AOC employed a well-known makeup artist, campaign finance records reveal.

Costly Makeup Services Spark Controversy for AOC

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her membership in the progressive “Squad,” has found herself in hot water over recent expenditures for makeup services. This comes after she previously shared an Instagram tutorial showcasing her own makeup skills.

In Federal Election Commission records, it was revealed that her campaign spent over $2,000 on makeup and hair services from The Only Agency, based in New York and Los Angeles. Specifically, on November 5, she reported payments of $670 for “campaign event makeup services,” followed by $693.08 and another $665 for hair and makeup within just a week.

Services at this luxury agency reportedly start around $600 for hair and the same for makeup.

Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to as “Bronx Girl,” was seen dressed up for various events, including a voting session with Senator Bernie Sanders to support Mayor Mamdani in Queens on October 26. Makeup artist Jocelyn Biga expressed her excitement about working with AOC, sharing a photo on Instagram that highlighted her airbrushed look.

With dramatic makeup featuring smoky eyes and red lips, AOC captivated the crowd as she spoke about the diverse history of New York City and its immigrant roots.

However, it’s not entirely clear how often she has employed the services of The Only Agency beyond this particular instance.

During the same timeframe, she attended several high-profile events, including a dinner honoring Sanders and Mamdani’s election night celebration. This led RNC national press secretary Kiersten Pels to criticize Ocasio-Cortez, calling her spending inconsistent with her advocacy for wealth redistribution, particularly her slogan, “Tax the rich.”

While most political candidates typically allocate around $100 to $200 on hair and makeup, Ocasio-Cortez’s spending stands out. This was the first time she had reported such professional expenses during a campaign.

Previously, AOC had faced scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee regarding gift rules, particularly in connection with high-priced hair and makeup services she received at the 2021 Met Gala, which initially were billed to Condé Nast but later had to be rectified with her own funds.

Paul Kamener, general counsel at the National Legal Policy Center, expressed outrage at AOC’s campaign spending on beauty services, highlighting how this diverges from her public stance on social equality.

Back in 2019, Ocasio-Cortez had gained attention for her makeup tips on social media, advocating for women who feel pressured to conform to grooming standards. She noted the frustration of young women in politics, broadcasting the challenges of being taken seriously while also enjoying beauty and fashion.

In a follow-up Vogue tutorial, Ocasio-Cortez shared her beauty secrets in a series alongside famed personalities like Kylie Jenner, further highlighting the complexities of image versus activism.