If you ever get the chance to meet Natalie Ouellette, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re in the company of Toronto’s own Audrey Tautou. Maybe it’s her perfectly cropped bangs, the fact she speaks fluent French, or her infectious laugh, but the PR consultant from Lex PR certainly lights up a room. By day, Ouellette keeps the media darlings of Toronto in-the-know of the latest beauty products to hit the market. By night, you can usually find her scouring the city for her next favourite dessert, or checking out a band that even the hipsters haven’t warmed to yet. We recently caught up with the Montreal native to find out what’s in her beauty bag, as well as what else is in store for le fabuleux destin de Natalie.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I dislike writing my own bio. I work in public relations and I much prefer to write the bios of others. I’m originally from Montreal. Yes, I do speak French and, no, you can’t hear my accent. I just got back from my third trip to Iceland. It’s my happy place, and my goal is to buy a little Scandinavian cottage near the glacier lagoon one day. Music is my passion. I’m always on the hunt for something new, and I love dancing at a live show. I pretty much only eat junk food: cupcakes, cheeseburgers, donuts, poutine, pizza, etc. I would take a bullet for my family and close friends. They mean the world to me. The tattoo on my wrist is in a book – it’s the Icelandic word for “life’s happiness” and the font was created by M/M Paris for Björk’s most recent album, Biophilia.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…there’s always something new to see. Having lived in Montreal my whole life, the city became quite small and predictable. I like that Toronto is so big and has so many secret sights that I’m still discovering after living here for five years. I must admit, I miss real poutines, smoked meat sandwiches and steamie hot dogs though.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Aside from my regular cupcake shops (*cough*, Dlish, *cough*) and fast food joints, I love Marben. The risotto is to die for, and I can’t get enough of the ginger beer they have on tap.
Who’s your favourite designer/brand and why do you sport their fashions?
I love Club Monaco and Joe Fresh. Anything that Joe Mimran has ever been a part of, really. That man is a genius and I would likely faint if I met him.
What’s in your beauty bag today?
Aside from the staples of a good tinted moisturizer, blush and mascara, I have a massive collection of wild and crazy eyeliner and eyeshadow shades that I don’t whip out often enough.
What beauty/style trends are you excited for this year?
I’m currently in love with white nail polish. Not sure if that is considered a “trend.”
What’s your favourite spa or service?
Camden Spa. Those ladies rock my world and I adore the Deep Hydration Collagen Facial. After one of these treatments, my skin is glowing and I feel like jello from the massage that is incorporated.
What’s the one – yes, just one – product you can’t live without?
Without a doubt, my blue/black hair dye. The thought of seeing my natural hair colour gives me nightmares.
If you designed a fragrance, what would it be called and what would it smell like?
I want to capture the scent of a fresh bouquet of lilacs and spray it all over my body. I think I would call it Lilacs. How original.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date of your primping and pampering?
Instagram to see into my world and Soundcloud to listen in on my world.