Guyanese makeup artist Lisa Cozier shines at New York Fashion Week

Mar 01, 2026 News, Waterfalls Magazine, Xtra Entertainment

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By Shania Williams

(Kaieteur News) – From the quiet shores of Wakenaam, Essequibo Coast, to the dazzling runways of New York, Guyanese makeup artist Lisa Calistro Cozier is proudly representing her homeland on one of fashion’s biggest stages, New York Fashion Week.

Born on the small island of Wakenaam, Cozier has spent the past 17 years perfecting her craft, building a reputation not only as a talented makeup artist but as a passionate entrepreneur of eight years. Today, she finds herself working behind the scenes at one of the most prestigious events in the global fashion industry — a moment she describes as “euphoric.”

Speaking with The Waterfalls, Cozier shares her experience at the global stages. “It was amazing and well organized. I was ecstatic and I must say proud,  every time I cop an international job opportunity I’m always thrilled and  elated but this gig made me so, so EUPHORIC,” she said.

Cozier’s journey into makeup artistry wasn’t carefully planned. In fact, she describes it as an accident that blossomed into a hobby and then quickly evolved into a career.

“Makeup to me is more than art. It’s a connection, a bond and trust built between client and artist, trusting the process and the person holding the brushes and colours,” she explained. “It’s therapy for me. Every client holds a story.”

At a time when social media was not as dominant as it is today, Cozier built her name through word of mouth and strategic networking. She credits much of her early success to being around the right people at the right time.

Her first major breakthrough came when she worked on the GTT Jingle and Song Competition, doing makeup for judges and contestants including Feliz Robertson, Gordon Mosley, Sean Bhola, Joel Ghansham and Charmaine Blackman. After that appearance, she said, her name quickly circulated across the local media landscape.

Sharing her talent globally

Cozier’s work at New York Fashion Week came through multiple opportunities. One company reached out to her via her professional makeup page, Bella Fashion Designs, which featured several designers. She was tasked with executing makeup looks for multiple designers, an intense but rewarding assignment. “It was a lot but it was fun and I was invited to watch the show after. Seeing my work once again on the international stage never ceases to amaze me,” she said.

Her second engagement came after being recommended by the New York Makeup Academy, which selected her to be part of its glam team, an opportunity she describes as another phenomenal experience.

Though backstage spaces were tight, she praised the organization of the production.  She explained that call times were extremely early, with Cozier leaving home as early 5:00hrs, but after two decades in the industry, she says she is accustomed to the demands of high-profile productions. “Oh man it was well organized not that spacious but organized. After 20 years in the industry you get used to it,” she said with laughter.

The looks she created were primarily runway glam. However, her talents span from subtle yet glamorous full-face applications tailored to complement designer collections and the models features.

While she did not work directly on celebrities, many of the models she worked with are seasoned runway professionals who have collaborated with major designers for years. The backstage environment buzzed with major media houses and influencers, including Getty Images, Vogue, FOX and ABC. “Most of the models I worked on are actual runway models who’s been in the industry for years and worked with major designers,” she said.

Despite the glitz and excitement, Cozier admits that at the end of the show, exhaustion kicked in. “I just wanted to get home,” she laughed.

For Cozier, every international assignment is bigger than personal achievement, it is about representation.

“It means that our beautiful Guyana is going places and representing well,” she said proudly.

She is no stranger to international stages. Cozier serves as the professional makeup artist for the Miss, Mrs. and Teen India Guyana pageants, representing Guyana both locally and internationally each year.

Being at Fashion Week, however, reaffirmed something more special and meaningful for this makeup artist.  She explained that being a part of the international stages shows how much she is capable of as well as the strength of her talent, which boosted her confidence. “It boosted my confidence, expanded my professional network and exposed me to new trends and techniques, it was a game changer, it showed me that my skills are so bigger than Guyana and it resonate globally, “she said.

With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Cozier attributes her success to passion, consistency and patience. “Patience is key always, clap for others and even if something doesn’t happen for you, it doesn’t mean it won’t, it just means that it wasn’t your time,” she reflected.

What’s next?

Cozier says she is already booked for several additional shows this year and plans to continue building her brand while running her businesses.

“I’m going to continue  being me, doing what I love while running my businesses and whatever the future holds in the most positive and aspirational way,” Cozier sad proudly.

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• Lisa Cozier, makeup, Makeup artist, New York Fashion Week

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