When it comes to makeup trends associated with conservative women, the conversation can quickly become heated and contentious. Have you ever noticed that some political figures seem to have a distinct makeup style that sparks debate? If so, you’re not alone. Videos circulating on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, highlight a specific style—often described as "applied-in-the-dark"—that tends to depict poorly executed makeup techniques. This look is characterized by dramatically block-like eyebrows, harsh black eyeliner creating unflattering circles around the eyes, concealer that is excessively light, and foundation that either appears overly caked or mismatched in tone.
Prominent figures who have come under scrutiny include White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, among other Republican women who share similar traits according to TikTok users.
But here’s a provocative question: Is this trend simply an avenue for TikTok users to mock Republican women for what they perceive as poor blending skills, or is there actually a legitimate aesthetic known as “conservative girl” makeup? To shed light on this issue, we turned to experienced makeup artists who frequently work with politicians from across the spectrum.
Some makeup professionals assert that there indeed exists a recognizable style among conservative women. For instance, Kriss Blevens, a seasoned makeup artist who has worked with high-profile politicians like Tulsi Gabbard and Hillary Clinton over nine election cycles, believes that the makeup aesthetic for Republican women is evolving. She appreciates the growing inclination towards a more "pageantry" style that these women are adopting.
According to Blevens, the most successful examples of conservative makeup are slightly matte and possess a bronzed quality, enhancing features such as the eyes, cheeks, and lips. She pointed out that if any of these looks appear clownish and draw criticism on platforms like TikTok, it likely stems from "user error," which could be due to improper blending, incorrect shade selection, or using a color meant for summer when it no longer suits them. Blevens views Noem as successfully embodying this aesthetic, while she believes Leavitt is making progress.
While one might not immediately recognize a conservative woman just by her makeup, it's often possible to predict which television network she will be associated with. Michelle Phillips, another professional makeup artist who has worked at both Republican and Democratic National Conventions, observes that the makeup styles for female news anchors on conservative networks tend to be bolder, while those on liberal channels prefer a subtler approach.
Freelance makeup artist Leah Greene, based in South Carolina, has also worked with numerous political figures and remarked that conservative women often embrace more pronounced makeup, contrasting sharply with their liberal counterparts. Greene noted that she has received requests from liberal clients specifically asking for a look that doesn’t resemble the more glamorous, made-up appearance typical of conservative women on networks like Fox News.
The disparity in makeup styles isn’t exclusive to women; male politicians also struggle with proper blending techniques, particularly when it comes to spray tans. Greene humorously pointed out that men often miss the mark, with telltale signs like uneven tan lines, citing Donald Trump as an example of someone who has improved his spray tanning technique over time.
However, it’s essential to recognize that issues like cakey foundation and poor blending are not confined to any one political group. Natalie Hayes, a makeup artist who has worked with both Republican and Democratic politicians, argues that inadequate makeup application transcends political affiliation. She believes that all politicians are unique individuals, some of whom simply may not excel in makeup application.
Hayes shared anecdotes of both conservative and liberal politicians struggling with their makeup, illustrating that being "underblended" knows no political bounds. She also mentioned how some clients openly acknowledge their lack of expertise in makeup, while others insist on using their preferred products, regardless of professional advice.
While Hayes finds TikTok trends that ridicule people’s appearances to be unkind, she also notes that targeting white women reflects the Republican Party's homogeneity. It’s worth mentioning that a significant number of white women, especially those who are evangelical or non-college educated, have shown support for Trump’s presidency.
In conclusion, the majority of these women share a common appearance largely due to choosing similar makeup shades. This raises the question: Do you think that makeup styles should reflect individual expression, or are they merely a reflection of broader political branding? We'd love to hear your thoughts—do you agree or disagree with these perspectives?
