Story by Caitlin Agnew. Illustration by Brian McLachlan/Torontoist.
While TIFF is all about out-of-this-world parties and the outfits to match, the majority of us aren’t working with a blockbuster budget. With our wallets’ best interest in mind, we’ve scoured Toronto for the best fashion and beauty deals to take you from Norma Jean to Marilyn—diamonds not included.
THE DRESS
My Favourite Dresses (myfavouritedresses.com, 634 Yonge St., Suite 201, 416-944-9207)
Located in Toronto’s high-end shopping mecca, My Favourite Dresses rents A-list designer dresses so you never have to wear the same thing twice. New arrivals just in time for TIFF? Frocks from Hervé Leger and Halston. Bonus: Dry cleaning is included.
Price: $50
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THE NAILS
Lucky’s Nails (101 Yorkville Ave., 416-920-2402)
Get your hands and feet in shape in the heart of the film fest action. Just don’t let the paparazzi catch you in your flipflops on the way out.
Price: $45 for manicure and pedicure
OR
Joe Fresh Style Nail Polish (joe.ca)
Skip the nail bar and go the DIY route. The secret to the perfect at-home manicure? Patience and a shiny top coat.
Price: $3
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THE HAIR
Blo Blow Dry Bar (blomedry.com)
Styles include the Red Carpet, the Hollywould, and the Bardot Updo. Tip: A blowout will last at least two days if you treat it right: Sleep on a silk pillowcase (which minimizes frizz), and use a dry shampoo like Frédéric Fekkai’s Wash & Wear spray shampoo to absorb excess oil.
Price: $33
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THE JEWELLERY
Vintage Mix 1 (186 Ossington Ave., 416-534-7767)
Hollywood is all about the balance between real and fake. Keep them guessing with some vintage costume jewellery.
Price: $25 (for an amazing statement piece)
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THE FACE
Holt Renfrew beauty counters (60 Bloor St. W., holtrenfrew.com)
Learn tips and tricks from the pros, with a free makeup lesson and application. Our favourite station? The Laura Mercier counter.
Price: Free (but it’s nice to buy something as a thank you)
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THE LASHES
Quo Eyelash Kit (Shoppers Drug Mart)
The secret to picture-perfect eyes is false lashes—everybody’s faking it. For a more subtle look, cut the lash strip in half and apply only to the outer half of your lids.
Price: $10.50
OR
Shu Uemura Black Velvet Feather False Eyelashes (60 Bloor St. W., holtrenfrew.com)
If you’ve never applied false eyelashes before, consider splurging, and then asking the pros to put them on for you. (It’s all fun and games until…) When you buy a pair of lashes from Shu Uemura or Laura Mercier at Holts, you receive a complimentary lash application.
Price: $25 for lashes; application is free
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Priceless? Poise, confidence and a smile.
Check out our picks for TIFF’s top parties and hottest spots, and visit torontoist.com/tiff for all the TIFF news that’s fit to print.