Beauty essentials to get you ready for Toronto Caribbean Carnival!

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is cultural feast for the senses. The sweet sound of soca music, heavenly food and vibrant costumes are just a few of the joys of the carnival. The jewel of the 4-week festival is the grand parade that sees millions of people flock to the Lakeshore to jump up and revel in the rich heritage of the Caribbean. Carnival goers have been planning for months!

If you want to step out like RiRi on carnival day, here are some beauty products to help — whether you're in costume or not.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Foundation

Carnival is a time to celebrate all that is good in life. For many, part of that means to show off and show out in elaborate makeup. But if you really want to let loose and get sweaty, your makeup can't be slipping! This is a 24 hour liquid foundation that will last through all your jumping and waving. It's oil free, great for different skin types and even has SPF 15 protection. Plus the variety of shades is impressive. It is a bit on the pricey side. The L'Oreal infallible 24h matte foundation is a good cheaper option.

Teint Idole Ultra Foundation, $58, Lancôme

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional primer

Help your makeup hold up its end of the bargain with this all-time favourite primer. It has a soft matte finish, hides your pores and is an ideal base for your foundation — and it hardly feels like you're wearing it. Even if you choose not to wear a lot of makeup to the parade, it's a great choice to brighten your skin and smooth out imperfections.

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional primer, $43, Shoppers Drug Mart

L'Oreal's Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara

Real carnival goers aren't afraid of a little rain. Just ask masqueraders who partied in the pouring rain last year. But the thought of running mascara is a bit scary! Even if it doesn't rain there's always that guy splashing water around from his water bottle, as well as your own sweat. This waterproof mascara has you covered and adds some pretty dramatic volume to your lashes, all for under 10 bucks.

L'Oreal's Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, $10.96 (on sale for $8.96), Walmart

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick

If you're not a full makeup person, chances are you'll only rock a bright lip to the Toronto carnival festivities. But that lip colour has to stay put through your sips of water, bites of pattie, cheek kisses for friends you haven't seen in years and constant piercing whenever you hear your favourite soca song! The Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipsticks won't let you down. There are a myriad of shades so you're bound to find something to match your costume or outfit. Plus these lipsticks are not drying and will last for the whole parade.

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick, $26.50, Sephora

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Before you dash out to meet your friends on the Lakeshore, pump a few generous sprays of this setting spray. It dries matte, not sticky, plus it gives your face a nice supple and fresh look. If you're not a fan of the price, the E.LF studio makeup mist and set is an effective alternative.

All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, $40.50, Urban Decay

Hush Prism Airbrush Spray

If there's any time to try a temporary hair colour it's during Toronto carnival. You'll be surrounded by so much colour and vibrancy, it's an ideal way to join in on the fun. The hush prism spray works on all hair types; from bone straight to tightly coiled. You'll be surprised at how bright and shiny the colour goes on. But the buildable colours are perfect for carnival. Just don't pack on too much if you're wearing your hair down though, as it might rub off on your top.

Hush Prism Airbrush Spray, $30, Sephora

Cover FX Shimmer Veil

You'll see no shortage of glitter on the parade route. Problem is, the pesky things hang around for months after. If you're looking for a high pigment glitter for your eyes, cheeks or lips, the shimmer veil wins everytime, and the best part is that it's easy to remove. No more carnival glitter lingering 'til Christmas!

Shimmer Veil, $37, Cover FX

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse

If you need some help to pull out your inner sun goddess, St.Tropez's self tan mousse is a must-have. On lighter skin tones it produces an even natural golden tan that lasts for days. If you have darker skin you can use it as well for a sun-kissed highlight effect.

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse, $54, Hudson's Bay

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Spray SPF 50

The real MVP of carnival beauty products is sunscreen! The parade falls every year during the peak of summer and as mentioned, the skin exposure is next level. As a result, your sun protection game has to be very strong. Shiseido's Ultra Protection Spray is an excellent option for all skin types for this occasion. Its formula helps add to the dewy bronzed look.

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Spray SPF 50, $45, Shoppers Drug Mart

Secret Active Sport Invisible Spray

The combination of excessive dancing in close quarters with thousands of other people, all under the Toronto summer sun, makes deodorant crucial. When the DJ shouts throw your hands in the air, you need to your hands in the air! And feel confident enough to do it. This is formulated to get stronger the more active you get, the spray makes application quick especially if you plan on taking it with you to re-apply. If you're serious about using natural deodorant only, try Lavanila's sport luxe deodorant.

Secret Active Sport Clear Spray, $5.97 (on sale for $3), Walmart

MAC Cosmetics Turquatic RollerBall

This sea-inspired portable fragrance adds to the island flavour of the carnival. It's the perfect size to throw in your pouch or crossbody bag.  It'll help keep you smelling fresh throughout the day and even after if you stick around to party into the night.

Turquatic RollerBall, $27, MAC Cosmetics

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Bronzing Dry Oil

Since the Fenty Beauty body lava is impossible to find right now, The Body Shop's shimmering oil is the next best thing. It's moisturizing, has a subtle pleasant scent and offers high intensity shine regardless of your skin tone. (Tarte's Mer-Mist Shimmer Spray is also pretty good if you want a less intense look.)

Honey Bronze Shimmering Bronzing Dry Oil, $26 (on sale for $20.80), The Body Shop

Nneka Elliott (@nnekaelliott) is a lifestyle blogger, host and actor. She shares her adventures with fashion and beauty in her pursuit of a gutsy life. Nnekaelliott.com