TikTok has heralded in countless viral makeup trends over the last few years, but this one crosses the partisan divide.
Well, not really. But it’s nice to think so.
TikTok users are donning spray tans, thick mascara, and pale pink lipstick to transform themselves into their “Republican-sonas,” a reimagined version of themselves that backs the blue and probably has too many regressive opinions on universal healthcare. The term is a play on “fursona,” a portmanteau of “furry” and “persona” that the online furry community uses to describe their animal alter ego.
TikTok users are notoriously snarky — when a popular Los Angeles salon ignored public criticism for not enforcing mask wearing during this pandemic, TikTok users flooded the salon’s hashtag with videos mocking the owner’s hair coloring technique. On an app known for its strong alternative community, bold styles thrive.
Conservatives are not known to be good with change, and that goes for both public policy and aesthetics. Former President Trump, for example, surrounded himself with women who all had the same blonde hair, inoffensive makeup, and above all, were white. Fox News, known for its conservative bias, has a track record of hiring female anchors who all emulate that same look. There is a universal Fox News style that the women on its shows adhere to: A blonde blowout, thick eyeshadow, and heavy bronzer over pale foundation.
Makeup is ever-changing, and to achieve this outdated beauty standard, you’re likely to use outdated techniques.
On TikTok, this style is known as “Republican makeup.” Makeup is ever-changing, and to achieve this outdated beauty standard, you’re likely to use outdated techniques.
The song “God Made Girls” by country artist RaeLynn, which is fittingly heteronormative, has become the song representing this trend. Participants film themselves removing facial piercings and covering their bright colored hair with a (usually) blonde wig, before caking on foundation, dabbing on pale lip gloss, and applying enough chunky mascara to be worthy of a Fox & Friends appearance.
The trend is similar to the viral “This is what I would look like if I was straight” sound that was popular on Gay TikTok last summer, in which alternative, and often queer, TikTok users removed their septum rings and dramatic makeup, covered their hair, and wore “normie” clothing. Like that trend, this one mocks straight, conservative Americans for looking the same.
Some conservative TikTok users tried to flip the trend around by mimicking “liberal” makeup trends. The “liberal” trends they’re attempting are often alternative makeup looks popularized by e-girls, young women known for their online presences and bold punk-adjacent aesthetic.
That, however, seemed to backfire. When conservative TikTok users mocked the other side of the partisan divide with techniques like sharp eyeliner and rosy blushed cheeks, other TikTok users pointed out that they actually looked better than before.
“Wait this is such a glow up,” one TikTok user commented on syd.thekiddo’s post of her “liberal-sona.”
“You look cute!” another replied. “I think this trend backfired on you sis.”
If you plan to participate, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on, be prepared to be eviscerated by Gen Z.