1. 
   Posted: February 22, 2012

   Making Up Is Hard to Do (so call on Carl Ray)

   
   

   As featured on PamelasPunch.com
   By Pamela Sorensen

   Washington women barely have enough time to curl their own eyelashes much less spend hours poring over the most ideal cosmetic colors for their skin tone, the newest makeup application techniques, or the best most bountiful powder brushes.  We ladies are busy busy busy and even when we sit in the chair getting our hair did, we are tapping away at our iPads, iPhones, or in my case,  an Android.  In this town, time is of the essence, but we do want to look good.  So if there’s a pro out there who can help us achieve the look that we want for a special occasion (or even any occasion for that matter) we know what to do. Make the call.

   Read the full article here.

   
   



2. 
   Posted: February 21, 2012

   An Interview With Carl Ray: Washington’s Top Makeup Artist

   
   

   

   As featured on GuestofaGuest.com
   By Sophie Pyle

   

   Michelle Obama is a style icon, not only due to her impeccable taste in clothing and jewelry, but for the beautiful face she puts forward in the public.

   We got to know her makeup artist, Carl Ray. Carl’s first canvas was his mother, and he has grown to become the top pick for high profile brides and A-list social functions in Washington—glamming up everyone from Ashley Taylor, to Supreme Court Justices, to Paula Abdul and beyond.

   Read the entire interview here.

   (Photos above courtesy of Carl Ray and Getty Images.)

   
   



3. 
   Posted: February 12, 2012

   Strike a Pose: Wedding style with more than a little fun.

   
   

   Participating in the Engaged Magazine Bridal Shoot was a lot of fun, to say the least!

   The shoot was an all day process of collaborating and I was energized by the entire production. The photographer, David Hartman, has an incredible eye and is a real pro! Styling was done by the multi-talented Julie Savage of Strawberry Milk Events. Julie is a real pleasure to work with and let me tell you … Julie knows style!

   And of course I loved doing the editorial-style make up for the shoot, which is becoming more popular with new brides to be. The whimsical wedding hair was done by Murat Durak.

   Gorgeous wedding dresses, awesome jewelry & fabulous flowers where everywhere in the studio. I was in heaven because … I Love Everything Bridal!
   
   The Bridal Makeup Look:
   
   To prepare the canvas for the makeup look for the shoot I made sure Jamie Bowersox’s skin was clean, moisturized and primed.

   The first feature that stood out on Jamie’s face was her eyes so I really played them up using:

   • pale shimmer eye shadow and a deep burgundy matte shade in the crease to give a smokey effect
   • this was followed by black kohl eyeliner and a full strip of lashes
   • bronzer and a pop of pink blush with a little highlight of shimmer on top of the cheek bones
   • lips where nude to blood red and every color in between

   Makeup and hair was changed at least half dozen times.
   
   Doreen Tisone, Engaged Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, attended the shoot. Doreen was, and is, an endless vessel for all things fabulous in the wonderful world of Bridal!

   
   



4. 
   Posted: January 24, 2012

   Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine Winter/Spring 2012

   
   

   I’m thrilled and honored to have been named the ‘Top Vote Getter’ (top voted makeup artist) by Washingtonian’s Bride & Groom Magazine for the second year in a row!

   Over the course of my career I’ve been voted Washingtonian’s ‘One to Watch’ twice and now their ‘Top Vote Getter’ twice. I’ve also had the wonderful fortune of being featured on their list for the past 11 years! It truly is an honor to be recognized by such a prominent and influential DC-area magazine.

   Their Winter/Spring 2012 issue hits stands today. If you’re a bride-to-be, know a bride-to-be or might become a bride-to-be in the near future I urge you to go out and get an issue!

   The magazine is the perfect wedding guide with in depth reviews and information on all the vendors you could ever need or want to help plan all the various aspects of your dream wedding.

   I’ve had the pleasure of doing makeup for the cover and the inside shoot in the past and love working with the Washingtonian team. They always produce beautiful issues that help remind brides what a special, magical time planning your wedding should be.

   I’m in good company with all my colleagues and congratulate everyone who made the list!

   Bridal Present Suggestions:

   I love the idea of presenting a recently engaged loved one with a basket of planning and celebrating goodies! Pick up Washingtonian’s latest Bride & Groom issue along with some cutely designed stationary (perfect for jotting down important wedding-related notes) and a delicious bottle of bubbly to share together! You’ll be instantly voted ‘Top Gift Giver’ by the appreciating bride-to-be.

   Hope you check out this issue!

   
   



5. 
   Posted: January 24, 2012

   Becky’s Fund: Walk the Way Fashion Show

   
   

   Becky’s Fund is a wonderful charity that raises money and awareness for victim’s of domestic violence. They recently had a fantastic event called “Walk This Way” at the Andrew C. Mellon Auditorium. I was honored to be a part of the hosting committee and do some of the makeup for the models featured in the event’s fashion show. Check out the makeup I did on one of the fabulous models. I loved her outfit and wanted to play up her gorgeous eyes and cheekbones.

   Hope you like the look!

   If you’d like more information on my work visit my website: carlraymakeupartist.com.

   Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter: @CarlRayMakeup and Facebook: Carl Ray Makeup Artist.

   
   

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