Former President Donald Trump’s notable orange complexion has long been a subject of fascination, sparking ongoing discussions about his unique skin tone. Analysts point out that Trump’s artificial tan has varied in intensity over the years, with the orange hue reaching its peak in 2020 before toning down in preparation for the 2024 election.
Contrastingly, early images from his real estate career depict a visibly paler Trump, aligning with his Scottish and German heritage. It wasn’t until his time on “The Apprentice” in 2012 that he began regularly using makeup for public appearances, gradually becoming synonymous with the orange shade as he transitioned into a prominent political figure by 2015.
Speculation abounds regarding the methods behind Trump’s tanned look, with suggestions of tanning beds and spray tans, attributing the lighter skin around his eyes to protective goggles during treatments. Makeup artist Kriss Blevens, who has worked with multiple Presidents, including Trump, has indicated that his glow likely comes from self-tanner, noting a consistent bronzed appearance even before makeup application.
Other experts, such as celebrity makeup artist Safia Cox, propose that Trump likely uses a combination of fake tan products and bronzing agents, with observations of a distinct contrast between his face and hairline suggesting a deliberate application technique. Cox further theorizes that Trump’s increasing ‘orange’ tone over time may stem from heightened stress levels or evolving personal insecurities.
The ongoing evolution of Trump’s orange complexion has become a popular topic online, with many speculating on the motivations behind his distinct appearance. Cox even suggests that Trump may suffer from a form of ‘fake tan blindness,’ where he remains unaware of the exaggerated nature of his tan, either as a confidence boost or a strategic attention-grabbing tactic.