“Toronto, in 2006, is where I discovered this little bottle of a magical something called ‘micellar’ with a pink cap,” said actress, producer and entrepreneur Abigail Spencer. “The makeup artist for a show I was doing here—my very first show on the air, Angela’s Eyes—was like: ‘Oh, Abigail, it’s Bioderma. It’s the only thing you can use on your face; it will be the only thing to take off your makeup.’” It’s fitting, then, that the Suits star was speaking to a crowded room in Toronto earlier this summer, where she was hosting a swish fete in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the iconic Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water.

Drew Jessup

Sensibio H2O is the OG micellar water; it completely changed the beauty game when it debuted three decades ago. So, naturally, the party in its honour—which Spencer and her producing partner Erica Cornwall curated—went all out. County Line Florals (Spencer’s own) created an array of pink flowers throughout the space in Toronto’s Soho House, the home venue that Spencer’s friend Markus Anderson consults for. Prop stylist Rian Calhoun custom made a two-metre-tall pink mirror with a disco frame that replicated the Sensibio H2O bottle and had #RevealYourGlow across it to remind everyone of what Bioderma is truly about. The invitation in watercolour, showing the Toronto cityscape, was designed by Los Angeles artist Kevin Johnson. Everyone followed the dress-code request of a pop of pink: Spencer wore a custom-made dress by designer Kika Vargas in the pink-cap colour, while other guests opted for summer pantsuits or cocktail dresses—all in various shades of pink.

Drew Jessup

As Spencer continued her remarks, she explained that she has remained an ardent fan of Sensibio H2O since that experience in 2006 because of how it has helped transform her skin and prevent cystic acne from long days spent in on-set makeup. (Indeed, throughout the years, it has become an industry favourite; everyone in the entertainment business uses it.) And after a brief thank you from NAOS CEO North America Jeremy Bayen, acclaimed Canadian dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki came out to explain why the famed micellar water has remained an industry go-to for decades. “Sensibio H2O is special because it was the first micellar water created for sensitive skin, and it’s still the most clinically tested micellar formula in the world. What sets it apart is not just its history but its science-backed efficacy and skin tolerance,” she told ELLE Canada. “It is my favourite cleanser as a dermatologist—one I use daily. It follows my ‘less is more’ approach and respects the skin’s biology, which makes it truly unique.”

Drew Jessup

Because no birthday celebration is ever complete without cake, toward the end of the evening, Spencer led the room in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” as a one-metre-tall Sensibio H2O-themed cake—complete with a mini makeup desk, mirror, director’s chair and tiny H20 bottle (just like the actual mini Sensibio H2O flight-friendly bottle) beside a larger bottle—designed by local bakery CakeStar was brought out for all to enjoy. Sparklers were passed out to everyone and lit to cheer on the candles being blown out. Guests stayed long after the event was scheduled to end and on their departure were gifted a collection of NAOS products, including, of course, the original Sensibio H2O. Cheers to another 30 years.

Drew Jessup