TORONTO BEAUTY REVIEWS: YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO THE LATEST IN BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

Menu
  • Makeup
    • Clean Beauty
    • Collections
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Lips
    • Fragrance
    • Nails
    • Makeup Tutorials
    • Makeup Giveaways
  • Hair
    • Cleansing
    • Styling
    • Hairstyle Tutorials
    • Haircare Giveaways
  • Skin Care
    • Clean Skincare
    • Facial Skin Care
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging Skincare
    • Body Care
    • Sun Care
    • Spas and Services
    • Skin Care Giveaways
  • Toronto Love
    • Canadian Brands
    • Toronto Brands
    • Local Events
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health
Menu

Guest Post: Nicole About Town

Posted on July 8, 2014July 6, 2014 by Elaine

Today’s guest blogger is Nicole About Town who shares with us her Summer Sun Essentials to make sure you get that beautiful summer glow all season long!

*****

summer-sun-essentials

It is summer once again here in Canada, and I for one, am loving it. With summer comes changes. Changes in the clothing we wear, the food, drinks and treats we eat, and if you are as into beauty as I am, then there are changes in your beauty products as well. They could be little changes or huge changes, but the changes occur nonetheless. When it comes to Summer Sun Essentials that I absolutely cannot live without, there are three products that make my list hands down.

summer-sun-essentials (1)

#1. Bronzer
Would you believe that until this spring, I had never used a Bronzer before? Well it’s true. Lets face it, I am a WOC and really, why would I ever need a Bronzer on my NC45 skin? Well that was what I thought for a number of years and boy was I wrong. Enter in the Too Faced Bonjour Soleil Limited Edition Summer Bronzing Wardrobe, and I find it is one product I now can’t live without. This palette contains three different types of Bronzer: Chocolate Soleil – a Matte Bronzer that is great for contouring, Sun Bunny – a Natural Bronzer that is great to give a natural and subtle sun kissed glow to the skin, and Snow Bunny – a Luminious Bronzer that adds great highlights and radiance to any skin tone. There is not a day that goes by that I am found without wearing one of the Bronzers contained in this palette or a combination of the three and honey, my skin has never looked better. Sephora.com $54 CAD

summer-sun-essentials (2)

#2. Bronzing Blush
Yep, that’s right on top Bronzer being one of my essentials, so is a Bronzing Blush…or really just any kind of shimmery, light reflecting blush. I use the blush to add a bit of colour to my face in combination with the Bronzer. My go to pick is this Estee Lauder Bronze goddess Seat Star Bronzing Blush from a few seasons ago. It’s no longer available in stores, but I am sure that there are dupes available out there. I personally only use this Blush in the summer. The two tone of the sand and peach colours blend so well on my skin to add just the right colour to any makeup look I may be wearing.

summer-sun-essentials (3)

#3. Tonic Body Treatment Oil
For me, it’s not all about the face, you also have to take care of the rest of your skin. To help keep my skin in the looking soft and supple, I cannot live without this Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. You are looking at a sample size that I received in one of my Sephora Favourites packages. I loved it so much that I purchased a full sized version as well, but I simply refill my smaller sample sized bottle and keep that with me in my everyday makeup and travel bag. I generally use on my skin after getting out of the shower, but this smaller sized bottle comes in handy for any touch ups, such as heels and elbows, that happen during the day. It is fast absorbing and one of the most non-greasy body oils that I have ever used. It doesn’t even take five minutes to soak into my skin and it leaves no greasy residue behind. Clarins.ca $57 CAD

So there you have it. Three of my Summer Sun Essentials that I absolutely can’t live without. Well I probably could, but I would be a lot less fabulous if I did.

What about you? What are three of your Summer Sun Essentials?

*****

Amazing picks Nicole! I actually haven’t tried ANY of these products out so I’ll be sure to keep my eye out!

 

Sign up for the Toronto Beauty Reviews Newsletter!

Want the latest beauty, style and event news right in your inbox? Sign up now!

Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Share on social:

10 thoughts on “Guest Post: Nicole About Town”

  1. Nano Beauty Star says:
    May 5, 2026 at 10:08 am

    I hope you’re doing well.
    I’m reaching out from the content collaboration team of a Canada-based beauty brand. We recently discovered your website and truly value the quality and consistency of the content you publish.
    We would like to explore a simple and mutually beneficial collaboration — a relevant content partnership along with a contextual backlink exchange between our websites. The idea is to share useful, well-placed content that provides value to both audiences while enhancing visibility for both platforms.
    If you’re comfortable with this, we’d be glad to discuss suitable topic ideas and placement options that naturally align with your existing content.
    Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

    Reply
  2. Megan Joy says:
    July 9, 2014 at 10:26 am

    That Estee Lauder Bronzing Blush looks gorgeous. I too am new the bronzer game but now I am all about it!

    Reply
    1. Nicole About Town says:
      July 9, 2014 at 10:32 am

      It is gorgeous Megan. It took me a while to actually use it because I just didn’t want to touch it. Bronzer is never something I ever considered for myself, but surprisingly, it works on me very well!

      Reply
  3. Julie from Swatch and Review says:
    July 8, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    Oooh need that Clarins oil!

    Reply
    1. Nicole About Town says:
      July 9, 2014 at 10:30 am

      I would love it even better if it came in a spray or pump bottle, but as it is, I still love it!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer Monforton says:
    July 8, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    Ah, what a lovely guest post! Nicole has some amazing picks- I really do need a Too Faced bronzer in my life 🙂

    Reply
    1. Nicole About Town says:
      July 9, 2014 at 10:31 am

      Thanks Jennifer!

      The bronzer’s smell like Chocolate! I personally love the Too Faced one!

      Reply
  5. Beyond Blush says:
    July 8, 2014 at 11:30 am

    Great picks Nicole! That Clarins oil sounds amazing 🙂

    Reply
    1. Nicole About Town says:
      July 9, 2014 at 10:31 am

      That Clarins Oil is amazing. It’s just so moisturizing and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth!

      Reply
  6. Yousra (@SwatchingOddity) says:
    July 8, 2014 at 10:41 am

    I’ve always felt the same way in the past — never bothered to use a bronzer because I already have a tan, but it really does add warmth to the skin. It’s too bad that the bronzing blush isn’t available anymore 🙁 it looks so cute!

    Swatching Oddity | Beauty Blog

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

Welcome to Toronto Beauty Reviews!

TBR is a space for us to share reviews of beauty products we love, easy makeup tips, and insights into our personal wellness journeys.

We believe that beauty and wellness are for people of all genders, all skin tones, hair types, backgrounds, and ways of being.

We hope you’ll find something here that helps you feel beautiful, inside and out!

More About TBR

  • About
  • Partnerships
  • Disclosure

Meet the Team!

About Maddie | Toronto Beauty Reviews
Welcoming DJS to the Toronto Beauty Reviews Team | Toronto Beauty Reviews

Get Social With Us!

Facebook Twitter Instagram

torontobeautyreviews

Editor of #TorontoBeautyReviews.
Sharing our beauty & wellness faves ✨
📍Toronto, ON
maddie@torontobeautyreviews.com

If traditional strip lashes stress you out, check If traditional strip lashes stress you out, check out @prettyinthecity.beauty’s Ready to Wear Pre-Glued Lashes! No waiting for glue to dry, no mess, no fuss 😍 - just fabulous lashes that can last up to a week. 🙌🏼

Like anything, there’s a bit of a learning curve for application, but Veronica and her team have tons of videos and tips to help you feel confident in no time. ✅

If you’re looking for lashes that last more than one night but aren’t as big of a commitment as lash extensions, these are definitely worth trying out! 

*gifted product 

#torontobeautyreviews #canadianbrand #prettyinthecity #torontomakeup #lashclusters
Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️ To my fellow Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️ 

To my fellow queer folks:
Take up space, keep fighting, lift each other up. 
Create community, live to the fullest, be audacious in your joy. 
You are loved. You are nature. You are worthy. 

To those who try to erase us, legislate away our freedoms, and ban our stories:
You won’t change us. 
We will win. 
And the world will be better for it. ✨

👚shirt is from @outonthestreettoronto 

🎨Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Perfect FX cream in White 
@shoppersdrugmart Quo Beauty Love is Love palette 
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 
Assorted @colourpopcosmetics shadows
@kjh.brand Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek in Soft Cherry
@kulfi.beauty Lassi Lips Staining Lip Liner in La La La
@winky_lux Very There Lip Oil in Pink Opal & So Extra Mascara
@milkmakeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint in 2 & Hydro Grip Concealer in 0.5 

#torontobeautyreviews #pridemakeup #queerjoy #drugstoremakeup #pridetoronto
If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat in the c If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat in the city, @mirajhammamspa in the Shangri-La Hotel should absolutely be on your list! ✅

I was invited to try the Turkish Bath Ritual and was truly blown away. The space is beautiful and calming, the service was impeccable, and the treatment itself was divine. 🧖‍♀️💆‍♀️ 

It’s an indulgence to be sure, but one I would 10/10 recommend for special occasions. 

Have you tried this type of treatment? 

*hosted

#torontobeautyreviews #turkishbath #mirajhammamspa #torontowellness #torontospa
Grateful to have had the chance to meet this wonde Grateful to have had the chance to meet this wonderful human. Truly, @mattzhaig‘s writing has changed my life on more than one occasion. 

If you haven’t yet read a Matt Haig book, I highly recommend you find yourself a copy and a comfy chair, and get ready to sink into his extraordinary world. 

#tifa #gratitude #matthaig
You asked, so I tried it! 😲 Face Pilates at @amans You asked, so I tried it! 😲 Face Pilates at @amanspatoronto 

SO many different tools and techniques to target each of the facial muscles and leave you feeling sculpted, relaxed, and refreshed! ✨

Would you try this? 

#Torontobeautyreviews #facepilates #torontoblogger #torontowellness #amanspa
Keeping things pretty natural these days, makeup-w Keeping things pretty natural these days, makeup-wise. 😊

Some products I’ve been loving:
@kulfi.beauty Lassi Staining Lip Liner in Lassi 
@winky_lux Espresso ‘Tini Lip Balm* + So Extra mascara
@milkmakeup HydroGrip Concealer in 0.5 + Cooling Water Jelly Tint in PhReeze 
@marcellecosmetics CC Cream SPF 35 in Fair*

*gifted items 

What are your current faves? 

#torontobeautyreviews #springmakeup #affordablebeauty #easymakeup #tbrcontributors
Cheeky cherry ft. @annabellecosmetics ! 🙃🍒 Wearin Cheeky cherry ft. @annabellecosmetics ! 🙃🍒

Wearing:
Lip liners in Fuchsia and Red Flame
Fruity lip oil in Black Cherry 
Perfect Blush in Orchid 

Such a fresh and fun look for Spring! 

*all gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #annabellecosmetics #drugstoremakeup #makeupinspo #canadianbrand
My recent @kjh.brand purchases 🤩 💜 Hyper Shine Li My recent @kjh.brand purchases 🤩

💜 Hyper Shine Lite Pigment in Lite Purple
🍒 Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek in Soft Cherry
🖌️ No. 2 & No. 3 Brushes 

Have you tried anything from KJH.Brand yet?
Feeling refreshed and fabulous after this beautifu Feeling refreshed and fabulous after this beautiful manicure by Donna (my queen!) at @emilyhousenail! 💙💅🏼

(The color is @moding.gel 033, Cat Eye Blue Forest, in case anyone wants to twin with me!)

#torontobeautyreviews #nailsinspo #catseyenails #torontoblogger #emilyhouse
This @winky_lux Matcha Lip Balm came at just the r This @winky_lux Matcha Lip Balm came at just the right time! 🍵 Loaded with avocado and coconut oils, Vitamin E, green tea extract, and caffeine, it’ll heal those crusty winter lips in no time. 💚 🥑☕️

Plus the green tea and vanilla scent and flavor are SO delish 😍 It’s my new morning essential!

*gifted 
#torontobeautyreviews #winkylux #beautyblogger #lipbalm
Hi! 👋🏼 I’m still here! I’m sorry I haven’t posted Hi! 👋🏼 I’m still here! I’m sorry I haven’t posted much. I’m finding it a bit hard, tbh. 🫤

I’m figuring out what the next phase of #TorontoBeautyReviews looks like and healing from an injury, while my 9-5 has lately been more like 7-7, so I’m filling my off hours with family, dance, food, and books. Finding joy and peace where I can in an intense world. ❤️

I still try out lots of products and I do occasionally paint my face 🙃. I’m just not as interested in the grind of daily posts just for the sake of staying relevant anymore. Which has meant that I’m not on as many PR lists as I used to be. Which means that I don’t have as much new stuff to review. It’s a cycle. 

Things are shifting, which is tough sometimes. But it’s ok - so am I. 😊

#torontoblogger #milleniallife
December ❄️🎄❤️ Seeing @arianaandtherose and her a December ❄️🎄❤️

Seeing @arianaandtherose and her amazing new show
Wearing @winky_lux Very There Lip Oil on repeat
Getting festive 
Listening to jazz
Watching sunsets 
The best @honeys.icecream 
Baking tiny meringue Christmas trees 
@guster_dog finally able to go back to his happy place @houndsofyork 
My toothbrush roasting me for my insomnia 
Snoopy vibes 
Assorted Christmas magic featuring piano, cookie decorating, and happy dogs in the wood 
Managing to conquer the @pimenterie challenge box with @adam__malek 
Dog cuddles 

#monthinreview #torontobeautyreviews #torontolife #decembervibes
Presenting (get it? 🙃) TBR’s much-anticipated 2025 Presenting (get it? 🙃) TBR’s much-anticipated 2025 Holidays Gift Guide! 🎁🎄

Featuring our picks for the best Canadian, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious gifts in skincare, beauty, and home goods (plus a splurge suggestion or two!), we’ll help you find something for everyone on your list. Including you! 

@cosmetteskincare 
@stoicbeautyskincare
@bkind.products @bkind.skincare 
@provinceapothecary 
@madkind.official 
@madeupbeauty_ 
@bonjoubeauty 
@annabellecosmetics 
@sharkbeautyca 
@crestoralbpro_ca 
@plasticflux 
@sonnihaus 
@cheeksahoyhandmade 
@claxton_grove 

🇨🇦🌿🐰
Thank you to @lucid.pr @lexprcanada @natapr_ @msl_canada @ooak_toronto @shoppersbeauty for introducing me to these incredible brands! 

#torontobeautyreviews #holidaygiftideas #shopcanadian  #giftguide #crueltyfree
#ad Looking for something *other* than a red lip f #ad Looking for something *other* than a red lip for your holiday look? @annabellecosmetics has you covered with their ICONIC Kohl Eyeliner! 🎄❤️

✨40 colours to choose from 🎨
✨ Satin, matte, and metallic finishes 🪩
✨ UNDER SEVEN DOLLARS! 😲
✨ smooth, blendable, and long-lasting 🏆
✨ vegan and cruelty free 🐰
✨ Canadian 🇨🇦

I am not exaggerating when I say that I wear at least one shade of Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner almost every single day. They’re perfect for your holiday look - and every day thereafter. ☺️

@shoppersbeauty @pjcjeancoutu 

#annabellecosmetics #annabellebec #torontobeautyreviews #easyholidaymakeup
Little slice of life over the past month. Hanging Little slice of life over the past month. Hanging with friends, Halloween makeup, beautiful clouds, everyday makeup, The Beaches, cookies, Paul McCartney, sunsets, media previews, fresh nails, Guster. ☺️❤️
#ad A classic with a twist! Here’s my Glampire lo #ad  A classic with a twist! Here’s my Glampire look using @annabellecosmetics limited edition Halloween collection, available at @shoppersbeauty 🖤🧛‍♀️ So easy and so much fun! This quick look has major bite 😈

🩸Satin Single Eyeshadow in Burgundy
🩸Chrome Single Eyeshadow in Silver (Frosted Steel)
🩸Perfect F/X Face and Body Cream in White
🩸Bigshow Hydramatte Liquid Lipstick in Black & Look at My Plum 
🩸Bigshow Multi-use Eyeshadow Pen in Black

#torontobeautyreviews #easyhalloweenmakeup #shopcanadian #glampire #canadianmakeup #halloweeninspo #annabellecosmetics #annabellebec
I am still in the midst of testing all the amazing I am still in the midst of testing all the amazing goodies we were gifted at the @shoppersdrugmart #ShoppersBeautyPlusEvent last month -  just check out all these incredible brands! 🤩 

Here’s a quick overview of some of the beauty products I’ve been playing with lately. See any of your faves? ❤️ 

#torontobeautyreviews #shoppersdrugmart #shoppersbeauty #lexpr #drugstorebeauty #tbrcontributors #affordablebeauty
Did a beautiful hike this summer in Quebec, and lo Did a beautiful hike this summer in Quebec, and looking out at all that gorgeous land was a true highlight of my year. ⛰️🌲Whenever I get overwhelmed, I look at these videos and they help ground me. Hoping they do the same for you if and when you may need it ❤️

#torontobeautyreviews #hikequebec #mindfulness
A longer video, because there’s a lot to talk abou A longer video, because there’s a lot to talk about here. 🫤 I’ll be reaching out to the company in question to make them aware of the situation, but I wanted to share it with you all as well. 

How is this type of thing still happening, even in the age of AI? If a high-tech “smart tool” can’t properly recognize and accommodate diverse skin tones, then it needs further development and should not yet be released. End of story. 

Use your purchasing power to support brands that are inclusive in their product development, testing, promotion, AND corporate structure. Every action has impact. 

#torontobeautyreviews #realtalk #inclusivebeauty
Want to prioritize Canadian skincare brands? Check Want to prioritize Canadian skincare brands? Check out @bkind.skincare (@bkind.products en français!) for effective, cruelty-free skin, hair, body, and nail care products made in Quebec. 🇨🇦🐰🌿 

Their Refining Face Peel with fruit acids, witch hazel, and willow bark is my fave! Gives a lil reset whenever my skin freaks out during seasonal weather changes. 🥰

#torontobeautyreviews #bkind #madeincanada #canadianskincare #mytbrfave #crueltyfreeskincare #canadian
Follow on Instagram

Archives

July 2026
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Dec    

Proud To Be Partnered With…

© Toronto Beauty Reviews 2021