I have now worked twice with Karina of Own Your Wonder, and I am SO HAPPY to have met her. She did a phenomenal job with my makeup for a friend's wedding in June 2022 and then my own wedding in November 2022. I was thrilled to have found Karina after going through a full-glam wedding trial with another artist. The look was not me at all, and I went searching for someone who could achieve a more understated look. Karina fit the bill perfectly. Karina always came to me and charged a minimal cost for travel; she explained everything she was doing, as she was doing it; and she -- expertly -- did a complete pivot on my wedding makeup look between the trial and the big day. I truly can't wait to work with her again! read more

Five stars because they truly did the best with what they had (me). I booked the headshot package for $100 because I hadn't had headshots done in almost four years. I am ACTUALLY the least photogenic person on the planet - I know everyone says that, but please trust me here - and while I only ended up liking three of the photos, that's still honestly a way better than average success rate for me. Julie the photographer was great to work with, and my makeup was of course on point. I showed the makeup artist a random photo of Olivia Wilde's makeup and she was able to replicate the look pretty well. I also love love love the owner here. You rule boss babe. I think a cool option they could consider adding is photo-editing for extra; I'd definitely pay more to have some airbrushing and magical Photoshop face slimming. So while most of these pictures sadly ended up just being another reminder of how badly I need to lose weight, I would highly recommend the package itself! Edit: before you ask, yes, the photos you get are way higher res than the ones I shared here. These three went through multiple rounds of amateur editing by me, screenshotting from insta, etc. That'll do the trick. read more

The booking service is not good. I have a total of 31 emails with Kristina from June 2023 to January 2024 to book my lesson. I received a make-up lesson voucher from my friends for my birthday and it took me 6 months to be able to get one date scheduled. When I tried to get my money back from the voucher since the booking service was terrible, I was told that would not be possible, so I was stuck booking a service with a company that can't manage bookings. After many emails, we finally got one date to work, however, I received an email saying I had to pay a travel fee. That just doesn't sound right, when this service is supposed to cover the "DMV" area and I live in Maryland... Finally agreed to pay half of the fee just so I could get this appointment and enjoy my friend's gift to me. This being said, my makeup artist, Logan was wonderful. She was knowledgeable and I enjoyed learning from her. I would give her personally 5 stars, but I won't be hiring this service again. read more

I attempted to book their services for my bridal makeup and completed all the relevant forms and never heard back. I even communicated directly with the owner regarding the lack of communication, who didn't acknowledge or respond. Total bummer! read more

Oh my gosh - this is a dangerous place to have at my fingertips! I found out about Own Your Wonder when I was surfing the web for places to get my makeup done. I've had my face done at places like Sephora and MAC, but, there's always that underlying pressure/temptation/expectation to buy everything they put on you. So, I was looking for somewhere I could just go and get a Birthday night look and feel glamorous. I was running late (Cherry Blossom Season - more traffic than usual around here!) and I called to let them know and they were completely gracious about it. I had time to relax, enjoy my under-eye patch, sip champagne, and watch the other ladies in the salon getting their makeup done. When it was my turn, Alexandria asked me what the plan was for the evening and I gave her a sense of what I like and she did an AMAZING job. Seriously. I couldn't stop staring at myself all night. Then Kristina was kind enough to take my picture with their awesome ring light. I will absolutely be back and will spread the word! read more

See all

I came here for a Yelp Elite event and it was great. Own Your Wonder is like Drybar for make-up as the owner put it. You book online or by phone. You choose how much time you want to spend from 15 minutes to 70 minutes getting a makeover. Then you meet with your artist and customize your look. What is great is they do not work for a brand, so they are using products that is the best for you. For example my artist Joan. I told Joan my skin concerns and the look I was going for. She quickly came up with a routine to address my problems and to create the look I was going for. She turned me from looking like a panda with dark circles to a beauty queen. I highly recommend Joan for an artist if you can book her. Even the owner gets her makeup done by Joan. Despite being in Georgetown,this place is super affordable. For 15 bucks you can get a 15 minutes appointment. read more

My sister found this place on a Facebook ad and suggested we go before a girls night out. I easily found the website online and booked appointments for WOW wonders - 30 minutes makeovers. Disclosure: I love makeup and I love a great beauty fix! This is such an awesome, comfortable place to spend some time before heading out for the night! We were greeted by the owner and staff. The space is beautifully lit, dainty, warm, comfortable - almost like you are at your friends house getting ready to go out. Complimentary tea and water (although the space can be used for events and possibly BYO). Tonight, they had a photographer to capture our new faces as well as a circle light for 'the perfect selfie'. The three of us had our makeup done in about 30-40 minutes. We were all so pleased with our application. The artists had all the products and tools and shared some of their favorites with us as well as tips and tricks. I told my artist that I wanted big brows and she definitely delivered. Location is awesome right in Georgetown. Prices were very reasonable and the staff were all very friendly and laid back. PERFECT way to start the night. I will certainly be back! FYI: there is a BEAUTIFUL garden in the back with harvest like table that would be perfect for bigger groups. With good weather, I can't imagine a more perfect space to sip some bubbly and do makeup. read more

To say I'm bitterly disappointed in my experience with OYW is an understatement. If you book an appointment, please be sure to call THEM and confirm they have your appointment on record. I booked an appointment to get my makeup done prior to wedding party photos and revelry later in the day. I was looking forward to it. As a sunscreen and eyeliner chick, this was a treat for me. I was running behind, so lyfted over there only to find it closed. Turns out that although OYW sent me several emails and a text to remind me of the date/time, they didn't do the same for their artist. After calling, I was informed of the error and advised that a Sephora down the street could cover me. Turns out Sephora ended the point system last year, and I ended up paying $90. (But cheers to the Sephora team who were kind and awesome) I'm sure the artists at OYW are talented- that's evident by the glowing reviews on this page. I sincerely wish that had been my experience too. read more

I found out about Own your Wonder through my friend/coworker. We were scheduled to take our headshots for our job's website and we wanted to make sure we looked our best. I am SO glad my friend told me about Own your Wonder! Alex did both of our make up and she was efficient and absolutely wonderful! I got compliments on my make up all day long and I could not stop admiring my final look! Alex even let me use their fabulous ring light. I cannot recommend Own your Wonder enough! I will definitely be returning! read more

Own Your Wonder - Make up by Alex - Makeup Artists Near Me

I had the pleasure of working with Alexandria (makeup artist) and Christina (owner). They were extremely hospitable, hardworking, and talented. I went here to get makeup done for my engagement photos. I was extremely nervous as I don't normally wear makeup, and left their feeling amazing. Thank you! read more

Own Your Wonder - Makeup Artists Near Me

Fun and informative! This was a great way to celebrate my birthday! I learned some new things and cleaned out my makeup bag. I highly recommend Own Your Wonder! read more

Love the owner and all of the make up artists! Went the first time for a little glam before traveling and this time after a chemical peel when I still needed to see clients. It's affordable for any occasion and the friendly staff is kind too! read more

See all

I booked the Headshot Package so that I could get some fresh headshot photos to use across my social media, particularly with a professional look! I never wear makeup - ever - and frankly it scares me! But, I had such a wonderful experience at Own Your Wonder. The makeup stylist applied a very natural look for me, which didn't even feel like I was wearing any makeup. It looked stunning. The photography session was great. They have great spaces within their building to work with and I was emailed 14 photos within 24 hours of my session! They are all spectacular. Just the subtle addition of some very natural makeup made my headshot photos look that much better. If you are looking to update your profile photos, I highly recommend the Own Your Wonder headshot package! read more

Own Your Wonder - I absolutely loved my photos! - Makeup Artists Near Me

It was my BFFs 30th birthday and the 3 of us needed a look for the evening. We all have different tastes ranging from the birthday girl's conservatism, to my friend's full blown Naija princess look, to my "something in between". Alexandra (I believe!) did a wonderful job with all of us. We looked like ourselves but with a large dose of glamour. The makeup shades were mixed for us perfectly (and we are a group of high yella to deep chocolate ladies) and suited us nicely. We opted for the 30 min. Wow look and I added strip lashes for some extra oomph! -Our look stayed fresh all night -The lashes were expertly applied -30 minutes was all it took I especially liked the store and how fresh and clean the decor was. All the tools were neat and sanitized and the artist was very organized and punctual. Please come get a great look here for anytime you want to go out. It's affordable and you will feel great. Looking forward to visiting again the next time I am in DC -- just to flex on the 'gram! read more

GO HERE!!! I searched for a professional that could give me a drastic makeover for my birthday prior to a night out in DC. I cannot do makeup for the life of me and I usually rock the natural look. I wanted a full makeover to feel extra beautiful on my special day. Own your Wonder was definitely the best option out there!!! Everyone else in the DMV was either booked and/or charging well over $100 for the SAME services. Booking was super easy. You can pick a day and time online - it literally took me 5 seconds!! The location is a super nice area of Georgetown. The full makeover I got only cost $70 including eyelashes, contouring etc. You can tell your artist what your looking for and show them inspo from online. I had Alexandria (Alex) who was AWESOME!!! She has such an upbeat, bubbly personality which made the experience a lot more enjoyable. I am very shy and she made me feel comfortable. She was super knowledgeable and constructed the perfect look for me based on my outfit and colors that would suit my skin tone/eyes. I've had my makeup done for events a few times before - but she was the best BY FAR at contouring my face, sculpting my brows, and just overall use of color and technique. Can't say enough wonderful things about Alex and Own Your Wonder!!! read more

Own Your Wonder - Makeup Artists Near Me

See all

Can't say enough great things about this cute little spot. Owner is so sweet and super hands-on. Prices are great and the makeup artists really LISTEN to what you want. I wish this existed in other cities too! read more

I had a wonderful experience at Own Your Wonder. I booked the Headshot Package to update and upgrade my social media presence and the experience could not have been better. Booking was a breeze and everyone was such fun to work with--like having a fun Saturday afternoon with your girlfriends. I highly recommend this fantastic woman-owned business and look forward to making this business my "go-to" for event and other special makeup needs. read more

This place is an absolute GEM. I was attending a charity gala and wanted to look glam, but I didn't have any specific look in mind other than dramatic eyes and a nude lip. I did the Wow Wonder which took about 40 minutes. My makeup artist, Dua (sorry if I spelled that wrong) was so sweet and incredibly skilled - I loved the look she gave me! Made me feel like an absolute princess. Can't wait to go back! read more

I had professional headshots done here over the weekend and had a fantastic experience! I am *not* a photogenic person, but they made me look fabulous (thanks to their talented makeup artist!) The photographer was so patient and I didn't feel self-conscious at all... and I ended up with 15 terrific photos where I look like a better version of myself! There are other headshot companies out there that offer fewer services (no makeup!) for more money... skip them, and book an appointment at Own Your Wonder ASAP! read more

I've had my makeup done twice now at Own Your Wonder (once for a birthday and once for New Year's) and it's been such a positive experience! It's really easy to make appointments online and it's a much more personalized experience than going to a big box makeup counter. Both times, the artists listened to what I wanted and delivered - I left feeling confident and beautiful! The owner is awesome too; she's been in both times and hearing her story and why she started Own Your Wonder makes me even more likely to come back (I love supporting women-owned local businesses!) Well applied makeup definitely makes a huge difference so I absolutely recommend Own Your Wonder if you're looking to get makeup done for any occasion. read more

I needed my makeup done for a boudoir shoot and Duaa was amazing! I'm pretty picky when it comes to my makeup and she understood exactly what I was going for. She was professional and took the time to check-in and asked me how I liked the look several times along the way. She works with you vs. on you. I was genuinely so pleased with the way my makeup turned out. Not cakey at all and photographed beautifully. Christina is also such a sweetheart. She is the owner of Own Your Wonder and I love her story. She was warm, welcoming and encouraging and has an invested interest in empowering women. Please consider Own Your Wonder for your next photoshoot, special occasion, etc. You won't regret it! read more

I've had such a great experience every time I have gone to Own Your Wonder. I've booked the Eye Wonder twice and have been amazed with what they can do. Vasa has such great attention to detail and always knows what to do to make me look my best. The owner, Kristina, is so attentive and welcoming. Love coming here! read more

Own Your Wonder - Makeup Artists Near Me

I've been meaning to leave this review for ages. I had a really great experience here for the headshot package. The photographer was great and offered a variety of backgrounds, lights, and even a wardrobe change in the middle. The makeup was amazing too. They really take care to understand what look you're going after and do a great job. I came away with tons of headshots that I love. It also felt like a great value. read more

Own Your Wonder is an amazing spot!! Kristina (the owner) is incredible and so are the people she works with. I was so happy with how it turned out - the makeup artist kept asking me if I liked it and whether I looked like myself. This is a great departure from previous experiences where I've ended up surprised in a bad way. Thank you Own Your Wonder, I had a fantastic time!!!! read more

We had a wonderful virtual makeup lesson with Vicky who was so talented and a great teacher. Can't wait to get my make up done in person again but until then, this was a fun birthday activity to celebrate a friend. read more

I booked Own Your Wonder to provide make-up services for myself and my bridal party/family members. Graciela Lopez and Vasa Zenchenko were the two artists and they did an amazing job! They both were able to come to the bridal suite at the hotel I was getting ready at to provide make-up services. I did an in-person trial with Graciela at Own Your Wonder a few weeks prior to my wedding and she truly nailed the look I was going for (simple and natural). All the ladies who got their make-up done looked fantastic. Graciela and Vasa was so friendly and flexible, and even though we had a bit of compressed timeline for the number of people who needed to get make-up, they got it done without any of us feeling rushed. Additionally, I really enjoyed working with Kristina, the owner, to coordinate the services. She really went above and beyond to help me meet the needs of everyone involved. Thank you so much to the Own Your Wonder team for making me feel so glamorous on my wedding day! read more

I wanted to surprise a dearr friend with a day of glamour and that included makeup. I'm so glad that I found Own Your Wonder. They had warm and inviting studio and we immediately felt relaxed. The owner was a big part of it, sharing her vision for the business - for beauty to be individualized and makeup approachable. We loved our makeup, the price and really enjoyed taking after pictures with her ring light! Will definitely be going back and highly recommend going for the overall experience, value, and service! read more

I did an in person Sip 'N Glow class back in January with MUA Erica and recently did a virtual class with MUA William. The best part about these classes is that I get to learn the right ways to use the makeup I already own! I also got very specific product recommendations as well. Having taken part in both in person class and virtual class, I got valuable instruction from the makeup artists in BOTH settings. If anything, maybe a little more in the virtual setting because the artist is able to zoom in on their face while instructing and participants get to ask questions all along the way. I'll be booking a virtual class just on eyes next! I highly recommend the Own Your Wonder team to help bring out your beauty and confidence! read more

Alexandria was wonderful to work with and took her time to understand what I was looking for and checked in throughout the appointment to make sure I was happy with my look. I look forward to using Own Your Wonder in the future. read more

Unprofessional.... I was bumped for a higher profile client with minimal notice I had an appointment booked at 11:15am on a Monday morning for full face makeup and an eye mask prior to a TV interview (my first ever and a top 3 career highlight for me). As I was en route to Drybar (up the street from Own Your Wonder) for a blowout immediately before my OYW appointment, Kristina, the owner of OYW, called and asked if I had flexibility that morning because the makeup artist was on Capitol Hill doing a Senator's makeup for the impeachment hearing. I explained my timeframe and that I really only had about 30 minutes of wiggle room in order to arrive at the studio on time. I offered to forego the eye mask to save time. Kristina offered to have the makeup artist meet me at the studio, which I declined because I wasn't sure of the logistics of the venue nor did I know the people who would be interviewing me. I needed to feel like a "10" upon arrival, not to mention that I didn't want to seem like a diva by showing up with a makeup artist nor worry about having to find the appropriate room to get ready. Kristina told me to show up at my normal appointment time and she would "make it work." Well, "making it work" involved me getting a phone call at 11am while sitting outside of OYW saying that the makeup artist wouldn't be there until at least 11:40. I got a text at 11:30 saying that her ETA was now around 12:15 (I had to be at the studio for 1pm.) This wasn't even enough time for me to drive back to my house to do my own makeup and get to my interview on time. The artist showed up at 12:20, flustered and extremely apologetic. I explained that I was going to be on camera; she rushed and was only able to spend about 20 minutes with me before I had to leave- I had to ask for her to add eyeliner and brows. I was visibly upset when I raced out of there due to being stressed for the event, not looking the way I wanted to (there was no color to my face nor eyes- I wasn't charged) and rushing to not be very late. I'm not certain whose call it was to send the makeup artist to the Hill despite knowing that the artist already had an appointment for that morning- I presume it was Kristina. I texted Kristina afterwards and she was also very apologetic and offered to make it up to me, but the damage is done. This was my first experience with OYW and I trusted them with a huge milestone for me - they more than fell short of expectations. This really sucks because I'd been looking for a reason to have my makeup done here since they opened and I finally had a reason to spend the time and money on it. I felt like they wanted the bigger / notable client at my expense. I doubt I'll go back- I certainly wouldn't depend on them for another major event. read more

Love this place! Like the super feminine version of the barbershop--I was able to relax and gossip with the owner and makeup artists and other guests while being completely glamorized and my makeup looked so gorgeous all night! Next time I'm going back for a lesson so I can create my own beautiful look, but will also be back for them to do my makeup for parties, special events, or just when I need a boost of beauty. read more

I had a wonderful experience! My stylist let me know what she was doing every step of the way and she did an amazing job! I was obsessed with the smoky eye she did, and I wish my eyebrows looked this good everyday. I booked a shorter appointment, and she went a little over to make sure the look was a complete. Excellent service, and I will definitely be back for my next special occasion!! read more

As good as it gets. I've never had a professional makeup artist outside a brand at a department store do my makeup. I've gone twice to OYW and two different artists gave me different but fabulous results. Love that they use their own products and listen if you guide them on a particular look, you can bring your own makeup if desired. Joan used products about which I never knew and in ways I learned here for foundation and concealers and lips. It feels so indulgent and only $35 for full 30 mins (and a bit over) or two people is $50. They shared each product name so I could buy some on my own (online) ,not expensive but so very effective. Great to finally learn the tricks of the trade, and return for reminders. A great addition to upper Georgetown. And they take proper after pix of your new look. read more

I had a great experience here. The entire team was warm and welcoming and Kristina, the owner, was so personable. It is very much an experience tailored to each individual. Alexandria, my makeup artist, gave me exactly the natural look I requested and Clarissa, the photographer was a real pro who made the process easy. I am thrilled with the photos and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Own Your Wonder to others! read more

This place is professional and lovely! The owner of the spot is super helpful and very excessible. The makeup artists were excellent at their craft and worked with me to get the most out of what I ordered. I will absolutely be returning to this spot for wedding/blacktie events. read more

Went in for professional head shots, and had such a fun morning! Can't wait to have a reason or special occasion and go back again.

I went here with a friend to get our makeup done for our law school formal-we both got the full wonder and it was so worth it. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted and don't normally wear a lot of makeup-I basically asked for a more natural look but wanted it to still look like I had makeup on for a formal event. Duaa Rashid did an amazing job and I was so pleased. Highly recommend! read more

My girlfriend and I went to OYW to have a casual makeup look for a date night. We didnt book online because they had every appointment open all afternoon. When I called they said they were booked for 2 hours and couldnt see us till later. I asked about their online booking and they said they had a client change times at the last min. We arrived and the make up artist was running 15 min late so our appointment started late. I sat down and said I would like a casual date night make up but nothing too dramatic. She began but used foundation which was much ligher than my skin tone, when I commented on it she said it would look better when I was done. I trusted her and waited till the end. She asked me to do my own eye liner because my eyes kept watering. I didnt appreciate this and when she made a comment that it should have looked better but I kept blinking so it was my fault. Also it was not sanitary for the mascara and lipstick. She used a clean new lip swab and put it in the bottle then on to my lips. Then she put it back in the bottle! THAT IS NOT CLEAN. She did the same with my mascara, I am lucky I dont have pink eye now. Once she was done my face was still a bit pale and I said something to her but she said it looked fine. When it was my girlfriend's turn she made her too pale and put a terrible color on her lips. It could have been a better experience but I was disappointed. I will not return. read more

I came here recently to get professional headshots for work and I'm so very happy that I did. Everyone at the shop was incredibly warm and welcoming and created a comfortable environment. Dua, my makeup artist, did an amazing job and made sure to check periodically to make sure I liked what was she was doing and see if I wanted any adjustments. She really listened to the makeup look I was going for (something subtle that would still pop on camera) and executed it perfectly. Emma, the photographer, did a wonderful job putting me at ease. I haven't had professional photos taken of myself since I was child getting those silly glamour shots done and felt incredibly awkward at first, but Emma gave very good direction and made the entire process fun and quick. I received my headshots via email within less than a week! I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get headshots and will keep it in mind should I need my makeup done for future events! read more