Elaine Atkins is the geek of glam around Toronto. Using her brains for beauty, her blog Toronto Beauty Reviews is a must read for any product lover. We caught up with this multitalented madame to get a sense of what she’s really about…

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
My name is Elaine Atkins and I’m an everyday girl from Toronto with a passion for all things beauty, skincare and style. I have a background in Chemical Engineering and started my blog as an outlet to indulge in my girly side. I like to focus on a down to earth perspective of product reviews, highlights from Toronto’s beauty and fashion events, local businesses and personal style. Although I love putting on makeup and finding just the right outfit to wear out, you can usually find me relaxing on the couch at home with my husband and my cat, Baxter.

How did you get interested in the world of beauty?
I think I was born to love the world of beauty! Ever since I can remember I was always very girly. My mom didn’t wear a lot of makeup and didn’t have designer clothes, but that didn’t stop me from getting into her lipsticks and putting on her high heels. As a kid when my friends were playing outside, I preferred to stay in and play with my Barbies and in high school when my friends were staying out really late I was always home earlier experimenting with makeup.

What’s your beauty must-have?
That is a really tough one! At the moment I’d have to say a really good foundation and bold lipstick.

What beauty/style trends are you excited for this year?
I always look forward to Spring and Summer to see prettier makeup. While I love the look of the smokey eye there are rarely many occasions where this look is appropriate. I much prefer seeing ladies with a clean face; maybe a bit of liner and mascara and bright lips.

What’s your favourite spa or service?
I love going to Pure + Simple (a Toronto based spa) for their facials. It’s a non-intimidating and friendly atmosphere and their facials are so effective, plus they are relaxing.

What’s the one – yes, just one – product you can’t live without?
My Weleda Almond Oil.

If you were a nail polish, your colour name would be _________.
“Understated” and it would be the perfect cream mauve/grey.

Favourite beauty/style ad campaign of the past decade.
I’m a sucker for any campaign with Christy Turlington in it. I don’t think she could ever look bad and any ad she’s in has a classic and timeless feel to it. They’re simple and remind me of the original supermodel days.