Lady Gaga's Most Questionable Beauty Move

by Jessica B. Matlin (Subscribe to Jessica B. Matlin's posts)
Posted Apr 15th 2009 at 10:00AM

Here's the thing about Lady Gaga that baffles me.

Her futuristic style (which we're kinda obsessed with) is light years ahead of where most performers dare to tread -- think lilac lipstick, techno-bob, and superhero underpants. So why on Earth is she so insistent on keeping that Nineties pop star tan?

"I'm fiercely tan and very orange!" she said, as reported in The Observer.

Oh, jeez, it's intentional?! I was hoping that she just couldn't see how orange things had gotten from underneath those tremendous black shields she calls sunglasses.

Or maybe a Cheetos-like tan is actually so out, it's in. It's possible.

Think about it: Lady Gaga's friend (and former classmate) Paris Hilton is still working the orange look, as are other pop tartlets like Jessica Simpson, Amanda Bynes, and even Zac Efron.

But I have to wonder. As a budding beauty icon, Lady Gaga has access to the best tanning products on the market, so why isn't she using them?

Pay no mind to the pantless wonder that is Gaga. Instead, check out my favorite self-tanning products, which won't go Nerf-ball-orange on you.

Completely Bare Model Tan. If you want to even out your skin tone and look a little glow-y, this moisturizing face and body self tanner's for you. $36

Benefit Talk to the Tan. Blend a little dab of this gel onto your face and décolleté, and you'll have a surprisingly realistic tan that's neither sparkly nor powdery. It washes off, too. $26

NIVEA body Sun-Kissed Firming Moisturizer. I was skeptical at first, but sure enough, this gradual tanning moisturizer imparted a pretty dramatic tan after just a few days. Here's a tip: Wait for it to dry completely before getting into bed. $7.99

Gaga Over Lady GaGa

According to GaGa she and Gwen Stefani have nothing in common beyond their hair color, but we see it a little differently. Musically the two aren't a match, but it's hard to deny GaGa borrows from Ms Stefani's style.

WENN

GaGa is not the first nor will she be the last to pay tribute to Madonna's legendary style but she's certainly more committed to bringing back the cone bra than any of Madge's other admirers.

Jakubaszek, Getty Images

There is no one Lady GaGa references more than Grace Jones. In fact, if Lady GaGa is doing it chances are Grace Jones did it bigger and badder before Ms. GaGa was even out of diapers.

Scott Legato, FilmMagic

From the hoods, to her love of wearing undies instead of actual pants, Lady GaGa clearly adores the Aussie poptart Kylie Minogue's style.

Jamie McCarthy, WireImage

The 2001 VMA weren't a high style point for Britney Spears but that didn't stop GaGa from following in the Princess of Pop's style footsteps.

PEX/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic

Nicole Richie knows a thing or two about what it's like to have half of Hollywood rip off your style. The expectant mom poses as Tinseltown's latest muse on the cover of BlackBook.

BlackBook

One part No Doubt era Gwen Stefani, one part MIA, a dash of Blondie and suddenly Richie is 100% GaGa.

BlackBook

Paris Hilton's "anything Nicole can do I can do better" attitude struck again during a recent photo shoot in which the heiress channeled GaGa.

X17online.com

The saucy singer inspires Paris in her latex bra top and pencil skirt.

WENN

Christina Aguilera used to borrow her style from the classic pinup girls of the 1940s but since Lady GaGa came on the scene the singer has left the decade behind. This pants-less ensemble is her most recent copycat, her first was at the MTV Music Awards in 2008.

Jean Baptiste Lacroix, WireImage

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