A single photograph of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has ignited a firestorm of aesthetic and political debate this week. Featured in a Vanity Fair profile on senior administration officials the extreme close up by Magnum photographer Christopher Anderson has been described by some as a “jump scare” and by others as a raw, unfiltered look at the “theater of politics.”
While critics argue the magazine “did her dirty,” beauty professionals including dermatologists, plastic surgeons and celebrity makeup artists are weighing in on the visible details that have everyone talking the alleged injection marks the orange toned contour and the controversial “Mar-a-Lago face” aesthetic.
The Science Behind the “Dots”: Lip Filler or Irritation?
The most scrutinized element of the portrait is a series of small, red marks around Leavitt’s lips. Many social media commenters were quick to label these as fresh injection sites ironically calling them “gender-affirming care”a nod to the administration’s own political flash points.
The “Picket Fence” vs “Serial Puncture” Technique
Dermatologist Dr Corey L Hartman and plastic surgeon Dr Anita Kulkarni suggest the marks are likely a vascular response to recent cosmetic work.
- Serial Puncture. A technique where multiple small droplets of filler are injected along the vermilion border.
- Picket Fence. A vertical injection method used to add height and volume to a shorter lip.6
- Telangiectasias. These are tiny dilated blood vessels that can appear as dark spots post injection especially if the “sticks” were frequent.
“It looks like the ‘picket fence’ technique. used to add height and volume,” says Dr. Kulkarni. “The needle marks are not usually this visible so she likely has some inflammation that may be from sensitive skin.”
However Dr Frederick Weniger offers a counter-perspective, noting that harsh lighting and extreme cropping can amplify normal skin texture irritation from retinoids or even simple dehydration combined with high-gloss products.
Decoding the “Mar-a-Lago Face” Aesthetic
Beyond the lips the photo has become a case study for what TikTok and fashion critics call “Conservative Girl Makeup” or “Mar-a-Lago Face.” This look is characterized by
- Heavy Bronzer/Contour. Often in warm orange tones that contrast with fair skin.
- Full Coverage Foundation. Matte finishes that can sometimes emphasize dry patches under high resolution lenses.
- The “Fox News” Eyes Dramatic eyeliner and clumpy mascara.7
Why It Is Politically Coded?
The aesthetic is more than just a beauty choice it has become a status symbol among Donald Trump’s inner circle. It signals wealth, privilege and a specific brand of traditional femininity. Some commentators even suggest the homogenized, “over perfected” look serves as a visual indicator of political affiliation.
Photographic Ethics. Truth vs Retouching
Photographer Christopher Anderson known for his 2014 book Stump has defended the “unflinching” nature of the portrait. He insists that his goal is to “penetrate the theater of politics” by stripping away the polished stage managed image of public relations teams.
“If I had retouched those things out, that would be a lie,” Anderson stated. He noted that he has used this same extreme close-up style for politicians of all stripes, including Barack Obama and JD Vance.
Also Read: Newt Gingrich’s ‘Gas lighting’ Spin On Trump Speech Has Critics Saying ‘OMFG’
FAQs
What is “Mar-a-Lago Face”?
A social media term for a specific often “overdone” aesthetic involving heavy filler, spray tans and dramatic makeup associated with the Palm Beach social scene.
Did Vanity Fair edit Karoline Leavitt’s photo?
No. Photographer Christopher Anderson confirmed he refused to use Photoshop to retouch the injection marks citing journalistic ethics.
Why do the marks on her lips look like dots?
Experts believe they are a “vascular response” to the “picket fence” or “serial puncture” injection techniques.
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