The Rise of the 'MAGA Tan': A Political Beauty Statement
In the world of Trump supporters, a deep, often unnatural tan has become a signature aesthetic, much like the bold clothing and cosmetic trends associated with the movement. This look, embraced by figures such as former President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., transcends gender, creating a unified visual identity. However, it reflects a broader phenomenon where individuals invest time, effort, and money to meet specific standards, even when those standards draw criticism from beauty professionals. While personal expression is paramount, experts emphasize techniques for achieving a healthy glow that avoids the so-called 'MAGA-coded' appearance.
Identifying the 'MAGA Tan': What Makes It Stand Out
Sophia Avanzato, founder of Main Line Mobile Spray Tan, describes the MAGA tan as featuring 'overdeveloped color' that often appears muddy, orange, or even green. She explains that the muddy effect results from over-application in pursuit of a darker shade, while green tones can arise from chemical reactions with skin care products or oxidation. The iconic orange hue, reminiscent of Cheetos, typically stems from using a formula too strong for one's skin tone or improper aftercare. Avanzato notes that indoors, this tan might seem bronze, but in natural light, it looks heavy and distinctly orange.
Brittney Bennett, a celebrity spray tanner and owner of Be Bronze Studio, adds that key factors contributing to these unwanted tones include leaving product on too long, using an incorrect percentage of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), selecting the wrong undertone, or layering new tanner over an existing tan. She warns that skin can only absorb so much DHA; excess application leads to distorted colors sitting on the skin's surface, resulting in orange, muddy, or greenish appearances. This tan may blend under artificial lighting but often looks uncanny in sunlight.
The Historical Context of Tanning Trends
Tanning standards have evolved significantly over time. Historically, tanned skin indicated working-class origins, as pale complexions were prized in Eurocentric beauty ideals for symbolizing wealth and leisure. The shift began in the 20th century, with Coco Chanel famously popularizing the trend after a 1923 Mediterranean cruise. By 1929, she declared, 'A golden tan is the index of chic!' The 1970s saw the rise of tanning salons in the U.S., cementing bronze skin as a marker of 'time affluence'—the ability to leisure in the sun, despite health risks. Today, safer alternatives like sprays and self-tanners are preferred, yet the MAGA tan persists as a performance of group identity.
The Psychology Behind the Aesthetic: Belonging and Power
Jason Mudd, CEO of Axia Public Relations, highlights that proximity to power often shapes appearance, with individuals adopting visual norms to align with influential circles. This conformity reflects a human instinct to belong, signal loyalty, and match a powerful brand's aesthetic. In MAGA circles, the tan is less about personal style and more about achieving an in-group ideal, sometimes leading to overdone results. Makeup artist Misha Lewis speculates that figures like Trump may have started tanning intentionally, growing accustomed to the color until it became integral to their image, despite potential over-application.
Expert Tips for Avoiding the 'MAGA Tan'
To achieve a natural, healthy glow without the political associations, experts recommend several best practices. Sophia Avanzato advises choosing reputable spray tan artists or quality self-tanners, proper skin preparation, adhering to rinse times, and cautious layering. She emphasizes that the face should always be softer than the body for natural results, noting, 'The best spray tan is the one nobody recognizes as a spray tan. They just think you look healthy.'
Celebrity beauty expert Bryan Cantor adds skin care tips to prevent a scorched appearance:
- Exfoliate gently with a soft washcloth or dry brushing before applying tanner; avoid loofahs or scrubs to prevent streaks.
- Apply body butter to knees, ankles, elbows, and knuckles, allowing it to dry fully to avoid dark patches.
- Use a tanning mitt for long, vertical strokes on the body and a fluffy synthetic brush for the face and ears, blending thoroughly.
- Mix self-tanner with moisturizer in a 50/50 ratio for hands and feet to achieve a subtle glow without overdevelopment.
Cantor cautions that if a bad tan occurs, skin care offers little remedy; waiting for it to fade is often the only solution. By following these guidelines, individuals can enjoy a sun-kissed look that prioritizes health and subtlety over political signaling.
