The Trump family’s biggest makeup mistakes

If there’s one thing we know about the Trump family, it’s that they’re not subtle. This outsized clan is packed with A-listers, from the patriarch himself to his sons’ wives. Unfortunately, getting attention doesn’t always guarantee positive attention, and several members of the Trump family have come under fire, not just for their divisive policies, but also for their sometimes questionable style.

Advertisement

To be fair to the Trumps, they’re not the only public figures facing the occasional beauty stumble. Even style icon Kate Middleton has made unforgettable makeup mistakes. But since the Trumps collectively dominate our current news cycle, their familiar faces are everywhere right now. At best, that means plenty of opportunities for these politicians to serve up stylish beauty moments, or at worst, to serve up more thought-provoking makeup looks. We’re getting ready to look back at some of the Trumps’ least inspiring makeup moves so far.

Even before Donald Trump’s first run for president, the businessman was booed for his alleged fake tan — and that judgment hasn’t stopped. “This looks a lot like Mrs. Doubtfire’s pie face,” one Reddit user criticized of a 2023 appearance. Another added, “Normally clowns are much better at applying makeup.” Yikes. Whatever your opinion of the man (or his tan), Trump’s orange skin raises questions. As someone used to public appearances, Trump is required to wear makeup in most photos, but there’s apparently no color correction via cosmetics. A point in favor of the fake tan argument? Possibly.

Advertisement

Despite Melania Trump’s occasionally inappropriate outfits, the woman is naturally gorgeous and doesn’t need much makeup to prove it. However, the former first lady decidedly prefers a glamorous look. While that’s her prerogative (do her hair however she feels good!), we wish she’d relax a bit with her eye makeup, which can quickly cross the line from dark and sultry to downright raccoon-like. Especially with their slanted, fox-like shape, it’s all too easy for Melania Trump’s eyes to disappear beneath heavy makeup, resulting in a look that’s more squinty than chic.

Advertisement

If anyone came close to pulling off the Trump family’s crazy makeup look with just a little bit of elan, it was Ivana Trump. Donald’s first wife (and mother to Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr.) was a character and a half, unapologetically rocking hyper-glam ensembles and flashy cosmetics. While her look may not have been to everyone’s taste, we have to tip our hats to the style maven: Disregarding critics, Ivana Trump always showed up in couture gowns, statement jewelry, and, of course, bold makeup.

Advertisement

Donald Trump Jr.’s partner, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has yet to officially marry into the family, but she’s a step ahead when it comes to her over-the-top makeup habits. Not only does she regularly follow Melania’s lead with overly intense smoky eyes, but she’s also flaunted some unflattering lipstick choices. One particularly memorable faux pas came on a June 2023 episode of her Fox News show, “The Kimberly Guilfoyle Show.” Stage makeup may need to be over-the-top, but Guilfoyle paired clunky black eyeshadow with a bright pink lipstick that would look over-the-top anywhere — on-camera or off.

Advertisement

Lara Trump, the current co-chair of the Republican National Committee and wife of Donald Trump’s son Eric, is a regular on the family campaign trail, praising her father-in-law and delivering speeches at political rallies. However, the real messages behind Lara Trump’s appearances are frequently overshadowed by her unbalanced makeup look. Thick, unnatural foundation is a recurring problem for the former television producer, as is poor blending. This often leaves Lara Trump with avoidable wrinkles under her eyes, cartoonish color grading, and even visible makeup lines along her hairline—not something that is desirable during a nationally televised event.

Advertisement