From orange skin to a more natural glow, Ainsley Earhardt’s transformation has fans talking. Discover how the Fox News star toned down her once-over-the-top look for a more polished and refined style!

Fox News Star Ainsley Earhardt’s Fake Tan Used To Be So Tacky: A Fashion Evolution

Ainsley Earhardt, the ever-gleaming face of Fox & Friends, has long been known for her perfectly polished appearance, both on and off the screen. Her makeup is always on point, her hair is always styled to perfection, and her fashion choices often set trends. But if you scroll through some of her earlier Instagram posts and throwback photos, you’ll see a different Ainsley—a version of herself that was overly fond of the tanning bed, with a fake tan that often clashed with her naturally fair complexion.

While the iconic anchor has since toned down her tanning routine, the photos from her “ultra-dark” days are a reminder of how far she’s come in her personal style and appearance. In fact, the transformation of her beauty routine and the more natural glow she sports today is just as striking as the tan she used to rock.

A “Tanning Obsession” in 2019: Too Much Was Never Enough

In 2019, Ainsley Earhardt seemed to have developed a serious affection for the tanning bed. In a series of Instagram posts from that year, her skin tone appeared several shades darker than what we were accustomed to seeing. One of the most memorable looks was in July 2019, when Earhardt donned a pink dress with a high collar and a split neckline. While the dress itself was pretty in pink, it was her tan that stole the show. The stark contrast between her overly dark skin and blonde hair made her look as though she was wearing a different skin tone altogether.

But it didn’t stop there. In August 2019, Earhardt’s fake tan took an even darker turn, leading many fans to question whether she had gone a step too far. One Instagram post from that month, showing Earhardt in another pink dress, left her skin looking almost orange, particularly when paired with her bright blonde hair. The exaggerated contrast between her skin and hair was noticeable enough to make her fans raise eyebrows.

The ‘Orange Glow’ Era: A Look Back at the “Tacky Tan”

Perhaps the most shocking images came from August 28, 2019. One Instagram photo showed Earhardt posing with Judge Jeanine Pirro, and both women had taken their tans to alarming levels. However, the second photo from that day was the most jarring—Earhardt was seen posing with Dog the Bounty Hunter, and her skin tone seemed almost identical to his famously leather-like tan. While the comparison was admittedly extreme, it was clear that Earhardt’s once-favorite bronzing technique wasn’t doing her any favors.

This period became known as her “orange glow” phase, where her fake tan seemed to overshadow her natural beauty, leading many to criticize the look as tacky. For someone as polished and well-known as Earhardt, the mismatch between her outfit and her overly dark skin tone didn’t seem to reflect the image she had worked so hard to cultivate in the public eye.

A Shift Towards a More Natural Glow

By the time 2021 rolled around, Ainsley Earhardt was beginning to dial down the fake tan. While still a fan of makeup (a fact she proudly acknowledges), she began to embrace a more natural look. One standout moment came in December 2021 when she posted an Instagram photo taken at the Fox & Friends set alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. In this snap, Earhardt’s skin looked several shades lighter than during her tan-heavy days, and it was clear that she had abandoned the “bronzed goddess” look for something more fitting for her fair complexion.

Though Earhardt’s makeup was still glamorous and flawless as always, her skin tone now appeared more natural, matching her makeup’s warm tones rather than clashing with them. Her complexion was no longer starkly out of place in comparison to her outfits, which allowed her natural beauty to shine through.

2023 and Beyond: Embracing Healthy, Subtle Glow

By May 2023, it was clear that Earhardt had fully embraced a healthier, more natural glow. In a post where she reconnected with Judge Jeanine Pirro, the two women’s skin looked far more balanced than it had in previous years. Gone were the days of the overly dark tan; instead, Earhardt’s skin had a fresh, healthy look that complemented her vibrant, professional wardrobe.

Even in the photo, Earhardt’s yellow dress paired with a green jacket seemed to highlight her complexion, and the absence of a heavy tan allowed her features to stand out in the most flattering way. Her skin tone was no longer in competition with her outfits, and she appeared more radiant than ever before.

The Final Transformation: No More Faux-Tanning

Earhardt’s decision to step away from the heavily tanned look was solidified in April 2025, when she posted another Instagram photo alongside Tarek El Moussa. Dressed in a bright red pantsuit with a matching turtleneck and nude high heels, Earhardt’s skin tone had never looked more natural. While she still wore makeup, the focus was on her glowing, healthy complexion—no longer dulled by the faux tan that once defined her appearance.

Gone were the days of the “tacky tan” era. Instead, Earhardt embraced a more subtle, glowing look that allowed her to feel confident in her own skin. The change in her beauty routine reflects not only a more mature approach to makeup but also an acceptance of her natural features. It’s clear that the more subtle approach to her beauty routine suits her better than the excessively tanned look she once leaned into.

Why the Change Matters

Ainsley Earhardt’s transition from a deep, artificial tan to a more natural glow signals a broader shift in her personal style and image. As a public figure, Earhardt is often under scrutiny for her appearance, and the way she presents herself matters. For years, she was known for her glam, which included the glowing, almost over-the-top tan. But as she’s matured and adjusted to her evolving role on Fox & Friends, Earhardt has embraced a beauty routine that highlights her natural features.

This transition is important for several reasons. First, it shows that Earhardt is aware of her image and the public perception of her. It also demonstrates that she’s willing to evolve, shedding past habits that no longer serve her. By embracing her natural complexion, Earhardt not only looks more comfortable but also sends a powerful message that natural beauty is just as valuable—if not more—than artificial perfection.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Ainsley Earhardt’s Beauty Journey

As Ainsley Earhardt continues her career as a trusted anchor at Fox News, her shift away from the “tacky tan” look of the past is a reflection of her own personal growth. Whether it’s her evolving makeup routine or her more grounded approach to fashion, Earhardt’s beauty evolution shows that embracing authenticity can lead to a stronger, more confident image.

The 2025 version of Ainsley Earhardt is more natural, more radiant, and more comfortable in her own skin than ever before. And while she’ll still wear makeup and dress to impress, her choice to step away from the fake tan and embrace her natural glow is a decision that not only suits her but also sets an example for others to follow.