Earlier this month, Real Style had the opportunity to attend the 28^th Annual Contessas at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. The 2017 Contessas honoured leading talent in Canadian hairstyling and beauty, and featured an awards show and gala. This year, Argentinian-born and London, Ontario-based makeup artist Florencia Taylor took home the gold as Canadian Makeup Artist of the Year.

Taylor, who discovered her passion for makeup while taking modelling classes in Buenos Aires, also harbours a love of skincare. With a focus on accentuating natural beauty, she draws her makeup inspiration from icons of the past. Real Style chatted with Taylor about her essential product picks, favourite trends for this season and her trademark beauty look.

Real Style: What was your reaction after being awarded a Contessa for Makeup Artist of the Year?

Florencia: I was joyously overwhelmed with emotion when I was awarded the Contessa for Makeup Artist of the Year award. I felt incredibly blessed to receive such amazing recognition, and I was so grateful because very few people have the opportunity and privilege of doing what they love while being recognized in their industry.

Real Style: Who are your favourite celebrity makeup icons?

Florencia: My favourite celebrity makeup icons are Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Lily Collins and Olivia Palermo, because I love their simple yet sophisticated style.

Real Style: What are your personal favourite beauty products?

Florencia: My personal favourite beauty products are also my long-time favourites: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder Makeup, M.A.C. Pro Longwear Concealer, Benefit  Hoola Matte Bronzer and L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara.

Real Style: Do you have any top makeup trends for Fall/Winter 2016?

Florencia: My favourite makeup trends for this fall/winter season are dark lips that are red, blue tones, and matte browns; minimal makeup on the skin and eyes and heavy mascara on top lashes.

Real Style: Describe your signature beauty look.

Florencia: My signature look is makeup that is soft, yet elegantly sexy: big, round eyes with fluffy full lashes; porcelain skin with soft contours and highlights and full, soft naturally beautiful eyebrows.

Real Style: What is the best makeup advice that you’ve ever received?

Florencia: The best makeup advice I have ever received is less is more, there is always time to add more makeup, and makeup should never be the first thing you see when you enter a room.

Photo: Courtesy of Florencia Taylor