Why is Donald Trump So Orange? Unpacking the Mystery

Donald J. Trump has been a fixture in the media for decades, and one visual aspect has consistently sparked curiosity and commentary: his distinctly orange complexion. It’s a question that has lingered in the minds of many Americans as they’ve seen him on television, campaign trails, and across various platforms: why does the former president often appear to have such a vibrant, almost artificial, orange hue?

While the exact reasons are not officially confirmed by Trump himself, a consensus has emerged among makeup artists and tanning experts: the likely culprit is the less-than-perfect application of artificial tanning methods. Let’s delve into the expert opinions and explore the science behind this enduring question of Trump’s signature shade.

Expert Opinions: The Tanning Truth

Professionals in the beauty and tanning industries have weighed in on the “Trump orange” phenomenon, and their explanations largely converge on the use of self-tanners, spray tans, and potentially tanning beds – often applied incorrectly.

Jason Kelly, a makeup artist with experience at the 2016 Republican National Convention, offered insights to Harper’s Bazaar. “I know exactly what he does to himself — the tanning bed, the spray tan, he wears the goggles and you can see the hyper-pigmentation around his eyes,” Kelly stated. This observation points to tell-tale signs of artificial tanning practices, particularly the noticeable lines around the eyes where goggles would have shielded the skin during tanning sessions. This results in the contrasting lighter skin around the eyes, often referred to as “raccoon eyes” in the tanning world.

Dante Fitzpatrick, director of airbrush design at Beach Bum Tanning, echoed similar sentiments in an interview with the NY Daily News. Fitzpatrick highlighted the difficulty of applying makeup over self-tanner, especially without expertise. “You have to be very skilled when adding makeup on top of self-tanning,” Fitzpatrick explained. “And if you do it wrong, it looks really wrong — especially in high definition.” He further suggested that Trump might be selecting a shade that is too dark for his natural skin tone and compounding the issue with improper makeup application.

Kimberly Kinch, a makeup artist at Rouge NY, added another layer to the explanation, pointing to the impact of television lighting. Speaking to the Daily News, Kinch noted that TV camera lights can intensify color imbalances and worsen the appearance of poorly applied tan and makeup. This could explain why Trump’s orange hue seems particularly pronounced in media appearances.

Avoiding the Orange: Tanning Tips for Everyone

For those who opt for artificial tanning, the experts offer straightforward advice to avoid the dreaded orange effect. The key takeaways include:

• Choose the Right Shade: Selecting a self-tanner or spray tan shade that complements your natural skin tone is crucial. Going too dark is a common mistake that can lead to an unnatural orange appearance.
• Exfoliate Regularly: Proper skin preparation is essential for an even tan. Exfoliating before applying self-tanner helps to remove dead skin cells, preventing patchy or uneven color development and minimizing orange tones.
• Seek Professional Application: For spray tans, consider visiting a professional salon. Trained technicians can ensure even application and help you choose the right shade for your skin.
• Consider Natural is Best: Perhaps the simplest solution is to embrace your natural skin tone. Avoiding artificial tanning altogether eliminates the risk of an orange mishap and allows your natural complexion to shine through.

In conclusion, while Donald Trump’s specific tanning routine remains unconfirmed, expert consensus strongly suggests that his orange appearance is a result of self-tanning practices gone wrong. Whether it’s shade selection, application technique, or the combination of tanning and makeup, the “Trump orange” serves as a cautionary tale in the world of artificial tanning. For those seeking a sun-kissed glow, the advice is clear: choose wisely, prepare properly, or embrace your natural beauty.