The Best in Beauty

Taking home a Contessa trophy from these awards is akin to winning an Oscar in the movie biz. Close to 1,000 of the Canadian beauty industry’s finest gathered at a glamtastic gala thrown by Salon Magazine this past Sunday in Toronto to find out who the big winners were. I was there soaking up the fabulous Contessa scene and was actually a judge for this year’s competition (a photo-based contest, which garnered more than 500+ entries this year in 22 categories). I have to tell you being a Contessa judge was a huge deal for me—I used to be the producer of the show and the Editor-in-Chief of Salon Magazine. It was great to revisit my old stomping grounds and to get inspired about all the great talent out there in Canada—our beauty industry is one of the best in the world! Congratulations go to the big winner of the night Edwin Johnston, the 2008 Canadian Hairstylist of the Year who owns The Cutting Room in Nanaimo, B.C. I have known Edwin for years and, if you live in his area, he is one of the best and is a perfect choice to become your mane man for your wedding day, and everyday. To see a complete listing of the 2008 Contessa Award winners and find one near you click here .

(Photo left: hair by Melanie Belanger from Character Salon, winner of the 2008 Session Hairstylist of the Year).