The Rise of the "Conservative Girl" Makeup Trend on TikTok
In recent months, TikTok has been abuzz with the "conservative girl" makeup trend, a phenomenon sparked by comedian Suzanne Lambert’s humorous critique of MAGA-aligned women’s beauty styles. Lambert’s video highlighted features like poorly lined lips, mismatched foundation, and clumpy mascara, encapsulating the look as "matte and flat." This trend quickly gained momentum, with users adopting the hashtag #republicanmakeup to share their own takes, each adding unique twists while focusing on common flaws such as heavy blending and stark color choices.
Politicians in the Spotlight
The trend has drawn attention to specific politicians, including Karoline Leavitt and Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose makeup styles are often cited as emblematic of the "conservative girl" look. While some argue their styles are intentionally dramatic, others see it as a meme exaggerated for comedic effect. Makeup artists like Kriss Blevens, who works with politicians, defend the look as evolving and part of a "pageantry" that celebrates bold features, attributing flaws to user error rather than a inherent style.
Brand-Driven Beauty
Michelle Phillips suggests that the "conservative girl" look is more about political branding than personal choice. She notes that conservative TV personalities often opt for bold makeup, contrasting with the natural styles favored by liberals. However, Leah Greene points out that underblending and poor makeup choices are not exclusive to any political group, citing requests from liberal clients to avoid the Fox News look.
Universal Makeup Mishaps
Natalie Hayes disagrees with the trend, arguing that bad makeup transcends politics. She provides examples of both Republican and Democratic politicians with makeup mishaps, emphasizing that such errors are human, not partisan. This perspective underscores that makeup flaws are common and not confined to any ideology.
Diversity and Perception
Angella Theriault rejects the idea of a specific "Republican makeup" look, focusing instead on individual client needs. However, she notes the trend’s reflection of the Republican Party’s lack of racial diversity, with mostly white women often using similar makeup shades, contributing to a homogenous appearance.
Conclusion
The "conservative girl" makeup trend on TikTok serves as both a critique of a perceived aesthetic and a reflection of broader issues like political branding and diversity. While makeup artists are divided on its authenticity, the trend highlights how beauty styles can be politicized and the subjective nature of makeup choices.
