J.D. Vance, a prominent figure in the political arena, often sparks conversation not just for his policies and viewpoints, but also for a more unexpected reason: his eyes. It’s a detail that’s hard to ignore – those piercing blue eyes, strikingly framed by what seems to be intensely dark eyelashes. This has led many to wonder, and even openly question: is it possible that J.D. Vance is wearing eyeliner?
This question isn’t confined to casual observers. Kimberly Carney, CEO of the beauty app GlossWire, also noticed Vance’s captivating eye look. As she mentioned, “It’s almost like he’s mastered the art of that subtle, smoky eye.” A quick search on platforms like Twitter, using terms like “J.D. Vance” and “eyeliner,” reveals a multitude of posts from various users raising the same eyebrow – or perhaps, eye-liner – related question about the Senator and Republican vice presidential candidate’s possible cosmetic enhancement. Some have even confidently declared an answer. Dana Omari-Harrell of @igfamousbydana, an Instagram account known for beauty procedure speculations on public figures, stated unequivocally regarding Vance, “I can’t believe it’s up for debate YES HE WEARS EYELINER.”
Now, let’s be clear – there is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with a man choosing to wear eyeliner. However, the persistent speculation surrounding Vance seems to stem more from a desire to poke at his persona. Vance projects an image of someone who would likely react with outrage at the mere suggestion of wearing makeup. Despite some internet assertions, the more likely explanation for Vance’s striking eyes is simpler and perhaps less sensational. The principle of Occam’s razor suggests that the most straightforward explanation is often the correct one. In this case, it’s highly probable that J.D. Vance is simply naturally blessed with exceptionally lush eyelashes – the kind many aspire to achieve through various beauty products and routines. Looking back at older images of Vance online, it appears this has been a consistent feature throughout his life, making a decades-long commitment to daily eyeliner application seem improbable.
Carney echoed this sentiment, leaning towards a natural explanation. “It’s kind of a beauty trick straight from nature’s playbook,” she remarked, emphasizing the thickness and darkness, particularly of his lower lashes. Vance’s eye appearance also brings to mind iconic figures known for their remarkable lashes, such as Elizabeth Taylor and actor Néstor Carbonell. Both were rumored to possess distichiasis, a rare condition characterized by a second row of eyelashes. Distichiasis is estimated to affect around 1 in 10,000 individuals. While there’s no indication Vance has this condition, it highlights the truth in the famous Maybelline slogan: “Maybe she’s born with it.” In Vance’s case, it might just be, “Maybe he’s born with it,” however grudgingly one might admit it.
Another contributing factor to the eyeliner illusion, as Carney pointed out, could be Vance’s hooded eyelids. “I think it’s due to the natural set of shadows in the contours created by his hooded eyelids,” she explained. Hooded eyelids, a common eye shape, involve extra skin beneath the brow bone, which can make the eyelid crease less visible and create natural shadowing that might enhance the appearance of the lash line. To seek definitive answers, inquiries were sent to the Trump-Vance campaign, questioning about eyeliner use, distichiasis, or any other explanation for his striking eyes. However, as of yet, there has been no response.
The irony isn’t lost: J.D. Vance, possibly possessing the kind of naturally defined eyes many strive for with makeup, might be completely unaware or unappreciative of this feature. For those who rely on makeup to enhance their features, like mascara being an essential for feeling presentable, Vance’s seemingly effortless look can feel almost unfair. It raises a humorous question: why bestow such striking features on someone who may not even notice or value them?
Amidst the broader public effort to understand the figure of the new vice presidential candidate, through analyzing his book, Venmo activity, and even Spotify playlists, the question of his “eyeliner” presents a unique, albeit lighter, angle of inquiry. To delve deeper into this beauty mystery, and with a touch of humor, an experiment was conceived: recreating the supposed “J.D. Vance eyeliner look.” This led to a visit to Sephora, ready to request “the J.D. Vance.”
Prior to the Sephora trip, Canva was utilized to create a collage of close-up images of Vance’s eyes, to serve as a visual reference. Presenting this to the makeup artist, the request was made to mimic the look. The artist, unfazed, readily agreed, confirming that creating a similar effect was definitely achievable and even suggesting filling in the eyebrows for a bushier, Vance-esque brow. There was no judgment or questioning about the unusual beauty inspiration – perhaps a testament to the professionalism of Sephora staff, or simply fortunate luck in encountering a particularly accommodating artist.
The makeup application began, with the artist correctly assuming that eyeshadow was not part of the “Vance look,” opting for concealer on the eyelids instead. A generous amount of concealer was applied under the eyes, a point of slight self-consolation, as it seemed plausible even Vance might benefit from a bit of under-eye coverage. The discussion then shifted to achieving the lash definition – mascara or false lashes? False lashes were chosen to better replicate Vance’s prominent lashes, described as lightweight and natural-looking. The intricate process of applying false lashes and carefully lining both upper and lower lash lines highlighted the effort involved in achieving a look Vance seemingly possesses naturally. Maybe he is born with it.
Peeking at the reflection midway through the process brought a moment of eyebrow-related alarm. However, with the addition of the false lashes, the overall look started to harmonize. It became clear how much Vance’s naturally full eyebrows contribute to balancing his striking lashes.
The author, who is wearing lots of eye makeup, holds a collage of photos of J.D. Vance
Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Shannon Palus, Scott Olson/Getty Images Plus, Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, and Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Plus.
Upon completion, the makeup artist expressed enthusiastic approval, praising the enhanced definition and eye emphasis achieved through the liner and lash work. While undeniably more dramatic than everyday makeup, it was acknowledged as a striking look, suitable for special occasions. Back at a desk, the author humorously attempted Vance-like poses, practicing forceful hand gestures and distant gazes, imagining scenarios like political convention speeches where such a look might be fitting.
Experiencing the world with “Vance eyes,” or rather, Vance-inspired eye makeup, brought an unexpected awareness of the lashes themselves. The constant slight obstruction in peripheral vision caused by the false lashes offered a quirky thought: could this subtle physical burden somehow translate into a broader world-weariness, perhaps even influencing opinions and viewpoints? While likely a stretch, it underscores the irony of such a traditionally feminine beauty asset being naturally bestowed upon someone embodying a traditionally masculine persona. Perhaps, there’s an unrecognized burden to these striking eyes. Alternatively, a different perspective emerges: the beauty of choice. While Vance may be naturally endowed, the ability to choose when to embrace a dramatic eye look, and when to opt for a more understated appearance, is a unique power. He may have been born with remarkable eyes, but the true power lies in the makeup remover – a choice Vance, in his natural state, doesn’t have.
