"Life has a way of reflecting back exactly what you put into it. This was one of those reflections."
Melody Gardot – La Vie En Rose • Makeup By Roque Cozzette
La Vie En Rose — A Moment in Time
I first met Melody Gardot when I was given the opportunity to do her makeup for a performance on The David Letterman Show.
She walked in—elegant, styled—and the first thing she said to me was,
“They hired a makeup artist?”
I kind of chuckled and said,
“Yeah… hi, my name is Rocky.”
And that was it. We hit it off right away.
She shared with me that she had been painting since she was young—that she was an artist. And in that moment, I saw her as that. Not just a singer, not just a performer—but an artist. Being an artist myself, I immediately connected with her on that level.
Her makeup had already been on all day, so I said,
“Let’s take a look at your foundation.”
She looked at me and said,
“Why?”
And I laughed and said,
“Because you’re too good for that foundation.”
That was always my way—honest, but with a little humor. It was how I opened the door to do what I do: refine the skin, minimize texture, elevate the look, and bring everything into alignment.
That night, she performed with excellence. And I’ll never forget it—because it became the beginning of a nine-year journey, traveling the world, doing her makeup.
This moment—La Vie En Rose for Piaget—was something else entirely.
We were in Paris, filming this video. I remember sitting off to the side while the actors, the director, the crew… everyone was gathered in this smoke-filled room to create that vintage atmosphere.
And then the music started.
A song I had known from Edith Piaf… a song that carried history, emotion, and memory.
And I felt it.
I almost came to tears.
Because in that moment, I realized where life had taken me.
I saw clearly that my life is a reflection of what I’ve put into it. A manifestation of something I created through intention, passion, and persistence.
And there I was—on the sidelines—waiting for my moment to step in and touch her up, to make sure she looked her best.
To be of service.
To an artist.
To a human being.
To someone who carries so much depth.
And I remember thinking…
I am the luckiest man in the world.
I share this with you because if you’re here, reading this, then you love makeup.
You’re a devotee. Just like I am.
And I want you to understand something—
You could be here too.
Sitting on a set.
Working with someone you admire.
Using your hands, your vision, your tools… maybe even brushes you created yourself.
This is not separate from you.
If I could do it, you can do it—
and you can do it even better.
I am just an echo in the mirror of life.
Best,
Roque