be associated with hormone disruption. In my career, a more obvious side effect that I’ve witnessed is surface irritation and headaches as a result of using scented products that include phthalates.

Silicone is another example. Technically not deemed unsafe in cosmetics, but many find it contributes to congestion in their skin. Many clients of mine who have switched from conventional, long-wearing and silicone-containing foundations to clean options have experienced a lot of benefits, like less congestion and breakouts.

Other ingredients of concern include certain preservatives like parabens and pigments.

Risks associated with conventional cosmetics has become a controversial topic. There’s a lot of backlash with individuals arguing that there isn’t substantial evidence to claim that ingredients like parabens, phthalates and petrochemical dyes are harmful for health.

On a practical level, I meet individuals all the time who have direct and obvious complications with many ingredients that are deemed safe by regulatory bodies and toxicologists in certain percentages. For me, that’s evidence enough to seek alternate products that lack those ingredients. Ultimately, I believe that it’s the responsibility of the individual to determine their needs and preferences, because regulations and even scientific studies might not reflect what’s ideal for their body.

It’s important to note that natural and clean ingredients also have the potential to cause sensitivities and reactions, but, for many, they can provide a lot of healing and relief. It’s all about choosing what’s right for you and paying attention when incorporating new products, clean or conventional.

What are some of your favorite clean make-up products?

I have so many! The industry is growing so rapidly, that even I can’t keep up. My make-up is pretty minimal day-to-day. These are some of my personal long-term favourites for daily use:

Do you have any books, apps or other resources you recommend for more information?

I think resources like EWG, Paula’s Choice and Think Dirty give bits of information that help to point people in the right direction but don’t often give the full picture.

My advice would be to start reading labels and become familiar with ingredients, ask questions and do your research. It can be a daunting task at first, but it’s the only way to know what’s truly in a product and whether it’s right for you. It can also be helpful to find knowledgeable people who work in beauty or brands that you trust to refer to for more information and recommendations when you need some guidance.

Christine offers a wide range of services from professional film and editorial work to make up application for events and weddings to full clean beauty lessons and overhauls. She works one on one to help you transition to a cleaner, greener make-up routine and gives you all the tips and tricks to highlight your natural beauty! To find out more visit her website: http://www.christinejair.com and on instagram: @christinejair