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Wowpretty Professional Makeup and hair
Categories: Beauty and Spas Makeup Artists Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Makeup Artists, Hair Salons [Edit]
515 California DrBurlingame, CA 94010
(415) 871-5512
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Located near attractive Burlingame Avenue, Neo Salon invites you to a hair experience like no other. Our welcoming, warm atmosphere, city-like feel… read more »
62 reviews for Wowpretty Professional Makeup and hair
62 reviews in English
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Review from Jen C.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2011
Jira and her team did my hair and makeup (plus my bridal party's hair and makeup) for my wedding on October 22. I chose her after an initial makeup trial with someone else -- this first person's work was fine, but she was so unpleasant I couldn't imagine spending several hours with her on my wedding day. Luckily, after some additional searching, my photographer (Lori Paladino...who I also can't recommend highly enough) pointed me toward Jira.
I went in for my trial several months out and decided on the spot that I wanted to work with Jira -- she was extremely friendly and helpful and I could tell she was incredibly skilled, even though I wasn't 100% in love with the first look we came up with. She had a slightly different vision of what would look best on me, but I did some additional thinking / research between my first and second trials and got a firmer idea of what I wanted. When I came back with more specific instructions, she did exactly what I had in mind -- even if I did get the impression that it wasn't what she might have chosen -- and I thought it looked amazing.
The day of the wedding, Jira and her team showed up on time, stayed on schedule without making us feel rushed, and were calm and fun to work with. Everyone in my bridal party had a great experience, especially my maid of honor, Michelle -- she was having her hair done by Sylvie and didn't really like the first attempt, and Sylvie completely re-did her hair, no complaints. Michelle ended up thrilled with her style in the end. The other thing I would mention how uniformly skilled and professional Jira and all of her junior stylists were -- I would have been 100% happy to have any of them work on me, they were all that good.
I haven't got my professional wedding photos back yet, but from the number of compliments I got on my hair and makeup that day, plus the informal shots my friends took, I know Jira did a great job transforming me from my everyday self! I absolutely recommend her.
If I was going to offer any constructive criticism, I'd warn that her prices are slightly higher than average, and I did have to pay full price for both of my two trials, which I thought was somewhat off-market. However, you get what you pay for, and I was VERY glad I went with her in the end. -
Review from Judy L.
San Jose, CA
1/25/2012
I got the Jira Couture blush from Wowpretty and was very pleased with the quality. Jira recommended the blush shade that works for my skin color. The extra plus is that it comes in a small packaging so it is perfect for traveling. It is definitely one of my favorite blushes.
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Review from Stella R.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2011
Elena listened to what kind of styles I like before making good suggestions. She did an excellent job shaping my curls. I received SO many compliments on my hair and I would highly recommend Elena for not only her professionalism and talent, but for her accommodating, easy-going attitude.
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Review from Jenny H.
5/12/2011
I wish I actually made it to to my trial to review her work.
This is based on the communication I received from Jira. Although I must say she is fast to return all emails, she never quite understood what I wanted. She was a tad rude and pushy on her emails which i did not appreciate. I wanted her specifically to do my trial but she kept pushing on her other team members instead of just saying she was unavailable.
Wish I got a chance to actually see her work, maybe I would have better things to say.Listed in: My wedding adventures...the…
Comment from jira w. of Wowpretty Professional Makeup and hair 5/17/2011
Hi Jenny, Thank you for the review. I want to apologize if… More » -
Review from lele t.
San Mateo, CA
11/30/2010
I had no idea how I wanted my hair until the day of my wedding, even though I had seen Jira twice before. I brought some pictures with me on my wedding day and Jira did a wonderful job - even better than I was hoping/expecting! I LOVED my hair & it stayed in place all night. I have super thick, heavy hair and it never stays in place so I was impressed.
Makeup was pretty and natural - just the way I like. I had the airbrushing done so it was nice and light but super smooth.
Jira's prices are also reasonable compared to a lot out there! -
Review from Kala R.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2011
I've been looking for a perfect combination of both makeup artist and hair stylist in one. It's so hard to find one that's good in both areas. I'm so thrilled I finally found Jira and her team. She's so professional and know exactly what the bride want. I booked a trial with her right away after viewing her website and reviews. We discussed a lot about what I want. She's a good listener and try to understand everything I want. Plus, she gave me so many ideas and options for my makeup and hair. I changed my mind many times and she's cool with it.
On my wedding day, Jira came 10 minutes early with her team. She executed her work of art like a pro. I love my experience with her. All my bridesmaids told me they love their makeup and hair too. Jira's 3 stylists are also very good. One of my bridesmaid changed her hairstyle few times until she got what her want.There's no problem at all. I'm quite happy that everything went well and all my girls look perfect.
I would recommend Jira to anyone. She's been working with many brides for so many years. She gives good tips to bride-to-be. One thing I really like about her is she's honest, no bullshit and no drama. I have enough drama as a bride already. She not telling what I want to hear, but she tell me as it is and I respect her for that.
5 stars to Jira WowPretty!!! -
Review from Greg C.
Irvine, CA
9/28/2010
All these 5 star ratings...one word "WOW"...not so pretty for my wife when she went for a trial. Ended up looking sort of manly...like really dark makeup. Wasn't the cheapest trial either.
On the flipside, Jira is pretty nice from what I was told. He makes you feel very comfortable and she doesn't rush you. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder!Comment from jira w. of Wowpretty Professional Makeup and hair 10/1/2010
Hi Greg, We appreciate your review. I'm sorry to hear that… More » -
Review from M D.
Redwood City, CA
8/23/2011
I guess that I was a little late thinking about hair and makeup for my wedding this summer, so luckily for me, Adrianna, my wedding coordinator from Dream a Little Dream Events, suggested Wowpretty to me. I made an appointment for a trial with Elena, and she totally understood what I wanted--to look natural but of course better than my 'normal' self :)
On the day of my wedding, Elena and Lang worked some serious magic on my four bridesmaids and me! The five of us all had hair and makeup done at the wedding venue, which was a lot of fun, and helped build up our excitement for the wedding. My hair was even more interesting and beautiful than the trial, stayed smooth and up all night, and my face stayed dew-y and glow-y and NOT shiny all night too! I can't wait to get photos from our photographer to share with everyone. Thank you so much for making me feel and look so pretty on my wedding day! Go with Wowpretty--you'll be happy you did. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Mountain View, CA
7/14/2011
I can't believe I haven't written a review yet! I was a happy bride that had Jira for hair & makeup in 2009.
I went in for a trial H&M a few months before the wedding (scheduled on the same day as our engagement shoot to make the most of it) and absolutely loved the results. Jira listens to what you like. I think this should not be understated because many stylists can make you look good, but you may not like that look on yourself. For a bride, it's so important to love the way you look.
On our big day, Jira and her team showed up on time (so important), were professional and extremely efficient. Everything went without a hitch.
After the wedding, I scheduled an appointment with Jira for a haircut. Let's just say my hair is not the easiest to cut (thick and bulky anyone?) and almost every stylist I've seen have made it a point to tell me how difficult my hair is to cut. There was only once in my life that I loved a haircut, but that was in Miami.
After the haircut, I had a whole new appreciation for Jira's skills. She knows how hair should drape and be natural against your face. I made the mistake of having someone else cut my hair last year (since Jira is a drive for me) and it was just a disappointment. So I scheduled an appointment with Jira (yesterday actually!) for a cut. And it was perfect. Why wouldn't you trust someone who did your hair on your big day with a haircut?
Oh, and my husband loves my new haircut. What more can you ask? -
Review from Michelle R.
Mountain View, CA
8/11/2010
I so love Jira and her team at Wowpretty! They are a group of true professionals that will take care of you on your wedding day and I wouldn't have found her if it hadn't been for all the awesome yelp revews she already had.
I booked a trial session in March for my June wedding. Jira was great about listening to me but also giving me her opinions of what would work vs. what wouldn't. She has a very scrutinizing eye so I know she catches every detail and takes great pride in her work. She also sent pictures after the trial and was very responsive to my questions. One reason I knew I liked Jira was not just her skill but also the fact that she will answer your emails promptly. It's always helpful for the bride-to-be to know her vendors are available when she needs them!
On the day of the wedding, Jira was running just a few minutes late due to traffice but one of her assistants called so I wouldn't worry (not that it mattered, I was running WAY late myself!). But once they arrived, they didn't even skip a beat. Jira focused only on my hair and makeup while she had one assistant doing hair for my bridesmaids and mom and another doing makeup for them. I never imagined that I would be totally relaxed on the day of my wedding but once Jira started working her magic, the only thing I worried about was making sure someone got me my Starbucks! She also had hair and makeup done in plenty of time and I felt amazing. My bridesmaids and mom looked beautiful as well. The best thing was my hair stayed perfect despite the wind at our outdoor ceremony and the makeup didn't look any different after a few hours of dancing. Thank you Jira!!! -
Review from Maya G.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2010
Jira is fabulous! She's a true artist who helped me feel gorgeous on my wedding day. What I loved about Jira is that she was willing to accommodate all my requests and worked with me on the price so that all my bridesmaids and mom could get something done. I had two trial sessions with her and at first was a little unsure of the hairstyle. But Jira assured me that once my hair was cut in layers, it would all work out.
On the wedding day, Jira and her assistant arrived on time with suitcases full of makeup and hair accessories. They made everyone look beautiful and their work lasted through the night and into the next day!
If you want to feel gorgeous, visit Jira and her team! -
Review from Bernadette V.
Fremont, CA
7/27/2011
I came here before a personal photo shoot, not for a wedding, but I didn't feel like I received any worse-quality treatment because of it. I only communicated with Jira through E-mail, and she gave me a discounted price for both my makeup and hair.
Elena was the one who actually took care of me. She is super sweet and did a really fantastic job -- I thought I looked really orange and overdone in the mirror, but it looked really natural and just glamorous enough in the photos. She was also very accommodating when I told her I had no ideas about how I wanted my makeup, and I wasn't displeased at all with what she ended up doing. I should have told her not to be a bit more careful with my eyes since I have hard contacts and I ended up tearing up quite a bit from the makeup, but that was my fault, not hers. Overall, a great experience. 4 stars. -
Review from buggy b.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2010
I'm going to agree with most of the Yelp reviews and say that Jira is the best!!! She did my wedding in May and we absolutely loved how everything turned out. I'm not the type to wear too much make-up, so I was really happy to know that Jira was able to highlight my features and yet still make it look natural during our hair and make-up trial session.
Jira and her team made my bridesmaids and I look amazing on the wedding day, and the best part? The hairdos and make-up lasted for the entire night! She has this air brush machine that's just brilliant. My mom was being a slight diva, but Jira was extremely patient and worked with her until she was completely satisfied ... thanks Jira!!
For future brides, you probably need to book Jira ASAP as she is always in high demand - at least 4-6 months prior to the date, especially during wedding season. It is a bit costly to use Jira and her team, but it will be worth it! She's quite a professional and really responsive to e-mails which makes her easy to work with. -
Review from Karen C.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2007
POST WEDDING UPDATE:
All my bridesmaids loved Jira's make-up as well. She really does a great job making you look beautiful and natural. I felt at ease knowing that Jira was doing my make-up, especially when there were a million things going on my wedding day.
My hair looked great too. I got so many compliments on it. It didn't really look like my trial run, but it looked great anyways, so I didn't care.
Jira was also very on time and made sure everyone was ready as per my stringent schedule. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking for special occasion make-up and hair.
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After several make-up trials with other artists for my wedding, I finally found Jira. Let me just say, I had no idea that finding a make-up artist was going to be this hard. I left other trials feeling beautiful, but thinking why do I want to pay this person $200+ to do my make-up when I can do it myself? Well Jira was the first person that I found that did such a great job that I felt that I needed to book her. Here's the low down:
1. Beautiful Make-Up - Very detailed oriented and knows how to handle asian faces.
2. Airbrush foundation - this stuff is nice, goes on smoother and thinner.
3. Reasonable prices - most make-up artists want at least $200 just to do make up. Jira is charging me 300 for both hair and make-up (trust me, this is a good deal!).
4. Touch Up - all the other make-up artists want to charge me at lest $100/hr to wait around until I need a touch up. I am getting ready at 1pm for photos but the wedding doesn't start until 6pm, so that means at least 4hrs of wait time for the make-up artist.. do the math, its a LOT! Jira will come back later in the day for a additional fee of $150 which will include a hair style change also. Thank you for having reasonable prices!!!
5. Friendly and listens to what you want.
So, I was super excited about my make-up. I am also having Jira do my hair. After the trial, my hair looked nice, but I wasn't super estatic about it, but I am in the mind set that hair is hair. I'm just so excited about my make-up.
I'll let you know how the day of wedding make-up goes after 9/23/07.Listed in: Wedding Wedding!!!!
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Review from Candace F.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2010
Jira is the best! She did a trial run for my engagement and did 2 looks with my hair (updo and half up/half down). I was taking pictures on the beach where it was extremely windy and my hair stayed and my make-up didn't budge the 4 hour session.
Finding and booking a good make-up artist is hard. I was lucky to have booked her 3 months before my wedding. I needed someone who knows Asian hair and fair skin and Jira is it! She personally did my make-up which was airbrushing to smooth out the complexion and false eyelashes applied individually (not strips). She uses NARS eye shadows and MAC foundation which felt surprising light on my skin. The make-up was flawless and the hair was a glamorous updo inspired by the '50s. I originally had a different style in mind but she convinced me that I should do something more modern. She is in tune with what's fashionable now both in make-up/hair.
The day of my wedding, Jira came with her team to my hotel room at 6:15 in the morning since I had to be ready by 8am. She did an amazing job, her team was very efficient. Her 2 assistants did 5 bridesmaids hair and Jira did my hair/make-up. She highlighted my best features and made my skin radiant. I had minor touch-ups throughout the day for pictures and the reception but my make-up lasted all day.
I was given a brush set of which she showed me how to do touch-ups myself. I ended up wearing my own lipgloss and added some extra eyeshadow for the evening look. I felt good after hearing all the positive feedback, that the make-up was flawless and it was "me" shining through. Jira is an amazing artist and is worth every dollar & more. -
Review from Skya G.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2008
Jira came to my rescue at the last minute for my wedding hair and makeup. I found her through Yelp and just can't imagine a better choice for my big day. Jira firstly is a true artist and really cares about making you look your best. She has great ideas but also really listens and wants you be happy and feel your best. My make up looked amazing. Natural but with pizazz. People were raving about it! My hair looked fabulous as well.
It is rare to find someone who can do makeup and hair equally well. She excels in both. Also-the day of the wedding you want someone fun, friendly and calming around you and Jira is that and more. We were having fun and laughing all the way through hair and make up. It made me excited and relaxed for the day ahead.
Brides look no further as Jira is the best choice for your wedding day hair and make up!Listed in: Affordable and Exceptional…
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Review from Charmaine L.
Burlingame, CA
2/20/2008 2 photos
Time for some serious Elite promotion.
There must be a reason, or many reasons, why they call it wowpretty. Jira is a master of her craft. If you want someone who you can trust to make you look your best on your big day, or any occasion, Jira is your go-to gal.
W ell prepared
O rganized
W orthy of high praise
P aint your face on with airbrush makeup
R elax, Jira does the rest
E xperienced, 14 years!
T asteful
T alented
Y ou should make your appointment now!
My makeup was flawless and my hair was exactly what I wanted. Throughout the day, people would glance at me and smile. My fiance was also very happy with the outcome. Even the girl at the Clinique counter showered me with compliments. It's amazing what Jira's skills and talents can do!
More to come post-wedding...Listed in: bridezilla
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Review from Lexie O.
West Hollywood, CA
9/10/2010 3 photos
I just thought I would add to the plethora of 5 star reviews even though you don't need mine to convince you that Jira is fabulous.
So in the most succinct words... you get what you pay for... as a bride we try to disprove this but it's true. I am one of those brides that wanted Jira... couldn't quite afford her... tried out another hair/makeup artist, had a horrible trial... bucked up and went with Jira. I didn't even do a trial with Jira I was so confident in her abilities (and also it wasn't quite in my budget)... but I am SOOOO glad I did go with Jira and she did a superb job!
I saw a lot of Asian brides in her portfolio and so wasn't sure how it would go me being a white girl... but boy let me tell you... she was great and my favorite part was what she did with my hair... on the spot... just looking at a few photos of the kind of styles I like and poof... amazing updo!
Jira-I said to you the day of my wedding and I want to say it again... you are my hero and my favorite vendor out of my entire wedding experience! I heart U. -
Review from Sarah M.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2008
Post Wedding Update:
Jira nad her assistant made me and my mom look beautiful! She was on time and was a lot of fun to be around on what can be a nervous time.
My makeup lasted all night ( 4pm - 11:30pm) without any touch-ups. My hair was fabulous! i got a lot of compliments on it.
I highly recommend Jira!
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Went to Jira for my makeup trial. She did a fabulous job on both my hair and makeup. At first, I was a little shocked with the makeup since I wasn't used to seeing myself all dolled up. But as I sat there and stared at myself for a few more minutes, I though, "Damn, I look hot!"
Even my fiance said so when I went home.
Jira was fun to chat with while she was doing her magic. It's like having a really good girlfriend doing your makeup and hair.
I will update after my wedding! -
Review from L C.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2009
Jira's airbrush makeup is so natural and flattering. Everyone at my wedding loved the makeup. Even though she was a bit pricier than others, she's well worth it! There's nothing worst than hiring an expensive photographer and videographer when your makeup turns out bad or heavy (which is what happened at a friend's wedding). In addition, she is very fast and professional.
I also had my hair cut before the hair trial by Jira. She is the only person from whom I've liked my haircut. I will definitely go back for my next hair cut and would recommend others for her bridal makeup. -
Review from J L.
San Mateo, CA
12/30/2009
I'm sure Jira & her team has a million amazing comments and I'm just going to add to that!
I was very hesitant to hire a makeup artist just b/c I have very sensitive skin and I hate to look like my eyes were bruised since I have small eyes, which it happened with the bobbi brown makeup artist! Plus I'm the type that hates wearing makeup...
Let's just say after my makeup consultation with her, I changed my mind and hired her to do my makeup, my mom's and my galfrd's. She not only made me have eyelashes which is impossible with my small eyes, but she made my makeup look very natural and perfect for camera. Also, the makeup she used lasted the entire day without caking up.
I highly recommend her and her team. It's worth every penny to look fabulous for a day, esp on the wedding day! -
Review from Helen C.
Dublin, CA
6/21/2009
Thank you Jira... You are magnificent. Absolutely wonderful.
I've gone back and forth with many different hairstyles, but Jira.. She is so patient advising me on what's good and not.
I was there when she did my sister's hair for her wedding and there are no words to describe how she managed to everytime perfect a style you ask her to do. My sister wanted a Shanghai look so she just picked a style from t his magazine. Jira did such great work, that every girl at the wedding till this day still asks for Jira's contact.
Now I'm using her for my wedding and just finished my trial. Fabulous is the word I want to use on my look. Jira is amazing with what she could do with those hands. I'm so lucky to have been able to find her without having to do any type of research.
Thank you Thank you.. -
Review from Aivy C.
2/18/2009
One of my girlfriends needed a hair & makeup artist for her sister's wedding, so right away I did a lil networking for recommendations and my friend Patrick, a wedding videographer / photographer, hooked it up with Jira's contact info, which I promptly passed along to my girlfriend.
A week later, I get the pictures. Girlfriend's sister is bangin'! She was already hot before the hair and makeup. But Jira took it to a whole 'nother level. She will look 10 times as hot on her wedding day and that's priceless.
I am nowhere near getting married myself, but I am looking forward to all my friends' weddings so I have an excuse to dress up, wear 4 inch heels, and hit up Jira on my own! -
Review from Karen C.
San Jose, CA
11/20/2009
Jira was amazing to work with! I got married in August '09 and had my hair and make-up trial with her in October '08. I brought along inspiration photos to my trial session and Jira was really attentive to what I wanted for my wedding day. She was very sweet, relaxed, and easy to talk to. She was also able to recreate my inspiration photos perfectly!
I was extremely pleased with my trial and Jira's work that I booked her again for my engagement photos in June '09. She again recreated exactly what I wanted and I received a lot of compliments on my make-up and hair.
On our wedding day, Jira exceeded all expectations again! She made me feel relaxed and at ease which was very important. She also took her time and paid attention to detail. Jira also did hair and make-up for my mom. My mom's not very knowledgeable in this area and she doesn't really wear much make-up. However, my mom loved Jira's work and said she felt beautiful and received many compliments from her friends and family.
Jira used airbrush make-up and individual fake eyelashes on me, which I highly recommend. My hair and make-up lasted all day (12+ hours) and I didn't even have to re-touch once! I also received lots of compliments from friends and family. Even though it is one day, the money spent on hair and make-up is well worth it especially if it's with Jira. And you'll have gorgeous wedding photos to show for it =) It's important to have a hair and make-up artist that really listens to you and that you really trust.
Jira defnitely succeeded in making me feel sexy and look like a bride on my wedding day! Thank you so much , Jira! -
Review from Marilyn C.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009 12 photos
Thank you Jira for all the hard work you have done for me for my wedding and now you are doing for my sister's wedding.
I loved how you did my hair and makeup for my wedding and now you have done it again for my sister's wedding pretrial.
I will definetly refer you to all my friends. -
Review from Stacey L.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2009 6 photos
Gosh I've known Jira almost 8 years now. We first worked together on a photoshoot years ago. She really knows how to do Asian make-up.
Needless to say I had to have her do my wedding at the Julia Morgan Ballroom this past May. Jira uses an airbrush technique of foundation that lasted 12+ hours and through the my various tearing sessions throughout the day/night. Yay for her water proof mascara. Not only did it last all day but turned out flawless in photos. I just got my proofs back from my photographer Chung Photo. Her team was able to do hair/make-up for a bride, 6 bridesmaids, mom and cousin in 5 hours time. Right on schedule. She's also does great cut/color and extensions too. The Works!!
Brides: if you have a certain style or look you're looking to recreate, just tear out a picture and bring it to your trial session.
I uploaded a few pics from our engagement session/wedding -
Review from sam l.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2011
Thank you Jira!
There's a reason why all my good friends have used you, and now it was finally my turn! I am very happy with JIra! Yes, she did increase her price compare to a few years ago when my friends got married. But she is worth the money. Girls--you want to look your best that day, and you can't skim on the makeup and hair!! You only have one chance to look that pretty and feel like a princes. Jira is worth every penny! I have so much compliment that day. I was glowing :) and I don't think I can ever be prettier than that day!!! Jira is very nice, easy to work with and professional of course! She even have her own cosmetic line now!
I have been telling all my friends about Jira because she is simple the best ! -
Review from Jay T.
Mountain View, CA
6/22/2008
Jira was the hair and makeup artist at our wedding. The whole process of working with her was very smooth and stress-free because we could really count on her professionalism, artistic skills, creativity, and efficiency
From the trial session to the actual wedding day, Jira has solid performance and the outcome was beautiful. You can see all her work on her website - the in-person look is just as beautiful as the photos. The most attractive thing was she uses a technique called airbrush, which evenly distributes the makeup and creates a brilliant and natural look and feel. So the skin and complexion looked perfect as a result.
Jira was also really fun to work with. She is confident and has a lot of passion for her work. She considers her music boombox part of her makeup and hair equipment and she plays very upbeat and modern tunes while she expresses her creativity in a perfect art form.
Overall, I was very impressed, satisfied and happy about the results. We actually went back to her for makeup and hair-dos after our wedding (such as for photo shoots). And we'd love to spread the word to our friends because she's so consistently great. Highly recommended! -
Review from Sheena H.
San Mateo, CA
5/15/2011
The first thing I learned when I started planning my wedding and looking for vendors was that everyone wants to be your friend, get your business, and take your money. I had already seen several stylist, and was actually already booked with one, but I booked with them because they were good nothing more.
At the trial, Jira was more than just a stylist, asking me for what I envisioned. She is an honest friend, someone who I felt wouldn't let me not have a beautiful and glamorous wedding. As a bride with a vision, you may think you know exactly what you want, but Jira would put her foot down on things she just knew wouldn't end up well. Take her advice, she sees many brides before and after and probably hears it all (the good, the bad, the thank you, and the regrets). I took her advice, and am so glad that I did. In fact, it's changed how I do my everyday make up, and I get compliments even though I'm not a bride anymore.
Other stylist, just did what I asked, and yes I looked beautiful, but you could tell they didn't share the same passion for my wedding day as I did. After my trial, I cancelled my other stylist and booked with WowPretty. Trust me, you know you've found the right one, when they share the same excitement about your wedding as you do. It's your wedding, surround yourself with those who won't let you fail. Thank you Jira! -
Review from Grace L.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/4/2008
After throwing down major moolah on wedding photography, logic dictates that one must look polished for her prime HD photo/video moment. My sister-in-law referred me to Jira, who had transformed an acquaintance on her wedding into "a movie star."
WHY SHE ROCKS: Years of pro stylist experience (including film) plus training around Europe and Asia. Although her English is not perfect, she's still game to chat you up and her bubbly-yet-soft spoken personality shines.
THE TRIAL: Jira quickly responded to my e-mail inquiry and I booked my appointment for a trial in January 2007. Since it was the off-season, I got a 10% discount for the wedding day in April by booking her the end of January.
We ran through two hairstyles -- wavy half updo and lighly tussled full updo -- and one makeup look -- bronzed and elegant evening. I have a lot of hair, so she curled my hair quickly. She assured me that it would be far more polished on the big day (it was). It turned out that the updo wasn't just a safer bet (I didn't want to risk finding out on the wedding day that my long waves looked scraggly), but it also went with my veil a lot better. I tend to agree with another reviewer that makeup is more Jira's forte, but that was more my emphasis as well.
One reason I chose to do a trial with Jira was that she uses airbrush foundation. I have dry, sensitive skin and I don't like the feel of heavy foundations and powders. The airbrush foundation makeup didn't feel taut at all. She used stuff like Makeup Forever, MAC, NARS, and Chanel. I felt beautiful and I was -- there's no other word for it -- glowy. She took reference photos from all angles (to stoke the memory on the day of) and we were done. The makeup lasted beautifully all day and I was confident that I didn't have to spend extra money doing trials with other artists. I was going to book Jira.
THE DAY OF: She arrived on time armed with her suitcases of tools and color. Fortunately she was familiar with the neighborhood (lots of recent clients, apparently) and she immediately began to set up shop in the master bathroom. She likes having upbeat music in the background, btw. Hair and makeup took about 2 hours. Based on the how well the trial hair/makeup lasted, I didn't elect to hire Jira to do touch-up for the entire day.
EXTRA: Her new online portfolio is impressive and has a lot of inspirational imagery.
TIP: If I recall correctly, she only accepts cash on the big day, but she'll take checks for trial sessions. -
Review from Cindy F.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2009
Jira did my wedding hair and makeup for my July 09 wedding. She made me feel so gorgeous and the hair and makeup both lasted all night without any touch ups. Jira and her team did my bridesmaids and we had one last minute addition and they accommodated my fickle family members and each person's individual taste. Both moms never wear makeup so they were wary but they were extremely impressed. They got light makeup done and they looked beautiful.
I had two trials with Jira. The first time I didn't know what I wanted and I didn't love it. But the second time I had gone through Jira's blog and noted down the girls whose makeup I especially loved and went to Jira prepared, with my hair flower, earrings and a better sense of what I was looking for. I highly recommend you prepare ahead of time and if you don't love it the first time, you probably just need to go back and try a different style that you like.
It's definitely pricier than I was originally looking to pay (believe me, I did my research and went to the makeup counters but I just wasn't convinced they knew what they were doing for a high-stress event like a wedding) but it's a once in a lifetime experience and I know that everyone says that and it's cliche now but it's actually true - how sad would you be if you cheaped out and felt gross during your wedding and looking at all your wedding pics and video!! That is documentation that will will be hard to overlook because you saved a few bucks. That's my perspective anyway. Of course, don't break the bank. If you can't afford it all, just get Jira to do your makeup and a friend to do your hair and your girls can do their own. But Jira's definitely worth it.
Good luck. Hope you have as much fun as I did. -
Review from Faye H.
Emeryville, CA
5/26/2009
Jira is a GEM! I brought in a picture from a magazine, and she basically duplicated the look on my face. She was professional, articulate and extremely talented. She made me look glamorous & beautiful and I beg all of you to book her service for your special day.
Remember to book EARLY though, or you will end up like me. Very unfortunate that she is booked on my day, but at least she did my engagement shot makeup! -
Review from Amara H.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2010
Jira did my engagement session and wedding day hair and makeup last year and I couldn't be happier with the results on both occasions. She made me look and feel so beautiful and glamorous. (One of my guy friends even told me that I looked like a model at the wedding!) Usually, I don't like to wear much make-up but Jira is truly an artist and can make anyone feel/look beautiful and natural, which is pretty significant when it comes to wedding events. I have some acne scarring and blemishes and I was afraid that these would be visible in the wedding photographs but she was able to conceal these imperfections and still have the makeup look natural. Jira is really sweet, professional, easy to talk to, responsive, detail-oriented, and good at listening to what you want. She really takes the time to listen and understand what you're looking for.
For both my engagement session and wedding day, I had the airbrush makeup and fake lashes put on - which I highly recommend for the bride. The makeup lasts for over 12+ hours and Jira gave me a complimentary touch-up kit for use throughout the day. (Although, I didn't have to touch up at all for the rest of the day). I brought my own lipstick (but this is a more personal thing because I'm more picky about this). Depending on the package you choose, Jira will help you figure out how much time is needed to get everyone's H/M done and also anything else that might come up.
On the wedding day, Jira and her assistant arrived punctually at my hotel and they were both so fun, friendly, and professional to work with. They did such a great job on me and my bridesmaids. (I'm Asian and a few of my bridesmaids are Caucasian but all of our makeup came out beautiful). Also, our hair stayed in place all day, which is pretty impressive given all the moving around.
Her services were worth every penny and more. Wedding hair and makeup is so important! And so is trust. After the engagement session, I knew that I could trust Jira and WoWPretty for the big day. I cannot recommend WoWPretty enough. -
Review from Heather B.
Sacramento, CA
4/25/2011
I just had my consultation with Jira for my wedding day hair and makeup this past Saturday and let me tell you, she did an AMAZING job! She is quite the artist.
I came into the salon with an idea of what I wanted for my hair and no idea what I wanted for my makeup, because being a workaholic like me, a bit of mascara and chapstick goes a long way. She gave me a ton of material to look through as well as allowing my overly vocal, stylish brother to give his ideas on what looked best. She allowed me a lot of choices and gave her input when I asked... The final result was pure beauty. When I showed the pictures that she took at the end of the consultation, my mom and dad were speechless (which rarely happens in my family).
I also tested to see how long the makeup would last. It stayed on for over 8 hours before I washed it off. The only reapplication I would have to do would be extra lipstick/ lip gloss, which is normal.
I cannot give her enough credit for what the final product turned out to be, it was worth every penny, and I am looking forward to the day of my wedding! :) -
Review from Nancy W.
Burlingame, CA
10/23/2009
There are some things a bride can cut corners on, but makeup is NOT one of them. Your face will be front and center on everyone's camera, and no amount of photoshopping is going to beautify your face and hair like Jira does!
I spent a pretty penny on hair and makeup with Jira but it was worth every cent! Her stylings skills moved my husband to TEARS when he saw me!! He said he couldn't believe someone so incredibly beautiful was going to be his wife, and I'm not a naturally pretty girl.
The day of my wedding I forgot to bring my reference pictures but Jira had my trial photos and was all ready to go. She gave me an ice cold bottle of water which I held to keep me calm and cool on the big day, and I just let her work her magic. My hair and makeup turned out even better than at the trial! Everyone at my wedding loved how natural yet gorgeous my makeup was, and many asked me for Jira's name.
If you've had a trial session with Jira, don't worry if your makeup or hair is not quite up to wedding standards. It's just to let her try out what you're requesting, and she does listen very well to requests. I had two trials with her, and each time it seemed the work was draft quality and it seemed she would definitely run over time on the wedding day. It had me a little worried. BUT on the big day, not only was she such a perfectionist with every aspect of my face and hair, she finished fifteen minutes early! I guess this is the experience you pay for. On my false eyelashes alone, she spent maybe 45 minutes, making sure each one (four different lengths) was pointing the most natural way possible! My bridesmaids kept saying my lashes looked amazing but never suspected they were fake.
Jira really cares that you look your absolute best on your wedding day, and on the actual day, she may make some suggestions after seeing how your trial photos turn out. For example, I thought my trial photos looked okay, but on the wedding day, Jira said we needed to go darker on the eyes. At first, I panicked a little about making changes on the day of, but I trusted her expertise and my wedding photos turned out so much better because of it! My small Asian eyes really looked bigger than in my trial photos, but they weren't so dark as to look remotely goth. So a word of advice to all the brides-to-be...you may think you know, but Jira knows better. =)
Thank you so much, Jira, for making my husband cry - in a good way! -
Review from Erin H.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2009
I highly recommend Jira for hair and makeup - both of which she did for my wedding. I wasn't able to go to her salon for a trial run - but instead brought pictures of hair styles and makeup to the event - she did a great job - even without a trial run, and seeing what I was looking for on the day of the event.
She was very professional, and always called or emailed me back right away with any questions. She was right on time to my Half Moon Bay wedding location, and finished my hair and makeup, and my maid-of-honor's hair and a little makeup with plenty of time to spare.
I had so many compliments on both makeup and hair - and both looked amazing in the photos.
Thank you Jira! -
Review from T O.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2008
Recently, I've had to go through 3 weddings. Not to 3 different men, same guy, but our friends, his parents' friends, my parents' friends... 3 different cities. Let's just say that's a lot of hair and makeup in the last few months.. probably and hopefully more than ever again in my lifetime.
The side benefit is that I actually feel like I can make some true comparisons. Jira has a skill in being able to imitate a picture, which definitely is not universal. I brought her hollywood glamour meets Old Shanghai, and she really helped me rock those fingerwaves. In fact, I think the day of turned out better than the trial. She has an artistic eye and gives her opinion to find what compliments you, but she also listens to your opinions. Plus, she has patience and professionalism to deal with picky mothers, not to necessarily send more her way, but she did a great job. -
Review from Tina Y.
Redwood City, CA
3/2/2010
Review long overdue...I used Jira and her team for my wedding hair and makeup last year and was pleased with the results. I visited her for a hair and makeup trial, where we did an up do and down do hairstyle. I was pleased with the results. I actually did a hair trial elsewhere, and my hair fell out of the style after only a couple of hours. That sealed the deal for me. Being Asian, it was really important to find someone who knew how to work with Asian hair and apply makeup on the sisters. I've had countless disasters of past makeup applications (sorry, yellow and mango eyeshadow do NOT look good on me; no, I have no eyelid flap so yes, contouring on me will be different; no, I don't want Asian princess bride look, sorry...).
The makeup felt great on my wedding day, didn't run, and my hair was awesome. She did a great job on my hair, which is really thick and sometimes hard to curl.
In sum, Jira is really nice and friendly, and a total kick. I would totally recommend her to anybody looking to do their hair and/or makeup for their wedding or any special occasion. Ladies, it is well worth the money spent to look gorgeous for your wedding day. -
Review from Ella M C.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2010
Jira is great!
I hate heavy-looking and heavy-feeling makeup, but after Jira was done with me, my makeup it was neither. I didn't feel like I had any makeup on and it barely looking like I had any on. She gave me a very natural, "blushing-bride" look.
I loved my hair too. I simply showed her a photo of what I wanted, and she gave it to me.
She's totally sweet and was punctual, which is very important on an already hectic wedding day. -
Review from Fonny C.
Santa Clara, CA
4/20/2009
Jira,
Thank you for the amazing make up and hair that you did on my wedding day.
I received many compliments on my hair and makeup.
The make up stayed on the whole day and it came out natural and nice in person and in pictures.
Thank you so much for helping me look my best on my most important day!
