Muse of the Month 03 - Jacquie Nairn
This month, we’re thrilled to feature one of our favourite Beauty Room clients and dedicated ABR Skin enthusiasts, Jacquie Nairn. As a television director, actor, celebrant, and all-around incredible human, Jaq seamlessly balances a creative and dynamic career while staying true to herself. We’re constantly inspired by her passion, authenticity, and dedication to her craft—and, of course, her glowing skin!
We caught up with Jaq to learn more about her journey, her beauty philosophy, and why ABR Skin has become a staple in her routine.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and the different hats you wear in your career.
A: So many hats, being a freelancer! I spend most of my time directing television drama ... I've just finished My Life Is Murder, which was another career highlight, and have a bit of downtime now before my next big gig in August, which I don't think I can talk about yet ... and then my beloved Brokenwood again to round out the year. It'll be my fifth year directing an episode of Brokenwood, and I absolutely love it.
Although this downtime encompasses a lot of voiceovers and a teaching stint at South Seas Film School ... and weddings! I have a little side biz as a marriage celebrant – which I absolutely love, @weddingsbyjaq on Insta. And if an acting gig comes up, I'll do that too – but acting gigs can be tricky to fit in around directing. However, last year, all the planets aligned, and I got back on the other side of the camera in a new show called Tangata Pai. That will screen later this year. So yeah, freelance life is certainly busy!
Q: What does beauty mean to you, and how does it influence your work as a director, actor, and celebrant?
A: I'm not concerned with beauty. That's never been my MO. And I think what makes a person beautiful is their energy. It's my skin that is super important to me, and I am very careful with it ... not just because of my work ... but because I'm so fair being a redhead. I embrace my pale skin now and don't go out without sunscreen, and I look after it – first port of call is my dermatologist once a year to get checked over, and then I have some secret weapons who help me keep my skin in the best condition it can be. I'm not obsessive – but I'm committed. I love going without makeup if I can – and the better my skin is, the easier it is to do that. If my skin is in good condition, it certainly makes it easier for makeup artists to work their magic when you sit in their chair.
Q: How did you first discover ABR Skin, and what made you a loyal user?
A: I discovered Annie's expertise with eyebrows three years ago, and she's been in charge of them ever since. When she developed her vegan, no-nasties skincare, I tried a couple of products to support her ... but I genuinely love them and have been using them now for eighteen months, as I love the way they feel on my skin. If I love something and it works, I'll keep using it. It's as simple as that!
Although I'm not vegan, and not everything I put on my skin or get done to my skin is – my brain really likes the idea that I consistently start each day with clean stuff going on my skin.
Q: Do you have a favourite ABR Skin product, and why is it your go-to?
A: I have to pick ONE? I will narrow it down to two. ABR Vitamin C is next level – no grit, which I love. I've tried loads from bigger brands but won't go back after trying ABR's. The spray is divine to use before the hyaluronic at the beginning of the day – like a little face treat – and then a great refresher during the day to perk you up. I love having it on set when I'm directing – we do long, long days, and it always gives me a little lift when I give myself a spritz!
Q: How does your skincare routine fit into your busy lifestyle? Any non-negotiable steps?
A: In an ideal world – when my mornings allow ... a bit of lymph massage & bouncing, shower & face into ice bowl – ABR spritz, hyaluronic, Vit C, moisturiser, eye cream while getting in a bit of facial massage to get everything moving up instead of down, haha! Then sunscreen – non-negotiable.
Q: What is your most memorable beauty moment, either on set, at an event, or in everyday life?
A: I can only remember the bad ones! Like the downtime after IPL, when it draws pigment out of your face, it goes dark and flakes off. That's intense. But I love the result. Or a treatment my dermatologist got me to do over four days that resulted in the top layer of my skin drying out and flaking off – it was like a snake shedding skin! But he insisted I trust him and that I'd love the result. I did. It basically drew out pigment or anything that I'd need to eventually get burned off (yay, being a fair-skinned redhead!) – that was so satisfying, but I did NOT look great. The 1st AD I was working with at Shorty at the time said to me one day, “I'm literally watching your skin decide to peel off today!” – I'm a fan of heavy-duty treatments that make a big, long-term difference. Those are the facial treatments I'm into. I like a pamper one, sure ... but in my midlife era ... I want things that make a visible difference.
I'm going to do the snake shed again this winter – just need to find a week where I can hide away for a bit!
Q: What advice would you give to others juggling multiple creative roles when it comes to self-care?
A: We are all different. Just find what works for you and your lifestyle.
Q: Is there a piece of beauty wisdom that you swear by or a routine that keeps you grounded?
A: Hydrate, sleep and sunscreen. It's simple, but everything else works better if I get those things right. Smile and laughter. Joy looks beautiful on everyone.
