Carl Ray sets and redefines the trends in iconic American beauty as the personal makeup artist to First Lady Michelle Obama. For the past seven and a half years, Carl has been responsible for all the Michelle Obama’s official appearances both nationally and around the world. His ability to create fresh yet timeless looks makes him one of the top makeup artists working in the industry today.
Carl was born on Andrews Air Force Base and traveled around the world as part of a military family. Growing up in different cultures provided him with unique viewpoints and inspirations, which later influenced his work and continues to evolve. As a painter growing up, Carl realized his true passion was expressing his art through makeup. He traded his paint brushes for makeup brushes and now uses faces as his canvas. A self-taught artist, Carl learned and perfected his skill by applying his mother’s makeup as a young man. Throughout his career, clients continue to book Carl for his ability to enhance a woman’s natural beauty and pull out their personality through his makeup application.
His creatively lead to a wide range of assignments allowing for his talent to shine on the covers and inside pages of Vogue, Allure, Glamour, InStyle, Elle, Cosmopolitan, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Better Homes & Garden, More, Ebony, Town & Country, Health, Readers Digest, Ladies Home Journal, Washingtonian, Modern Luxury, Capital File, Bride & Groom, Bride, The Knot, Martha Stuart and Engaged Magazine.
Carl sets trends for industry looks with his work appearing on the catwalk for Donna Karan, Escada, Gucci, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbanna, Yeollee, the Vera Wang Fashion Show and more recently; Reem Acra Bridal Show, Oscar De La Renta Bridal, Monique Lhuiller Bridal, Rivini Bridal and Marchesa Bridal.
The renowned Washingtonian Magazine has voted Carl Ray top makeup artist for 18 consecutive years. He is available by appointment and offers make-up services for bridal, special events, galas, red carpet, commercial and editorial print, HDTV television, speaking engagements, and more. Carl resides in Washington, DC and is also available for domestic and international travel