Style to the Aisle Magazine Spring/Summer 2015 | Page 20

BEAUTY LOUNGE

INTERVIEW

CARL RAY
CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST

When did you first discover your love for the world of makeup and beauty?
 I first realized my love for makeup and beauty at a very early age. For as long as I can
remember, I have been an artist and love all forms of art.  This is evident in my passion
for painting and my collection of art.   
What would be one of the challenges you had to overcome to get where you
are today?
One of the challenges I have had to overcome in my career is to make many sacrifices in my personal life.  The makeup industry requires a lot of selflessness, assertiveness
and most of all, passion.
You’ve worked with the first lady of the United States.  Can you talk about
the “it” moment when you made the jump towards being a celebrity makeup
artist?
I am the exclusive makeup artist for the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) and
I am responsible for all of her appearances publicly including television, magazines,
official portraits, state dinners, events, galas and foreign travel.  I have been her official
makeup artist for the last 5 ½ years.  Being on her team is an honor and true dream for
me.  I am so proud to be a part of history.  Although I have worked with many celebrities
in addition to working with FLOTUS, being Michelle Obama’s full time makeup artist is
the ultimate “jump” for me.
When you do makeup on celebrities for the red carpet, what do you think is
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STYLE TO THE AISLE

the best way to adapt a red carpet look for
a bride’s white carpet look?
Many would be surprised to know that red carpet
makeup and bridal makeup are very similar in
nature. In both situations, your makeup has to
look amazing in person and must look beautiful in
photographs.  Therefore, not much adaptation is
needed between both looks.  My advice is that less
is more and be sure to always blend!
Do you have a secret weapon makeup tool?
I do not have a secret weapon makeup tool, but I
do have a secret weapon makeup product, which
is a good face primer. Primer helps keep makeup
on for hours after application. It also ensures that
your makeup applies smoothly and keeps it from
bulging of smudging.
What is the most overlooked feature on the
face?
The most overlooked feature on the
face are the eyebrows, which can also be the most
over manicured area on the face.  Eyebrows shape
your face and can make a huge difference in
overall factual bone structured appearance.  Your
eyebrows look best shaped, groomed and most importantly, full. The fuller the eyebrows, the more
youthful and attractive the face.
How do you describe a typical bride?
Ideally, most brides want to be the best version
of  herself  on her big day.  She wants to look and
SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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