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Meet The Man Behind Michelle Obama’s Flawless Look

Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama
First lady Michelle Obama and President Barack at official dinner/ Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

When it comes to achieving pore-less skin, defined cheekbones and a luscious lash line, makeup artist Carl Ray has the lowdown on First Lady Michelle Obama’s flawless look.

READ: Job Well Done First Lady! 16 Accomplishments Of Michelle Obama

While the FLOTUS’s glow may seem unattainable at times, according to her personal makeup artist of 7 ½ years, the secret to looking gorgeous is the age old cliché, “less is more.”

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Carl Ray Michelle Obama makeup
Carl Ray/Photo courtesy Carl Ray

“I always want FLOTUS to be classic and timeless while remaining modern. Not overdone but effortlessly flawless,” Ray recently told BlackDoctor.org of creating the First Lady’s signature look.

Of course, he explains, “her style has evolved over time. I tweak her makeup look depending on time of day and season. Also the type of event that she is attending and what she is wearing. I take into account every detail from casual to black tie events. If we are in another country, I may have her makeup compliment the surrounding environment and country’s culture.”

“Michelle’s personal style and makeup have evolved as does everyone’s. The more you work with a client the more you can shape a client’s image. FLOTUS style and image are iconic. I am so thrilled to be a part of our First Lady’s style evolution,” he added.

Although dabbling in beauty products all day, while traveling the world (32 countries) sounds like a dream, the pressure is real, as Ray is “responsible for all Michelle Obama’s official appearances,” including: magazine covers, television appearances, official portraits, and State Dinners domestic and foreign – like her 2016 State of the Union Address look, partnered with a wool crepe Narciso Rodriguez dress (that sold out in minutes).

Michelle Obama Democratic National Convention speech
First Lady Michelle Obama on the first day of the Democratic National Convention/Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

As for the secret to not looking overly “made up,” Ray tells us “the key to flawless makeup is blending.” Although Ray remained coy when dropping deets on his go-to beauty products, he did dish on her polished DNC look.

Carl Ray Michelle Obama makeup
Carl Ray on the job/Photo courtesy Carl Ray

“For her DNC speech I was going for a super polished and semi glam look,” he revealed. “I definitely wanted her speech to be the highlight and not distracted by her appearance.”

“Nothing too glam but definitely wanted her to be a vision of health, beauty and confidence without taking away from her message and speech. It’s a fine line.”

As for how you can make Obama’s look your won this summer, Ray advises makeup lovers to keep their look “weather appropriate.”

“I like to keep makeup on my clients weather appropriate — lighter oil free sheer products — lots of SPF.”

Also reach for a “waterproof mascara and makeup holding spray,” said Ray. In case you were wondering whether Obama has ever broken these cosmetic commandments, Ray revealed “FLOTUS doesn’t break the rules that’s what I’m here for… Lol.”

Aside from maintaining the First Lady’s fresh look, Ray revealed he a Jack of Trades. “I have a thriving bridal makeup business. I love weddings. It’s such a special day with love being the focus.”

For more info on Carl Ray’s current projects, check him out at http://www.carlraymakeupartist.com/.

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