Beauty News: Revamped and Interactive Beauty Counters at The Hudson’s Bay in Toronto

I know that many of my readers are not from Canada, but for those of you who are from the local Toronto area, I wanted to share details and photos of The Hudson’s Bay newly renovated beauty department in Yorkdale Mall. The revamped beauty department is absolutely breathtaking and such an idyllic place for any beauty lover. I could seriously spend hours in there… The vast 23,300 square foot space houses luxe designer brands like Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancôme and more. 
The Hudson’s Bay Beauty Department – Yorkdale Mall, Toronto
New to The Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale
> British cosmetics brand, Illamasqua is proud to announce their arrival in Canada at HBC. **Stay tuned for more details on this in a post coming soon.
The Giorgio Armani counter embodies the brand’s vision of luxury: timeless elegance, minimalism and glamour.
Anna Sui’s first new counter in North America was inspired by Anna’s own apartment. Everything about this counter is adorable!
The new Bobbi Brown counter joins its counterpart on Queen Street as the two new counters for the brand.
Although not new to HBC, the NARS counter is new to Yorkdale. It includes walls and fixtures bathed in black and white accents which resembles the brand’s signature packaging. It also has an interactive iPad station with How-To wardrobe tutorials and face charts.
> The new Shu Uemura counter has a strong Tokyo Vibe, and embraces the brand’s Japanese heritage, while providing a colourful playground for its unique makeup services.
The Hudson’s Bay Beauty Department 

Revamped Counters at The Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale
> The new concept for the Clarins counter includes a Piano Wall which features the largest selection of samples to “try before you buy”, 32” Interactive Screen, Skincare Bar and Skin Time Area. Customers learn about application methods in order to get the most benefits from their Clarins products.
Clinique’s new “Service As You Like It” concept reinvents the traditional beauty shopping model and looks at innovative ways to shop. Customers can choose between 3 different bracelets at the Choice Bar indicating the type of service that they are looking for (i.e. personal consultation, express service or just browsing on their own). Genius! 

Dior in my mind, is the ultimate symbol of elegance, excellence and luxury. Their new counter features Fragrance, Colour, Skin Care and an all new Dior NailSeasonal Look Bar
Elizabeth Arden’s new counter now boasts a Colour Wall to display their Beautiful Colour eye shadow shades, The Look This Season” tile displaying face charts of the season’s hottest looks and a Best Sellers” wall.
> Estée Lauder’s Beautiful Skin Studio is the main highlight of the new counter’s concept which combines modern functionality, beautiful design and

smart innovation. Customers are invited to feel beautiful in minutes with a complimentary touch up. 
> Another favourite of mine, Lancôme unveils its new counter concept created by internationally acclaimed architect Peter Marino. It is a very open space that exudes luxury and true French elegance, with distinct discovery areas dedicated to makeup, skincare and fragrance.
MAC unveils it’s new modern and more inviting counter which can now accommodate more services.
Origins’ new design includes “Nature’s Laboratory”, which includes a dedicated shelf tester area with easier access to sampling.
> The new Shiseido counter is only the 3rd of its kind in Canada with an interactive 55” multi-touch Discovery Centre and Service Area
> The philosophy counter is divided into 3 chapters: Hope & Miracle (skincare), Grace (fragrance) and Joy (bath & body and gifting). Customers can experience the benefits of a micro-exfoliating treatment at the unique Peel Bar, discover a world of clean, wearable fragrances at the Fragrance Bar or enjoy a personalized skincare consultation with a philosophy expert.
> Yves Saint Laurent also gets a glamorous makeover. The new counter now has clearly dedicated stations for makeup, fragrances and skincare. 

Other Brands Available at The Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale 

> Tanda
> Butter London
> Ciate
> Clarisonic
> Decleor
> 3 Lab
> St Tropez
> Bliss
> T3 (new)
> Hermes Fragrance (new)
> Cartier Fragrance (new)
> Tom Ford Fragrance (new)
> Michael Kors Fragrance and Beauty (new and exclusive). 

Now that I’ve told you all about the new counter concepts and explained some of the interactive new additions to enhance the customer experience, let’s take a closer look at The Hudson’s Bay renovated beauty department’s photo montage. Isn’t she a beauty?

Beauty Counters: 
Giorgio Armani, Guerlain, MAC, Origins, Lancôme, Shiseido, Yves Saint Laurent, NARS, Philosophy & Illamasqua (not pictured: Shu Uemura) 
Beauty Counters:
Anna Sui, Biotherm, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Clarins, Clinique, Dior,
Estée Lauder & Elizabeth Arden
Fragrance Houses:
Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Narciso Rodriquez, Gucci & much more!

(not pictured: Armani, Chanel, Prada, Viktor & Rolf & Givenchy)

If you are beauty enthusiast like I am and live in the Toronto area, I would seriously consider checking out The Bay’s newly renovated beauty haven. Each of the brands have done an outstanding job of keeping the customer experience in mind while staying true to their brand’s concept. HBC Yorkdale has been transformed into a cosmetic wonderland!
What do you think of the new concept counters?

Which of these brands is your favourite? 

Where do you usually purchase your cosmetics, skincare and fragrances?