Side-By-Side Pics Of Erika Kirk Prove She Needs To Go Back To Basics With Her Makeup Routine

Erika Kirk has undergone a remarkable transformation through the years, and somewhere along the way, she got a little too heavy-handed with her makeup routine. One thing about Erika that continues to baffle people is her heavy — arguably, too heavy — makeup routine. To be fair, she was a pageant girl, winning Miss Arizona in 2012 and competing in the Miss USA Pageant that same year. Erika seems to have some muscle memory that kicks in when she's doing her makeup, pulling her back to that over-the-top pageant style. Looking back at old photos, though, Erika looks much better when she ditches glam for a natural, light makeup style.

The widow of Charlie Kirk and newly-appointed CEO of Turning Point USA, Erika has shot into the global spotlight overnight, all because of her husband's tragic passing. Many people around the world have expressed sympathy for the young woman, but her fame hasn't come without some raised eyebrows, too. There was her incredibly awkward hug with Vice President JD Vance, where she ran her fingers through his hair on stage. It led to one of many moments where it seemed like Usha and JD Vance were heading for divorce. There has also been criticism over her public grieving, with some claiming it's too emphatic, while others say it looks contrived. It seems like the young woman just can't win. But one thing that might help is a simpler makeup routine.

Not only would it be more flattering, but it would also improve her public perception if Erika Kirk toned down her makeup. Since Charlie Kirk's passing, Erika has attended several public gatherings to commemorate her husband and to address members of the nonprofit organization Turning Point USA, founded by her husband. At all of these events, Erika has come out with a full face of makeup, including thick lashes and contouring, amped up by major hair moments.

While everyone has a right to grieve in their own way, Erika's heavy makeup is drawing a lot of ire and criticism online. "Erika Kirk is visually flawless [...] the hair, the makeup, the glow. Once she perfects her acting too, she might finally be as talented as her glam team," someone tweeted on X. "The insane amount of makeup, the tacky over-the-top rings[,] and constant dabbing of her eyes. It's ridiculous," another commented. "Girls, you might hate Erika Kirk, but y'all need her waterproof makeup tutorial. I mean, it's either that or no tears were shed. Her makeup is looking flawless," a third wrote. Judging from all of the sarcasm and dislike directed at Erika about her makeup, it would be in her best interest to tone down the prom queen makeup and go for a more natural look. Compared to her fresh makeup style in 2012, this is a much more flattering look on her anyway.