What was your most memorable childhood beauty experience?
Good or bad, our first beauty encounters are something that we’ll always remember. We asked some of our professional partners from across the country to share their most formative beauty memories, and they’re incredibly relatable.
Alexandra Kingston
Skin therapist and co-owner, Skinalchemy, London, Ont.
“My passion for skin started when I was 10 years old. I was a competitive swimmer and struggling with acne. I had the usual T-zone acne, but I also had it on my shoulders, décolleté and back. Since I spent many, many hours in the pool, this was something that really bothered me. I asked my mom to take me for a facial, and that is where I learned to truly take care of my skin, cleansing morning and night, proper hydration and rebuilding my skin barrier.”
Kimberly de Matos
Founder Kimberly de Matos Skin, Vancouver
“When I was around 12, my mother taught me to clean my face with cold water and finish a shower with a 10-second cold rinse because the heat from the shower always inflamed my skin. The cold rinse not only improved my skin but also kept my hair shiny and healthy. It’s a practice I have continued and highly recommend.”
Taisiya Toroptseva
Skin specialist, LAC+BEAUTY, Toronto
“Born and raised in Ukraine, I was always surrounded by beauty, from my country’s beautiful landscape to its beautiful women. My mom was the perfect example of a beautiful and well-kept woman. She always took care of herself and was an amazing woman inside and out. Every Saturday, she had her hair and nails done in a beauty salon. This routine just added to her look; it seemed effortless, but in reality it was meticulous and, most importantly, she always enjoyed it. One time she took me with her to the salon—I was maybe 10 or 11 years old. That first visit changed my life! I remember just sitting and watching, mesmerized by all the women who were having their nails or eyebrows done or their lashes tinted. What I remember most is that everyone looked so happy and walked out with their beauty enhanced and big smiles on their faces.”
Dani Reynolds
Prop stylist, Toronto
“Frosty pastel eyeshadow—as inspired by the likes of Lizzie McGuire and Britney Spears—was my go-to beauty look during my tween and teen years. I worked at a movie-theatre concession stand in St. Catharines, Ont., and was known for my colourful eyeshadow looks—the M.A.C booth at the local mall took all my money! Even though I was just sweeping popcorn off the sticky theatre floor, I was always so excited to get glammed up in my pastel purple or blue shadow before my shift began.”
Stacey Irvine
Founder, Stacey Irvine Skin, Calgary
“I have three daughters, and we’ve developed a ritual of washing our faces together at the end of the day. I love the simplicity of us coming together to nurture ourselves. It provides a moment for us to unload from the day and for me to share little tidbits on prioritizing self-care. Even if it’s simple and quick, it’s a beautiful opportunity to turn inward and connect with the mindset of being kind to yourself.”
