During Donald Trump’s second official state visit to the UK, attention quickly shifted from the diplomatic stage to his appearance. Photos taken alongside King Charles III at Windsor Castle showed Trump looking unusually disheveled, with messy hair, heavy brows, and what many noticed most — an extra-thick layer of his signature orange-toned makeup. The makeup appeared uneven, stopping abruptly around his hairline, ears, and neck, making the difference between his natural skin tone and bronzed face very noticeable.
Observers suggested this wasn’t just a cosmetic choice but a way for Trump to appear younger and healthier during a trip filled with photo opportunities. At 79 years old, Trump is slightly older than King Charles, and the contrast between them was stark. Commentators speculated that the makeup was likely meant to push back against ongoing questions about his age and health, though the effect may have been more distracting than convincing.
The unusually intense bronzer wasn’t the only sign of strain. Trump looked tired throughout much of the visit, rarely smiling and often appearing low on energy. His beauty routine, which has long been a point of public discussion, seemed exaggerated to the point of becoming a focal issue rather than helping him project vitality.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s appearance has drawn attention. On the golf course, where he often skips makeup, he’s been seen looking pale, sunburned, or aged — a stark contrast to the carefully maintained image he tries to project during public events. Critics have argued that his reliance on makeup reflects his efforts to mask fatigue and the natural signs of aging.
Despite his attempt to present himself as vigorous and confident during such a high-profile visit, the heavy makeup and overall appearance seemed to underline the very concerns he may have been trying to avoid — that age and health are beginning to catch up with him.
