Carl Ray of George Salon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington DC has been creatively enhancing beautiful faces for fifteen years. Carl gained judicial recognition when he helped to secure a 2006 Supreme Court win for the now deceased former Playboy model, Anna Nicole Smith.

Take a look at the "before Carl" and "after Carl" photos - surely her polished appearance in some small way, helped to secure a ruling in her favor. The court decided to allow Miss Smith a second chance at getting her hands on part of her late husband's vast fortune. 

We consulted with the highly regarded DC makeup expert on the latest beauty trend, virtual makeovers.

Launched last month at the Takashimaya department store in Tokyo, a digital cosmetic mirror lets store patrons test makeup and recommendations without actually applying anything to their skin. Ray thinks it's only a matter of time before virtual makeup mirrors make it to the U.S. and feels they could be real time savers for the ever rushing beltway crowd.

Customers begin by allowing the mirror's camera to scan their face, generating a set of customized recommendations. Using the device's touch-screen interface, they can then ask to see specific types of makeup on their face, and the mirror paints those products on virtually and in real time. 

Different colors and formats can be applied and removed with the touch of a button, and consumers can print out before and after photos of the looks they like best. Also included on the printout, as one might expect, is product purchase information.

Sounds pretty fabulous right? Ray reminds us to keep in mind, texture, scent and how a product performs on actual skin are huge purchasing motivators. Carl shares "even though, virtual mirrors are just around the corner; I do NOT believe they will take the place of a highly skilled makeup artist with insider techniques! Application is Everything!" 

For more info on Carl Ray: http://www.carlraymakeupartist.com