AOC's Campaign Spent $2,000 on Celebrity Makeup Artist

Congresswoman's campaign paid elite stylist firm for hair and makeup services at rally

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:05am

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Federal Election Commission records show Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign paid more than $2,000 to The Only Agency, an elite stylist firm whose client roster includes rapper Bad Bunny and supermodel Bella Hadid, for hair and makeup services at a campaign rally in Queens last October.

Why it matters

This spending by AOC's campaign has drawn criticism, as it contrasts with her image as a champion of economic populism and working-class interests. The high-priced services from a celebrity glam agency stand out compared to the typical $100-$200 that most candidates spend on hair and makeup.

The details

The campaign logged three separate charges: $670 on Nov. 5 for "campaign event makeup services," $693.08 on the same date, and another $665 five days later for "campaign event hair and makeup services." The Only Agency lists starting prices of $600 for hair and $600 for makeup. The occasion was a get-out-the-vote rally for mayoral candidate Mamdani at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, which also featured an appearance by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

  • On November 5, 2026, AOC's campaign paid $670 and $693.08 for makeup services.
  • On November 10, 2026, AOC's campaign paid $665 for hair and makeup services.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district and a prominent progressive Democrat.

The Only Agency

An elite stylist firm whose client roster includes rapper Bad Bunny and supermodel Bella Hadid.

Jocelyn Biga

A makeup artist who did the work for AOC's campaign event.

Mamdani

A mayoral candidate in New York City whose rally AOC's campaign paid for the hair and makeup services.

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate who appeared at the rally.

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What they’re saying

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

— Jocelyn Biga, Makeup artist (Instagram)

“AOC's favorite slogan is 'tax the rich,' but her campaign spending shows she'd rather live like the 1%. It's the latest reminder that her class-warfare message is little more than political theater propped up by high-priced makeovers.”

— Kiersten Pels, RNC National Press Secretary (Breitbart)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee will likely review the campaign's spending on hair and makeup services, as they previously found AOC violated gift rules for accepting similar services.

The takeaway

This spending by AOC's campaign highlights the tension between her progressive populist rhetoric and her lifestyle choices, raising questions about the authenticity of her economic justice messaging when she is willing to route campaign funds to an elite celebrity stylist agency.