The Foundation: A Flawless, Sculpted Canvas
RAYE's look begins with a polished but radiant base. The goal isn't to mask the skin, but to perfect it. Start with a hydrating moisturizer to prep the skin; RAYE herself has mentioned using Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré for a plump canvas. For foundation,
opt for a satin-finish or a light BB cream to even out skin tone without looking heavy. The real magic is in the dimension. Use a cream bronzer, like the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer she's known to use, to gently sculpt the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and temples. This creates structure to support the bold eyes and lips. Finish with a translucent setting powder, focusing on the t-zone to control shine while keeping the high points of the face luminous.
The Signature: A Bold, Graphic Wing
The undeniable centerpiece of the RAYE beauty formula is her dramatic winged eyeliner. It’s sharp, dark, and exudes confidence. Her makeup artist, Lan Nguyen-Grealis, notes that the look is a nod to Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor but with a modern, graphic edge. To achieve this, a high-precision liquid eyeliner is non-negotiable. RAYE has publicly shared her love for the Benefit They're Real! Xtreme Precision Liner, praising its smudge-proof staying power, which has famously withstood emotional award-show speeches. For maximum impact, her artist recommends layering products. Start by tracing the lashline with a black cake liner and smudging it out to build depth, then go over it with a jet-black liquid liner for that sharp, dimensional finish. The key is to look straight into a mirror when drawing the wing's angle to ensure it's symmetrical and lifts the eye.
The Statement Lip: Unapologetic Color
A bold lip is the essential counterpoint to the dramatic eye. While she sometimes opts for a glossy nude, RAYE’s most iconic formal looks feature a powerful red or deep berry lip. This channels the Old Hollywood glamour she often references in her style. To get a crisp, long-lasting finish, always start with a lip liner. A pencil in a corresponding shade helps prevent feathering and provides a guide for your lipstick. Charlotte Tilbury's 'Foxy Brown' lip pencil is one of her go-tos. Fill in the entire lip with the liner to create a durable base color. Then, apply your lipstick directly from the bullet or with a lip brush for precision. Choose a satin or matte finish for longevity. A classic blue-toned red, a deep burgundy, or a rich berry are all hallmarks of her aesthetic.
The Supporting Details: Brows, Blush, and Hair
The rest of the look provides a crucial supporting framework. Brows are kept defined but not overpowering—softly filled in to frame the eyes without competing with the liner. For blush, a touch of color on the apples of the cheeks adds life back into the face. RAYE has mentioned using Pat McGrath's Skin Fetish blush to bring a healthy flush to her sculpted complexion. When it comes to hair, the Old Hollywood theme continues. Think sculpted waves, a sleek, high ponytail, or a voluminous blowout. The hairstyle should feel just as intentional and polished as the makeup, creating a cohesive and glamorous silhouette. For a final touch, she often relies on a signature scent, having worn Penhaligon's Empressa since she was a teenager to complete the experience.
