From '60 Minutes' to Univision, Mitt Romney's Tan All the Talk

After a Sept. 19 appearance on Univision's Meet the Candidate, Mitt Romney is creating a beauty buzz, but not necessarily a good one. The Republican presidential candidate, appearing remarkably orange on camera, has sparked a debate on whether or not he had a tan, a faux tan, or a bronzer overdose. From commentary by the Tanning Mom on the Huffington Post to Twitter members speculating if it was intentional to look more like the Latino audience, the Internet is alive with speculation. Later, an appearance by Romney on CBS' 60 Minutes furthered the chatter.

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However, it didn't take long before the makeup artist who prepped Romney for the interview spoke out. Miami-based Lazz Rodriguez told ABC News that Romney had a real tan after campaign stops in Texas and Los Angeles. Rodriguez said he topped the natural glow with MAC Studio Fix Powder in NW30, a medium tan shade, to help cut the glare of the stage lights. 

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Fiona Locke, St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert, says that a subtler tan would have been the way to go for Romney. "I would suggest a lighter shade to appear more natural and authentic. An everyday lotion can give a slow building tan you can control," she says, adding, "A subtle glow is much more flattering than overly tan skin."

Melissa Nist, manager at Nectar Skin Bar in Georgetown, a hot spot for politicians, says a faux glow is nothing to be ashamed of. She speculates that Vice President Joe Biden probably has one. "He looks good. I attribute that to an airbrush tan or sunless tanner. Good for him, though. He looks healthy."

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Although the Romney campaign has declined to comment on his Oompa Loompa-like appearance, stating they prefer to focus on more important issues, he's not the only candidate to come under fire for a particularly noticeable tan. House Minority Leader John Boehner, after months of speculation regarding his golden glow, told the Wall Street Journal: "I have never been in a tanning bed or used a tanning product." He is also reportedly a frequent golfer and spends time outside mowing the lawn and mountain biking. Former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin had a tanning bed installed in the Governor's mansion in Juneau in 2007, which she purchased used from a health club. "Politicians are very visible and want to show their best side," says Locke. "A tan makes you look and feel healthier."

Which leads us to our next beauty beef with these politicians: Why aren't they wearing SPF?