Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spent more than $2,000 in campaign funds on a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Bad Bunny and Bella Hadid, despite once claiming she did her own makeup and criticizing the beauty industry’s demands on women in politics.
Campaign Finance Records Reveal Pricey Services
Federal Election Commission records show Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign paid The Only Agency three separate amounts in November: $670, $693.08, and $665 for campaign event makeup and hair services. The New York and Los Angeles-based agency charges $600 per session for hair and $600 for makeup. Most political candidates typically spend between $100 and $200 for similar services, according to campaign finance records. A top-rated salon in Forest Hills charges $100 for event hair and $150 for professional makeup.
AOC used thousands in campaign cash to hire pricey celebrity makeup artist: 'outrageous' https://t.co/69cTLIaLvq pic.twitter.com/Xk6baGZ2Tj
— New York Post (@nypost) March 14, 2026
One confirmed occasion for the services was an October 26 get-out-the-vote rally for Mayor Zohran Mamdani in Queens, where Ocasio-Cortez appeared alongside Senator Bernie Sanders. Makeup artist Jocelyn Biga posted photos on Instagram showing the congresswoman sporting a smoky brown eye, subtle red lip, and perfectly coiffed eyebrows. The artist described it as an honor to work on Ocasio-Cortez for the New York is Not for Sale rally at Forest Hills Stadium.
Critics Cite Hypocrisy After Past Statements
Republican National Committee National Press Secretary Kiersten Pels criticized the spending, stating that while Ocasio-Cortez’s favorite slogan is tax the rich, her campaign spending shows she would rather live like the one percent. Paul Kamenar, counsel to the National Legal and Policy Center, called the expenditures outrageous misuse of campaign contributions. The spending marks the first time the congresswoman reported professional hair or makeup expenses in her campaign filings.
Pattern of Expensive Beauty Services
This is not the first controversy involving Ocasio-Cortez and pricey beauty services. The House Ethics Committee found she violated gift rules by accepting similar services during her 2021 Met Gala attendance. She received makeup services costing $344.85 and hair styling for $477.73, initially billed to Conde Nast. She only paid with personal funds after the Office of Congressional Conduct filed a complaint. In 2019, she filmed an Instagram video offering makeup tips while criticizing the patriarchy, claiming women are expected to spend 30 minutes to an hour on their appearance daily to look as presentable as men who spend 10 minutes.