Nicole is the founder and senior artist at Bianca & Co, a Toronto-based Cosmetic Tattoo Studio. After graduating from OCAD University, Nicole worked in the architecture and design industry-leading a wide spectrum of projects including luxury residential and large commercial work. In 2016 she pivoted and jumped headfirst into the Permanent Makeup world. With her creative background in art and design and strong attention to detail, Nicole quickly realized she had something unique to bring into the beauty industry. Nicole is fun, light-hearted, and approachable. She creates a warm inviting studio environment where she can really take her time and connect with each client. It’s much more than just a transaction, they just happen to leave with a beautiful set of brows.
What’s your current skincare routine? Are you someone who likes to follow each skincare step every night? What are some of your favourite Miracle 10 products to use?
I’m always game for a full and thorough skincare routine. I don’t mind having multiple products to choose from each night, it keeps things exciting! I’m currently using Cleanser II, Sunscreen, Spot Solution and Light Serum in the AM and Solution I, Retinol 30 or AHA Gel and Moisture in the PM. Oh, and I use the Eye Treatment every day both AM and PM! I’d have to say that Spot Solution and Retinol are my favourite products right now. Spot Solution attacks pimples before they have a fighting chance and Retinol 30 is so gentle - it's unreal.
Have you always cared for your skin? Was there a moment or time in your life that propelled you into self-care?
Yes, I’ve always cared for my skin and I have my mom to thank for that! Growing up she was 100% a full skincare routine woman and naturally, I grew up being exactly the same. Although I’ve consistently followed a skincare routine, I’ve also always had a pretty bad habit of picking at my skin which has been my struggle for as long as I can remember. I’m glad to have been introduced to Miracle 10 because the products are helping me manage the bumps (so there's nothing to pick!) and the hyperpigmentation that's been left from years of damage.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur and start your own practice?
Well, this is a WHOLE story but of course, I’ll keep it short. I have a long history of working for toxic people in very stressful and fast-paced industries that cater to wealthy clients. Ultimately, I couldn’t do it anymore and really just decided there was no other option besides working for myself!
Do you have any beauty/skincare hacks or tips that have upped your beauty game?
Yes! Brow Lamination has changed my life! It’s the ‘hottest’ new brow trend and I was VERY skeptical of this technique until I did it on myself during the lockdown. Oh boy, having the perma-brushed up brow look wakes up my whole face. I didn’t know my brows were capable of such a thing!
What’s currently in your bag (beauty and non-beauty related)? What can’t you leave the house with/ What must you always have immediate access to throughout the day?
These days it's really just having a mask and sanitizer on hand. In the summer I NEED to have immediate access to my Tilly hat because I avoid the sun on my face like the plague. Sure, I look like a 60-year-old man on a sailboat when I wear it but it's my saving grace and I love it so much.
What’s something that no one really knows about you?
I am super sensitive to smells. Anything overly fragrancy will give me a migraine pretty quickly and anything that smells rotten (like the smell of garbage on a hot day) will actually make me throw up.
What have you been doing to help get you through lockdown life? What helps to ground you?
Throughout the first lockdown, I was getting into needlepoint work and cross-stitch! It was very therapeutic and relaxing, I highly recommend it. During this (current) lockdown, I have actually started a second small business of making tie-dye sweat suits! I created a whole workshop in my tiny basement and it has been an amazing creative outlet for me.
Here at Miracle 10, we love to define a Glow Getter as someone who isn’t afraid to be their true, authentic self. In your words, what does it mean to be a Glow Getter?
I’d say a Glow Getter is someone who has the strength and ability to adjust their life when it is no longer serving them. If something or someone isn’t working out, make the moves to change it. Someone who takes opportunities when they present themselves and doesn’t shy away from change.