Beauty Makeup 6 Products Michelle Obama's Makeup Artist Swears By By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Instagram Twitter InStyle's mantra is "Everybody's in," and that means anyone who finds their way to our stories should find themselves reflected in them. We prioritize bringing the right writer to every story and sometimes collaborate as a team to ensure we're including points of view across race, gender expression, body size, skin and hair type, and more. Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. For more about our team, click here. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on December 10, 2018 @ 09:00AM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Courtesy Sure, he's detail-oriented and incredibly passionate about makeup, but what really sets makeup artist Carl Ray apart is his unswerving loyalty. To the pro, it's the trust he builds while spending time with his clients, like D.C.-area brides and former first lady Michelle Obama, that inspires his work. "You've got to ask questions, be attentive, get to know them, and then bring out their inner beauty," he says. "Some of my most memorable times with Michelle Obama are when I'm doing her makeup and we're alone; that's when we connect on a personal level and have the chance to talk about us and life." Michelle Obama's Changing Looks Ray got his start by doing his mother's makeup at 14 and later sharpened his instincts behind a beauty counter. Lately, he's been traveling with his "role model and mentor" Obama on her Becoming book tour. "Carl genuinely wants to understand what makes a woman feel confident and radiant, and he builds on that," says Obama. She also admires his quiet presence and keen eye, adding, "He is one of the most good-hearted people I know." As for his tools, scroll through for the ones that never let him down... 01 of 05 Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black Courtesy Buy Now 02 of 05 Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette Courtesy Buy Now 03 of 05 Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Bronzed Amber Courtesy Buy Now 04 of 05 Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in #363 Nude Courtesy Buy Now 05 of 05 Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin & Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 Courtesy Buy Now Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit