Full Speed Glamour: Nicole Havrda Is Putting Beauty To The Ultimate Endurance Test

As one of Canada’s rising race car drivers, Nicole Havrda knows a thing or two about pressure, performance, and staying cool under extreme conditions. Now, she’s bringing that same high-octane energy to beauty through a new partnership with L’Oréal Paris—putting the brand’s iconic Infallible lineup to the test both on and off the track. From longwear makeup that can survive heat and motion to breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Havrda is redefining what strength, confidence, and beauty look like at full speed. —Noa Nichol

You’re stepping into a space historically dominated by men—how does it feel to represent a new generation of female drivers, and what does that visibility mean to you personally?

I’m very aware of it, but I don’t let it define how I show up. I’m here to compete first that’s always the priority. At the same time, I understand how important visibility is. When I was younger, I didn’t really see many girls in this space, so to now be in a position where someone can watch and feel like they belong here too that’s powerful.

It’s not about carrying pressure, it’s about setting a standard. Being present, being competitive, and showing that you don’t have to fit a mold to exist in this world.

L’Oréal Paris is such an iconic brand—what about this partnership felt aligned with who you are, both on and off the track?

What stood out to me was the message behind it. L’Oréal Paris represents confidence and self-worth in a way that goes beyond beauty, and that’s something I connect with deeply.

In racing, you’re constantly being tested, and there’s an expectation to be focused, composed, and resilient. Partnering with a brand that embraces both strength and individuality felt very natural. It didn’t feel like I had to separate different parts of myself it felt like everything could exist at the same level.

Motorsport is intense, high-pressure, and physically demanding—how do you maintain confidence and a sense of self in that environment?

Confidence, for me, comes from preparation. When you’ve done the work, you don’t have to question yourself in the moment you just execute.

But I’ve also learned not to tie my identity to results. This sport can be unpredictable, and if you let outcomes define you, it becomes unstable. I focus on progression on getting better, sharper, more consistent. That’s what keeps me grounded and allows me to move with clarity, even under pressure.

You’re literally putting beauty products to the test at high speeds—what surprised you most about how the Infallible range performs in real race conditions?

What surprised me most is how effortless it feels. In racing, you’re dealing with heat, sweat, and long hours there’s no room for anything that feels heavy or distracting.

The Infallible range holds up in a way that feels reliable without needing attention. I’m not thinking about it when I’m driving, and that’s exactly what you want. It performs under pressure, which is something I respect because that’s the standard I hold myself to as well.

Racing and beauty might seem like opposites to some—how do you define femininity in a space that hasn’t always made room for it?

I think femininity is self-defined. It’s not something that takes away from strength or competitiveness it exists alongside it.

For a long time, there was this idea that you had to choose how you presented yourself to be taken seriously. I don’t believe that. I can be focused, aggressive, and competitive on track, and still express myself fully off it. That balance doesn’t weaken anything it makes it more complete.

There’s a growing audience of young women watching motorsport—what do you hope they see (and feel) when they watch you race?

I hope they see possibility. That you don’t need a perfect path or background to step into something like this.

More than anything, I want them to feel confident taking up space even in environments where they might not feel like they immediately belong. If they can watch and think, “I could do that,” then that’s impact.

Between training, travel, and race days, what are your non-negotiable rituals—whether that’s beauty, mindset, or something else—that keep you grounded and performing at your best?

Consistency is everything for me. No matter where I am, I keep certain routines mentally and physically that allow me to stay locked in.

Before getting in the car, it’s about resetting and being fully present. During race weekends, I also make space for small moments that are just mine—whether that’s getting ready, listening to music, or taking a second to slow everything down.

It’s a balance between intensity and control. Knowing when to switch on, but also knowing how to come back to yourself—that’s what allows me to perform at a high level consistently.