Carl Ray Makeup Artist, LLC

Carl Ray is an amazing makeup artist. He made everyone feel and look like a movie star. Having Carl do my wedding makeup was the best decision! I knew I was in good hands and would look my best. He took time on each mother, bridesmaid and of course me (bride). He scheduled his time out so well and we never felt rushed. I was so excited when I saw the results! He really was a great part of the day and it was such a joy to work with him. I would not have chosen any other artist! He is the best.

Carl is simply THEE BEST! I loved my makeup trial and absolutely LOVED my wedding day makeup (even more, if that's possible)! I have never felt more glamorous and comfortable! One of the things that amazed me most about Carl is how he still made me look and feel like ME, even after applying makeup, contouring, blending, adding a few false lashes, etc. for an hour, which is a rare talent for a makeup artist. He bumped up my eyes and accentuated the right areas, while keeping everything natural. My husband isn't huge into girls wearing tons of makeup, and he just loved my makeup as well. My makeup lasted all night and I went beautifully with the style of my wedding (soft and romantic — very spring feeling, since it was in April). It even lasted through a flood of tears during the ceremony (not a drop of mascara or eyeliner went anywhere). During the trial, he took the time to ask me questions about time of day and where we were getting married so he could assess what kind of look to apply. Also, for the level of clientele he works with, he is one of the most humble, positive, and down-to-earth people I've ever met. He made me feel totally comfortable from the moment I met him at my trial. If by chance Carl is out of your budget and you are wondering if you should splurge, definitely do so — he is 1000% worth it! He also did my sisters makeup on the day of my wedding and she just loved hers as well. Call early to get on his schedule. Thanks for everything, Carl!!

Carl is fabulous! He listens to what you want and makes you beautiful. Wish I could book him to doll me up before for every event!

I first met Carl Ray when he did my makeup for a friend's wedding, which I loved, and so when I got engaged about a year later, I knew exactly who I would call. Lucky for me he was available!! Carl Ray did an absolutely FABULOUS job with my makeup, and with the makeup of my mom, mother-in-law and all of my friends. We all looked stunning! Not only is Carl Ray truly the best at what he does, but he is also warm, funny and totally calming in a bridal suite full of commotion. He is a pleasure to work with, and I cannot wait to work with him again. I also want to mention that Rick, the salon manager, was also amazing to work with as he continued to coordinate my ever-changing wedding day schedule!! Great team. Hands down, the best.

Carl did my make up for both my engagement photos November 2011 and for my wedding day on December 1, 2012 (he also did my mom's make up on the wedding day). I have never felt so beautiful and confident in my life! I did not worry once about how I would look in the pictures and they came out wonderfully. The wedding was in the early afternoon and we had an evening reception but the make up lasted perfectly all day! I am so grateful to Carl and Rick (the salon manager) for everything they did to make everything stress free and perfect. I absolutely recommend!

I struggled to even begin writing a review for Carl, not because he is not fabulous (he is, in fact, very, very much the most FABULOUS), but because I wasn’t sure how to adequately express my most sincere thanks for what ended up being one of my absolute favorite parts of my wedding day.

I must first give a huge THANK YOU to Rick who, after some serious schedule finagling, managed to get me a seat in Carl’s chair, despite him already having an incredibly busy day. He put up with what seemed like never-ending phone calls and emails on my end, worked his magic, and helped make my wedding day just perfect. I cannot thank him enough.

As for my makeup – it goes without saying that Carl Ray is truly the master of his craft. When you read the reviews on here saying, “it’s the best I’ve ever looked!” and “flawless” and “I looked years younger!” – believe it. Carl has a touch that no one I’ve ever met – looking at someone, listening to them, and truly taking time to understand what they want are a huge part of why he is so successful. He is also an incredibly kind man – I rushed into the salon running VERY behind schedule, and was only about 2 hours away from the start of my ceremony (which was well across town). I was stressed and generally not happy, and both he and Rick were calm, reassuring, and made me feel fabulous. I managed to sit in his chair while I was there, not stressed, not constant clock-watching, just enjoy my time with Carl. It is so nice to work with someone who, despite being the best-of-the-best, is still kind, patient, and down to earth.

I like to think my photos speak for themselves, but in my opinion, I felt as absolutely incredible as I know I looked. Never better, glamorous, flawless, and fabulous. I looked like a much-improved version of myself which, in my opinion, is the best a bride can ask for.

So to Carl and Rick – THANK YOU! I hope to squeeze myself back into that chair in the very near future.

I am a 61 year old bride who always wore limited makup, so I was a little skeptical about having Carl do my makeup for the big day. But I was so thrilled with the results. He made me look at least 10 years younger but my makeup had an absolutely natural look. I would recommend Carl to brides any age. And I will make it a point to have him do my makup again for any special occasion.

Carl was absolutely wonderful! I would recommend him to all my friends.

Carl is superb! He is absolutely the best in Washington D.C.! He is a must have for any bride who wants to look special. He works with the best materials and is happy to incorporate some things you may have in your makeup bag in case you have sensitive skin like me! (Something other professionals I was considering were very snooty about). He is au fait with trends and fashions but at the same time can also deliver a traditional look. I had two events and he was able to provide a traditional Indian bridal look and a very romantic ethereal look the next day. He is very professional and calm and will truly deliver the look you want. I received so many compliments and was so happy that my makeup lasted all night - even in crazy DC August humidity! If I ever need make-up done again, I'll definitely go back to him.

I cannot say enough about the talented and gracious Carl Ray. He not only somehow made me look gorgeous, glam, and flawless, but the look and lashes held brilliantly ALL NIGHT through tears and hugs and dancing. He was so patient, thorough, cool, flexible, fun, and lovely! I would book him again in a heartbeat and highly recommend him to anyone who wants to look amazing and work with thee best. Thank you Carl Ray. It was an honor and pleasure to work with such a talented and kind person. (Thanks also Rick for your consummate professionalism and help with everything!)

Having Carl Ray do your makeup for your wedding and rehearsal dinner event is the best thing you can ever do for yourself as a bride. He did my makeup for these two events and I have never felt more beautiful and confident. Not only, is he the most talented makeup artist in the DC-area but he is one of the most calming, supportive and positive people you can have around you to get ready for these momentous events. He made my skin glow and look flawless while still accentuating all the right features. I felt glamorous and dramatic but still felt completely natural and looked like myself. He really understands a woman's face and features and knows what to play up and what to conceal. His makeup lasted all day and night and looked fresh in every high-definition photo that was taken of me. Best of all, working with Carl is such a treat. He is so kind, so fun to be around and so easy-going. He is a true professional and true class-act. Every bride should book him up as soon as you get engaged because it will be the best money you will ever spend. I can't stress enough what an amazing experience it is to get your makeup done by such a talented artist. I am so thankful to have had him by my side getting me ready because his makeup was the perfect accessory to the huge grin I had on my face the whole weekend. He truly is the person you want to work with on this special day and it was one of the best experiences I could have ever asked for my wedding.

Carl Ray recently did my makeup for my wedding in July and I felt beautiful! Not only was my makeup was flawless but Carl is so down to earth and easy to talk to despite his laundry list of A-list clients. On top of it all, his assistant Rick was so responsive and accomodative throughout the whole process. Love them both and I highly recommend you book them for your next event!

Carl Ray was an absolute delight to work with. He did my make up as well as a number of my bridesmaids and each of us came out looking spectacular. I wanted more of a natural look, and Carl Ray was spot on. If you want a top notch makeup artist in the DC area, no one can come close to Carl Ray.

Carl Ray is by far the best makeup artist in the area. He is so patient, professional, and comforting-which makes him the perfect person to have doing your make-up on your big day. He is incredible at his job-he made all of us look amazing. We receieved, and continue to receieve, numerous comments on our makeup. If you have your wedding in this area-you MUST choose Carl Ray to do your makeup.

Carl Ray was an absolute delight to work with, and is such an amazing artist. I prefer a more natural look for my makeup (even on my wedding day) and Carl was able to make me look glamorous and chic, but still like myself. I had arranged for Carl to come do a touch up before the ceremony (but after hours of pictures out in the 80 degree heat) and honestly my makeup was still flawless after running around all day! Not only that, but I was caught in traffic coming back to the hotel for the ceremony, and was running 45 minutes late. Carl stayed and waited for me, never saying a word about it, and made sure to keep me calm and beautiful. I really cannot say enough wonderful things about Carl, as a person and a professional. I want to get married again just so that I can look that good one more time:)

Carl did an amazing job on my makeup for both my engagement photo shoot and wedding. Though Carl’s schedule was pretty packed both times, Rick, the George Salon manager, worked with me to get a suitable time slot during cherry blossom season This was a pretty big deal because we had to move the photo shoot several times due to the changing forecast in peak blossom and also due to my travel schedule for work. Despite having to fit me in at 7am before his day long appointment with the First Lady, Carl was so happy and pleasant.

Unlike most brides, I had a makeup artist come into my suite to take care of my mom and bridesmaids and went to the George Salon by myself for hair and makeup. Originally, I wondered if maybe I should have made other arrangements so that we could all be together. In the end, it proved to be a great decision because wedding morning is supercrazy and this gave me the chance to relax before things ramped up even more. Also, while I loved the engagement makeup and it matched the morning, outdoor photo session, I wanted something more dramatic for my afternoon wedding and evening reception. Carl was so nice in accommodating my email request and, on the day of, he worked with me to modify my look for a more dramatic flair. I only wish I had more formal events that could justify using Carl’s makeup services!

Carl is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I received so many compliments on how lovely my makeup was. He covered all imperfections and his false eyelash application is flawless and makes you feel like the princess you should on your wedding day. He not only is a brilliant make up artist, he is wonderfully sweet and a fun person to sit with while he works his magic! DC brides should use no other than Carl.

Carl Ray is THE VERY BEST in the D.C. area and will make you feel like the most beautiful bride ever. He is so talented and the manager, Rick, is so flexible, nice, and easy to work with. That's key for weddings. Carl is hilarious and will keep you calm throughout - even during some of those nervous moments. There is no one like him out there.

Simply put- Carl is absolutely fabulous! I am extremely particular about my makeup, and having never had my makeup done before, I was so nervous to get my makeup done for my big day. Seconds after meeting Carl I knew I would be in good hands. He is extremely thorough, professional, and truly knows how to make you look beautiful. I had so many guests and strangers complimenting me on my makeup- I've never felt more beautiful in my life. Although I don't live in D.C. I will definitely be coming back to Carl for any big events when I come back to the area. Highly recommend- just make sure to get on his calendar early! :)

Carl is without a doubt the best makeup artist in DC and one the very best in the nation. Given his level of talent it is amazing that he lives in DC at all and that he has not been scooped up by NY and / or LA mega stars. He is beyond talented and made me feel confident and radiant about how I looked on my wedding day. It would not have been the same without him. I tried 2 other artists when I thought he would be unavailable and they did not even remotely measure up. He is simply the very best.

Carl Ray did an unbelievable job with my wedding makeup. I couldn't have been happier with the quality of the products used or the expertise of the artist. One of my favorite compliments was that I looked like a"perfect version of myself" -- not overdone at all.

It was a wonderful experience, and I'd recommend him to anyone -- worth the expense, for sure.

The entire staff at George's at the Four Seasons was great to work with.

LOVE HIM!!!! A few years ago, I had horrible skin problems and some scarring from that. Carl made it all go away. Words cannot express how wonderful he made me feel on my wedding day. Not only that but the wedding lasted ALL DAY AND NIGHT. We took pictures before our ceremony for a few hours and my makeup looked just as flawless at the ceremony as it had when it first went on earlier in the day. He is the best!!!

Carl is simply the best makeup artist in Washington. I live in California so was not able to do a trial, but decided to work with Carl for my wedding based on his great reputation and recommendations from friends. To say I was thrilled would be an understatement. My makeup was flawless, natural looking and lasted well beyond the after party. He was a delight to work with and his expertise put me at ease for the many hours of photos. I felt confident and the pictures from our wedding day have exceeded my expectations thanks to Carl's incredible work. I can't recommend Carl highly enough!

By DC standards, I was a budget bride. However, I wanted the absolute best for my makeup, and Carl fit the bill. Besides being a wonderful, calming influence on my wedding day, his work is top-notch. I have never felt so confident about my appearance, and the make-up stayed in place through the after-party...12 hours later. I highly recommend Carl Ray.

Carl and Rick! Where do I begin?? Carl was absolutely phenomenal. You transformed me and made me look like a million bucks! You are truly an artist and I am undoubtedly indebted to you.

Everyone complimented my mom, my MOH and me on our superb makeup. I couldn't be more happy with the results you gave us. I wish I had a reason every day to come and see you. You really left me speechless with your talent!

Carl is the go to person if you want to look amazing. He is so attentive, nice and flexible. I can't thank Carl without thanking Rick. Without Rick, I would have never been able to schedule an appoinment with Carl. Rick was so understanding and really went out of his way to help me get ready. What a great team!

I can't forget my hair stylist either! Onder, you were patient and kind. You did a fantastic job on our hair. I can't wait to send pictures in for you to see. Onder will take your vision and transform your hair into a masterpiece!

Carl, Rick and Onder, I along with my mother and MOH, thank you from the bottom of of hearts for making us look good. I am personally so honored to have had the chance to work with you all. I will be back!

Katherine

The top 5 reasons why Carl Ray is the best make-up artist in Washington DC:

1. Artistic ability- He has an ability to accentuate your best features to make you look fabulous!

2. Patience, calming demeanor- Carl puts you at ease the second that you take a seat in his make-up chair.

3. Exceptional service- Carl treats every person like they are his most important client.

4. True magician- He can apply make-up for an hour and it does not look like you have layers and layers of make-up.

5. Worth every penny.

Thank you Carl for making me a beautiful bride. I will always cherish my pictures and my new friends at the George Salon.

Also, appreciate all the help from Rick Raines....you are wonderful!

Sincerely,
april

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING - Carl Ray was the highlight of my whole entire wedding. I loved my makeup even more than my wedding dress. I just couldn’t even believe how glamorous and gorgeous Carl made me look on the big day – he couldn’t have done a better job with a magic wand than he did with his makeup brushes. The bags under my eyes completely disappeared and instead I had these absolutely stunning smoke-y eyes, with perfectly applied liquid eyeliner. The color of the eye shadow was so beautiful that my eyes actually looked far more green than brown on the big day – it was literally like a miracle. My complexion looked absolutely perfect – my standard skin care problems somehow disappeared, along with the stress-induced pimple that I had on my wedding day, and my whole complexion looked absolutely flawless. Carl also did the makeup for my one bridesmaid, who looked unbelievably beautiful, and my Mom too, who ended up looking more like a thirty year-old sister than a sixty-year old Mom. He was just absolutely incredible… My advice to other brides is this – ditch the floral arrangements or wedding cake if necessary, but treat yourself to makeup by Carl Ray on your big day. It was worth every single penny and more.

I cannot say enough good things about Carl. He was attentive, professional, warm, and listened to what I wanted. He is worth EVERY penny and I can't imagine a better make up artist in DC. TRULY the best...

I was recently married at the Four Seasons hotel in Georgetown and scheduled all of my hair and make up appointments with George Salon right next door. Carl is amazing and truly an artist. He made me feel very comfortable and truly captured my vision in terms of how I wanted to look on my wedding day. I think what makes Carl so special is his gift of bringing beauty out and he is able to do this because of his own beauty as a person. I have lived in DC for the past 5 years and had never been to George Salon prior to my wedding, but because of the wonderful service I received from Carl Ray, Rick Raines, and Onder, I will definitely be making it my local salon.

Thanks guys!!!

Amber Rodland

Carl is not only the best makeup artist in DC, he is also a wonderfully nice guy. Carl did my makeup for my wedding this past weekend and I could not have been happier with his work. He is very attentive to what his clients like to look like and will not pressure you into anything. He really loves what he does and it shows in his work and his demeanor. He is great! Rick at George was also extremely helpful and accommodating. Onder did my hair and it was fantastic. George is a one stop shop for gorgeous hair and makeup!

Carl did the make-up for both me and my Maid of Honor and both turned out excellent. Carl listens to what you want. I wanted a very natural look and he did that perfectly. My mother and my husband don't like a lot of make-up and were worried that I would look too made up but when they saw me they both agreed that Carl did a great job. My Maid of Honor wanted her make-up to be a bit heavier and he did a wonderful job with her as well. I was concerned that the make-up wouldn't last because I booked our appointments in the late morning but the wedding wasn't until 6:30p.m., no problem, the make-up lasted until I took it off 15 hours later. Carl also makes you feel very comfortable; he is easy going and friendly. I highly recommend him! Plan ahead though and make your appointments well in advance; he's popular so he books up fast.

Carl Ray is a magician. No one else in DC even comes close. I have never looked more beautiful than I did on my wedding day, and hanging out with Carl for an hour or so was one of the highlights of the day. He's fun, lovely and immensely talented. I've already told everyone I know getting married in DC to hire him. He's amazing!

We used Carl Ray at George Salon at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. I had planned on using a makeup artist at MAC who moved to California without telling me two months before my wedding. Carl Ray happened to have a last-minute cancellation on the day of our wedding and fit in not just me but also two Moms and two bridesmaids. He did an absolutely stunning job, especially on my mom (who looked years younger) and a hippy bridesmaid who never wears makeup and wanted a natural but pretty dressy look. I'd highly recommend him for bridal parties of all ages.

Carl Ray is absolutely amazing. I am so glad I chose him for my makeup and knew from the moment I left the trial that I was in good hands. He was professional, offered great suggestions based on my dress, etc and was so flexible. I actually came in the day before the wedding for a manicure and told him I was having second thoughts about what I decided on a few months before. He took a few minutes right there and then to talk about what I wanted to change and then did it flawlessly the next day. I couldn't have asked for more from Carl and would definitely recommend him to all of the other brides out there!

Carl goes above and beyond in the care and attention he gives each bride. I felt like he really devoted time to making each aspect of my makeup look perfect. And it really did look perfect! I am so happy and I definitely recommend him for all brides in the DC/MD/VA area. He is fabulous and so fun to talk to. He even squeezed my mom in last minute and I was so happy about that!! Go to CARL!!!

Carl Ray was absolutely wonderful! First, both he and his manager were incredibly nice and easy to work with - I e-mailed them about two weeks before my wedding, and they worked me in for both a trial and day-of makeup. (Don't count on that, though - he's super busy, and I think I just got really lucky that he had one slot open at 9am on my wedding day, as he was booked for the rest of the day.)

I do recommend going in for a trial before the big day - while my trial make-up was beautiful, it was way too heavy for my own personal comfort, and I wouldn't have been happy with it on my wedding day. When I e-mailed Carl Ray to ask if it could be adjusted, he was totally understanding and reassured me that he could do a more natural look on the day-of. And he did exactly that! The wedding-day make-up was PERFECT, AND it stayed in place all day. I couldn't have been happier with it.

I felt like a supermodel on my wedding day! Carl did my and my mom's makeup. My mom had never had her makeup done before and she looked stunning. He has a great personality, so much experience and he certainly knows how to make your makeup last. I cried a few times throughout the day and not once to to touch up my eye makeup. I've had my makeup done by numerous professionals over the years and he is top notch! Love him!

Where do I begin? I am someone who is not a big make-up person in general. I don't wear a lot of make-up and I don't spend a lot of time on my make-up. But for my wedding, I thought I would go all out and find someone who would make me look flawless. After some feedback from vendors, I contacted Carl Ray and went in for a trial at the Four Seasons in DC. I walked out feeling amazing! I booked him immediately. On my wedding day, Carl breezed in and made me look and feel beautiful. All the bridesmaids were raving about the amazing job he did. I was so happy - and after looking through the photos from the wedding, I know I picked the perfect make-up artist. He is funny, sweet and makes you feel comfortable and at ease. I loved him!

Carl did the makeup for me, my mom and my bridesmaids for my wedding and I couldn't have been happier. Everyone looked absolutely amazing and he was such a joy to work with. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a make up artist for their special day!!

Carl was spectacular. He did the makeup of my mother and myself for my wedding. He had such a relaxing demeanor and made sure we were comfortable with our makeup. We looked fabulous, and polished, and very natural. Ishmail and Ibo did the bridal party hair. I especially loved the soft upsweep and flowers that Ishmail created for me. Despite taking pictures in the hurricane outside, our hair and makeup remained beautiful. This was a special treat for the bridal party on a special day and we appreciate the experience with Carl, Ishmail and Ibo! Thank you!

Carl ray did an amazing job of my makeup for my wedding. I would highly recommend him.

The best...hands down. I don't have the best skin, but he made me feel like it was flawless. He gave my face contour and really played up my best features. He actually started out as an artist and then got into makeup, and it shows! I felt like I was glowing. He totally got what I liked right off the bat. He can do super drama or low key natural. He worked on me, my bridesmaids, my mom, and did a little bit for my flower girl. Everyone looked awesome! Thanks, Carl!

Carl Ray is without a doubt the best of the best. Carl did the makeup for my wedding (bride, mother of the bride & mother of the groom) and I was extremely impressed by his talent, poise and overall demeanor. He listened attentively to what I wanted (a very natural look that was enough to stay on through the day and look great in pics). Also of note is the professionalism of the salon George -- Rick Raines organized and managed the entire process and was a fun addition and calming force to ensuring everything went smoothly leading up to and on the wedding day.

Carl and Ismail made me feel like a celebrity on my wedding day! The makeup that Carl applied lasted all day, even through tears of joy and the summer heat! Carl is truly an artistic genius and I've never felt prettier than I did on my wedding day. Ismail curled my hair and carefully applied my hair accessory perfectly, it was such a privilege to sit in their chairs! I would highly recommend this salon to any bride who wants to look and feel their best on their wedding day!

From the moment I sat in Carl's chair, I felt relaxed. He's a good listener and has an innate ability to paint his canvas with artistry and grace. His gentle touch and skill at bringing out one's best features is impeccable. He managed to draw out a beauty and elegance new to me. I was thrilled, and glowed throughout the entire wedding day. There were so many compliments from guests. It feels unusual to boast about one's appearance, but I owe it all to Carl Ray.

I read about Carl Ray in the Washingtonian magazine I went for a trial and immediately felt very comfortable with Carl. We tried the drama look which he did great, however I decided it was not for me. So, on the day of my wedding he come to my hotel and did an amazing job with a natural look. I was glowing and very happy. It was important for me to know that I was in the hands of a pro, I was able to relax and let him create his magic. I would definitely recommend him. His office was extremely professional

Carl did a beyond wonderful job with my make up. He was extremely nice and made me feel relaxed and comfortable. My makeup stayed on the entire 12+ hour day with no fixups necessary. My photos look wonderful because of the flawless skin Carl gave me. My mother and bridesmaids also looked wonderful yet unique with each of their looks as well. I definitely felt even more special and beautiful on my big day because of him. He is a must for any big day!

I have never felt more beautiful than my wedding day and I owe it all to Carl Ray - a premier make-up artist at the Four Seasons in Washington, DC. Carl and I first met at the George Salon for a make-up test before my wedding. I highly suggest that every bride schedule a test for hair and make-up before your big day...it will give you a chance to talk through the "look" you want at your wedding. Carl put me at ease immediately; he was charming, professional and really listened to what I was saying. I couldn't have been more thrilled with how my make-up looked on my wedding day. Trust me, you have enough stress when getting married - don't try to do your make-up or hair - leave it to the true professionals like Carl. Besides, the one thing everyone will remember is how the bride looked...not the place settings or the rubber chicken...spend your money to look amazing and beautiful. Thank you, Carl!!

Working with Carl was absolutely wonderful. I generally don't wear make-up, so I wanted someone who would help me look beautiful, yet natural, and he quickly honed into my style with ease, and gave me a beautiful look for my wedding. My wedding party and I got to have the whole salon to ourselves Sunday morning while getting ready for the wedding with makeup and hair, and Carl did a wonderful job with everyone from me to my mother and mother-in-law and the grandmothers - it was perfect!

Carl is every bride's dream make-up artist! He is extremely professional and talented, but also relaxed and funny! Carl listened to exactly what I wanted my makeup to look like on my big day and far exceeded my expectations. He truly is an artist. He makes you look natural (if that's what you want) so you look like yourself but your most glamorous, beautiful version. The makeup was even and flawless and very natural. He put fake eyelashes on me and they were very comfortable and very natural looking, but definitely played up the eyes. He gives advice but is not pushy, and definitely listens to what you want. Most amazingly, the makeup stayed on EXACTLY how he applied it the entire day/night (even up thru 1am when my reception ended!)

Carl is my first "must-have" when I give a bride advice. As soon as I know the wedding date, I book Carl as the make-up artist when I'm a bridesmaid. I've had other make-up artists do my make up in the past (pre-Carl), and felt like I could have done it myself and that it wore off the same as when I do it. But with Carl, I always look my absolute best and sadly could never apply makeup as well as him. Even though my wedding was a year and a half ago, I still get told that my makeup was incredible, and get asked for Carl's contact information.

I have never felt so beautiful in my life! Carl Ray did an amazing job turning this tomboy into a glam bride!

Carl did my wedding day makeup. He is a beauty magician and I would hire him again in a heartbeat for any occasion. Here's why:
1. Beautiful makeup: I didn't even give him instruction for how I wanted my bridal make up to look, but he made me look amazing and I've never felt so beautiful. It was the perfect blend of glamorous and natural that every girl should be on her big day. I felt that he just discerned my best features and highlighted them for all to see. I got so many compliments on how I looked and on my makeup!
2. Long-lasting makeup: I was amazed that my makeup lasted (without any upkeep!!!) for the whole day and night. I got my makeup done around 12noon. This same look lasted even though I got caught in showers from a hurricane and even though I was dancing like crazy for at least 4 hours. Not to mention: the makeup withstood my frequent tearing-up.
3. Great person. Carl is so nice, kind and reassuring. He's the kind of person that you want to have on your side and that you really don't mind paying money to on your wedding day.

My makeup was one of the aspects of my wedding I get complimented on the most. Carl, based out of George Salon at the Four Seasons, did an amazing job. He took my style and recommendations into account, and added his own expertise to create the perfect look for my wedding day. I felt glamorous and beautiful, but not overly done. In fact, the most important part was that I felt like myself – just on my biggest night out. Carl also provided me with blotting sheets, and a beautiful shade of lipstick to take me through the night for touch ups, and I still wear the lipstick all the time. Carl also did makeup for my mom, mother of the groom, and some of the bridesmaids, all of whom had rave reviews as well. We would recommend him to every DC bride.

Carl did my makeup for my engagement photos and wedding day - back in May of 2010. If I could give Carl 10 stars, I would. He is absolutely outstanding!!!! THE BEST!!!!!!! You cannot compare Carl's talent to anyone else. He gave me a gorgeous dramatic look, made my mother look stunning, and transformed my grandmother (who was finishing cancer treatment) look like the most gorgeous woman you've ever seen. When I saw her - I gasped. Many makeup artists can only do one "look" but Carl can do anything. He is one in a million. Yes - Carl is THE best makeup artist in DC. But even more than that - he is such a wonderful person to spend your wedding day with. He is calm, kind, and so much fun to be around. Rick was also amazing. When you're getting married, things are hectic. There are quite a number of schedule changes. Rick was so flexible with me and my family. And I adore him! Rick and Carl are very special people and I loved working with them. I was truly honored to spend my wedding day with them and I would never go to anyone else!

Carl is the BEST in the business. I've seen him for events for several years and last year he did the makeup for my wedding.
Not only is he the most professional man around but his work speaks for itself. If there was a rating based on how wonderful he made women (and men!) feel about themselves, he would receive a 5/5.
When I got engaged, I picked my wedding date because Carl was available. He's that good.

My makeup was perfectly flawless. Nothing else to say about Carl Ray except he is the best of the best in DC! Try and call as quickly as possible to book him because he goes fast! I have recommended him to multiple girlfriends and they all love him!

Carl is without a doubt the best makeup artist around. He listens when you describe the look you're going for (extremely important for any beauty service!)and makes it happen. His work is impeccable and you'll feel like a million bucks! He's very easygoing and fun to be around. Absolutely the type of person you want with you the day of your wedding. Carl did my makeup for my rehearsal dinner, wedding, and many other occasions where I've wanted to look my best - it is the greatest treat. I haven't had half as much luck with any other makeup artist. Go with Carl on your wedding day (or any other occasion for that matter)!

I started working with Carl for my wedding back in 2008. He is an extremely talented make-up artist who combines his artistic talent with being able to naturally put the bride at ease on a day that can be easily derailed with emotions. He did exactly what I asked for when I described the image I wanted to project on my wedding day and I still looked like me! He did a great job on my matron of honor as well. They went above and beyond what was necessary to make her as comfortable as possible as it was two weeks after her c-section. I have continued to hire him for special occasions and recommended him to friends, family and colleagues.

I was very worried about having someone do my makeup because I much prefer a natural look and have had bad experiences with makeup artists caking makeup on me. Car Ray listened exactly to what I wanted and I could not have been happier. I ended up buying a ton of products that he used on me because I loved the colors so much (and no, he didn't sell me the products!)

Carl Ray was fabulous. He was so easy to work with but more than anything he made everyone in my bridal party look amazing. His style is not overdone, and everyone looked like very naturally beautiful versions of themselves. Several of my family members, who had declined to have their make up done, asked to be squeezed into the schedule after seeing what a great job Carol had done with the members of the bridal party. People frequently ask me who did the makeup for my wedding and I always recommend Carl to friends who are getting married in Washington.

To start, let me just say Carl is extraordinarily talented! I had read about Carl in a couple of magazines and always knew that I would want him to do my makeup for my wedding one day. When I called to book a trial I was thrilled that he was available! Given his credentials and the fact that i knew he had many high profile clients, I was also surprised that Carl hadn't moved to LA or New York - lucky me! When I met Carl for my trial, he was so professional, kind and attentive...most of all, he was amazingly talented and exceeded my expectations! Carl knew exactly what looked best with my hair and skin tone. He knew exactly what would look best photographs. I think many people can apply makeup successfully but only a few are true artists whose talents are undeniable. Carl Ray is one of those artists! Thank you Carl!

Seeing Carl is like an experience, not just make-up. He makes you feel, not only look, beautiful. I saw him for my wedding seven years ago for my wedding and try to book him for every important event thereafter. Book early. :) His artistry is in high demand.

Carl is simply one of the best in the DC area - we highly recommend him!!!

If you want the best, get Carl! Professional, an specializes in making your makeup enhance your personal beauty. We highly recommend Carl!

Working with Carl Ray is always a pleasure! He has such a wonderful, happy personality and his makeup is flawless!!! I would highly recommend Carl to anyone!

We love working with Carl. He always makes our brides look stunning!

I have had the pleasure of working with Carl Ray on many photo shoots for Engaged magazine. From the first time I met him over 3 years ago I knew I had come across the best make-up artist EVER!!! I watched him develop multitude of looks in such a short time span. From simple and natural to dramatic and exotic and everything in between. Carl's artistic ability, charismatic and charming personality makes him a true GEM in our industry. I highly recommend Carl to every future bride simply because he is the best!!
" Carl Ray + Bride = The most beautiful bride EVER!!!!"