What Sarah Huckabee Sanders Looks Like Makeup-Free

As a politician, Sarah Huckabee Sanders — former White House press secretary and currently the first female governor of Arkansas — lives much of her life in the public eye. So, it's no surprise that she tries to maintain a professional appearance, including in her ever-evolving beauty routine. Sadly, this doesn't always go according to plan. Back during her stint as press secretary, she experimented with heavy, mid-2010s contouring and smoky eyeshadow — a move that backfired, with comedians taking aim at her cosmetics.

At the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in 2018, jokester Michelle Wolf kicked up a fuss by using Sanders' cosmetics as a gateway into calling her a liar. "She burns facts and then she uses that ash to create a perfect smoky eye," Wolf quipped. "Like maybe she's born with it, maybe it's lies. It's probably lies," she added, referencing Maybelline's famous tag line. And comedian Fortune Feimster once delivered an entire faux makeup tutorial while impersonating Sanders for the Netflix talk show "Chelsea," ending up with a clownish, exaggerated look that definitely wasn't meant as a compliment.

Targeting Sanders' appearance was hardly the most meaningful path into political discourse, but it may have made a lasting impact on her style. These days, Sanders prefers a much lighter makeup touch than many other MAGA leading ladies. While figures like Lauren Boebert look dramatically different without makeup, it's sometimes difficult to tell whether today's Sanders is wearing any makeup at all. Still, it's enlightening to take a peek behind the curtain and see how infamous politicians look when they aren't striving to be camera-ready, including Sanders' au naturel, everywoman style.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders may put forth a polished face during her official duties, but the politico isn't afraid to take a more relaxed approach during her downtime with family — for instance, while enjoying some time in the great outdoors. In October 2024, Sanders shared a sweet birthday post in honor of her son, Huck. The Instagram carousel included several shots of the duo, including a shared selfie during what appears to be a hunting or fishing excursion.

The photo shows that Sanders went completely fresh-faced for their day outside, and we have to confess that she looks right at home with her glowing skin and natural brows. It's a bit like a grown-up take on the girl-next-door vibe — Sanders looks real and approachable in a way that celebrities and politicians sometimes lack. No wonder Sanders eventually switched to a more understated makeup style: Apart from her cosmetics' public lampooning, her inherent good looks don't need the help.

Going totally sans makeup is one thing, but Sarah Huckabee Sanders' new on-the-clock beauty regimen is also a far cry from the looks we previously saw from the former press secretary. Once upon a time, Sanders may have fallen prey to the allure of bold makeup and committed a few contouring mistakes that can make you look older, but it seems she's left those missteps in the past. Gone are the arched brows and infamous eyeshadow. Instead, Sanders seems to be taking a more natural cosmetics approach.

A quick scroll through the governor's social media presence reveals a current preference for light mascara, barely there blush and bronzer, and nude-pink lip hues. Even while speaking at the Republican National Convention in July 2024 — a national, high-profile event — Sanders' modern makeup was restrained. She took the stage in a red dress that could have easily lured her into equally statement-making product choices, but Sanders steadfastly kept her cosmetics simple with low-key eye makeup and a neutral lip. This strikes us as a wise move, as Sanders' conservative political leanings may not be everyone's cup of tea, but at least her fresh face shouldn't garner any more beauty critiques from comedians.

Of course, we can't say the same about Sanders' MAGA peers and colleagues, many of whom still like a glamorous, more-is-more approach. The first lady is a perfect example: If you're curious about what she's hiding beneath all that product now, check out what Melania Trump looks like nearly makeup-free.