Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

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Licensed freelance makeup artist specializing in photo-ready makeup applications as well as customized individual makeup lessons.

MD state licensed makeup artist specializing in photo ready makeup applications (headshots, portraits, maternity, engagement, special events, elopements, print and beyond) as well as group and customized individual makeup lessons. (Group makeup lessons also available)

2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, 2018, 2019, Weddingwire Couples' Choice award winner. Reviews on Theweddingchannel.com:
http://local.

06/29/2026

Let’s talk about tools:

Like any other artistic profession, we have preferred tools and mediums. It’s pretty obvious that makeup is my medium of choice, but my tools are equally as important. And for all of the “doesn’t cost an arm and a leg” service seekers, our tools are yet another example of the “arms and legs” that are reflected in our rates.

If you’ve sat in my chair, you know that I don’t mess around when it comes to sanitation practices. My disposable palette paper is a big part of that. When I left retail cosmetics and started freelancing (2006/2007,) my husband (bf) at the time had watched me spend hours cleaning/sanitizing/organizing between gigs. As a hobby painter and art history buff himself, he offered a time saving suggestion: Disposable palette paper. The same kind of palette paper that oil/acrylic/watercolor artists (like himself) had used for years for their canvases. Only, in my case, my canvases were people. This was a huge 💡 moment. I could save valuable time cleaning/sanitizing multiple palettes in the evenings AND maintain my borderline-obsessive sanitation practices between clients while working! It is one of my most valuable tools to date, but they’re NOT cheap. It’s a non-negotiable for me, as an artist, so YOU don’t have to worry about the gross stuff. Sometimes, paying for the “arms and legs” when it comes to services….especially on your face….is necessary.

Now a question for you: in my never-ending plight to figure out this whole content thing, are insights like these helpful or view worthy? Would you be interested in seeing/reading more like this? Or should this mainly be a home for client faces??

BTS video: Ginny Filer Photography Branding
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Photos from Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry's post 06/26/2026

Bat mitzvah makeup for these cutie patooties! You can’t see them in the photos, but I was obsessed with their bedazzled (I don’t even know if that’s what they’re called anymore) sneakers 👟✨

06/22/2026

I know that summer break has officially begun, but I wanted to show my thanks to all the teachers! Your jobs are SO important (I honestly don’t know how you all do it) and I really suck at getting my s**t together during teacher appreciation week (I’m sorry!)

To show my gratitude, I want to dedicate my August (and end of July) to YOU, because you deserve to feel like your best self, while inspiring our children ❤️

***just mention this flyer and your teaching position when inquiring to schedule. Feel free to share with your local teacher friends who aren’t on social media!

I truly appreciate you and everything you do for our children 🧑‍🏫!!

Photos from Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry's post 06/16/2026

Glamour shots are back! When themed birthdays are THIS fun, why wouldn’t you get your hair, makeup AND photos done??

Hair & makeup: 🙋🏻‍♀️
📷: Ginny Filer Thomas

Photos from Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry's post 06/10/2026

In honor of 🌈 month, I’m resharing Maddy’s story (+ a little more) in a new blog post!

Maddy came in for a lesson a few years ago. She wanted to feel pretty without feeling over done, as makeup was completely new to her. How she felt, by the end of her lesson, is still one of the my career highs to this day 🩷. I don’t often share a lot of my clients’ personal journeys, out of respect for their privacy. Maddy’s encouragement to share hers, especially with other members of the trans community, was truly special!

Happy !

**link in my bio for blog post**

Photos from Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry's post 06/08/2026

The lovely in black and white

She’s a mom, a female entrepreneur and overall amazing human who lifts up so many other female entrepreneurs/business owners…and 100% deserves to be in the spotlight ✨

Hair & 💄: 🙋🏻‍♀️
Modern portraits: of

06/02/2026

I am a 100% a makeup addict.

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Silver Spring, MD
20906