
Michelle Obama—fashion icon, beauty inspiration, and all-around hero to all—shone during the 2021 inauguration, thanks to her bouncy curls, gorgeous purple outfit, (opens in new tab)and chic smokey eye. To get an inside look at the former First Lady's beauty routine, look no further than her makeup artist, Carl Ray (opens in new tab). Below, he breaks down the products he used on Obama, as well as his inspiration for her look.
MC: How was Michelle's skin prepped prior to the makeup?
CR: The former First Lady already has amazing skin and takes care of it, so it's easy and not much prep on my end. She is ready to go and I start directly with makeup application, which makes my job a lot easier!
MC: What was the inspiration for the makeup look for the inauguration?
CR: My inspiration was one of strength and confidence. Yesterday was a moment in history not only for America, but for women everywhere. I really wanted to honor that in the look I gave her, but also celebrate the day. I wanted an impactful smoky eye for the event. I was going for a dramatic glam eye that would really play well to the camera. For TV, we really need to make things a little more dramatic so her eyes shine.
MC: How do face masks affect the makeup look you did for Michelle?
CR: The mask allowed me to get creative with this look and really play up the features that I knew were going to be visible. I really focused on making her brows, eyes, and lashes pop. For underneath the mask, I recommend a stain or matte lip so it wont smudge.
Shop Michelle's Inauguration Beauty Look
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.
-
The Next Royal Adjacent Wedding Is Coming Up—Soon
Let us (re)introduce you to the bride, Lady Amelia Spencer.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
There Is Apparently A “Bit of An Argument” Happening Over Prince George’s Role in the Coronation
His parents are concerned it may be too much pressure for him.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Catherine, Princess of Wales’ Daring Erdem Look from This Week Has a Deeper Backstory
A British fashion label apparently became a divisive element in her relationship with sister-in-law Meghan Markle.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong
-
The 25 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023, According to Experts
Rapunzel-like hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 23 Best Beauty Advent Calendars of 2023
The gift that keeps on giving—literally.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender