Wedding makeup studio in Mapo, Seoul for braided pigtails: Today Makeup

Why I chose makeup for an outdoor wedding shoot

Hair and makeup are an absolute must for a wedding shoot. Since our first shoot location was in Yongsan, I compared countless makeup studios while figuring out where to go. Because it was an outdoor snap shoot, where natural light, wind, temperature, and weather change by the minute, the base makeup and staying power were especially important. That is how I ended up at Today Makeup (오늘메이크업), which was nearby and known for clear, luminous makeup.

Today Makeup, a makeup studio near Hongdae, sits between Hongik University Station and Hapjeong Station. It takes around 7–8 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Hongik University Station, or you can get off near the Seogyo-dong (Central) bus stop.

You can book through Naver. Once you make a Naver reservation, they contact you via open chat, and the booking is complete after you send the deposit!

Daily hair and makeup ₩120,000
Daily makeup ₩100,000
Broadcast/photo hair and makeup ₩130,000
Event, family-of-the-couple, or first-birthday-party hair and makeup ₩150,000
Competition/awards ceremony hair and makeup ₩150,000
Men's hair and makeup ₩70,000
Wedding snap makeup, including groom ₩240,000
Wedding ceremony ₩380,000

Since ours was for a wedding snap shoot, we chose the wedding photo hair and makeup package, including the groom.

A spacious lobby and fitting room

Waiting area and lobby

As soon as we walked in, the spacious lobby welcomed us. I heard they had moved from another location, and it felt much more pleasant now, which I loved. There was plenty of room to wait after makeup, too, so it was comfortable.

Fitting room

One great thing here is the fitting room on one side. For a wedding shoot, you end up with so much stuff—dresses, formalwear, props, and more—so you can store your belongings and change clothes there. I did not change separately, but the manager applied body tone-up cream for me.

Makeup room

There are makeup stations throughout the studio, but Hanrang and I had ours separately. Being able to receive makeup privately one-on-one in a room made me feel much more relaxed. The makeup room and hair area are separate, too.

From reference consultation to pink-peach makeup

They started with skincare, then I shared my reference images and had a consultation with the manager. I showed her the shoot location, dress, and hair and makeup references, and she recommended hair options and a look that suited me perfectly. She totally got it and nailed it!!

Once the skincare was done, I moved to the makeup room. She looked at the references, immediately understood the mood I wanted, found shades that suited me, and got started. Every detail—shadow, blush, powder—settled onto my face so perfectly, and her soft voice made the whole experience relaxing rather than nerve-racking. I always think this, but I wish all those cosmetics were mine....

Because I am a spring-light color season, she used pink-peach shades to bring out a lovely mood. I do not usually wear heavy makeup, so she applied lashes in a natural, not-overdone way.

Hair planned for braided pigtails and a low-bun change

Before the final makeup touches, off I went for hair 👣👣 The first hairstyle was braided pigtails, and they even added waves in advance so it would be easy to switch into a low bun later! So touching.

They first braided the pigtails, then I waited again before the finishing and touch-up makeup. The systematic process for hair and makeup that would not fall apart felt so professional—it really boosted my trust!!

Hair complete! They even had ribbons at the studio, so I got the lovely braided-pigtail look I wanted.

I seriously loved my hair ~.~ The helper and photographer complimented it so much, haha. I was like, “If not now, when would I ever get to wear hair like this?” Though it was a little embarrassing taking the subway and bus like this.

Men's makeup that looked natural in daylight

Now, we cannot leave out the men's makeup. Hanrang had never really worn makeup before, so I worried it might look awkward, but they did it at just the right level for outdoor natural light. His hair had the perfect cute feel, too haha.

Staying power after 3–4 hours outdoors

I received cotton swabs for touch-ups and lip sample tips before heading to the outdoor shoot. Even after around 3–4 hours of shooting in strong sun and lots of wind, my base makeup did not lift or break down—not even once.

A day full of compliments and so many lifetime photos.

I recommend Today Makeup, a makeup studio near Hongdae, to couples looking for hair and makeup for a shoot, as well as guests or anyone looking for daily makeup for a special day.