Warning. I'm NO SLOUCH when it comes to the Toronto International Film Festival. I've gone every year for over a decade, and I even worked for the festival for nigh-on seven years, stopping only when I secured consistent full-time employment. And every year that I've gone, I've seen anywhere from 10-20 films while working either 50+ hours as a TIFF staffer, or working at my full time job. I'm a little obsessed.

But this year I'm doing what I've promised to do but never done before. I took off a whole week during the festival to do TIFF right. You heard me, from September 12-16 I'm off work. My first film was yesterday (September 10th) and I currently have 15 films and three parties spread across nine days so far, with one day currently empty for recovery/life/rushing additional movies. You can see my TIFFR schedule here. Note that I fully expect to add at least three more films to this itinerary so watch out for me.

NOW. Because I have so much experience, here are some rules I'm going to stick to during this frantic time of year to make sure I still look presentable. In NO real order, they are below.

Wear dark nails - Since I don't like shellac or gel, I find it's way easier to cover or fill in a chipped dark nail than a lighter colour, because who has time to do their nails DURING the festival? You can also quickly toss a glitter coat over for a completely differnet look that will buy you another day or so. I'm currently rocking OPI Russian Navy and hope it lasts me a few days, because then I've got Revlon's gorgeous Divine on deck.
Creme based lipstick - As much as I am a slave to my dark, bold lipsticks and matte liquid lipsticks, keep in mond that while running from film to film or event to event, you WILL be drinking coffee and snacks like popcorn with oils that will wear your liquid lipstick off. A regular creme based colour that you can easily reapply will be best. Preferably something hydrating like Bite Beauty lipsticks, because going in and out of theatres will also dry you out.
Dry shampoo - September is a tricky time to be trying to glam up and glam down in Toronto. Currently it's something like 30 celsius and the humidity is high, but it's also raining and going to cool off. Your best bet hair wise is to just roll with it, and carry some dry shampoo to oomph up your hair on the run. I generally grab my bottle of Batiste Original to do the trick.
Waterproof mascara - I know some people HATE waterproof mascara, but quite honestly, you never know when a film might hit you RIGHT in the feels and there's nothing worse than looking like a raccoon upon leaving the theatre. I'm currently using Cover Girl Lashblast Super Sizer Waterproof mascara but pretty much any brand will do.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - Running around, chugging coffees, sitting in dry theatres and going out for drinks will take a toll on your body. Not to sound too much like your mom but drink a lot of water and hydrate that skin! I'm definitely using my Sibu Beauty Moisturizing Face Cream and rocking some face masks by Pur~Lisse, Boscia, and FaceQ every evening to make sure my skin is happy.

Then there are the basics: try to have breakfast as, odds are, it'll be the least-rushed meal of the day unless you're one of those crazy people who like 9am movies. Tuck some granola bars and fruit in your bag if you can, and always have a water bottle handy. Don't wear too much perfume to sit in theatres because people will hate you, and wear comfy shoes because you'll be in lines for EVERYTHING!

Hopefully this helps and maybe I'll see you at the movies sometime this week!

Featured