When CiCi Downey entered perimenopause, things changed quickly.
“My skin was reactive, my hair was thinning, and I felt tired all the time,” she tells The Grind. Noticing a lack of products available to support her through these changes, Downey decided to create her own. “When those worked, I shared them with others. That grew into a full line of products and eventually the brand.”
Years later, BLAQUE Wellness has transformed into one of the city’s most trusted sources for plant-based, hormone-conscious skincare and wellness products. “Torontonians care about wellness, clean ingredients, and supporting local brands,” Downey says. “Our products speak to everyday needs like dryness, hormonal changes, and better sleep. They make thoughtful gifts because they help people feel more comfortable in their skin and more rested at night.”
If you’re looking to treat a loved one, BLAQUE offers curated bundles of products to make gifting easy. You can find them online, or at their shop in Kensington Market.
This article appeared in the 2025 Dec – 2026 Jan issue.
