French President Macron Has Spent $31,000 on Make-Up Since Election

Emmanuel Macron became President of France in May 2017. Since then, he has spent approximately 26,000 euros, or approximately $31,000, on make-up. The BBC quoted French weekly news magazine Le Point for that amount, adding that the money was spent on a personal make-up artist hired to “beautify” Macron.

Social media users have not responded positively to the news, even though many people in the public eye use foundation to counteract harsh camera lights and flash bulbs, reports BBC. Some are calling Macron “ToutanMacron,” in reference to the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun.

#fashion #news for #Trump #EtatsUnis :the #mode #madeinfrance #internasional

?ToutanMacron, un #maquillage en or ce matin ?#Communication pic.twitter.com/07DkCkF5FZ

— Charles Martel 732 (@charlesmartel72) August 25, 2017

One user, @Stayveiner referred to the makeup as “poudre de Perlimpinpin” which BBC translates as either “fairy dust” or “snake oil,” depending on context. This is likely a nod to Macron’s choice words aimed at Marine Le Pen during one of their debates prior to the French elections.

#Macron @EmmanuelMacron avec / sans la poudre de perlimpinpin pic.twitter.com/lM5EySjX7X

— Stay_veiner (@Stayveiner) August 24, 2017

In response to this claim, the Elysée Palace states that former Presidents Hollande and Sarkozy spent more on make-up than Macron has so far. Still, Macron’s aides have said that they are looking into cheaper options.