Meet Michelle Obama's Secret Weapon

As she leaves the White House, the man behind Mrs. O’s makeup talks about his time with her.

- Tia Williams

Last October, when First Lady Michelle Obama showed up to her final state dinner in a (now legendary) rose gold chain mail Atelier Versace number, it was the mic drop heard around the world. Yes, the dress was next-level glam, but as all beauty devotees instantly noted, her makeup slayed. Those smoky lids! That glowy skin! The overall awesomeness created by Carl Ray, her longtime behind-the-scenes makeup artist! As Mrs. Obama’s historic run as First Lady drew to a close, we sat down with Ray to get intel on everything from her go-to makeup product to the trickiest look they’d ever pulled off together (hint: It involved a shaky plane landing). Listen in.

of day : With the First Lady, you’ve created some of the last decade’s most celebrated looks. Was makeup always your calling?

CARL RAY: When I was 14, my parents got divorced. I used to watch my mom do her makeup when she was getting back on the dating scene, and I remember thinking, I could do a better job for her. I was already an artist, and that’s when I realized I had a talent that could help people. It was a good feeling.