My mission is to empower clients to embrace their unique natural beauty and feel confident every single day.
About Valerie Hammer Makeup ArtistryMeet Valerie
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Professional Makeup Artist & EducatorValerie Hammer
I began my makeup career by chance twenty years ago.
After college, I worked a corporate job but took evening makeup classes to escape my cubicle. I then worked in management at MAC Cosmetics, and makeup quickly became a hobby that turned into a fulfilling career.
My philosophy is simple: I want you to feel comfortable in your own skin. From contact through that final mist of setting spray, I want you to feel happy, confident, and proud of who you are.
My StoryYou’ve (Still) Got It
I love weddings and bridal makeup. Seeing brides glow on their day is wonderful. After becoming a parent, I couldn’t be away every weekend, so in 2021 I changed my business.
I noticed many women my age—especially moms—felt lost with makeup and themselves after big life changes. They didn’t know how to care for themselves. I help them feel good again by doing their makeup for portraits, family photos, or headshots, or by teaching them how to do it.
Makeup can truly transform, and I’d love to help you with it.
Makeup for Everyone20 Years of Experience
Professionally Trained
100s of Five-Star Reviews
We live in the age of YouTube and TikTok makeup influencers — fun to watch, but for real life, you need a professional.
I hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, completed a makeup certification program, and trained for years with renowned artists. Professionalism matters — read my client reviews to see my work.
Client Testimonial
↓“Valerie didn’t just make me look beautiful - she made me feel beautiful. She brought out my eyes, made my lips pop, and styled my hair in a way that made me feel like a Hollywood star.”
Awards & Features
As featured in:
Vogue Arabia, Bethesda Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine, The ProAge Woman, United with Love, Intimate Weddings, Capitol Romance, The Perfect Palette, 100 Layer Cake, Green Wedding Shoes, Modern Sanctuary, Wedding Sparrow, Modern Luxury Weddings, and Charm City Wed
Best of Bethesda finalist: 2025, 2026
Washington Jewish Week- Best of Jewish Washington runner-up: 2025
WeddingWire Couple's Choice Awards: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021
The Knot Best of Weddings: 2021 and 2022
Your Questions, Answered.
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My style is natural beauty. I can go glam or edgy, but my aesthetic leans towards skin that looks like skin. I want you to look like you.
My style isn’t everyone’s style, and that’s ok. I’m always happy to refer a colleague who may better fit your style.
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I’m never judgmental. I don’t ever want anyone to feel out of place.
It’s perfectly ok to come in completely clueless. I’ll help you figure it out.
I work hard to make sure that you are comfortable, relaxed, and can really shine.
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You don’t need a reason to get your makeup done. It doesn’t require a reason. Wanting to feel confident is reason enough!
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No. I am not affiliated with any makeup brands. I’ll never try to sell you specific products. My goal is to help you find the products that work best for you and your budget- whether it’s Chanel or CoverGirl.
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I’m more than just a beauty pro. I want you to enjoy the experience and feel comfortable talking about real topics during your appointment.
I have a college degree and an MS, and I serve many highly educated, high-achieving clients—I enjoy deep conversations and would love to have more of them.
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