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Meet Go Native maker Christine Thorburn, founder of all-natural skincare and makeup brand, Clearburn Naturals.

Hi Christine! Tell us a bit about Clearburn Naturals. What do you do, and how did the business come about?

I have always been interested in making natural healing balms for myself, but was self-taught, and didn't know how to make emulsifications. Since I wasn't happy with the number of chemicals in conventional skincare and makeup that we use, I decided that I needed to learn how to make natural skincare correctly and safely for myself and others. I did a diploma in Natural Skincare, that taught me how to formulate and make my own products naturally. 

You’re based in Northland. How important is location to what you do?

I have lived in Whangarei all my life, and enjoy the lifestyle, beaches, and bush. I harvest some of my herbs from my own property and carefully selected bush areas (sustainably). 

Tell us a bit about your product range and how it came about.

I have a range of natural skincare products and makeup, from lavender foaming cleanser and lavender micellar water to eyeshadows, blush and soon-to-be-launched lipsticks. 

I use glass instead of plastic where I can, and all my products are tested on humans, not animals. I have tried to keep my skincare products suitable for vegans. 

Your products are often really inventive. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I initially started with things that I wanted to use myself, but decided I needed to consider everyone. This is why I have so many colours in my makeup range. I made my mango and kokum balm when I needed to have a procedure done at the base of my neck. I wanted something that would help heal it quickly. My kawakawa and hemp balm was made on request, but I wanted something better than just kawakawa, olive oil and beeswax. I made my deodorant on request, and it's a unisex balm. 

When did you first discover natural cosmetics?

I first started studying in 2016, and still continue to learn.

Have you had any mishaps in the process of developing your own products?

When you formulate your own products, it's a case of trial and error to get it just right, which can be very frustrating at times.

What's the coolest thing you've learned in the process of running your business and making your products?

I found the coolest thing was learning to make my own formulations, particularly the way the oils, butters and hydrosols combine to make luscious moisturisers and body lotions. 

What natural beauty products or ingredients do you find yourself recommending most often?

I find my most popular products are my kawakawa and hemp balm, micellar water, moisturizer, body lotion, and eye shadows.

Who are your favourite social media follows for inspiration?

I follow @formulabotanica and @lisaliseskincare for my inspiration.

If you could go back to the start of your business journey, what would you do differently?

 

If I could go back to the beginning, I'd tell myself to start sooner and not to let life distract me so much, and to take it one step at a time. I would also start my website sooner, with just one product and slowly build up.

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Find Christine and her products on Instagram, Facebook and on the Clearburn Naturals website.

If you're a maker who uses Go Native ingredients, we'd love to feature you on these pages! Drop us a line at alice@gonative.co.nz