Local beauty icon and television personality Rita Stirpe has been nominated for a Contessa Award in the category of Makeup Artist of the Year. Hosted by Salon Magazine, the annual Contessa Awards is one of the most buzzed-about events in Canada’s beauty industry. Currently placed in the top 10 semi-finalists in her riding, which were announced in mid-September, Stirpe will run alongside nine fellow makeup gurus from across the country. The finalists in each division will be announced in mid-October, followed by the announcement of the winners at the Contessa Gala on Nov. 9, 2014, at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, including her time as host and community producer of Cosmetic Art on Rogers TV, Stirpe is considered Vaughan’s beauty crush, known for beautifying everyone from brides to Hollywood stars. Stirpe’s nomination is a proud moment for Vaughan and is also timely as the makeup artist and educator launches her own beauty college in the community, Allure Beauty College Inc., this fall.

www.salonmagazine.ca