Do you think the Canadian Board of Tourism has a sponsorship deal with Drake? The man has single-handedly put Toronto on the travel wish list of every casual R&B listener in the past five years. Not that Toronto needed Drake. Canada on its own can carry a lot of clout. But it's pretty chill that they have a constant spokesperson who's also dated Rihanna.
Anyway, Drake is very much onto something. Canada is a total and complete beauty haven. It's the birthplace of Bite, RMS, Deciem, F. Miller, and more. Which is why Toronto specifically is our newest spot for an ultimate, 36-hour, city beauty tour. We're not locals, so we enlisted the help of Michelle Siman, creator and host of the Lemon Water podcast. (You might also recognize her from this #ITGTopShelfie.) Nothing like a local to help show you around. Here's where to start.
Friday
3PM: Kick the weekend off early at Detox Market, the Toronto outpost of the LA clean beauty favorite. No way to set the tone of a "treat yo' self" weekend then like a little browse through the May Lindstrom section...
4PM: Which brings us to the Ritz Carlton Spa just a few blocks over. The treatments are powered by Clarins and Michelle recommends the Signature Massage. "But it's not a typical massage," she says. It's a full emotional experience, which simply must be followed up by a visit to their eucalyptus steam room and chill area. "An indoor version of Amangiri," Michelle calls it.
6:30PM: Call it a night. Unpack, order room service, lull yourself to sleep with the dulcet tones of Sex And The City reruns on the in-room HBO.
Saturday
9AM: Last night was about relaxation. Today is about achieving your best you. So that means a workout. No place better than Misfitstudio for a little stretch and some moving around. Book the "Get Lifted" Pilates class with Amber per Michelle.
10:30AM: Towel off, grab a coffee, and gird yourself to shop the entire The Ordinary line at the Deciem boutique just a few blocks away. Better to ask your questions in person then on the internet, right?
11AM: Keep shopping at the original Bite Beauty Lip Lab. You worked out this morning; you deserve a customized, food grade lipstick shade to call your own, don't you think?
12PM: It's only noon but you're shopped out for the day, so put your feet up—this time at Her Majesty's Pleasure. Grab a cocktail (yes, they have a bar) and settle in for...really whatever you want. Michelle recommends a gel manicure, but a blowout with a head massage is too good to pass up. Hell, do both! You're on vacation, right?
4PM: Keep the good vibes going all the way over to Fring's, the restaurant Drake built. Grab a cocktail, an app perhaps, and people watch. You're really just gearing up for...
7PM: Second City! Yes, a comedy show. Laughing keeps you young. It's basically a beauty treatment. Enjoy.
Sunday
9AM: Sleep in. It's Sunday.
11AM: Venture out to the Gee Beauty duo of stores—the original Gee Beauty and the neighboring 6byGee. This place has everything: waxing, facials, laser treatments, makeup application... Michelle suggests the Mini Medi Hydra. Clocking in at just under an hour, the treatment takes care of everything you need facial-wise. Afterwards, hit up their brow experts. "These girls KNOW good brows," Michelle says. Before you leave, head next door to 6byGee's Le Labo bar for a quick spritz. Maaaaybe pick up an Overose candle for the road. They're the only ones who retail them in the city.
1PM: After that, Michelle directs you right across the street to Greenhouse Juice Co. to pick up a Blue Lemonade. Because health is wealth. And the weekend is just about over. Figure out how to get home, pack up, and head back to wherever you came from. 'Til next time!
