The Political Divide in Modern Beauty Trends
In today's increasingly polarised world, the beauty industry has become a surprising battleground for political expression. Two distinct aesthetic tribes have emerged, reflecting deeper cultural and political divides that extend far beyond skincare routines and makeup choices. Beauty expert Laura Kay, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, has analysed these modern beauty tribes and what your choice of beauty icon reveals about your personality and values.
The MAGA Glamour Aesthetic
At one end of the spectrum lies what has become known as the MAGA look, championed by Donald Trump's leading ladies including his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, and press secretary Karoline Leavitt. This aesthetic embraces high-octane glamour with inches-deep makeup, dramatic false lashes, deeply tanned skin, and noticeably plumped lips. The look represents a polished, conservative approach to beauty that prioritises perfection and control.
Ivanka Trump's Signature Style
Laura Kay describes Ivanka Trump's makeup as impeccably groomed and conservative, featuring flawless skin, neutral eyes, and soft, controlled lips. "Her makeup look is so flawless that it's almost Barbie-like," Kay observes. Those who admire this aesthetic tend to favour a consistently 'put-together' appearance and care deeply about others' perceptions. According to Kay's analysis, people aspiring to emulate Ivanka's look set themselves exceptionally high standards and work diligently to meet them.
The Hollywood Natural Movement
At the opposite end of both beauty and politics, Hollywood's liberal elite have embraced a fresh-faced, minimalistic approach epitomised by this year's awards season darling Jessie Buckley. With her fair Irish skin and tousled bob, Buckley's red carpet mantra is decidedly 'less is more'. This natural aesthetic has been further popularised by bare-faced pioneer Pamela Anderson, inspiring celebrities from Meghan Markle to Hailey Bieber to embrace their authentic appearance.
Jessie Buckley's Minimalistic Approach
Laura Kay explains that Jessie Buckley's beauty philosophy centres around enhancing rather than transforming. "With Jessie Buckley, it is all about the strong lip and fresh, rosy cheeks," Kay notes. "She otherwise often embraces minimal, barely-there makeup that lets her natural features shine through." People drawn to this aesthetic typically prefer makeup that enhances their existing features and embrace their imperfections rather than concealing them.
Additional Beauty Tribes and Their Significance
Beyond these two dominant political beauty tribes, several other distinct aesthetics reveal different personality traits and values according to Kay's analysis.
The Cool Girl: Alexa Chung
Alexa Chung's signature look features smudged eyeliner, soft smoky eyes, and a slightly undone finish that appears effortlessly cool. "Her makeup always feels intentional but never overworked," observes Kay. Fans of this style enjoy appearing low-maintenance while remaining fashion-forward, embracing individuality and rule-breaking in their beauty choices.
The Princess: Catherine of Wales
The Princess of Wales opts for classic makeup techniques that enhance rather than overpower, creating a polished look that is modern, refined, and appropriately formal for her royal position. Kay notes that people inspired by Kate's style tend to play it safe with neutral colours and proven makeup routines, valuing reliability and consistent results.
The Reality Star: Olivia Atwood
Former Love Island contestant Olivia Atwood typically favours bold, glamorous makeup looks featuring bronzed skin, defined brows, sculpted cheeks, dramatic lashes, and glossy lips. According to Kay, people who emulate Olivia's vibe are glamorous individuals who use makeup for self-expression and aren't afraid to go against conventional beauty standards.
The Bombshell: Monica Bellucci
Monica Bellucci embodies old Hollywood glamour with softly defined smoky eyes, glowing skin, and prominent rosy cheekbones. Her most distinctive feature is her expertly defined eyebrows. Kay suggests that people aspiring to this look are confident and comfortable in their own skin, using makeup to celebrate their femininity rather than conceal their natural features.
The Boho: Sienna Miller
Sienna Miller draws inspiration from 1960s and 1970s fashion, particularly around the eyes, creating timeless makeup that appears effortlessly chic. Kay explains that people drawn to this aesthetic are confident, stylish, and fashion-aware, understanding that less is more and typically focusing enhancement on their eyes.
The WASP: Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow's beauty approach represents quiet luxury with stripped-back, natural makeup focusing on luminous skin and soft palettes. "It's about looking healthy and fresh, with a focus on holistic wellness, rather than being overly made up," says Kay. Those inspired by this aesthetic value simplicity and see makeup as an extension of lifestyle and wellness rather than a statement.
The Deeper Meaning Behind Beauty Choices
Laura Kay's analysis reveals that our beauty preferences often reflect deeper aspects of our personality, values, and even political leanings. Whether drawn to the polished perfection of the MAGA aesthetic, the authentic minimalism of Hollywood's natural movement, or any of the other distinct beauty tribes, our makeup choices communicate more than just our taste in cosmetics. They reveal our approach to self-expression, our comfort with convention or rebellion, and our fundamental attitudes toward appearance and identity in an increasingly divided cultural landscape.
