Lately I’ve been getting questions about where I go in Toronto for my eyelash extensions, to enjoy spa treatments, who does my make-up for events, where I get my “hair did” and where I chose to go for nails and waxing. I am a believer in “Sharing is Caring” therefore, I am sharing with you some of my beauty go-to’s in the city!

My Eyelash Fairy Godmother | Jennifer Cowaan of The Forma Group and SFYGF.com

I have to be completely honest, I have tried eyelash extensions a few times over the last two years, along with my cousin/bestie Melayna and I’ve always run into issues with them – either the lashes would fall off prematurely, which is saddening after spending so much money on a fill or my eyes would literally burn each time they would water due to the glue used. The latter was extremely problematic because my eyes tend to water quite frequently. After a long lash extension hiatus, I decided on giving it one more go with Jennifer Cowan of The Forma Group, who is also the creator and writer of SFYGF.com, a successful fashion and beauty blog. I swear, I truly think this chick is doing the lashes for every blogger, stylist and cool media personnel in the city. As Jennifer is a bit of a perfectionist (in a good way) she takes some serious time for applications, educates on how to keep them clean – the proper way, tips for longevity and you leave with a clean wand/brush after each visit.

Jennifer Cowan – Founder of The Forma Group and SFYGF.com

Bonus – I always thought that wearing mascara was an absolute no-no in relation to lash extension but according to Jennifer, she lives and dies by mascara on her own set of lashes…and you know what, it actually does work and looks FAB. For more information on hours and services head to www.theformagroup.com.

 My Spa Haven | The Stillwater Spa at The Park Hyatt Yorkville

There are many dope spas now within the city that offer phenomenal treatments, but I’m sorry, I just cannot stop going back to the Stillwater Spa. It is still THE spa to go to in Toronto for businesswomen, brides-to-be, fashionistas and the city’s “women who lunch” crew. Located in Yorkville on the ground and lower level of the Park Hyatt hotel, patrons will find 17 treatment rooms, a couple’s therapy massage room, an aqua therapy room, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and a fab tea room where you can enjoy lovely coffee, teas and some of the tastiest biscotti you will ever have in your life. My ultimate fave treatments are the essential Swedish massage ($143/60 mins) and the Red Carpet Rescue Wrap ($235/90 mins).

The aqua therapy room and tea room at the Stillwater Spa Toronto

Bonus – with any treatment purchased, you have free access to the entire facility (gym and water/steam therapy rooms, etc,) so make sure to get your money’s worth and set aside time for an entire day of relaxation.

Park Hyatt Stillwater Spa 4 Avenue Road Toronto, ON M5R 2E8 416.926.2389 Stillwater Spa Website

My Make-up Magician | Michelle Crichlow: Makeup By Michou

I mean, if her stunning face and flawless make-up isn’t already an indication, Ms. Michelle Critclow is the bomb.com. I had the pleasure of being introduced to this young talent by a mutual friend and recently used her for a photo shoot and she is now my resident make-up artist. Michelle has been playing around with make-up and beauty products since she was  a teenager and two years ago she finally decided to turn her love and hobby into a career after lending her skills last minute to a “down on her luck” bride. She is currently studying Make-Up at George Brown School and Makeup and Esthetics and will be opening up a studio space this summer.

Michelle’s work can currently be viewed on her Instagram account and her current rate for make-up application is $75

Bonus – Michelle will travel to you, either on site or a client’s home for make-up application and can be contacted at makeupbymichou@gmail.com.

My One-Stop Shop for Mani, Pedi and Waxing | The Ten Spot

If you live within the GTA then you probably already heard about The Ten Spot. It’s  no-fuss beauty and grooming boutique where you can get manis, pedis, facials, waxing and even male grooming done…I actually like to call it a “beauty bar” seeing as though it doesn’t really operate like an orthodox spa, which is pretty cool for those who aren’t into the fluff and they make it super easy for peeps to just pop in for a treatment. I usually go in for a mani/pedi but they also have affordable facials (and just $65)  that are done at their “facial bar” which is similar to a mani/pedi station, where you can just grab a table beside other facial clients within the same room.

The nail and facial bars at the Queen St. location – Photos courtesy of  The Ten Spot

Bonus – They pretty much have the entire GTA covered, with 6 different locations; Bloor West, Roncesvalles, Queen West, Leslieville, Beaches and Hamilton and very accommodating hours of operation.

Queen West (my go-to location) 749 Queen St. West Toronto, ON 416.915.1010 ext. 1

Sunday-Wednesday 8am-8pm

Thursday-Saturday 8am-9pm

For more information on services, locations, private parties and/or to book online check out their website here.

My Hair Guru | Sharon Nyah of Lids Lounge and mizshaaz.com

Now that I have found my hair guru, Sharon, I don’t think I will turn to anyone else to take care of my tresses. For years I’ve scoured the city to find the perfect hairdresser whose prices aren’t astronomical, who is located centrally, can actually cut/style/weave hair properly and more importantly, one who doesn’t have me wasting my entire day at the salon because they booked three clients all at the same time (black women everywhere know what I am talking about)…I don’t think I have ever spent more than 1 1/2 hours in Sharon’s chair – no matter what I’m getting done. And, I receive nothing but compliments each time I leave her salon. One of my fave parts of going to the Lid Lounge – the fabulous convos on fashion and men with the gay men who make up the other 5 stylists in the salon.

Bonus – Sharon specializes in all hair types (not only black hair) and you can book your treatment (cut, colour, wash, blowout, weave) directly on her website www.mizshaaz.com.

The Lid Lounge 115b Church Street Toronto, ON M5C 2G5 416.937.6436

Thursday- Saturday 10am-7pm

XO,

S