Trump family's 6 epic makeup fails: From Kimberly Guilfoyle's OTT look to Melania's smokey eyes
6 times Trump family’s makeup went horribly wrong: From ex-POTUS’ orange tan to Ivana’s pink lips
There’s no such thing as too much makeup for the Trump family. From family patriarch Donald Trump to his youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, members of the Republican clan have shown a penchant for dramatic makeup that often goes overboard. Their love for heavy makeup, while not always suited for the occasion, has made them the subject of much scrutiny and countless memes. Subtlety, it seems, is not a Trump family trait. Here are six makeup mishaps from the Trumps that we couldn’t ignore.
1. Donald Trump's alleged fake tan
Donald Trump's face has long been a topic of conversation, thanks to its unusual orange hue. During his presidency, this distinctive tint became a pop culture phenomenon, sparking endless memes. Trump himself addressed the issue in 2019, blaming eco-friendly lights: "Number one, to me, most importantly, the light's no good. I always look orange," he told an audience in Baltimore. However, a story by The Washington Post suggested his appearance might result from overuse of products by the Swiss makeup brand Bronx Colors, leading to "rust-colored stains" on his shirt collars. This theory, combined with speculation about tanning beds, paints a picture of a man in need of professional makeup advice. His heavily made-up appearance during his May 2024 court appearance in the hush money case only intensified the scrutiny.
2. Melania Trump's smokey eye makeup overshadows her entire look
Melania Trump's dark and smokey eye makeup has become a defining feature, often overshadowing her entire face. From her husband’s 2017 inauguration to countless public appearances, her intense eye makeup has been a constant. This look, however, is not just a makeup mishap but a deliberate choice. According to her makeup artist, Nicole Bryl, "Without enough flash a face can get lost in the shadow. Because of this I often smoke her eyes up for events, so that the camera, under any circumstance, will not fade her out." Despite this strategic choice, Melania's dramatic eyes have often been the subject of ridicule on social media, with users questioning the effort required to remove such heavy makeup.
3. Tiffany Trump's overdone look at 2020 RNC
Tiffany Trump, who has stayed relatively out of the political spotlight, faced intense scrutiny when she appeared at the Republican National Convention in 2020. Wearing a powder blue pantsuit and a heavily made-up face, she looked more like a doll than a serious political figure. Vanity Fair noted that "she turned up the gloss and glitter", with shimmery eyeshadow and sparkling lips. Her appearance was likened to a knockoff version of Elsa from 'Frozen' across social media. A more understated look might have better suited her political debut, enhancing her credibility rather than her resemblance to a Disney character.
4. Ivana Trump's bold pink lips became her signature style
Ivana Trump, Donald Trump's ex-wife, was known for her heavy makeup, which became a significant part of her identity. Her dramatically painted pink lips, heavily done eyes, and a face often lighter than her neck made her stand out. This bold style was on full display at the 2017 Zang Toi fashion show in New York. Ivana's love for makeup was unapologetic, as she once told Harper's Bazaar in 2009, "I feel young at heart, and I feel, like, you know, 40," despite nearing 60. Her reliance on cosmetic procedures to defy aging further cemented her as a figure unafraid to embrace bold beauty choices. "I see a grown-up beauty," she told The Guardian, reflecting her pride in her unique style.
5. Lara Trump's makeup mishap at 2024 RNC
Lara Trump, known for her usually impeccable makeup, missed the mark at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Her heavy makeup distracted from her speech, with one X user remarking, "She looked scary and had way too much bronzer." Makeup artist Luna Viola told The List that the issue was poor blending: "It looks like the contouring was not blended to Lara's hairline, resulting in a visible line coming through." Additionally, her overly bronzed skin added too much warmth, clashing with her otherwise carefully chosen black outfit, which symbolized sobriety following Donald Trump's assassination attempt.
6. Kimberly Guilfoyle’s over-the-top makeup is never subtle for the camera
Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host, is rarely seen without her signature full face of makeup. Her heavily defined eyes, rouged cheeks, and bold lips have been a constant through her career transitions. Her makeup was particularly extravagant during a 2023 appearance on 'The Kimberly Guilfoyle Show,' where she interviewed Sarah Palin. Guilfoyle's dark pink dress matched her lips, and her face was caked in makeup, prompting an X user to comment, "The makeup artist absolutely hates Kimberly Guilfoyle." Her over-the-top makeup overshadowed the conversation, illustrating that sometimes, less truly is more.