- UK beauty expert Laura Kay has delivered her verdict
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Does your idea of looking good involve bouncy blow-dries, tanned skin and high-octane glamour?
Or do you shudder at the thought of layering on make-up and yearn for the clear skin and pared-back aesthetic of the Oscars’ hot favourite Jessie Buckley?
The world is becoming ever more polarised in terms of politics and even the beauty world is not immune – with two very distinct tribes emerging.
The first is the MAGA look adopted by Donald Trump’s leading ladies, including his wife, Melania, daughter, Ivanka, and press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who favour inches-deep makeup, false lashes, tanned skin, and plumped lips.
At the other end of the scale – of both beauty and politics – the liberal elite of Hollywood are embracing fresh-faced beauty epitomised by this year’s awards season darling Jessie Buckley.
With her fair Irish skin and tousled bob, even on the red carpet, her mantra is less is more – perhaps inspired by bare-faced pioneer Pamela Anderson, who has prompted everyone from Meghan Markle to Hailey Bieber to embrace the natural look.
In beauty as in politics, they’re all a world away from each other. But the question is, if you could look like any of these leading ladies, who would you choose?
Speaking to the Daily Mail, beauty expert Laura Kay has analysed the new modern beauty tribes – and what your choice of beauty icon says about you.
With her fair Irish skin and tousled bob, Hamnet star Jessie Buckley’s mantra is less is more
Inches-deep makeup, false lashes, tanned skin and plumped lips are MAGA crowd favourites
MAGA: Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump favours a polished and conservative makeup look, says makeup and beauty expert Laura Kay
Laura: Ivanka Trump’s makeup is polished and conservative. With her flawless skin, neutral eyes and soft, controlled lip, she is impeccably groomed.
Those who admire Ivanka’s look tend to favour a ‘put-together’ appearance at all times. Her makeup look is so flawless that it’s almost Barbie-like.
People aspiring to emulate her look care what others think and set themselves high standards.
Verdict: You have big expectations and work hard to meet them.
Cool girl: Alexa Chung
If you favour Alexa Chung’s cool girl aesthetic, then, according to Laura, you’re a fashion-forward individual
Laura: With her smudged eyeliner, soft smoky eyes and slightly undone finish, Alexa Chung’s signature look is effortlessly cool.
Her makeup always feels intentional but never overworked.
Fans of her style like to appear low-maintenance while still being fashion-forward. They enjoy breaking rules and love to embrace their individuality.
Verdict: You have a standout sense of style, and you’re not afraid of rule-bending to show it.
Natural: Jessie Buckley
Actress Jessie Buckley, who stars in the recent box office hit Hamnet, embraces a minimalistic makeup look
Laura: With Jessie Buckley, it is all about the strong lip and fresh, rosy cheeks. She otherwise often embraces minimal, barely-there makeup that lets her natural features shine through.
The actress likes to mix it up but loves to offset her makeup with quirky hair or clothing.
People aspiring to look like Jessie prefer makeup that enhances rather than transforms, and they embrace their imperfections.
Verdict: You’re easy-going and always see the best in things.
Princess: Catherine of Wales
The Princess of Wales opts for classic makeup techniques that enhance rather than overpower, says Laura
Laura: Kate goes for a polished look that is modern, refined and formal – rightly so as a future Queen.
Every inch of her makeup is impeccable, favouring natural tones and classic techniques that enhance rather than overpower.
People who follow Kate tend to play it safe and prefer neutral colours and proven makeup routines.
Only for a formal evening event will Kate opt for smokier eyes or a richer lip, and those inspired by her style usually stick with what they know works – why change it now?
Verdict: You’re reliable and like sticking to a routine because the results never disappoint.
Reality star: Olivia Atwood
Former Love Island contestant Olivia Atwood typically favours bold and glamorous makeup looks
Laura: Olivia is really confident in her skin. She opts for a glam look, with bronzed skin, bold, defined brows, sculpted cheeks, bold lashes and pouty, glossy lips.
She enjoys the attention, but equally, she is happy to be seen wearing no makeup. People who emulate Olivia’s vibe are glamorous and use makeup for self-expression.
Verdict: You’re bold and outgoing – and not afraid to go against the grain.
Bombshell: Monica Bellucci
Bombshell beauty Monica Bellucci oozes old Hollywood glamour – and she’s not afraid of a bold, smoky eye
Laura: Monica Bellucci oozes old Hollywood glamour. She is the epitome of timeless beauty with softly defined smoky eyes, glowing skin, and prominent rosy cheekbones.
But the most noticeable feature is her eyebrows, which appear to be expertly defined with fine hair strokes.
Others who aspire to look like Monica are confident and comfortable in their own skin, using makeup to celebrate their femininity rather than hide behind it. They know who they are and don’t have anything to prove.
Verdict: You’re outspoken and unapologetically yourself, and people love you for it.
Boho: Sienna Miller
When completing her makeup look, actress and model Sienna Miller understands that less is more
Laura: Sienna draws inspiration from fashion and often references the sixties and seventies, particularly around the eyes.
There’s a sense of timelessness to her makeup, and to the untrained eye, one wouldn’t know how old a picture of her is because she chooses styles that feel effortlessly chic.
People who aspire to Sienna’s look are confident, stylish, fashion-aware and often proud of their personal taste.
They understand that less is more, and when enhancing one feature, the eyes are usually their go-to.
Verdict: Your laid-back nature and chic sense of style serve as inspiration for all.
WASP: Gwyneth Paltrow
Health and wellbeing queen Gwyneth Paltrow opts for a natural makeup look and focuses on holistic wellness
Laura: Gwyneth Paltrow’s makeup is stripped back and natural with a nod to quiet luxury.
Think luminous skin, soft palettes, and very little excess. It’s about looking healthy and fresh, with a focus on holistic wellness, rather than being overly made up.
Those who are inspired by the actress long for simplicity and are into the wellness scene. They often see makeup as an extension of lifestyle and wellness rather than a statement.
Verdict: There’s no doubt that you prefer the finer things in life, but health comes first, and that shines through in all aspects of your life.
