Thick, contoured makeup is practically synonymous with Donald Trump’s inner circle. The upper echelons of republican women tend to gravitate toward a high-glam look. After all, there’s a reason beauty trend watchers coined the term “Mar-A-Lago” face to describe the characteristic plastic surgery trend that is so popular on one side of the aisle. Fox News host and former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is no exception; the bright blond loves a darkly lined eye and bright pink blush.

That’s why she’s nearly unrecognizable in a throwback Instagram snap that she shared in December 2020. In the shot, the host appears bare-faced, or close to, while posing on the beach next to her husband. There’s no trace of thick powder, too bright blush, or dark eyeliner. Even her signature slick of pink gloss is absent.

While it’s true that the photo is a few years old, there’s no denying that McEnany looks fresh and youthful without her go-to beauty look. It’s a sobering reminder that the wrong makeup can make you look older, and it’s good to occasionally review your beauty routine to ensure you aren’t making any makeup mistakes that age you.

How to avoid Kayleigh McEnany’s makeup mistakes

The wrong makeup can add years to your face. While that can be useful if your goal is to look more mature — perhaps if you’re trying to convey authority on a Fox News talk show — it’s not the effect many women are aiming for. McEnany sometimes appears overly tanned onscreen. Of course, McEnany is in good company on this one, since it’s one of the biggest makeup mistakes women in the Trump family make.

The heavily powdered look that McEnany favors is also not ideal if the goal is looking younger. “The goal for youthful skin is to mimic healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin—so finding a foundation and concealer that has that finish will look more natural, rather than matte, is ideal,” makeup artist Monika Blunder told Town & Country. While finishing powder can offer a blurring, polished look, it can also accentuate aging skin. Too much powder can settle into the fine lines of mature skin, which naturally tends to run a bit drier. McEnany would be well served by a lighter dusting that allows more of her youthful glow to shine through.

Finally, thickly lacquered lashes are a mascara mistake that can make you look older. Enany’s heavily styled eye makeup, accentuated with false lashes, is harsh against her fair color palette. Too much visual weight at the outside corners of her eyes also gives the suggestion of drooping, making her look older than she is.