Engaged! Magazine - The Wedding Look Book

Carl Ray has worked as a makeup artist for fourteen years, with the past ten years as the resident makeup artist at the George’s Salon at the Four Seasons, Georgetown.  Carl has worked with many celebrities – models, actors, politicians, and musicians; however, he is truly in demand with Washington clientele who know that his touch will make them look and feel their best for special occasions. 

When preparing bridal makeup, Carl appreciates that he is intimately involved in one of the most important and exciting times of people’s lives.  I had the opportunity to sit down with Carl and ask him about what he does: 

DT: How is bridal makeup different from everyday makeup application?

Carl: Wedding day makeup falls between casual everyday makeup and more intense evening makeup in terms of intensity, color, and style.  With that said, I listen to the bride-to-be, ask questions about the style and formality of the day, time of day – taking lighting into consideration – and take into account her personality.    

DT: How far in advance do you recommend a trial ‘run’?

Carl: Well in advance of the wedding day.  Some brides-to-be call me as soon as they are engaged to reserve the day!  During the trial application, I assess the client’s coloring, skin type, face shape, and features.  We try different products and colors to achieve that special look.  I want her to be very comfortable and confident and know that she is beautiful.  When she is happy with the final product selections, I make a chart detailing all of the individual colors and products to be used on her wedding day. 

DT: How many brides wear false eyelashes?

Carl: As many as I can put them on!  Seriously, I use individual lashes – sometimes strips - and just a few lashes can make the biggest difference in opening up the eyes and completing that ‘look’.  False eyelashes look so natural – no one would know they aren’t your own!  

DT: Do you use a particular product line?

Carl: No, I use many lines, with favorite products that always have excellent results.  Sometimes a bride-to-be likes her own foundation, and that works for me.  I may make a suggestion but she knows what she likes ultimately. 

DT: How do you insure that the makeup stays put for the day?

Carl: The key is layering:  a primer is a must under the foundation.  Brides tell me that their makeup stayed on the whole day, with only lipstick touchups as needed. 

DT: Do you travel with brides-to-be to destination weddings?

Carl: I do.  I was just asked to do the bridal party makeup for a wonderful Washington native bride-to-be in the Caribbean; unfortunately, due to schedule conflicts, I am not able to go.  For those girls who regularly come into the salon, they want that comfort level of having someone they know do their makeup. 

DT:   For a bride-to-be unfamiliar with your services, but wanting to use you, what are your fees?

Carl: Inside the salon, the trial run is $100, and day-of makeup application is $100.  For travel to homes or hotels, I charge $500 for the bride-to-be and two additional people – perhaps the mother and sister or a bridesmaid. 

For those applying their own makeup, Carl has these tips: 

• Clean up brows up to 1 – 2 days in advance of the wedding day.
• Before applying makeup, cleanse skin, moisturize skin and lips, and put on under eye cream if needed.
• T-zone mattifier if you tend to be oily.
• Apply primer to skin to help makeup last longer.  It also helps skin look as flawless as possible.
• Apply concealer, appropriate foundation, and small amount of powder and blush.
• Curl lashes and apply individual lashes, followed by waterproof mascara.
• Apply natural lipliner, your lipstick choice and gloss.
• Lip color and cheek color should be in the same color family.  Your canvas is ready!
• Carry lip color and blush for light touchups and blotting papers for skin (keeps skin shine free).