If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, the viral trend mocking conservative girl makeup has probably caught your eye.
This trend raises questions about the makeup choices of Republican women and how they're perceived across the ideological spectrum. While some may find these looks comical, they also unveil deeper insights into the makeup industry and its branding nuances!
The Rise of the 'Conservative Girl' Makeup Trend
Liberal comedian Suzanne Lambert ignited the fire with her viral TikTok video, where she painted a harsh portrait of what she termed the classic “MAGA girlies.” Lambert described this look as having poorly lined lips, mismatched foundation, and clumpy mascara, culminating in what she called a “drained” and “dusty” appearance. Since her initial post, the hashtag #republicanmakeup has exploded, yielding posts that satirize the so-called underblended makeup look akin to applying makeup in a dimly lit room.
Critiques from TikTokers pinpoint various aspects of these alleged beauty faux pas: blocky eyebrows, stark eyeliner, and too-light concealer. Political figures like White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have often been caught in the crossfire, appearing at times in memes and videos highlighting their supposed makeup missteps.
While humor is at the forefront of these TikTok trends, they also provoke serious discussions about the makeup choices made by women in the political arena. Are these specific portrayals unfair, or do they merely act as a reflection of broader beauty standards tied to political affiliation?
Insights from Makeup Artists
Much of the debate around conservative girl makeup and the seemingly exaggerated styles can find context through the opinions of makeup artists. Kriss Blevens, who has done makeup for politicians of various backgrounds, suggests that this look is evolving. Many Republican women are experimenting more with bold styles that reflect a sense of pageantry. According to Blevens, well-executed versions of this look can appear “slightly matte” with a bronzed finish that brings out the eyes, cheeks, and lips.
If a politician's makeup ends up skewered online for looking clownish, Blevens attributes this to user error rather than the presence of an inherent style. Issues arise when someone lacks knowledge of color matching and blending techniques, leading to the unfortunate results featured in memes.
Similar sentiments are echoed by Michelle Phillips, a seasoned makeup artist who has worked in both Republican and Democratic settings. She notes that Republican women often sport bolder makeup due to branding choices linked with conservative media outlets, contrasting sharply with the more understated styles seen on liberal news platforms.
Makeup Styles Beyond Politics
Critiques like those from Natalie Hayes highlight that issues like underblended makeup aren't confined to Republican politicians alone. Poor application and mismatched tones are common pitfalls, transcending political lines. Both sides of the aisle have individuals who might not be well-versed in makeup techniques, making it clear that makeup skills can vary widely among all political groups.
Examples abound across the political spectrum. A Democratic representative may struggle with poorly shaped eyebrows just as easily as a Republican one. Perceptions of makeup quality are not simply a reflection of political allegiance; they also hinge on personal competence and style preferences.
Racial and Cultural Perspectives in Makeup
While beauty standards tied to political affiliation make headlines, disparities in racial diversity within the Republican Party open another layer of understanding. Boston-based makeup artist Angella Theriault argues that if a conservative look exists, it’s less about technique and more about the homogeneity of how these women are presented on-screen. Many conservative anchors and political figures tend to present with similar aesthetics, likely due to shared backgrounds and styling standards.
This lack of diversity is mirrored in how makeup is approached. When working with a predominantly white clientele, the same color palettes are often employed, contributing to the notion that all Republican women sport similar styles. Such representations can lend to ridicule as captured in TikTok trends, yet they also highlight a broader issue surrounding representation and diversity in political makeup.
Navigating the Online Makeup Landscape
The TikTok trend surrounding conservative girl makeup should serve as a cultural reflection urging further discussion on makeup artistry. It isn’t merely a critique of Republican women but also an opportunity to examine how media representation shapes public perception of beauty. The line between what constitutes poor makeup and what represents a traditional political aesthetic is increasingly blurred in today’s digital age.
In many ways, the ongoing stereotype of ‘underblended’ looks points to a failure of acknowledging that makeup skills can vary dramatically regardless of ideology. Makeup artists who engage with diverse clients frequently note that tendencies towards poor blending aren’t exclusive to any one group.
Ultimately, this trend emphasizes the importance of respecting the individual choices of political figures while acknowledging the broader societal influences that define their styles. The humorous portrayals online reveal that while lipstick and mascara shouldn’t be tools of divide, they can serve as a point of connection to explore each individual’s unique expression in the political landscape. With makeup increasingly becoming a battleground of ideologies, one thing is certain—the artistry behind politics continues to evolve!
Whether one aligns politically with the subjects in these videos or not, the broader conversation about makeup, identity, and perceptions reminds us of makeup’s powerful medium in self-expression.