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

ON SCENE: Blush Pretty Beauty Board

Posted on May 13, 2013March 16, 2014 by Elaine

As you may know the annual Blush Pretty Beauty board was held the previous weekend. This year I was full on involved with the planning and I’m in awe of Stephanie who has essentially put together all the previous beauty boards single handed-ly! I have been spreading the word about the Beauty Board since I first attended and this year Ashley decided to check it out. She was kind enough to share her thoughts on the Beauty Board on Toronto Beauty Reviews.

*****


When I heard Blush Pretty was hosting their annual ‘Beauty Board’, I must have been one of the first people to buy tickets! After hearing some of the wonderful things from previous guests, I knew this was going to be one of the best events of the year. 

Held at the swanky Loft 404, Stephanie and Elaine pulled out all the stops. The foods, the drinks, the venue and the vendors were all absolutely amazing. Read on to see my experience!



First up, one of my personal favourites, Dot & Lil, were in attendance! It’s always lovely to see Anne again! She brought along with her an arsenal of Spring treats – including fan favourites Sweet Pea Flower soap, Rice Flower perfume, and her infamous facial serum. I personally stocked up on Sweet Pea Flower soap, considering it’s a seasonal product, and I saw a lot of other people stocking up on their faves. 


What I always love about Anne’s displays are the fact that they are always so chic. Filled with dainty vintage pieces and porcelain cups, it’s always pure elegance. 


Lastly, I also purchased this Oatmeal Body Scrub bar. I have yet to try it, but knowing Dot & Lil’s reputation, it’s going to be flawless. 


I managed to rope Anne in for one photograph (just excuse the lovely photographer in the mirror)! Thanks Anne! 


Next, I stopped in at the Pelle Beauty booth. Pelle Beauty is a luxury, all natural, and vegan skincare line that promotes beautiful and radiant skin! Their products are loaded with plant based infusions and essential oils. Your skin soaks up this products like it’s parched! 


Look at that table! It was fully stocked with Pelle Beauty products from top to bottom. On the left, you’ll see Pelle Beauty’s ‘PelleInfusions’ Facial Concentrations – a serum that does not include fillers, water, preservatives or synthetics. This super high concentration formula blends into your skin and will prevent it from moisture loss. In the tiny jar, you’ll see Pelle Beauty’s Lip Balms – unsweetened and lightly scented, each batch is totally handmade! Rounding out the table are Pelle Beauty’s Cleansers and Facial Mists. (Editor’s note: Review of Pelle Beauty products here)

 


Lucky for us, they also had both testers and travel size kits on hand! If you were unwilling to commit to full size bottles, the travel size is definitely the way to go! 


Next up was Miyu Tea and Beauty. An up and coming brand set to release their line in Spring or Summer 2013, it’s a subtle mix of tea products that help aide in your beauty experience. This brand helps work your beauty complexion from the inside out. I even got a  beautiful smelling tea in my swag bag, and I don’t even like tea!


Their table was so pretty, and jam packed. I look forward to seeing their products out this season! 

 


Sweet Leaf Bath Co was a eye-catching table. Single-handedly the best part of this company, and the part that peaked my interest, was the fact that their products all come from Fair Trade materials. All products are handcrafted in small batches, and are 100% handmade. Infused with essential and natural oils, their range of products include soaps, lip balms, bath soaks, butters, and body scrubs. Yummy! (Editor’s note: Sweet Leaf lip balms reviewed here).

 


First thing I looked into were the soaps! They had half a dozen different scents to choose from, including Patchouli, Rosemary Mint, Citrus Splash, Cosmo, and Chocolate Peppermint. Chocolate Peppermint was good enough to eat!


Sweet Leaf Bath’s Body Scrubs were to die for – I really wanted to indulge myself in their body scrubs! The darker one is Java Bean Scrub, which is known to reduce cellulite. The lighter one is their Sweet Sugar Scrub, which is known to moisturize and condition your skin. The darker brown on the right is the Sweet Relief Brown Sugar Scrub, specifically for weathered feet. All smelled divine.

On the other side of the dish are Sweet Leaf Bath’s Shea Butters. Contained in a compostable jar (how green!), the Shea Butters are available in Sweet Mango, Shea and a Foot Butter. 


Next, they had an entire bowl of their Sweet Leaf Bath’s Lip Balms. Voted Canada’s Favourite Fairtrade Bath and Body Product, this balm is chalk full of moisturizing properties that will intensely hydrate your lips. Interesting fact – these tubes hold 30% more than regular drugstore tubes AND they’re eco-reasonable. 


Ella’s Botanicals are products that are 1oo% from nature. And, there is actually an Ella behind Ella’s Botanicals! A lovely lady, she explained her product line to me and I instantly fell in love. With a background in herbs and aromatherapy, this is a great avenue for Ella!


Look how pretty and bright her packaging is! Included in her line (and the photos above) are their infamous Magic Balm, Beauty Bars, Lotions, Shower Gel, Liquid Soaps, and Baby products. Neat note – her products are also gluten free!

The Magic Balms were one of my favourite products (the middle picture). Available in Lavender, Clementine and a Bottom’s Up Diaper formula, this handy little balm works on any and every problem! Lips, hands, chapped skin, burns and rashes – all handled with this go-to balm. 


It wasn’t all makeup and beauty products! Feather Band was also there, showcasing their extraordinary hair accessories. Sorry for the intense glare in the photos, they were directly behind a large open glass! 


I can’t believe the detailing in the headbands above. Everything was just so pretty. See the white one’s in the first picture? Perfect for a Spring wedding!

 

Another fave of mine – Kona Kare – were also in attendance. Flavoured lip balms that are all natural and 100% Canadian, I’ve been in love with the brand since I was introduced earlier this year.

 
 
 
 

Kona Kara has four balms available, and they are all so subtly divine, you’ll be stocking up! Available in French Vanilla, Chocolate Peppermint, Unscented and Peaches and Dreams, you’ll find a flavour that matches your personality. Personally, French Vanilla is good enough to eat. 

 
 
I’ve been chatting with creators Mikayla and Nadim for a couple months now, so it was so great to finally meet them in person. They are both lovely, sweet and amazing – everything I expected them to be! So glad they are having such amazing success. Please excuse my general unphotogenic-ness, but Mikayla is a natural beauty!
 
After checking out A Paper Story booth, I sincerely wish I could be that creative! 

 

 

Check out her amazing projects, ranging from Birthday cards, Mother Day’s cards, and Wedding Invitations  Her wedding invitations were downright gorgeous – I definitely have her in mind down the road!

 

 
 
 

I managed to rope Elaine in for one photograph with the lovely Regina! Again, glare from the windows! Thanks Regina for the photo (and to the lovely photo bomber)! (Editor’s note – “photo bomber is the amazing Samantha B!)

Did anyone else go? What a great experience, I recommend it to anyone. BIG thanks to both BlushPretty, Steph, Elaine, and all the amazing vendors who helped out. Looking forward to next year already!

 
 
 
NOTE: All photographs courtesy of Ashley McKernan

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:

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

Follow us on Instagram!

Maddie Monroe (TBR)

torontobeautyreviews

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

Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷 Wearin Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷

Wearing @colourpopcosmetics Ultra Matte lip in Jellies and @annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner in Black*

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #bluelipstick #boldmakeup #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #colourpopme
Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that show off every hue of you? Check out @annabellecosmetics new Big Show Multi-Use Eyeshadow Pen! 🎨

✨ Canadian 🇨🇦
✨ Cruelty-free
✨ 12+ hr wear
✨ affordable ($10!!)

#ad #Annabellecosmetics, #AnnabelleUGCTeam #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #natapr #canadianmakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #easymakeup
Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? ✨ Swing by @touchmassagebar for a seated massage!

Here’s a quick peek into my experience with the « I Want it All » foot, hand, neck, and shoulders massage with the « Free Your Mind » scalp massage add-on. Heaven! 😍

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #massagetoronto #footmassage #scalpmassage #touchmassagebar #treatyoself
Putting these on the grid so I can look at them lo Putting these on the grid so I can look at them long after they’ve gone 🥰💐 

@wellingtonfleur did an amazing job creating this custom bouquet! (And @adam__malek did an exceptional job picking things out!)
💙🩵🩶 Wearing: @hauslabs Triclone skin te 💙🩵🩶 

Wearing:
@hauslabs Triclone skin tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted 
@annabellecosmetics kohl eyeliner in black* + Sky Limit mascara*
@tower28beauty GetSet powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number (as blush)
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate 
#QuoBeauty Love Is Love palette
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #boldmakeup #blueeyeshadow #makeupinspo #drugstoremakeup #beautyforeveryone #canadianbrand
Little pop of color to brighten the grey day 💚🖤

Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Kohl eyeliner in Balsam Green*+ Sky Limit mascara* + Perfect Fit setting spray*
@colourpopcosmetics Just My Luck palette
@hauslabs Triclone Skin Tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted + cooling water jelly tint in Splash 
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel
@tower28beauty GetSet powder in translucent + Oneliner in Paint My Number 
@kjh.brand Hyper Shine Highlight kit in Lite Pink 

*gifted products 
#mytbrfave #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #greeneyeshadow #easymakeup #makeupinspo
Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way of your holiday shopping? 😬 Not to fear - TBR’s elves have got you covered! 🙌🏼

Check out our last-minute holiday gift guide highlighting local stores where you can get amazing presents for everyone on your list! ✅🎁

Featuring: @thedetoxmarketcanada @aaniin.hello @goodintentions.to @soccoliving @juxtaposeannex @shoppersdrugmart @canadiantire @wildcraftcare @sharkbeauty @sodastreamcanada @annabellecosmetics @marcellecosmetics (and a pro tip from @calenmikenzie!) 

*some products were gifted for editorial consideration 

#lastminutegifts #holidaygiftguide #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #shoplocalcanada #torontobusiness
🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋 Hallowee 🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋

Halloween as a librarian who used to be an MUA 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #halloween2024 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #makeupinspo #easycostume #bookstagram
Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂 # Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂

#torontobeautyreviews #librarian #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dailymakeup
Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weat Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weather changes? Learn more about why LoLa loves @byoma - and why you should definitely check out this drugstore powerhouse - in her latest piece for the blog. 

🔗 in bio! 🙌🏼

*products kindly gifted

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #byoma #villabrill #brillcom #lexpr #shoppersbeauty #drugstoreskincare
Prague! 🇨🇿 1 - Charles Bridge 2 - St Vitus Prague! 🇨🇿

1 - Charles Bridge
2 - St Vitus Cathedral (took 600 yrs to build; I cried because it was so stunning in person)
3 - Cute lil gargoyle 
4 - Palace gardens
5 - Beer Spa + beer chocolates in Tycho Brahe’s former home! (Check out my recent reel for more on this)
6 - Truffle gnocchi in champagne foam @cafeimperial_praha 🤤
7 - Klementinum Baroque library 
8 - from the top of the Astronomical Tower! 
9 - Astronomical Clock 
10 - Wunderkammer at Strahov Monastery 
11 - Philosophical Hall at Strahov Monastery
12 - c. 1800 Dendrological Library at Strahov (books carved from trees, covered in their bark and lichen & filled with their leaves and seeds!)
13 - 800 yr old natural sandstone water spring underneath Strahov Monastery, now housed in what they call “Hell” restaurant. 😂 @napekle 
14 - Travel friends! @kendranh 
15 - *Immediately* losing at pinball at @joystick_bar_prague 👾
16 - Getting *very* into the all-you-can-drink wine bar (!) @nasklenicku 🍷
17 - obligatory trashy snacks after the wine bar 
18 - peacock chilling on the hotel grounds @hotelupava 
19 - Fun restaurant where you pay by the skewer (sooo tasty) @bistrospejle 
20 - the views were ok, I guess 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #prague #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #praha #europetrip #visitprague
Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show in July ✨❤️ The Lonely Hearts Club tour was an absolute banger. CANNOT WAIT for the next album! Get your glitter ready, friends. 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #lonelyheartsclub #lonelyheartsclubtour #arianaandtherose #torontoevents #synthpop #indieartist
Venice! 🇮🇹 1 - gelato 2 - stunning architec Venice! 🇮🇹

1 - gelato
2 - stunning architecture everywhere 
3 - snacks 
4 - the original horses from St Mark’s Basilica
5 - Ponte dell’Accademia 
6 - 🍝
7 - the staircase of books at the Libreria Acqua Alta 
8 & 9 - canals 
10 - Torcello
11 - Burano 
12 - 1300 yr old church 
13 - casual ceiling in Doge’s Palace
14 - glass art from Murano
15 - St Mark’s
16 - tiramisu cannoli. Italian food turducken!
17 - Vivaldi concert w orchestra in Baroque costumes
18 - 🍕

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #venice #italytrip #summertravel
Come with me to pick up the art piece created from Come with me to pick up the art piece created from the flowers in my bridal bouquet! 🥹❤️

Getting my flowers preserved and turned into this incredible piece was one of the best decisions I made during my wedding planning. ✨

Amanda and her team are extraordinary artists (and wonderful humans!) who give your flowers a new life and preserve memories. Every time I walk past this piece on my wall, my heart glows with flashbacks of my wedding day. 

If you have an important event that includes flowers, do yourself a favor and book with Parched to get them preserved. They accept flowers from across Canada, and have worked on blooms marking all occasions of life, from graduations, baby showers, weddings, and memorials. They can even create pendants using flower remnants! 

Bouquet: @coolgreenandshady 
Wedding photographer: @alexa.studios 
Wedding planner: @karinalemkeweddings 
Preservation artists: @parchedfloral 

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #smallbusinesssupport #floralpreservation #torontowedding #weddinginspo #parchedfloral #weddingflorals
Come visit a Beer Spa with us in Prague! 🤯🍻🛁

This was definitely a unique and fun experience during our vacation. And our skin felt soooooo soft after! 😍

#Beer #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #prague #europetrip #tripideas #spaday 

Would you try this?
Recent looks 💁‍♀️💋 I just came back fr Recent looks 💁‍♀️💋 I just came back from a trip and challenged myself to switch up my makeup throughout. From pops of color to a more neutral look to a glam evening, I definitely had lots of fun. 😊

Hero products include: 
@annabellecosmetiques skinny mascara* & kohl eyeliners in Balsam Green* + Wood Charcoal*
@tower28beauty swipe concealer in BU
@milkmakeup cooling water jelly tint in splash 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate
@kjh.brand hyper shine highlight in lite pink

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #easymakeup #beautyforeveryone #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave
If you’ve followed me for any length of time (or If you’ve followed me for any length of time (or met me in person for like 5 mins!), you’ve heard about my love for @lezethelabel 🤩

This brand is phenomenal. I love every piece of theirs that I own and wear a Lezé item almost every day. 

@lezethelabel is:

✅ WOC founded 
✅ Canadian
✅ Ethically produced 
✅ Sustainably made using innovative fabrics (like 🌽 or material made from recycled fishing nets!) 
✅ THE COMFIEST 
✅ Designed for real bodies! (Big pockets, lots of stretch, extended sizing)

The humans in charge are also incredibly kind and generous. ❤️

➡️ Since it can be hard to figure out sizing when purchasing online, I put together this little lookbook for you. Basically, I wear a L in their items made from their recycled fishing net fabric, but an XL in the corn, since they’re a little closer to the body and I like a baggier fit in that fabric. I typically wear a size 14. 

If you’re interested, check them out! And feel free to use my discount code (TORONTOBEAUTYREVIEWS15) for 15% off! 🔗 in bio. 😊

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #sustainablefashion #canadian #canadianfashion #comfycrew #lezethelabel
Dark circles? I don’t know her. 🙃 If you’r Dark circles? I don’t know her. 🙃

If you’re in the market for a new eye cream, I highly recommend checking out @sahajanskincare’s Golden Glow Eye Balm. ✨ It’s formulated with ghee (!) and feels sooooo silky and gorgeous. This powerhouse ingredient has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, and for good reason! This eye balm is mega hydrating but feels light and melts right into your skin 🤩 

In addition to ghee, it also includes rose oil and eyebright - these high-performance ingredients work together to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. 

This Canadian brand is WOC-founded, and products are cruelty-free as well as eco-friendly. 🇨🇦🐇🌍

Have you tried @sahajanskincare yet? 

 *Gifted @1milk2sugarspr 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #ghee #canadianbrand #cleanskincare
I loved my long hair, but I was ready for a change I loved my long hair, but I was ready for a change. 💇‍♀️ @leeoc_hair at @thecellarsalon is the only person I would trust when chopping off this much! (I think it was around 10”!) If you’re looking for a hairstylist who is knowledgeable, talented, and the absolute sweetest, give her a call! ❤️

This bob is going to take some getting used to after my messy mane of long hair, but I already feel sooooo much lighter ✨

What do you think of the new look? 🙃👩🏻‍🦰

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #torontohair #bobhaircut #hairtransformation #thecellarsalonto
If you know me IRL, you know I’m a cleaning frea If you know me IRL, you know I’m a cleaning freak. 🙈🧼But, since I’m allergic to everything (fragrance, harsh chemicals, etc 😖) and also care about the environment, I try to find options that are natural as well as effective. 🌍🫧 That way, they’re gentle on my skin and the world, but tough on germs and dirt!

We’ve been using @nelliesclean dish sticks, stain stick, laundry soda for the past few months and LOVING them. ❤️ I even purchased Nellie’s Oxygen brightener recently, which is a bleach alternative that boosts color and keeps whites white. They WORK. (And look very retro chic!)

If you’re looking for effective, naturally-derived cleaning products from a Canadian company, I highly recommend that you check out @nelliesclean! 🇨🇦

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #cleaninghacks #naturalcleaning #cleaningproducts #nelliesclean #lucidpr
Load More Follow on Instagram

Get Social With Us!

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Archives

May 2025
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Dec    

Proud To Be Partnered With…

© Toronto Beauty Reviews 2021