Name:   Janis Lozano

Age:     31

Occupation:  Make-up artist

Bedford-Katonah Patch: What brings you to Katonah?

Lozano: I found that I was sharing many of the same clients as Eiluj, a salon that has been in Katonah for five years.  I love the area - it's such a nice retreat from the city, so I came to work up here four days a week.  It is really laid back with a great lifestyle.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Okay, let's name drop.  Who are some of the famous faces you have made up?

Lozano: Well, there are lots.   I've worked with Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie, Yoko Ono, Nathan Lane, Jane Fonda, Jessica Simpson.  But look, they are just people - with insecurities and imperfections too. 

Some celebrities will sit down and immediately talk about which flaws to cover.  I always first ask "Hello, how are you doing?"  I want clients to feel happy and confident from the inside.  Smile and show your spirit and the make-up will enhance that. 

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Would that be your beauty philosophy?

Lozano: Absolutely.  I believe that you should be who you are and keep true to yourself - everyone has beautiful features that can be accentuated.  Focus on those features and be sure to take care of yourself with a good diet and healthy sleep habits.  I want people to feel good and look good.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: How about some simple tips?  What are the make-up essentials?

Lozano: First and most importantly is skin care and sunscreen.  I have some clients that would splurge on a $5,000 handbag, but wouldn't buy decent facial products.  When your face is a healthy canvas, then make-up works beautifully. 

Next, I would say a great foundation or concealer.  I would definitely use a bit of blush for vibrancy and then mascara to bring out the eyes.  I will tell you my pet peeve: it's when women use the wrong color foundation.  It should be matched to the neck.  The camera brightens everything, so be careful not to use too-light concealers under the eyes.

Some other fun products that I use now include illuminators or highlighters that brighten the face, giving it a dewy glow. 

Bedford-Katonah Patch: What would it cost to have an artist like you do my make-up?  Would you charge the same price for Gwyneth Paltrow?

Lozano: Usually, the sponsors of a red-carpet event, TV or movie shoot pay the standard rate.  That could be from $500-$1500 for my work.  But I might be applying make-up that is high-definition ready, which requires every tiny flaw to be covered and must last for hours. Here at Eiluj, you can book me for as little as 75 dollars.  I get a lot of satisfaction working with everyday women.  I love seeing the transformation and renewed self-esteem in a woman after a make-over.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Do you think that Bedford/Katonah women have their own style?

Lozano: I find that women here are very polished in a casual-chic kind of way.  They seem very real, neither trend-followers nor trend-setters, but very comfortable in knowing what works for them.  There are many powerful business women who seem to have it all – husband, kids, career and beauty.  And the stay-at-home moms break the stereotype!  They manage to take care of the family, run book clubs, do charity work, volunteer at school and still look gorgeous.

Bedford-Katonah Patch: Seems like you love your job.

Lozano: I have done make-up on planes, in moving cars, in the heat, and yes, for divas too.  I love it all - especially working in this elegant, jewel of a store in Katonah.