wowPretty

Jira and her assistant did an amazing job on our wedding day! I *loved* how my hair and make-up looked--it felt so natural, and Jira worked wonders with my hair--it stayed intact ALL day (6am-midnight!). She really knows what she's doing!!

Jira's assistant did our BMs' hair and make-up, and they looked fabulous as well. Many compliments, all around.

Jira did the makeup at my friend's wedding and WOW, what a great job they did. They were on-time, very professional and they just do an amazing job! Highly recommended!

Jira of Wow Pretty did such a great job on my hair and makeup on my wedding day! My bridesmaids kept telling me how amazing I look and how they were impressed that my makeup stayed on the ENTIRE day! I looked beautiful but yet natural and like myself. I'm usually oily and shiny throughout the day but Jira's airbrush makeup made me matte and comfortable. My hair was also very elegant and stayed the whole day and night!

Jira is very good with hair, but she is amazing with make-up. I used her for both. I opted for airbrush foundation, and it didn't budge all day or night. Day of, I did a little periodic blotting/powder and lip gloss touch ups, and that was it. She's very talented.

I allocated an hour buffer time for hair/make-up. Jira and her two assistants used it up, but forunately, we were still on time. Unfortunately, the photographer didn't take as many groomsmen pics as planned because he had to wait for me to take the bridal portraits while my make-up was fresh.

I had a morning wedding which meant getting ready really early. Jira charged extra for the early morning hours which I ended up having to take back out of gratuity. Jira and one of her assistants were ~20 minutes late, and the other assistant was almost an hour late. The one who was an hour late was, frankly, incompetent, and the moms did not like their make-up. Jira was also visibly annoyed with her for her tardiness. The other assistant did the bridesmaids' hair and did a nice job.

Jira is amazing! She is very good at what she does, and her team is fabulous as well. Everyone looked great at the wedding, and we were all so happy with the end result. I think what really sets Jira apart is that she listens to what you want and helps you achieve the look that you want without losing her expert opinion along the way. On top of that, Jira has a wonderful personality--fun to talk to, friendly and easy-going--she just makes you feel comfortable, which is important especially on wedding day. I also got a great hair-cut from her before the wedding, and I will be sure to go back to her for hair-cuts in the future! I highly recommend Jira to anyone looking for hair and make-up services.

Jira and her team did an AMAZING job (just like everyone else stated). I did do a trial with her first, and that's why I decided to book her for my Oct wedding. Everyone showed up on time...like she promised and ended on time...like she promised. Only boo boo made was on my part. I cut my hair 3 months before the wedding with someone else and thought it would grow out on time. Bad mistake. But she still was able to do what was done at our trial.

I was asking if she'd stay with me the whole day, and she said the make up would stay, and not to worry and it did!! And so did everyone elses. I did the airbrush foundation (a must!) and it looked flawless. My gf/sister/mom makeup stayed also. I wouldn't say she's the most afforable, but I thought it was worth every penny!!
Check out her blog if you don't believe me.. http://jirawowpretty.blogspot.com/

Jira...so glad I found you (^_^)!!

I want to recommend Jira and the Wowpretty team for any brides who need makeup and hair for their wedding day. She did amazing job for my family and I and I couldn't be more delighted by the results. Jira is not only a true professional, but she also so friendly and fun and made my wedding day more relaxed and run smoother.

I had gotten so many compliments from friends and family and after looking through my photos (again), I had to let everyone know what a fantastic job she did. Not only that, I think she is an incredible value for the services she provides. I would expect the skill and experience she has that she would be charging much more. I suspect that she will be raising her prices soon as I'm sure the word is getting out about how wonderful her and her team are.

Anyways, if you want someone who you can count on for doing the job right, I would check out Jira and the Wowpretty team. I definitely am very happy and grateful to my friend who recommended her to me.

I have a story!

I had already booked with Vivian for makeup in San Jose back in 2007 but she cancelled on me at the last minute. It was 2 days before my wedding day on April 3. She is totally unprofessional. I was so mad at her and want to warn people to please watch out for that girl. Until I got Jira's number from one of my co-workers who did makeup and hair by Jira in 2001. Jira also did makeup for my sister in law in San Diego and one of my friends as well. . Can you believe that It is small word? But unfortunately, she could not do the makeup for my wedding since she had already booked. Anyways, I ended up booking someone on her team. Her name is Sylvie. I love her and would like to speak highly of her. She gave me a wonderful airbrush makeup and hair for my wedding plus my 3 bridesmaids. I would like to share with future brides to watch out and be careful with some makeup some artists like Vivian and to please make sure to take time and pay a little more money and pick one really professional and 100% responsible. It will be my experience and good memories for ever. Lagu

Jon and I went to a trial with Jira at her Burlingame Studio. I really like her work especially her eyelashes technique. I went back to work after we were finished and all my co-workers loved it. It lasted until dinner with my family and lovely future husband LOL. All of my co-workers and my family loved the amazing of airbrush foundation. You know most of men don't like women to wear a lot of makeup. Her air-brushing teachnique is super light, not cakey and lasts a long time.

I found this interesting info on her website.
"For your health and safety, We at wowpretty found in our research that water based foundation is what is best for all of our clients. It is in your best interest to use the water base to prevent any problems."

http://www.wowpretty.com/bmVideo.shtml

I would love to give her 5 stars.
Chelsea M Smith.

It started from the moment Jira took my phone call, she was very pleasant and sweet and worked to fit my trial into my busy schedule. When you work in the legal field days are long and nights longer so that alone helped me out tremendously. When my Mom and I showed up for my trial Jira was great. She explained everything, I already had a good idea of what I wanted after I checked out her website (I would recommend anyone to check it out, it is very informative and answered a lot of my questions before hand. It also has a great portfolio section that gave me a lot of ideas. www.wowpretty.com)

Anyway, Jira did a fantastic job at the trial, and when I was finished my Mom was so impressed that she asked Jira to do her makeup for the day too, her trial was the following week and she was just as impressed, she said all her friends at her club were jealous and couldn't stop complimenting her. They wanted her secret. I think my Mom scheduled the appointment on the day of her club meeting on purpose. Great move Mom.

As for the wedding, I can't say enough. It was just such a great day and Jira was a big part of it. It was everything I dreamed of and I was so excited with the way I looked, I figured that it must be the way someone like Charlize Theron feels on Oscar night. The dress, the makeup, the day, it just all was incredible, and I had to write this review because Jira and Wowpretty were a big part of making that way.

Thanks Jira, I know you'll be hearing from my friends.

I want to let everyone know that Jira and the Wowpretty team did an amazing job on my wedding day. I had the airbrush makeup and it stayed on all night and hired her to come back for touch-up.
I was completely satisfied with the make-up and hair she did for myself, my
bridesmaids and Mom. I got so many compliments from friends and family. I highly recommend Jira and her team.

Jira is the best! I recently had a hair and makeup trial with her, and she did an amazing job. I showed her one photo of makeup that I liked and several photos of hairstyles, and everything turned out better than I expected. She even took some time to recommend which products are best for everyday use.

Finding a good makeup artist was one of the most difficult parts of the whole vendor search. I paid $50 for a makeup trial I hated. I went through 4 makeup trials through department store makeup artists- shishedo, benefit, etc. Out of everyone I tried Jira was by far the best!

Jira is extremely talented. She was very professional through out the entire process and great at responding to all my emails right away. Most importantly you can be confident that she will do an amazing job with you for your hair and makeup on the big day. My makeup lasted the entire day without any problems whatsoever. My girls looked beautful too (My mom and mother in law were not completely satisfied with their hair but it was Jira's assistant who did it. I told them to bring a picture of the hair they wanted but they didn't and so it was difficult to communicate in words. I thought they looked fine.) She was one of my favorite vendors for the wedding. The only negative thing I heard about her from other reviews was problems with her english as she's not a native speaker. I had no problems though communicating to her in English. She also likes to use pictures so it's important that you bring a photos of what you like. She replicated the hair I wanted exactly. She also arrived a little late (i think a half an hour, but also my wedding was in san francisco)but it all was totally fine and we had just the right amount of time to do all 4 people and my hair and makeup (she brought an assistant). Most importantly I looked better than I ever looked and my husband loved it.

After reading many great reviews about Jira, I decided to do a trial for my engagement pictures. I was very pleased with the result and decided to book her for my wedding. I was just about to send over my deposit when she informed me that a client she had booked on the same day needed her for the whole day, so she wouldn't be able to do my hair and makeup after all. I was very disappointed but she was very apologetic and offered to give me a free trial with another artist on her team. I had nothing to lose so I accepted the offer and Jira introduced me to Rachanee at her studio. Rachanee was very sweet and talented. She has a similiar style as Jira and I went ahead and booked her for my wedding. I was very pleased with Rachanee and the WowPretty team. They did an amazing job on me, my bridesmaids, my mom, and my mother in law.

Jira did an amazing job. She was able to capture the exact look I wanted. The great part is that it lasted all day. She and her assistant were great with my mom and my mother-in-law. Jira and her assistant came with a great attitude and a fun loving personality. We all enjoyed the experience.

I also had Jira give me a hair-cut before my wedding day. My husband said it's the best it ever looked. I would recommend her without hesitation for your wedding or hair-cut services.

Jira and her assistant were awesome! They did hair and makeup for myself, my mother, bridal party, and one guest who asked if she could have her hair done at the last minute. They were wonderful and professional and did a beautiful natural looking job for a price that was very reasonable compared to many other vendors I inquired with. Absolute no drama either. They were on time, cheerful, and a pleasure to work with. Definitely recommended!

For our June 28, 2008 wedding, I am eternally grateful that I booked WowPretty’s services for my hair and makeup (H&M). Jira T., owner of WowPretty, was the first artist I visited, and I would gladly repeat my choice. Her talent and passion for the work is abundantly evident, and she is professional in every way.

Trials:
My first trial was in Dec 2007, for a cost of $125. I use make-up infrequently, so relied on photos from a recent issue of a Hong Kong wedding magazine to convey the effect I wanted to achieve: a natural, glowing look that is fancier than usual, but not overly dramatic. Jira listened and also gave feedback and pointed out which looks would work better for a “real life” wedding, as opposed to on models in a studio.

I decided to try a few new techniques that I had not previously considered. The first was the air-brush foundation. All I did (and Jira continuously gave clear instructions) was close my eyes and hold my breath while she sprayed liquid foundation all over my face. Just felt like rain mist which dried very quickly into one smooth covering. Highly recommended.

The second technique was false eyelashes. Jira attached them with minimal irritation to my eyes, and when I looked in the mirror, what a difference – they do help to achieve a much “lusher” look, especially in photos. Again, highly recommended.

I felt Jira was very down-to-earth and not pushy at all in trying to “up-sell” her skills and talent. She is decisive and efficient, but was constantly seeking my feedback. She also liked to keep a friendly banter going, although English is not her first language. I booked her within a week by sending her a check for 50% deposit.

In May, I emailed Jira a photo of an up-do that I liked, and she thought it would work very nicely. She did recommend, though, that I get my hair trimmed appropriately before our second trial, so I had her do it at a salon space that she rents in San Mateo for $50. I was quite happy with the result – long layers on both sides, with side bangs.

After reviewing the first trial photos, Jira thought that the first color scheme – lilac/purple– might be a bit too pale. So at my second trial, two weeks before the wedding (another $125), we chose a deeper palette of brown and rose tones for a warmer and richer effect, with touches of lilac to match my sisters/bridesmaids’ gowns and make-up. Jira was also able to replicate the up-do that I requested. After my sisters saw the photos, we knew that we got it.

Wedding Day:
We were running late while Jira had arrived a bit earlier than our 10:30 start. But she just patiently waited outside the suite with all her gear while my sisters made a mad dash over to the hotel. Once everyone was on site, Jira got down to business. My sisters had only arrived from Canada a couple days ago, so never had a trial with Jira, but boy were they astounded! Jira gave them both air-brush foundation and false lashes, and they looked ravishing. My older sister, who had gone through the bridesmaid experience once before in Toronto and came out of that H&M experience feeling everything was too heavy-handed, could not stop telling me how much MORE she liked Jira’s work.

I arrived shortly before 1pm, and Jira did her magic once more. Within an hour, she had recreated the flawless look that lasted me until midnight that day. She also dusted some shimmer powder over my shoulders and collarbone, for the “Hollywood” factor, as she liked to put it!

My fiancé isn’t one to rave about make-up (he usually barely notices its effects, and only points it out on other women / celebrities when it’s obviously badly/too heavily done). That day, though, when he saw me in the hotel room, he could not stop smiling and telling me how pretty I looked. So that’s saying a lot 

Jira’s efforts were noticed all throughout the day by family, friends and total strangers. The flow of compliments just did not stop! Even now, three months later, my relatives all over the world are still referring to the photos they received and telling us how beautiful we looked.

Communication:
Except on certain summer weekends heading into and during peak wedding season, Jira never failed to respond to my emails within 24 hours. She also called me to follow up on additional trial dates and logistics for the final location for wedding day H&M.

Cost:
Wedding day H&M services were $650 for us three girls. Compared to a lot of providers in the Bay area, Jira is affordable – many places charge this sort of price for makeup alone. In an industry that frequently over-promises and under-delivers, and is fraught with ludicrous pricing because the word “wedding” is involved, I believe that Jira’s services are first-class, and her prices quite reasonable.

Hair and makeup - Jira T. of www.wowpretty.com
highly recommended; loved my trial and day-of hair and makeup; she asked for what I wanted but also had strong idea of what would look good for me; on day of wedding I got lots of compliments; she and assistant were on-time to arrive and schedule was kept; easy to communicate with over email

Jira is a true professional, a calm cheery personality, listens to what you want and punctual!
On the day of my wedding she showed up 10 minutes early and cheerfully began setting up all her equipment. When my mom decided that she wanted her hair and makeup done as well, Jira was able to accomodate my mom within the give time frame (30 minutes) and have my mom look and feel gorgeous.
During the trial, I expressed reservations about using shimmer, false eyelashes, a foundation color that doesn't match my neck, etc. Jira was able to asess my features and my needs to tell me what would work best for me. She had me try the fake eyelashes and she was right. They looked great in the photos without being over the top.
I was so impressed with her hair and makeup skills that I got her to teach me her makeup application tips using my own stash of makeup and brushes. I also set up an appointment for a haircut.

A friend of mine getting married three months after me loved my light and natural makeup so much that she's booking Jira too.

Jira arrived promptly at my parents' house at the time we agreed upon and immediately set up shop. She had reference photos from our trial and asked me if there was anything I wanted to change, which was thoughtful. She was extremely friendly to me, my bridesmaids and my mother. My makeup seriously lasted all night even as I teared it up on the dance floor, save for my lip gloss (all that kissing!), but I carried my own personal stash to do touch-ups throughout the evening. Do note that Jira requires ample workspace and lots of light, and that she only accepts cash on the day of; however, the trial and the day-of advance deposit can be paid via personal check.

Tip: Always bring photographs to show the stylist and don't be afraid to tell him or her if you want to change something.

Bride's Hair/Makeup. Jira Thivawongsakal, wowPretty (San Mateo)
Highly Recommended
$120 trial + $300 day-of (includes $40 travel fee)

I found Jira after I did a failed makeup and hair trial in a fancy place on Union Square in San Francisco. They are quite expensive. They asked me to take photos that I like to them. And they basically just copied it onto my face. I looked like a Japanese geisha. I think they knew it, but they said,"you look good!let's do it for your wedding day!"

I was quite angry. Then I did a trial with Jira. First thing, she has a big scrapbook of hair and makeup photos and you can look at these and discuss with her. I was more than happy with my trial. So I also did my engagement photo makeup and hair with her before my wedding. She chose a hair color for me, which I usually don't pay a look. I was a bit hesitated but it turned out to be a very elegant color for my hair. On my wedding day, she made things even better. My heavy updo stayed up a whole day and my makeup didn't fall off a bit. I did look the best ever in my life. All the wedding photos turned out to be wonderful and all my bridesmaids also look the prettiest ever since I knew them. And Jira only met them on the morning of the wedding day.

I highly recommend Jira to everyone, but particularly Asian face brides. I think she has a very good sense of beauty and fashion on Asian looks, which is the No.1 important thing. Her English, honestly, is not very good. But let's say she has no problem understanding me; and when it's in person, it's not too hard to communicate with her. I suggest just making everything clear when you see her. Her price is very reasonable. She is very professional and efficient when she is working. And she is very cheery, easygoing. So the problem of her English is really minor.

I have booked Jira of Wowpretty and so far so good.
She is extremely accomodating to my needs and is willing to work with me. My trials
have been productive and I get along with her well.I try to keep in constant communication with her so that I know and she knows what is
going on. If you would like to see my trial pics.
let me know. She did a good job for me & all my BM.

Well! My wedding was in Nove 2007. I came across and met Jira at Najwa‘s salon in Burlingame. She was cut & color my hair and sisters. I came out so nice and hip NY style. Until we had a long conversation about my wedding in L.A. In that time I was looking for some one who could do Asian makeup & hair and go travel as well. Jira mentioned her website www.wowpretty.com I'm so expressive all of her work 14 years She is so good what she does and also I love her personality more than anything. I think it is so important that Makeup artist should get along with you and also she would be able to understand what I want on my big day. I was so nice and I got what I want. One more. She isn’t expensive that I love it.... Nawan.

After a failed makeup trial session with another vendor who was recommended by one of my bridesmaids, I checked out a variety of websites in search of a makeup and hairstylist for my wedding. I came upon Jira's website http://www.wowpretty.com.

I e-mailed Jira in regards to finding some information and she was always easy to reach and responded in a timely manner.

I met Jira at her studio and we sat down and talked about my wedding and my dress and different outfit changes. We talked about what I liked and what I didn't like in makeup. We also talked about a variety of hairstyles.

When I first went in, I was sure I wanted to wear my hair half up, which I'm used to doing most of the time. Jira suggested that I at least try an updo style and let me look through a book with some pictures.

I'm glad that she convinced me to try my hair up. After looking at my photographs, I am as well as all of my friends are in agreement that Jira made my hair looked so awesome up.

Jira also tried two different makeup styles as well. I was so excited the whole time she was doing my makeup. She was extremely friendly and easy to talk to. She was also always asking for my input as what I liked and didn't like.

The results were amazing. I haven't even had my wedding yet, but I can't wait until that day. After my makeup trial, I completely trust Jira and her work.

Check out the results from the trial if you'd like. Keep in mind that I had my makeup done after being up for almost 24 hours (I worked the night before) and I had tried this new moisturizer that was a bit too oily so I think it made the makeup just a little oily. Jira recommended that I don't wear that moisturizer that morning of my wedding and or switch back to my old moisturizer.

Even despite my sleepiness/tired eyes and the oily moisturizer, I was so impressed!! Everyone says a picture is worth a 1000 words, so here's a couple 1000 more words to my review: http://www.flickr.com/...>

Jira always make my clients pretty in front of my camera, if you care about your wedding, WowPretty is one of the best vendors.