There are many professionals who work behind the scenes to create the stylish and glamorous veneer that is fashion. These people deserve recognition too, so I'm pleased to share a brief interview and some of the work of Susana Hong, a hair and makeup artist represented by Toronto's Plutino Group.

What made you decide to become a hair and makeup artist?
Being able to transform someone has always fascinated me - starting with my barbies, markers and kitchen scissors.

What's the best part about your job?
Working with different personalities every day has brought me out of my shy, shy shell.

What exciting projects are you working on or have coming up?
I have a FASHION Magazine cover coming out with Coco Rocha, a Harper's Bazaar Thailand shoot, a hair-focused beauty shoot with Strut, and an FQ story.

What is your definition of beauty?
Symmetry.

What do you think are the hot beauty trends for summer 2008?
Summer is always a little lighter and fun. Lots of bold, bold colors on the eyes, lips, and bold nails are very hot this season.

What trends are coming up for fall/winter?
Going into fall/winter, lots and lots of black. Smoky eyes have really intensified more than it has in the past. It's not just a wash of pewter or grey, it's BLACK!! Lots of dark lips as well, like burgundies, reds, and black lips have hit many of the runways too. Many of the fall/winter shows had futuristic moods, very architectural in the shape of the clothes as well as the fabrics, so we're seeing bold, dark, clean lines in the hair and makeup as well.

Favourite hair or beauty products?
Can't live without mousse and a blowdryer - two things people tend to underuse.

Where are the best places in Toronto to buy makeup?
Holts has some of my favourite brands, as well as Sephora and Mac. Industry Cosmetics also has some really interesting lines you can't get anywhere else in the city.

Images courtesy of Flare Magazine: Maude Arsenault, Strut Magazine: Lily & Lilac and FASHION Magazine: Miguel Jacob