Skip to content
Studios
Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry
Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

Studio in Silver Spring, MD

Most appointments happen at the makeup studio in Silver Spring. For bookings of three or more clients, the business travels onsite for makeup, and it serves Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia.

Read more

About

Most appointments happen at the makeup studio in Silver Spring. For bookings of three or more clients, the business travels onsite for makeup, and it serves Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia.

Makeup services cover headshots, family portraits, maternity and boudoir photography, author photos, media appearances and special events. Bridal work ranges from a studio trial run to wedding day makeup with a touch-up kit, bridal attendant makeup for wedding parties, and a la carte options priced by contact. Editorial makeup for photo shoots is also offered, priced by contact.

Lessons include one-on-one custom sessions, refreshers for existing clients, group lessons and photo-ready lessons, and beginners are welcome. Photo packages are offered with Ginny Filer Photography, and branding collections are arranged through that partner. The business also offers cross-promotion and service-for-hire arrangements with photographers, event planners and stylists.

According to the business, it has over 100 five-star reviews and has been featured in publications including Vogue Arabia, Bethesda Magazine, Washingtonian Magazine and Modern Luxury Weddings. It states it was a Best of Bethesda finalist in 2025 and 2026, and a runner-up in Washington Jewish Week's Best of Jewish Washington in 2025. It also lists WeddingWire Couple's Choice Awards for 2014 through 2019 and 2021, and The Knot Best of Weddings awards for 2021 and 2022.

Lessons are scheduled Monday through Friday, and weekend dates, when open, are usually for event makeup. Guests are generally discouraged at lessons, especially young children, with exceptions made case by case. Clients may bring their own makeup, and if a client knows the source of an allergy, the studio will try to avoid that ingredient. Tools and brushes are sanitized and disinfected between sessions. Gift cards and pre-paid lessons are available, and inquiries can be made through the contact form, which states replies within 48 hours, or through the online booking system.

Focuses on natural, feature-enhancing makeup and on helping clients feel at ease with their own looks day to day.

Specials & promotions

  • Artist Spotlight session for $595 plus tax

    $595

    Valid weekdays, in-studio or outdoor the Poplar Run neighborhood only. Not valid on Saturdays/Sundays

    On their website as of Oct 28, 2026 · Where we saw it

  • Retro Glow Up photoshoot for two for $1005 plus tax

    $1,005

    Hair and makeup for 2 people (about 2 hrs each), 30 - 45 minute fun studio session, 5 digital images

    On their website as of Oct 28, 2026 · Where we saw it

  • Beginner skincare and makeup package for $435

    $435

    60 minute facial with 30 minute skincare consultation and 2 hour beginner makeup lesson. Valid Monday-Friday

    On their website as of Oct 28, 2026 · Where we saw it

  • Signature Sessions makeup and portrait package for $715 plus tax

    $715

    Weekday sessions only. Two outfit changes, five digital image downloads

    On their website as of Oct 28, 2026 · Where we saw it

Services

Final prices may vary.

Optional extras including basic hair styling, on-site touch-ups, and tattoo cover-up for visible tattoos at photography or special events.

  • Basic Hair Styling $95+
  • On Site Touch Ups $250+
  • Tattoo Cover Up $250+

Branding packages starting at $900, $1,200 and $2,500, with details arranged through Ginny Filer Photography.

  • The Brand Starter $900+
  • Professional Glow-Up $1,200+
  • Signature Brand Experience $2,500+

Makeup for brides and bridal parties, including a studio trial run, wedding day makeup with a touch-up kit, bridal attendant makeup, and a la carte options priced by contact.

  • Bridal Attendant Makeup $190+
  • Bridal Trial Run $200+
  • Wedding Day Makeup $300+
  • A La Carte Services Price at booking
  • A La Carte Wedding Makeup Price at booking
  • Makeup Application (Studio) $165+
  • On Location Makeup $250+
  • Editorial Makeup Price at booking

Combined sessions such as a beginner skincare and makeup package with a facial and lesson, and glow-up sessions for one or two people.

  • Beauty 101: Beginner Skincare and Makeup $435
  • Signature Sessions $715
  • Retro Glow Up $760–$1,005
  • The Unfiltered Series $975–$1,300

Makeup application for events and everyday wear, starting at $165 in the studio.

  • Professional Makeup Application for Events & Everyday $165+

Private, refresher, group and photo-ready makeup lessons, scheduled Monday through Friday.

  • Makeup Lesson Refresher $145+
  • Group Makeup Lessons $195+
  • Private Makeup Lesson $245+
  • Photo-Ready Makeup Lesson $310+

Portrait session packages including Mommy & Me, Signature Sessions, the Artist Spotlight, and Retro Glow Up and Unfiltered Series options for one or two people.

  • The Artist Spotlight $595
  • Mommy & Me Experience $715
  • Signature Sessions (hair and makeup with portrait session) $715
  • Retro Glow Up, just you $760
  • The Unfiltered Series, one person $975
  • Retro Glow Up, two people $1,005
  • The Unfiltered Series, two people $1,075

Photos

  • Client in floral kimono with bold makeup and updo, surrounded by flowers
  • Client with waved blonde hair, red lip and sequined dress at a table
  • Client with curly hair and natural makeup in plaid blazer
  • Client lying on grass in white dress with pearl-accented eye makeup
  • Black and white photo of makeup artist applying eye makeup to a client
  • Makeup artist applying makeup to a client in a studio with framed photos
  • Black and white photo of makeup artist applying lipstick to a client
  • Makeup artist applying makeup to a client before a lit mirror
  • Makeup artist working on a client in a bright white salon studio
  • Artist applying red lipstick to a bride with dark wavy hair
  • Makeup being applied near a woman's eye against a blue backdrop
  • Bride in an off-shoulder dress with a bouquet on outdoor steps, showing makeup result

Meet the team

Team members listed on their website. Individual roles, credentials, and current employment have not been independently verified.valeriehammermake… (opens in a new tab)

Highlights
  • Studio in Silver Spring, with onsite travel for groups of three or more
  • Photo packages offered with Ginny Filer Photography
  • One-on-one custom lessons that demonstrate techniques on half the face before the client practices
  • Tools and brushes sanitized and disinfected between sessions
  • Will try to avoid an ingredient a client knows causes an allergy
Good for
  • photo-ready makeup
  • bridal parties
  • busy professionals
  • moms
  • women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond
  • complete beginners
  • headshots and branding sessions
Treats
  • tattoo coverage for photos or events
  • wedding makeup
  • everyday makeup confidence
  • learning to apply makeup
  • event and photo looks
Techniques
  • Natural, feature-enhancing application
  • Half-face demonstration lessons
  • Tattoo cover-up
  • Basic hair styling
  • On-site touch-ups

Similar salons nearby

More in Silver Spring

Book online