JKo Beauty

Thank you so much for visiting JKo Beauty! 

My name is Jennifer Kochenour and I am the owner and lead makeup artist of JKo Beauty. I created JKo Beauty in 2016 after working as a freelance makeup artist for over 20 years. People often ask how I got into the beauty industry - I always knew I wanted to be a makeup artist. As a little girl I played “salon” and I was always the service provider. When I was 9 years old, I used my allowance from doing chores to order my first magazine subscription which was Vogue Magazine. I consider myself very fortunate, not only do I enjoy my work I absolutely love it!

I am a published, full-time, licensed cosmetologist with over 27 years of professional experience. In 2002, I graduated from Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts in Los Angeles, California where I studied advanced makeup artistry. In August of 2012, I relocated to Philadelphia from New York City. Over the years I have had so many incredible opportunities and experiences as a makeup artist. One of my favorites is working with brides. I believe your wedding day is truly one of the best days of your life. To me, it is such an honor to be chosen to be a part of the day.

I believe brides should look and feel like the most beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day. A classic and timeless yet modern, stylish look is what I always recommend. Whether you choose a natural, fresh look or a dramatic, sultry style to your makeup, it should still enhance your natural beauty. My clients love that their complexion looks flawless yet natural and feels lightweight. Makeup should look beautiful in person, but should also photograph and wear beautifully throughout your big day. After all, it is probably the most photographed day of your life.

Airbrush makeup is one of my specialties and a luxurious touch for my brides. I first learned how to airbrush while in a special arts program in high school. I use airbrush makeup for all types of makeup, including men’s grooming, tattoo coverage, body makeup, hair touchups and more. In 2014, I also became certified in spray tanning.

I believe makeup as well as personal care and beauty services should be a unique experience for each individual based on their own style, preferences and natural beauty. My professional kit is a complete kit with products to meet the needs of anyone, including all ages, sexes, races and style preferences.

In addition to working with brides, I also offer both virtual and in-person makeup classes. I offer both one-on-one and group lessons. I customize each of my lessons to best suit the needs, desired style and personal comfort level of each person or group.

Ongoing education has always been a priority to me. I regularly attend classes, workshops, seminars and industry trade shows to continue my education and development to continue to deliver the best to everyone I work with. In addition to continuing my education in ways directly related to the beauty industry, I also have always taken a strong interest in the Arts, including art history, fashion, music, film and more.

Philadelphia Magazine awarded JKo Beauty 2021 Best of Philly - Best Makeup Artist as well as one of the Top Wedding Hair and Makeup Artists in the Philadelphia area in 2019-2021. JKo Beauty also received the Best of Weddings Award from The Knot 2018-2024, Hall of Fame Award in 2021-2024 and the Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award 2018-2024. In addition, voted #1 for the Best Wedding Hair and Makeup category for 2017 through Philly A-List, Voted #1 On-Location Makeup 2019 & 2020 Philly Happening List, Top 3 of the Philly Happening List 2018 for Best On-Site Makeup. JKo Beauty has been selected by the editors of Philadelphia Style Magazine for best makeup in their Best of Style issue in 2018-2022.

Some other great opportunities I have had are working under Paul Starr, celebrity makeup artist and author of Paul Starr On Beauty, several seasons of both New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants, working in salons and day spas and doing both hair and makeup for commercials, catalogs, tv, print, video and more.  

Over the years I have also worked for various cosmetic companies and retailers including NARS (5th Avenue NYC) and Estee Lauder (National Makeup Artist) as well as Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent, Space NK (luxury cosmetic boutique - Upper West Side, NYC) and Nordstrom (Beauty Stylist.)

I believe makeup should be fun, it should make you feel good and it should celebrate the unique beauty of each individual.