The distinct tanning aesthetic often associated with the "MAGA" movement, characterized by an "overdeveloped color" that can appear orange, muddy, or even green, is a topic of discussion among beauty experts. This particular look, seen on political figures like former President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is not necessarily unique in its application but rather in its perceived association with a specific political alignment.
Tanning professionals Sophia Avanzato and Brittney Bennett explain that common causes for these unwanted tones include over-application, using the wrong formula strength, or leaving products on for too long. "Your skin can only absorb so much DHA," Bennett, owner of Be Bronze Studio, stated, referring to the active ingredient in self-tanners. "When too much is applied, whether from high percentage, overdevelopment or repeated layering, the result isn't a deeper color, its distorted color."
This aesthetic, like other trends within the MAGA sphere, can be seen as a performance of belonging and loyalty to an in-group ideal, rather than an individual aesthetic choice. Historically, tanned skin was once a marker of working-class origins, as it signified outdoor labor. However, this perception shifted in the 20th century, with figures like Coco Chanel popularizing a sun-kissed look as a sign of leisure and wealth. The opening of tanning salons in the 1970s solidified this shift.
To achieve a more natural and "unclockable" tan, experts advise choosing reputable spray tan artists or quality self-tanners, proper skin preparation, and adhering to rinse times. Avanzato suggests that "the face should always be softer than the body for the most natural results," and that "the best spray tan is the one nobody recognizes as a spray tan. They just think you look healthy."
For at-home application, celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor recommends exfoliating with a soft washcloth or dry brushing before tanning, and applying body butter to dry areas like knees and elbows to prevent over-darkening. He also advises using a tanning mitt or a large blending brush for seamless application, and employing a mixture of self-tanner and moisturizer on hands and feet for a subtler glow. If an undesirable tan occurs, Cantor notes that "there is little that skin care can do for you. You just have to wait for it to fade."