Couple profile photo makeup salon in Hongdae, Seoul: Today Makeup

Ahead of a couple profile photoshoot, I was hunting for a Hongdae hair and makeup salon and ended up at Today Makeup! When I'm choosing a salon I usually prefer something that isn't too heavy — a look that suits my face and still photographs naturally and pretty. Since I had a profile shoot planned with my boyfriend, I was looking for a place that's good at photoshoot makeup specifically, and after actually going, I was really happy — decent price, and they nailed the style I wanted!

Where is Today Makeup, and what are the hours?

📍 Address 26-8 Worldcup-buk-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, 2nd floor 🕖 Hours Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

It's about 312m from Exit 1 of Hongik University Station, so it was easy to get to by subway. Since it's within walking distance of the station, it was also convenient to get my hair and makeup done and then head straight to the studio for the shoot!

What the salon looks like inside

Today Makeup is a place where you get customized makeup and hair styling in a private space, matched to your skin tone, face shape, and outfit. When I visited, the whole space felt clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly from the start, which honestly helped calm my nerves before the shoot haha.

They do hair and makeup for all kinds of occasions — interviews, dates, photoshoots, parents of the bride/groom, weddings — so it's a place you could visit for more than just a profile shoot. I showed them reference photos of the style I wanted before the shoot and gave detailed requests, and they understood exactly what I meant 🥹

Today Makeup hair and makeup prices

• Guest, photoshoot, interview: ₩120,000
• Idol, semi-smoky, announcer: ₩130,000
• Dress tour: ₩150,000
• Parents of the bride/groom: ₩170,000
• Wedding snap: ₩240,000

Since I got hair and makeup done for a profile shoot, I went with the ₩120,000 photoshoot makeup package. Considering what photoshoot hair and makeup together usually costs in Hongdae, this was on the more affordable end among the places I researched — good news if you're after Hongdae makeup studio value for money.

Profile photoshoot makeup: straight eyeliner and a lash point

What I cared about most that day was makeup that wouldn't look too heavy in the profile photos, while still giving the face a clear point of focus. So I asked for sheer color overall but with a lash emphasis as the highlight. I also don't love the look of downturned outer eye corners, so I asked for the eyeliner to sit straight — not flicked up, not drooping down!

To make up for the subtler color, I asked for a touch more blusher for a healthy glow, and they factored in that the shoot lighting can wash out color, so they gave me slightly more than I'd normally wear (nice touch..✨). Overall it didn't feel overdone, and the eyes and cheeks kept a natural point of emphasis that matched exactly the profile-photo look I was going for!

A hydrating sheet mask before makeup

Before starting, they put a pack on my face first to cool down skin heat and add moisture, then applied the base. My skin tends to be dry, and in the past, makeup before a shoot would sometimes get tight or lift as time passed — but this time the base went on dewy and smooth, and I was really happy with it. It didn't feel like a thick layer of base at all, just clean and light *_*

The bold wave half-updo, reviewed

I'd brought a reference photo of the style I wanted in advance — bold wave curls with a half-updo. I showed the photo and said I wanted this exact vibe. The hair stylist's hands were honestly so fast! Haha. After I showed the reference, she just went ahead and styled it — quick, precise, and exactly what I wanted >.<

Instead of tight snail-shell curls, the bold wave gave a natural curl, and the half-updo tidied up the hair around my face so it looked clean in photos! Once it was done, it was almost a shame to just take it down after the shoot ㅠㅠ

Is Today Makeup worth it for a Hongdae photoshoot?

Since this was for a photoshoot, it mattered more than usual to have makeup done with the lighting and camera in mind, and they really nailed the points I wanted. I was specifically looking for Hongdae makeup studio value for money, and for ₩120,000 I got hair and makeup for the shoot together — from the pre-makeup hydration to the eyes, blusher, and hairstyle, I was happy with all of it 🤍

This would work well not just for profile shoots but for personal photobooks, date snaps, interviews, or any day you want photos to turn out nicely. If you're looking for a Hongdae hair and makeup salon with a trendy, not-too-heavy style, I'd recommend Today Makeup!