Michelle Obama's make-up artist just shared the products she wore for the inauguration
Because of masks, the eyes were understandably a focus – here's how to recreate Michelle Obama's smokey eye
![Barack and Michelle Obama at the inauguration of President Joe Biden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YdNMZziEAxFuRjjH28qzeJ-415-80.jpg)
This week saw the swearing in of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris – and while they were undoubtedly the stars of the show, Barack and Michelle Obama were very much the talk of the town, too. And now, the former First Lady's make-up artist has shared the products she wore for the big day.
While Michelle Obama's inauguration hair – shiny, bouncy and blow dried to perfection – was the talk of Twitter, we couldn't help but notice her flawless skin and smokey eye too. The whole ensemble perfectly complemented her outfit; head-to-toe burgundy by Sergio Hudson.
Speaking to ELLE, Obama's make-up artist for the day Carl Ray shared the secrets to her look – including a break down of the products used. "I knew she would be wearing a mask and a monochromatic outfit," he told the publication. "I wanted her to have a powerful beauty look that would need to be achieved by playing up the top half of her face.
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"I knew that since her whole face wouldn’t be visible, the eyes and lashes would be the star of this particular look!" he added. "I wanted an impactful smokey eye for the event. was going for a dramatic glam eye that would really play well to the camera."
While Ray wouldn't share the secret foundation he used to make up Michelle Obama's skin, the whole thing was set with Laura Mercier's famous Translucent Powder.
On her eyes he used the Viseart 01 Palette, Pat McGrath Permagel Liner in Xtreme Black and Eyedols shadow in Divine Mink, Fenty Flyliner, Glossier Lash Slick mascara and a pair of Lily Lashes.
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Her brows were completed with Anastasia Beverly Hills' iconic Dipbrow Pomade and Brow Definer with a little clear brow gel. You can shop them all for yourself below.
Glossier Lash Slick Mascara, $16/£14, glossier.com
Fenty Beauty Flyliner, $22/£18, fentybeauty.com
Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Liner, $28, Sephora (UK £23, Selfridges)
Lily Lashes Goddess Lite, $20/£20, Beauty Bay
Viseart 01 Eyeshadow Palette, $80/£69, Beauty Bay
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, $21, Sephora (UK £19, Lookfantastic)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer, $23, Sephora (UK £24, Cult Beauty)
Don't know about you, but we're already looking forward to Michelle Obama's next public appearance.
Anyone else off to stock up on Glossier Lash Slick?
Lucy is a UK-based beauty journalist who has written for titles including Marie Claire, Glamour and OK!, as well as contributing to woman&home. Her work covers everything from expert skin and haircare advice to beauty trends and reviews of the latest products. During her career she regularly speaks to the industry's leading hairdressers, dermatologists and make-up artists, has covered backstage at London Fashion Week and interviewed many a celeb about their beauty routine.
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