Rachel Raj is a badass Toronto-based fashion stylist, makeup artist, and art director. I’ve never met Rachel, but I could feel her fierce and powerful energy radiate through our conversations online. Here, she shares the best drugstore makeup, a HOT styling tip that changed her world, and a super-easy hack to remove glitter.

When did you know you wanted to be in the creative field?

I was around 12 when I realized how intrigued I was by fashion. My mom made sure I was fashionable and into art and craft ever since I was a kid. And honestly, I think creativity flows in my family, although nobody ever pursued anything in fashion, design or arts. So someone had to take the first step, haha.

How would you describe your work?

My work is subtle and fierce at the same time. There’s art and beauty and a hell lot of concepts, all in one frame. 

Where do you draw inspiration from?

From literally everywhere. I mean, recently I went to the city with my friend, and kid you not, I felt so inspired. I don’t know if it was the crowd, the lights, the wind or the birds. I don’t go looking for inspiration, and it just comes to me. 

I have read that research is incredibly important in your field of work? Where do you start? Do you keep any journals or mood boards?

Research is an integral part of the process. The better the research, the clearer you are on what exactly has to be done. When I started, I did not understand the need for research, and my overconfidence got the best of me. Eventually, I acknowledged how significant research is in the whole process with time. I have a journal wherein I note down every small detail I think is important. It is also a space to welcome new concepts and ideas. I also make mood boards prior to shoots. And trust me, mood boards literally make everything so easy. 

Is there anything that frustrates you most about your line of work?

It has to be the way freelancers are treated. We’re not given as much respect, or our word is taken for granted. Models are body-shamed, while most brands and people don’t even understand why a stylist is required for a shoot or the significance of a stylist. 

What’s been the highlight of your career so far? What makes it special?

I think the first time I was approached for styling on a freelance basis. Yes, that definitely was the highlight because the industry is very saturated. People are not willing to hire on a freelance basis or freelancers who have fierce concepts. But apart from that, I think the time when I worked for Femina Miss India when I was 18, a second-year bachelor’s student. I got to work with some amazing models and Miss Universe 2017 and Miss Universe 2016. It was an amazing opportunity. 

Looking back on your beginner days, how do you feel your work has changed or evolved?

Trust me when I say this, I’ve grown so so much. When I started as a stylist, I directly rushed to the part where I got to dress models. But now, when I work, I put in a lot of thought as to which model would fit the theme, what garments to source and how, what background would be right for the frames, what mood I am creating, etc. I remember when I started doing make-up on models, it was straight-up funny. I didn’t even focus on the blending of base makeup 🙁

Could you select one or two looks you have done that have special meaning for you?

There was this one impromptu shoot, and it was the first time working with this photographer- who is now my favourite photographer to work with. We decided to do an indoor shoot with absolutely no idea where to shoot, styling, or anything else. 

We looked for a model in the morning and gathered at noon to begin. I had a few garments with me but no idea how to incorporate them. But we just went with the flow, and things started looking good for us. We shot in a vintage Indian kitchen with power suits on the models, which turned out good. That shoot is so special to my heart.

What would you like to accomplish in the next three years?

I honestly do not know. I’d love to work with a magazine or a big brand, but I haven’t really given much thought to it. 

Let’s chat beauty. How do you define beauty?

I think beauty is very subjective. For me, beauty has never been about the complexion, body type or how clear your skin is. It has always been about how I’ve been treated and your intentions toward people. Oh, also, some people have super-defined faces, and I’m here for it, haha xD.

What’s your skincare routine like? AM &PM

Oh, I am so bad at skincare. I wash my face when I wake up and use moisturizer, and the same when I go to bed. I did start using a couple of serums, but my skin is so sensitive that I never make an effort to invest in new products. Currently, I’m using this serum.  

How do you care for your hair?

I don’t really do much. Maybe apply oil with honey or curd once in a while. And definitely condition, yes. 

Blow-dry or air-dry?

Air-dry if I ain’t going anywhere and hair straightening if I’m heading out!

Three products you always keep in your bag?

Lipstick, hand Cream, and perfume.

The best beauty tip you’ve ever received?

While filling your brows, don’t go too hard on them. There’s a high chance of pulling out brows while doing it. 

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I am honestly a ‘comfort over fashion’ person. There are days when I dress up like a doll, but other days I make sure I’m as comfortable as I can be whilst looking good. And I believe everyone has their definition of beauty and fashion. You define your beauty and fashion the way you like it, with sophistication and decency.

Favourite piece of clothing you own?

It has to be my mum’s beige mesh top from the 90s. The embroidery on the neckline is just so gorgeous. 

Must-have clothing item everyone should have?

A basic blacktop. It just saves the day. Oh, also, a good pair of sneakers because why not!

Vintage or new?

Vintage anyday. It’s the aesthetics that have me hooked.

Who’s your favourite style icon?

Is it weird if I say I do not have a style icon? And if I did have, it would be my mom. Oh, when I tell you, she looked like a goddess back in her days, and she still does. 

Has any hot styling/fashion tips she passed on always stayed with you?

I can’t think of styling or fashion tip, but I can tell you what changed my world. As a kid, I faced a lot of racism since everyone around me had a lighter complexion. Some colours wouldn’t suit me, or at least that thought. I remember my mom telling me, “When you walk out of that door (the house), walk with confidence. Walk like you own the world, and nothing can ever stop you”. And I have lived by that ever since. 

What’s your favourite makeup look?

I personally love the shimmer makeup look and graphic eyeliners. I love how the shimmer pops out on my skin. But apart from that, I really like the pop colour on eyes and anything that looks bold. 

The million-dollar question: how does one remove glitter?

So, if you’re applying glitter for a shoot, ask your makeup artist to use aloe vera gel as the base for the glitter over your foundation. Aloe Vera gel isn’t visible on the camera, and it is so easy to remove. If you’re using aloe Vera gel for everyday makeup or something, make sure you apply enough moisturizer beforehand. I generally don’t use a primer on myself; moisturizer gang all the way! And when you’re removing the glitter, put some Vaseline or oil on your cotton swab. It’ll shorten the process and not irritate the skin.

Do you have any useful tips/tricks for people who suck at eyeliner?

Applying the perfect liner is a tricky business. ⅘ days I walk out with both my eyes having the perfect liner. My only trick is that I don’t doubt myself while putting on the liner. I make sure I don’t let the eyeliner have power over me. Also, make the borders first, then fill in.

Drugstore makeup or designer?

Ah, this is a tough one. Until two years ago, I never owned designer makeup. So for me, designer makeup is for days when I want to feel special or if it’s an occasion. But daily, I would definitely choose drugstore makeup. 

Who are the stars from your drugstore makeup aisle?

Um, definitely Maybelline, followed by Lakme, Revlon and Nyx.

What’s your morning ritual?

I wake up grumpy and annoyed. I check my messages, and I speak to my parents first thing in the morning before speaking to anyone else. 

What unwinding ritual helps you relax after an exhausting day?

I am so happy when I go to bed, because FINALLY! I pray every once in a while and binge watch The Office, Friends, or Schitt’s Creek while I eat my comfort food is my favourite form of relaxation. And, the other way I can relax is taking a trip to literally anywhere.

What little things bring you happiness?

A gust of wind, seeing birds fly across the sky on a sunny day, having blueberry ice cream or cheesecake once in a while, and my friends calling me now and then to check up on me even when I fail to do so. 

Thank you so much, Rachel. You Rock!!!

P.S.

More Beauty Cocktails, including a fashion model, an insanely talented makeup artist, and a fashion stylist

(Vintage Indian kitchen photoshoot shot by Agam Shah with models Jaydev Patel and Shubhra Shukla).