The Reem Acra Fashion Show

I had so much fun at Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine's Unveiled Wedding Showcase. It was a wonderful event at the Mandarin Oriental. We have such talented wedding vendors in this area and it's always wonderful to see their work. The rooms all looked amazing and the vendor displays were stunning.

Guests had the opportunity to meet caterers, florists, event planners, hair stylists and many more wedding-related vendors all while sipping champagne and nibbling on hors d'oeuvres and delicious desserts.


I loved working with celebrity fashion designer, Reem Acra. Her bridal designs are exquisite and it was wonderful to see her creations on the runway. I loved getting her glammed up for the event and creating the soft, ethereal looks for the models.

Reem wanted to create a natural look with hair and makeup. She didn't want an overly done look that might compete with the gowns but wanted the makeup to look fresh and bright. I used coppery brown and gold shadows on the lids, lined the eyes with dark brown shadow and used lots of black mascara to open up the eye. I then added a punchy pink on the cheeks and lips for a flushed, just-bitten look. Hair by Christophe Jouenne was soft but pulled back into an up-do to help emphasize the necklines.

Reem is such a pleasure to work with and a true talent. I loved each and every one of the wedding dresses she created. She has such a great eye for details and makes everyone who wears her dresses look like a total movie star.

I loved being a part of the whole day and know it was a great event for Washington-area brides to get inspired and pampered before their big day. Hope to see you next year!



xo,




202-342-1942

carlraymakeupartist@verizon.net
www.carlraymakeupartist.com

2001-2011
*Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine
~Editor's Pick & Top Vote Getter
*Capitol File Magazine
~Top Makeup Artist
*Engaged Magazine
~Editor's Pick
2011
*Brides Magazine
~Editor's Pick

Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine's 2012 Unveiled Wedding Showcase

I can't tell you how excited I am about Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine's Unveiled Wedding Showcase.

This annual event takes place this Sunday, January 22nd at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. It's an amazing opportunity for brides to see some of the best vendors the DC-area has to offer. If you're in the process of planning your wedding this is an event not to be missed! It's less than a week away, so don't forget to purchase your tickets now!

Many of Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine's featured vendors will have booths set up so guests can see, hear and taste their expert services firsthand.

You'll have a chance to meet caterers, florists, event planners and everyone else in between. In addition to seeing vendor portfolios and samples, renowned celebrity fashion designer Reem Acra will be making an appearance and presenting her gorgeous bridal couture collection.

I'm honored to be doing the makeup for the show and glamming up the gorgeous designer as well. She's one of my favorite bridal designers and her creations always look stunning and unique.

The event is going to be a jam-packed afternoon of fun. There will be champagne, cocktails, cakes and tastings from the Mandarin Oriental as well as door the opportunity to win great door prizes.

There are tons of prizes you could win including a wedding makeup application for your big day by yours truly, a $1,000 gift certificate toward the purchase of any full-price Reem Acra bridal gown at the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel or an incredible honeymoon package to stay at the Viceroy Anguilla Hotel.

It's going to be an amazing event and I can't wait to see everyone there. Don't forget to buy your tickets now to meet your favorite vendors and watch the fabulous Reem Acra fashion show!

Check out this video from last year's event:

Washingtonian Bride & Groom I from Blue Sky Films on Vimeo.

xo,

202-342-1942
carlraymakeupartist@verizon.net
www.carlraymakeupartist.com

2001-2011
*Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine
~Editor's Pick & Top Vote Getter
*Capitol File Magazine
~Top Makeup Artist
*Engaged Magazine
~Editor's Pick
2011
*Brides Magazine
~Editor's Pick

Photos from reemacra.com

A New Year of Weddings!

Happy New Year friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful year and I would like to wish everyone a fabulous year to come!

Many of you will be getting married, attending weddings, galas and events in 2012. There will be plenty of reasons to get glammed up in the new year!

I absolutely love getting brides and bridal parties ready for their Special Day! I've had the pleasure of doing makeup for many beautiful DC-area brides and am looking forward to an exciting new year filled with beautiful bridal makeup!

*For more information about my makeup services, pricing and availability please contact Rick Raines/Coordinator: 202-342-1942
carlraymakeupartist@verizon.net
www.carlraymakeupartist.com

Happy New Year to you and yours!

xo,




2001-2011
*Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine
~Editor's Pick & Top Vote Getter
*Capitol File Magazine
~Top Makeup Artist
*Engaged Magazine
~Editor's Pick
2011
*Brides Magazine
~Editor's Pick

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!

Check out some of the work I've done with Washingtonian:


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!


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.


xo,
Carl Ray

Becky's Fund: Walk This 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.

xo,
Carl Ray

Washington Life Holiday 2011 Cover

Check out the cover of Washington Life Magazine. We did a holiday look that was retro yet modern.

The super talented Violetta Markelou photographed the shoot and created the amazing shots. I love the festive ambiance she created! Clare Dougan from the T.H.E. ARTIST AGENCY was the gorge. model, Monae Everett created the throwback curls and Toni Leinhardt styled the shoot. I adore the Elie Tahari creme pencey dress with the jeweled cutoff sleeves. It's so chic and such a great holiday look.

I wanted to keep the look ethereal and soft but with a pop of color.

For the holiday season, don't be afraid of a bright lip shade. A red lip is a more traditional holiday color but I wanted to spice it up and do an edgier hue and opted for a hot pink. A rich lip shade will look fresh and pull your whole holiday look together. Experiment with deep pinks, bright reds and shiny corals. By keeping the rest of your look understated, you can really have fun with a fabulous lipstick.

Keep your eye makeup simple but define your eyes with a kohl pencil and gel liner. As you line your lids, make sure you create a tight, thin line. This will ensure that you draw attention to your eyes but that you don't compete with your lips. Use neutral eyeshadow colors and a few swipes of black mascara. No matter what color your lashes are, black mascara is best because it frames your face and draw attention to your eyes. Wear a moisturizing foundation and set the look with a translucent setting powder. Contour your cheeks with a dusty rose blush but keep the skin matte and even.

Most importantly, have fun with your look. The holiday season means the weather is cold and you're gonna need to bundle up to stay warm. This is the perfect opportunity to draw attention to your gorgeous face with fun accessories, polished hair and of course, bright, cheerful makeup!

XO,
Carl

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For more information on my work go to carlraymakeupartist.com

Welcome!

Hi friends! Welcome to the Carl Ray makeup blog! This site is an opportunity to discuss my favorite makeup tips, discuss bridal trends and answer any questions you might have.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm a makeup artist with over fifteen years of experience in the DC area. I've had the pleasure of working with celebrities, politicians, brides and the many beautiful women that call the DC-Metropolitan area their home. I've also worked on numerous galas, events and magazine covers. I do runway, commercial and editorial print makeup and more. I've had the honor of being voted the top makeup artist for ten consecutive years by Washingtonian Magazine.

Since makeup truly is my passion, I want to use this blog as my personal beauty diary and share all the fun and fabulous moments I have getting to do what I truly love to do in life.

I hope you enjoy seeing all the behind-the-scene pictures and videos I'll be posting and hope you interact with me as much as possible. I'm excited to blog and chat with all of you!

Stay beautiful!

XO,
Carl