Golden Hour, Bottled - A Conversation with Marco Tsang, Founder of Vintage Noon

After nearly a decade working behind the scenes at beauty giants like Estée Lauder, L’Oréal Luxe, L’Occitane, and Orveon Global, Marco Tsang knew the ins and outs of corporate beauty. But what he didn’t see was himself—or the kind of skincare he needed. That realization, combined with a personal journey of skin recovery and self-discovery, led to the creation of Vintage Noon—a brand inspired by travel, nostalgia, and the emotional pulse behind truly intentional beauty.
We sat down with Marco to hear how his experiences shaped the brand, why golden-hour memories matter, and what’s next for this rising Canadian label.

Tell us about your journey to cosmetics. How did you get here?
Marco Tsang: I spent nearly a decade in corporate beauty, working across powerhouse brands like Estée Lauder, L’Oréal Luxe, L’Occitane, and Orveon Global. That time taught me how to navigate trends quickly, build strong retailer relationships, iterate with intention, and understand what truly moves the needle for both brands and buyers.But while I had access to an endless rotation of products, the constant testing took a toll on my skin. My barrier became damaged, and I developed redness and sensitivity from repeated exposure to formulas filled with unnecessary fragrance and other irritants. That experience gave me a personal connection to what so many customers go through but also sparked the idea for something better. At the same time, I realized that in all those glossy campaigns I worked on, I rarely saw someone like me reflected. So when I started Vintage Noon, I knew it had to be a brand that felt personal and inclusive, something that didn’t just sit on a shelf, but resonated emotionally with people who’d also felt unseen. I’d been sitting on this dream for years: to build something from scratch that was unapologetically me. And while I didn’t know exactly what it would look like at first, I always knew it would be grounded in the sensory, emotional joy of travel—those fleeting moments that stick with you long after the suitcase is unpacked.

What travel destination inspired one of your main products, and how did it shape its formula or packaging?

Marco Tsang: One summer, I was at a cottage north of Toronto with friends. We were lakeside, sharing food and wine, with the sun setting over the water. It was one of those golden-hour moments that imprints itself on you. I noticed a worn-out, retro beach chair with faded yellow and orange stripes, and something about it clicked. That feeling, that nostalgic warmth, became the heartbeat of what would eventually inspire our product design. When I look at the destinations that continually inspire me like Cinque Terre, Lisbon, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Mexico, they all have a shared energy: sun-drenched, sensory, steeped in culture and history. I wanted our packaging to evoke that same feeling, and I wanted our formulas to reflect that “vacation glow” you get when you’re eating fresh food, soaking up the sun, and just being.But it wasn’t just about evoking a mood. Efficacy was non-negotiable. Our formulas are designed for sensitive skin, with thoughtful ingredients that restore and nourish without irritation.

What are your travel essentials?
Marco Tsang: I always pack multifunctional products. My Vacation Skin Redness Recovery Overnight Mask & Moisturizer can be used five ways: as a mask, moisturizer, spot treatment, hand cream, and after-sun soother. SPF is a must, of course. And I never travel without something shimmery to give that effortless, glowing skin finish. It just makes every destination feel a little more cinematic.

How do you work with Canadian suppliers and labs? Do you use any uniquely local ingredients or methods?
Marco Tsang: From day one, I’ve prioritized working with Canadian-owned suppliers, labs, and chemists, especially those that are minority- and POC-owned. Every step of the process, from formulation to production, has been shaped by creatives and experts across Canada.
As we grow, I’d love to dig even deeper into using locally sourced ingredients that reflect the diversity and richness of this country. There’s so much untapped potential here, and I want our products to celebrate that.

What’s next for Vintage Noon: new products, new markets, or new packaging you’re excited about?
Marco Tsang: We’re launching a shimmering body oil later this year, something that captures that golden, sun-kissed vibe while still being skin-first and gentle enough for sensitive types. We're also developing a lip product that’s both effective and fun, because every traveler needs a go-to lip essential on the move.
In terms of expansion, we’re eyeing the UK and European markets. There’s a real appreciation there for intentional, well-made Canadian brands. And since many of our inspirations come from European destinations, it feels like a full-circle moment to bring the brand there.

Visit Vintage Noon