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Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
The bride and groom
The bride and groom
Natural makeup look
Natural makeup look
The bride
The bride
Red lips
Red lips
Models
Models
Smiling bride
Smiling bride
Captivating beauty
Captivating beauty
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids
The newlyweds
The newlyweds
The bride
The bride
Soft makeup look
Soft makeup look
Natural makeup look
Natural makeup look
Smiling bride
Smiling bride
Bride and bridesmaids
Bride and bridesmaids
Hair updo
Hair updo
Running bride
Running bride
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist
Carl Ray Makeup Artist

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About

  • Carl Ray Makeup Artist, LLC is a Washington D.C. based beauty service provider, specializing in professional makeup and beauty services for brides.

    Carl Ray will work with you to ensure that you are both on the same page for your

    “Wedding Day Look” and offer suggestions during your bridal trial, ensuring you will be Everything and More on your Special Day❣️

    Experience

    Carl Ray has been named Top Bridal Makeup Artist by Washingtonian Weddings Magazine 20 years consecutively.

    Carl Ray truly is a Bridal Makeup Guru!

    ✔️ out his ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews

    His clientele consists of many notable individuals, including the First Lady Michelle Obama, Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Diane Von Furstengburg, Anna Wintour and Natalie Portman. Carl’s work has been featured on covers and in spreads for Brides, Town & County Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Washingtonian Weddings, Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Allure, Essence, Ebony and Glamour magazines.

    Services Offered
    Carl Ray Makeup Artist, LLC specializes in a beautifully polished and clean look for his brides.

    Carl Ray Makeup Packages include various beauty services, as well as a consultation and trial run. The types of makeup services brides can choose:

    - Natural Beauty

    - Soft Glam - High Glam

    - Engagement photos

    - Bridal party makeup

    - Bridal makeup trial

    - On-site makeup

    - False lashes

    - Touch ups

  • LGBTQ+-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

What is the base price for blowouts for brides?

$25

What is the price of trial service for traditional makeup for brides?

$450

What is the base price for airbrush makeup for brides?

$15

What is the price of trial service for traditional makeup for attendants/family members?

$250

Does makeup price include false lashes?

No

What beauty services do you offer?

Consultations

What makeup services do you offer?

Contour Makeup
Eye Makeup
Natural Makeup
On-Site Makeup
Wedding Party Makeup
Makeup Trial
Fake Lashes

Reviews of Carl Ray Makeup Artist

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This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Carl Ray is highly praised by multiple reviewers for his exceptional talent and professionalism as a makeup artist for weddings and special events. Reviewers appreciated his ability to listen to their requests, create natural yet glamorous looks, and ensure makeup lasted throughout the day and night. Clients were impressed with Carl's punctuality, efficiency in completing bridal party makeup on schedule, and overall satisfaction with their appearance on their wedding day. Many expressed gratitude for Carl's skill in bringing their bridal vision to life and creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the whole party.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Carl Ray is highly praised by multiple reviewers for his exceptional talent and professionalism as a makeup artist for weddings and special events. Reviewers appreciated his ability to listen to their requests, create natural yet glamorous looks, and ensure makeup lasted throughout the day and night. Clients were impressed with Carl's punctuality, efficiency in completing bridal party makeup on schedule, and overall satisfaction with their appearance on their wedding day. Many expressed gratitude for Carl's skill in bringing their bridal vision to life and creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the whole party.

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+21 User photos
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Samantha
Samantha Sent on 07/19/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Makeup

Carl was gifted to me for my wedding day makeup and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. We did a makeup trial a few months before my wedding and I was able to get an idea of what I wanted for the day of my wedding. We made some tweaks and Carl listened to all of my requests. My makeup looked natural but also had me glowing and it lasted all day and all night! Carl was professional, arrived on time, and finished all four girls in the bridal party--myself included--on schedule. I would recommend Carl to any bride-to-be!
  • Carl Ray Makeup Artist - 5
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Lauren
Lauren Sent on 07/27/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Carl Ray is a phenomenal makeup artist!

Carl Ray is a phenomenal makeup artist! He’s incredibly talented, and a pleasure to work with. He also responded to my email inquiry quickly, and made it seamless to schedule an appointment. I highly recommend Carl for weddings and special events. He gave me exactly the look I was hoping for, glamorous and elegant!
Alexis
Alexis Sent on 01/01/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Carl is simply the best!

Carl made me feel beautiful on my wedding day. My makeup was absolutely perfect - natural yet everything was enhanced in the best way possible. I felt so beautiful and loved that I didn't look too done up or like I had stage makeup on! Also it was comfortable - I was worried that the eyelashes would bother me, but I didn't even feel them. I also loved that I didn't need to touch it all day - it wore fabulously and I was so distracted I forgot to reapply lipstick - but it wasn't even needed! The wedding party also looked their best - everyone said how young my Mom looked! and the girls had a blast getting all glammed up! Thank you Carl!
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Ida
Ida M. Sent on 10/15/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible!

Carl is incredible! He created the perfect wedding day makeup look for my Hay Adams' brunch wedding. I felt glamours and beautiful on my big day. I look forward to working with Carl for a future event. He truly helped to bring my bridal vision to life.
Steffi
Steffi Sent on 10/02/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The best decision - Carl Ray is everything!

Carl Ray is the absolute best! He listened to everything I wanted and executed it perfectly (even when I changed my mind). He is the most wonderful human being - so kind and down to earth. So, so grateful he was part of our wedding day.
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Melissa
Melissa Sent on 07/19/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Carl is just wonderful!

Carl made me look and feel so beautiful on my wedding day! He truly is so gifted at what he does, and he’s a wonderful person to boot! I hope I have another reason to hire Carl for makeup again soon! My mother and my MIL also loved the makeup he did for them!
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Taylor
Taylor Sent on 05/01/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Felt like a celebrity!

I searched endlessly for a makeup artist for my wedding for myself and my bridesmaids and knew I struck gold when I stumbled upon Carl. His work speaks for itself, but I took so much pleasure in seeing all of my girls be genuinely excited about how they looked! His calming presence is exactly what a bride wants the morning of a wedding. I felt super glam and will absolutely hire him again for events. Considering Carl's clientele, I thought his prices were very reasonable. Such a treat, and worth every penny.
A
Andrea Sent on 04/19/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The best of the best!

Carl Ray is just the best of the best! After having him at my sister’s wedding a decade ago, my family and I were so happy we could book Carl for my wedding. He is so talented at bringing out everyone’s natural beauty and making them feel gorgeous! I had complete trust in him on my wedding day. He is also a joy to be around! I hope to have the privilege to work with him again!
Katie
Katie Sent on 03/21/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Carl ray is everything!

I had heard about Carl from a friend. She told me he was *THE* makeup artist to work with in the DC area, but I had no idea if he would be available or within our budget. Our wedding planners reached out and not only was Carl available, he could totally work with our budget + needs. He did makeup for me, my mom and my sister in law (MOH) on my wedding day and we were all SO HAPPY. I LOVED my makeup and am so happy when I look at all my photos. I have very sensitive skin and eyes, but I told Carl and he said there's nothing he can't handle. He was right! I've worked with many makeup artists for my job, but Carl is by far the best. Professional. Creative. Fast. And FUN! Thank you Carl! You made my wedding makeup dreams come true!
Amanda
Amanda Sent on 02/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Carl Ray is the only way to go!

Carl is an absolute magician when it comes to makeup. He knows exactly how to apply makeup so that your natural features are highlighted without looking unrecognizable which is exactly what I wanted for my wedding day. I pride myself on being pretty good at doing my own makeup and I still cannot get myself to look as good as I did when carl did my makeup for my rehearsal dinner and wedding. He is such a joy to work with as well and was a great presence to have around the wedding suite on the day of. He made my bridesmaids + MOB + MOG look so good. I really wanted my wedding party to look like we belonged on the cover of vogue instead of a wedding magazine and he delivered. Everyone looked amazing and Carl listened to what everyone wanted. If you don't book Carl Ray, then what are you doing??
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Awards

160
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner

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Professional Network & Endorsements

5 Endorsements
Elegance & Simplicity Elegance & Simplicity Wedding Florists

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

Ever After Visuals Ever After Visuals Wedding Photographers

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

Hair by Giselle Hair by Giselle Wedding Hair & Makeup

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!

View more endorsements
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