Clinique and AFC Toronto Highlight Confidence in Women’s Sports Through “The Difference is You” Campaign
Clinique has partnered with AFC Toronto and Canadian Women & Sport to highlight the role sports can play in the lives of young women.
The new “The Difference is You” campaign connects women’s soccer, beauty, and personal expression. It focuses on confidence, identity, and the importance of staying involved in sports.
Through this partnership, Clinique aims to encourage more young women to recognize their strengths both on and off the field.
Supporting Young Women Through Sports
Women’s sports in Canada continue to grow. More professional leagues and athletes are creating new opportunities for younger generations.
However, many young women are still leaving sports behind.
According to The Rally Report from Canadian Women & Sport, 62% of Canadian teenage girls do not participate in sports. This represents a 14% decline over the past decade.
In addition, the report highlights the benefits of sports participation. These include stronger social connections, improved mental health, and healthier body image.
Canadian Women & Sport also emphasizes the importance of representation. Seeing athletes with different backgrounds and experiences can help young women feel recognized and supported.
AFC Toronto Players Lead Clinique Campaign
As part of the campaign, Clinique features six AFC Toronto players:
- Nikayla Small, team captain
- Kaylee Hunter, Northern Super League Rookie of the Year
- Nyota Katembo, midfielder
- Zoe Burns, defender
- Kaela Hansen, defender
- Sarah Rollins, defender
Each athlete brings her own story, personality, and strengths to the campaign.
Although they share the same jersey, every player represents a different path and perspective.
“Every athlete brings something unique to the game,” says Kathleen Hegarty, Vice President, Brand and Partnerships at AFC Toronto. “They may wear the same jersey and work toward the same goal, but each player has her own personality, story, strengths, and way of expressing herself.”
Black Honey Almost Lipstick Takes the Spotlight
The campaign features Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick, the brand’s popular lip colour product.
The product combines the qualities of a lipstick, gloss, and balm. It offers a lightweight colour option designed for everyday wear.
Through the campaign, Clinique connects beauty with self-expression. The message focuses on embracing individuality instead of fitting into one standard.
Toronto Pop-Up Brings Fans Into the Campaign
From July 25 to July 28, Clinique will host a pop-up at the Toronto Eaton Centre on the third-floor Sephora bridge.
Visitors can try Black Honey Almost Lipstick and participate in the digital version of “The Difference is You.”
The installation allows guests to create personalized player cards using their own photos. These images will then appear on the booth’s digital display.
Clinique Creates Almost Lipstick Day
Clinique will mark Almost Lipstick Day on July 28, one day before International Lipstick Day.
The date highlights Black Honey Almost Lipstick’s position between lipstick, gloss, and balm.
According to Clinique Canada Marketing Director Susy Brown, the campaign connects beauty with confidence built through sports participation.
“Every time a young woman steps onto the pitch, court, or track, she builds something more lasting than a winning record: the confidence that defines true beauty,” says Brown.
Unstoppable Together Continues the Partnership
The next phase of the partnership, “Unstoppable Together,” will run from August 10 to September 30.
This campaign phase will feature the Clinique Moisture Surge™ collection.
Meanwhile, the partnership will continue focusing on confidence, well-being, and opportunities for women in sports.
Through its work with AFC Toronto and Canadian Women & Sport, Clinique hopes to support more young women as they continue their athletic journeys.
About Clinique
Founded in 1968, Clinique creates skincare and makeup products based on dermatological research.
The brand focuses on dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free formulas. Clinique products are available in 107 markets worldwide. For more information, visit here.
About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club of the Northern Super League, Canada’s professional women’s soccer league.
The club supports women and girls through soccer by creating opportunities for athletes to grow, compete, and lead on and off the pitch. For more information, visit here.
About Canadian Women & Sport
Canadian Women & Sport is a national nonprofit organization that works to advance gender equity in sport across Canada. For more than 45 years, the organization has supported women and girls by creating opportunities to participate, lead, and succeed in sport. For more information, visit here.
