Fan Makeup in CANADA
Fan Makeup
Sports fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a lucrative business, part of a global multi-billion dollar industry. This craze for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
An Ancient Tradition Modernized
It is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved into an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly wearing the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multi-line makeup pencil.
A Social and Cultural Phenomenon
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify themselves and show their belonging to a sports community or support a cause. The pre-match preparation ritual strengthens the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion in moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
In Canada: Colors, Fans, and Passion for Sport
The Colors of Canada
Canada, the second largest country in the world, is known for its cultural diversity, vast natural landscapes, and high quality of life. This North American country is bilingual with English and French as official languages, and is composed of ten provinces and three territories with Ottawa as the capital.
The flag of Canada, known as the "Maple Leaf," consists of three vertical bands: red on each end and white in the center with a red eleven-pointed maple leaf in the middle. The red is inspired by the cross of Saint George, symbolizing courage, strength, and sacrifice. The white represents peace, purity, and the vast snowy expanses of Canada, inspired by the white lily of France. The red maple leaf, a symbol of Canada since the 18th century, represents nature, unity, and tolerance.
Sport in Canada
Sport occupies a central place in Canadian culture and identity, playing a crucial role in daily life and national events.
Ice hockey is undoubtedly the most iconic sport in Canada. The National Hockey League (NHL) includes several Canadian teams, notably the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hockey games, broadcast on television and followed with passion, unite Canadians of all generations and regions.
In addition to hockey, Canada excels in various other sports. The Canadian Football League (CFL) is popular with teams like the Toronto Argonauts and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Grey Cup, the CFL championship, is a major event each year.
Basketball is also appreciated. The Toronto Raptors of the NBA gained popularity, especially after their historic championship victory in 2019.
With teams like Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), soccer is growing rapidly in Canada.
Baseball also attracts many fans with the Toronto Blue Jays representing Canada in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Canada is also known for its performances in international competitions, notably the Olympic Games. Canadian athletes often shine in winter sports, winning medals in figure skating, alpine skiing, and ice hockey.
Fans: Passion, Colors, and Pride
Fans in Canada represent a vibrant mosaic of passion and devotion to a multitude of sports. From big cities like Toronto and Montreal to small remote communities, Canadians express their support with unique fervor. In hockey arenas, true national temples, fans gather to cheer on their favorite teams with contagious intensity. The atmosphere is electric, mixing joyful chants, spontaneous dances, and camaraderie that transcends differences.
But it's not just hockey that sparks such passion. Football (soccer) enthusiasts also have their place, filling the stands to support local and international clubs. In basketball arenas, the stands resonate with the cheers of supporters celebrating every scored basket.
Whether in the snow in winter or under the summer sun, Canadian fans are united by their love for sport and their unwavering commitment to their favorite teams.
Major Events
Canada hosts numerous international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important competitions and sporting events held in Canada:
Stanley Cup (Ice Hockey): The annual championship of the National Hockey League (NHL) culminates with the Stanley Cup playoffs, crowning the season's champion. Official Site of the National Hockey League | NHL.com
IIHF World Junior Championship (Ice Hockey): An annual international ice hockey tournament for national under-20 teams, featuring future stars of world hockey. IIHF - Home
Grey Cup (Canadian Football): The annual championship of the Canadian Football League (CFL) determining the national champion of Canadian football. CFL.ca - Official site of the Canadian Football League
NBA All-Star Game (Basketball): The NBA All-Star Game brings together the best players in the league for a gala event. It was held in Toronto in 2016. NBA: live videos and results - beIN SPORTS | beIN SPORTS
Major League Soccer (Soccer): Canadian teams like Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and CF Montreal participate in MLS, the North American soccer league. MLSsoccer.com - The Official Site of Major League Soccer
Canadian Championship (Soccer): A national cup tournament involving clubs from different Canadian leagues to determine the national champion. Home - Canada Soccer
Rogers Cup or Canadian Open (Tennis): An annual ATP and WTA tennis tournament alternating between Montreal and Toronto, attracting the best players in the world. www.couperogers.com
Canadian Grand Prix (Formula 1): An annual Formula 1 race held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, one of the most prestigious motorsport events in North America. Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada | Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (gpcanada.ca)
Scotties Tournament of Hearts (Curling): Canada's national women's curling championship bringing together the best women's teams in the country. Curling Canada | The home of curling in Canada
Tim Hortons Brier (Curling): Canada's national men's curling championship where the best men's teams compete for the national title. Curling Canada | The home of curling in Canada
RBC Canadian Open (Golf): A professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour attracting some of the best golfers in the world. June 3-8 2025 at TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ont - RBC Canadian Open
Passionate Fans
Montreal Canadiens (Ice Hockey): Founded in 1909, the Montreal Canadiens are the oldest active NHL franchise. They have won a record 24 Stanley Cups. The club is nicknamed the Habs (short for "Habitants"). Habs fans are distinguished by their unwavering passion for hockey, uniting generations under the blue-white-red banner. They fill the Bell Centre with vibrant chants and boundless energy, creating an electrifying atmosphere at every game. Official site of the Montreal Canadiens | Canadiens de Montréal (nhl.com)
Toronto Maple Leafs (Ice Hockey): Founded in 1917, the Leafs are one of the original NHL teams and have won 13 Stanley Cups. The supporters, also known as Leafs Nation, are known for their tenacious loyalty despite the highs and lows, creating a captivating atmosphere that vibrates throughout the city. They create a sea of blue and white at Scotiabank Arena. https://www.mapleleafs.com/
Vancouver Canucks (Ice Hockey): Founded in 1970, the team has yet to win a Stanley Cup but is known for its fervent supporters and intense rivalries with other Canadian teams. In Vancouver, the Canucks enjoy the fervent support of their fans who gather at Rogers Arena to cheer on their ice hockey team with contagious passion. The Canucks attract a diverse but united crowd by their common love for the game and their local team. Official Vancouver Canucks Website | Vancouver Canucks (nhl.com)
Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football): Founded in 1873, the Argonauts, also known as "Argos," are the oldest active Canadian football club and have won 17 Grey Cups. Argos fans proudly defend the double blue and white colors, creating a festive atmosphere at every game, whether under the summer sun or in the cool autumn evenings. Toronto Argonauts - Argos
Saskatchewan Roughriders (Canadian Football): Founded in 1910, the "Riders" have won 4 Grey Cups and are known for their passionate supporters who come from all over Saskatchewan. The Rider Nation is renowned for their boundless passion, filling Mosaic Stadium in Regina with green and white for every home game, creating a unique sports experience in Canada. Official Website | Saskatchewan Roughriders™ | Riderville.com
Toronto FC (Soccer): Founded in 2009, the team nicknamed "Whitecaps" has played in Major League Soccer since 2011 and has a strong local supporter base. Its supporters, "The Southsiders," are known for their diversity and family spirit, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere, enthusiastically supporting their team at every MLS game. Toronto FC
Toronto Raptors (Basketball): Founded in 1995, the Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019, becoming the first Canadian team to win this title. Raptors fans fill the Scotiabank Arena, celebrating every scored basket with contagious energy that transcends borders. Raptors - The official site of the NBA for the latest NBA Scores, Stats & News. | NBA.com
Toronto Blue Jays (Baseball): Founded in 1977, the Blue Jays won the World Series in 1992 and 1993, being the only non-American team to have won this title. The club is nicknamed the "Jays." Jays Nation brings electric energy to every home game, supporting their team with enthusiastic chants and applause, making baseball a true spectacle in Toronto. Official Toronto Blue Jays Website | MLB.com
World Cup 2026
Canada, in collaboration with the United States and Mexico, will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is the first time three countries will jointly host this event and it is also the first time the tournament will be held in Canada.
As a host country, Canada benefits from automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA rules generally stipulate that host countries do not need to go through qualification rounds.
Before 2026, Canada had participated in only one World Cup in 1986, held in Mexico. Unfortunately, the team did not progress beyond the group stage and did not score a goal in the three matches played.
The Canadian national team has shown significant progress in recent years. With talented players playing in major leagues like Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) and Jonathan David (LOSC Lille), the team has become more competitive on the international stage.
The organization of the 2026 World Cup is seen as a major opportunity to further develop football in Canada. The country has already invested in football infrastructure, with new stadiums and improvements to existing facilities. Moreover, this should encourage a new generation of young players to engage in this sport.
Fan Merchandise
Event Makeup: Exponential Growth
With the rising popularity of sporting events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® that facilitate last-minute makeup, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This boom is notably fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, reinforcing engagement and visibility for these products.
Innovations and Product Offerings
Innovations in this field are plentiful. Fanbrush® is the benchmark in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multi-line makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies are diversifying by offering a variety of ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classic to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also allow for the creation of limited editions and special collections that quickly sell out. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The merchandising business, including sports fan makeup, is much more than just a niche. It is a dynamic and expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sporting events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® in Canada
Fanbrush® has been revolutionizing fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multi-line makeup pencil. This innovation was designed for quick and easy fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes over 1000 references of 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkered patterns, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors, national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, Adidas, Heineken...
Whatever kind of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush® alongside fans since 2006
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun races, or body painting in Rainbow parades, color has become an integral part of sporting, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multi-line makeup pencil. A product made in France protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan. We can export to any other country. With over 1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us, visit our website: https://www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush®is a registered trademark, exclusive property of © IMALIS