‘I'm on the hunt for vegan and cruelty-free products'

JAINEESHA SOLANKI ON TAKING AN ETHICAL APPROACH TO BRIDAL BEAUTY

The beauty and fashion industries finally opening up to being more ethical have had a knock-on effect on consumers, who have started thinking about the products they buy.

One of those leading the way in terms of being ethical is award-winning international bridal make-up artist Jaineesha Solanki, who has worked her magic on brides with products that are cruelty-free and created stunning looks.

With that in mind, Eastern Eye got the bridal make-up maestro to give top product recommendations.

“Being a cruelty-free bridal makeup artist, I’m on the hunt to find great quality products that are not tested on animals and possibly vegan too. Here are my recommendations of must-have products, which I think are currently the best in the industry,” said Jaineesha.

Kate McIver – Secret Weapon Serum: After seeing the before and after images displayed on Instagram of the effect of the serum, I knew I had to try some. My skin has become plumper and scarring has reduced. Head over to Kate McIver’s website and read about her inspirational story and this amazing product. Every bride-to-be needs this. Check out www.katemciverskin.co.uk (£34.99 for 30ml)

Too Faced – Better Than Sex Mascara: This is hands down the best mascara around. I have short lashes, but once this mascara is on, my lashes are thicker, fuller, longer and wispier. The hourglass-shaped brush catches the shorter lashes on the inner corner and coats the lashes to create a wispy effect. I’ve tried other mascaras hoping to find a cheaper alternative, but found this to be the best one around. Debenhams (£19)

CoverFx – Powerplay Concealer and Foundation: The Power Play foundation and concealer are not only vegan and cruelty free, but they are also free from talc, fragrance, parabens and gluten (so great for those with sensitive skin). The brand has created 40 colours in three undertones, so there really is something for everyone. I frequently travel abroad for destination weddings and find both products work a treat for my brides in the heat, as they are sweat-proof, waterproof, and longwearing.

Harvey Nichols, Concealer (£24), Foundation (£38)

Stila – Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Micro Tip: A liquid eyeliner in felt tip form. Making it easy to create a winged liner due to the microtip, it’s the blackest black I’ve found in a felt tip form and doesn’t dry out as quickly as others do. Stila actually used to sell in China, which means they had to test on animals by law; however, they pulled out of the Chinese beauty market and can now be found in the M&S beauty hall, which only sells cruelty-free brands. M&S (£14.50)

Urban Decay – All Nighter – Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray: I love that they also do a travel-sized bottle. A quick spritz of this product once the makeup is done means it will stay on all night like the bottle states. I’ve had brides who had their makeup applied in the morning and it was still intact late into the night. A must have in everyone’s makeup bag. Visit www.urbandecay.co.uk (£24)

Beauty Pie – One Powder Wonder: A recent find for me. A monthly subscription unlocks a member-only pricing for luxurious and great quality products. Beauty Pie is a cruelty-free brand with an extensive and growing list of vegan products. The One Powder Wonder is translucent and works on all skin tones. I have a dry skin type so I usually stay away from powders, however, this one creates a matte finish without looking dry, sets my makeup and the subtle iridescent particles help to blur lines. Check out www.beautypie.com (members pay £5.32)

Spectrum Collections: The prettiest make-up brushes in town. All my clients comment on my Spectrum Collection brushes when they see them. I found out about these before my cruelty-free days and it was the colour and design that convinced me to make the purchase. The brushes are cruelty-free and vegan, so completely synthetic. Great for professionals and makeup enthusiasts. Visit www.spectrumcollections.com

Charlotte Tilbury – Matte Revolution Lipstick – Birkin Brown & Bond Girl: Charlotte Tilbury makes me think of luxury and rose gold. This brand has been cruelty free from the day it launched and now also has a growing vegan range. Birkin Brown is a darker brown shade (I wear this when I’m only wearing mascara on my eyes), and Bond Girl is a soft berry colour, great from daytime to evening. Both these shades are matte so they’re long-wearing and the colour payoff is great too. Check out www.charlottetilbury.com (£24)

Charlotte Tilbury – Scent of a Dream Perfume: The first vegan and cruelty-free perfume I purchased. It smells gorgeous and is once again in luxurious packaging. This one can make a great gift for a loved one. Visit www.charlottetilbury.com (30ml for £49)

Violet Voss - Holy Grail Pallete: One of my go-to paletes for my brides. This one is usually sold out, so if you see it, make sure you get it. It consists of gorgeous warm bronze, gold tones and shades of copper and cranberry. The colour payoff is very good, with minimal fallout. A mix of shimmer and matte shadows, 20 in total, you really can’t go wrong with this palete. Visit www.beautybay.com (£43)

Jaineesha Solanki is an award-winning international bridal make-up artist. Visit Instagram: @jaineesha.wife.life, @jaineesha_mua and www.jaineesha.com, Facebook: Jaineesha makeup Artist