Ocasio-Cortez’s Campaign Spent Thousands On Celebrity Makeup Artist: Report

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing renewed scrutiny over campaign spending after federal records revealed her political committee paid more than $2,000 to a celebrity styling agency for hair and makeup services.

The expenses, documented in filings with the Federal Election Commission, were directed to The Only Agency, a high-end firm with offices in New York and Los Angeles that represents stylists working with entertainment industry clients.

The spending has raised eyebrows in part because the progressive New York lawmaker has previously said she typically handles her own makeup.

Campaign Filings Show Multiple Payments

According to a review of campaign finance records reported by the New York Post, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign made several payments to the agency for event-related services.

Records show the campaign paid $670 on Nov. 5 for “campaign event makeup services.” Five days later, the filings list two additional payments — $693.08 and $665 — categorized as “campaign event hair and makeup services.”

The Only Agency represents stylists whose client lists include global celebrities such as Bad Bunny and model Bella Hadid. The firm offers professional hair, makeup, and styling services frequently used for major public appearances.

According to the agency’s publicly listed rates, starting prices are approximately $600 for hair styling and $600 for makeup services. The company also operates offices in London and Nashville.

Rally Appearance Highlighted by Makeup Artist

One of the appearances tied to the services occurred at a rally in Queens last October.

The event was a get-out-the-vote rally supporting mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani at Forest Hills Stadium.

Makeup artist Jocelyn Biga posted about the event on Instagram, highlighting her work preparing the congresswoman.

“An honor to glam AOC for the ‘New York is Not for Sale’ rally at Forest Hills Stadium,” Biga wrote. “An unforgettable moment watching her light up the stage with conviction, courage, and heart,” Biga said.

Photos accompanying the post showed Ocasio-Cortez wearing a smoky eye makeup look paired with her signature red lipstick and professionally styled hair.

The New York Post reported that it was unclear which other appearances involved services from the agency, as the campaign filings did not include detailed descriptions beyond general event-related categories.

Price Comparisons Raise Questions

The newspaper also reviewed pricing from local beauty providers for comparison.

According to the report, many political candidates typically spend between $100 and $200 on hair and makeup services for campaign appearances.

One salon located in Queens’ Forest Hills neighborhood charges about $100 for event hairstyling and $150 for professional makeup, according to the outlet.

Republicans Criticize Spending

Officials with the Republican National Committee criticized the campaign expenses, arguing they clash with the congresswoman’s frequent criticism of wealth and economic inequality.

“AOC’s favorite slogan is ‘tax the rich,’ but her campaign spending shows she’d rather live like the 1%,” said RNC press secretary Kiersten Pels.

“It’s the latest reminder that her class-warfare message is little more than political theater propped up by high-priced makeovers,” Pels said.

Previous Ethics Questions

This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez’s appearance-related spending has drawn scrutiny.

In 2023, the House Ethics Committee reviewed her attendance at the high-profile Met Gala in 2021.

At the event, the congresswoman wore a dress emblazoned with the phrase “Tax the Rich,” which generated widespread media attention.

The committee later concluded she had violated House gift rules by improperly accepting roughly $3,700 in rented apparel and related items tied to the event.

Ocasio-Cortez Has Addressed Beauty Standards

Ocasio-Cortez has previously spoken about the pressures women face regarding appearance in public life.

In a 2019 Instagram video, she discussed the expectations placed on female politicians.

“Women are expected to put 30 minutes to an hour into their appearance every day to look just as presentable as a man who puts in 10 minutes,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

She also addressed the issue in a beauty tutorial published by Vogue, where she demonstrated her signature red lipstick style while discussing perceptions of women in politics.

“There’s this really false idea that if you care about makeup or if your interests are in beauty and fashion, that that’s somehow frivolous,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

She added that young women in politics are often judged more harshly based on their appearance.