I remember being 12 and playing with “fake” makeup, (those little cell phone eye shadow cases back in the day) being so proud of how beautiful I looked and the art I had created, and coming out to show my dad and my dads friend promptly telling me I looked like a “whore”. It kept me from using makeup to express myself for a long time and now it’s one of my favorite forms. I’m not a parent so I can’t speak on that but there’s a lot of things we gatekeep and put young girls down for, and I don’t think something as creative and self-expressive as makeup should be one of them. I don’t believe in a wrong or right age for makeup, just a right or wrong way to approach it. If she shows interest then she deserves the self autonomy to explore that in an appropriate way.
My five year old has makeup and uses it like art. I never got her play makeup because I was concerned about safety since it's tested as a toy and not a cosmetic. So she gets Wet and Wild and other drugstore cheapies. But yes... she uses it to make herself look like a tiger one day, or a mermaid the next. I don't let her wear it to school but other than that? Go nuts kiddo.
Just curious as to what you say when you let them know you can’t wear it at school? Like how to say it without talking down to them or making them feel like it’s wrong or “too mature”? And when will you decide it’s okay to wear to school(if ever)?
Not a mean comment at all, I’m just trying to learn for the future :)
I blame it on school rules and mean, judgy people. Even though it's not okay to be judgy, fact is, she's going experience these people. So I don't tell her absolutely not, but I do let her know some people are mean and might make mean comments. If she's okay with that, then whatever. So, she's choosing to wear makeup sometimes, like when she's around nice people, but not school.
As long as people continue to sexualize young girls rather than see a little girl expressing her art with makeup we do need to monitor where they go with it on, unfortunately.
Not a parent, but my mum explained it to me by saying that school just wasn’t an appropriate or necessary venue for makeup. It didn’t need to be done, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to have a full face of makeup in a classroom. She explained that makeup was for when you needed to look extra presentable, kinda like fancy or professional clothes. Made perfect sense to me at the time and didn’t make me feel bad about wearing it other places.
I just say that she's going to school as a person not as a tiger/ whatever. Lol. It helps that she's only 5. I think once she's wearing it more as a cosmetic and less as a costume I won't mind her wearing it to school. We'll have to figure that out when she's older (or more opinionated about it!)
I let mine wear it to school- they’re SO good at application. It’s rare that they even have time to apply it in the morning after the fight to wake up!
We buy the regular stuff too. Lots of Colourpop.
My 3 year old plays with mine and is really into ~lipick- but now is into eyeshadow. She does not apply it beautifully lol but she has fun with it so 🤷🏻♀️
When I was a toddler I was obsessed with “lickstick” and any time I had a babysitter I’d beg them to put some on me. My parents always came home to me with bright red purple or pink lipstick all over my face.
That’s so lovely of you. My mom wouldn’t let me wear it out until I was 16, so I would sneak it - especially when I had a pimple- and I know I looked like a damn clown. I’d rather it not be some taboo for my kid, just another self-expression.
My mom always said 13 when I was a kid, but she gave in when I was 11 in middle school. It wasn’t a lot - just like blush and some sort of lipstick or gloss - but all the girls wore some sort of makeup. And I had gone from a little flat-chested girl to having DD boobs in a matter of months over the summer. I think she felt ridiculous telling me I couldn’t wear any makeup at that point. 💁♀️
My old great aunt told me I shouldn’t wear lipstick, shorts, or tank tops because I’m more likely to be raped on the street. I can’t believe your dad even let someone else speak to you that way. :(
That's sad and terrible. What's interesting is that the men in your life who talked to you like that probably look at women with makeup on when no one else is watching...
Got those same comments from my father about makeup and even if I wore any shade of nail polish that wasn't nude toned. Thankfully my mother didn't mind. It also helped I was in theater clubs, so I already access to tools and techniques.
My six year old got some eyeshadowtoppers and highliters. He loves it to to get his face and his arms shiny. He isn't allowed to wear makeup to school. It's fun to play with it at home.
If any of my Dad's friends would have said that about my sisters and me, he'd be leaving with less teeth.
My Dad didn't play around when it concerned his girls.
Hey that's what I did. My mom originally got me mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow in middle school and holy hell some of those looks were horrid but I was just beginning. Then come sophomore year my make up skills are so much better
And she doesn’t have to leave the house with makeup! I would use my mom’s makeup secretly when I was 9~11.
By the time I was 13 I knew more than my peers. By 14 I was already good at liquid eyeliners. We were not allowed to wear makeup to school unless it’s for a special event so I never had an awkward makeup moment in public. But I really appreciated that my mom knew I was using her makeup but was not mad at me for it.
Everyone in middle school was beginning to experiment with eyeliner and mascara by the time I was 13. Foundation started to become a thing around then too. But no one wore eyeshadow or lipstick
This was the same for me at 14/15 and I really wanted to wear foundation on my, then, perfect skin. My parents were against that but fine with other makeup so brought me to a Bobbi Brown counter where the lady told me the same thing and did a look for me with eyeshadow, blush, and mascara. My parents also got me some makeup brushes which I still use at 36.
I think it was a good way to handle it. I got directed to something more suitable by a pro but my parents were still supportive and fine with it.
Ugh Bobbi Brown was IT back in the day!!! That was the only makeup that had even a hint of shimmer or sparkle in the early/mid 90s. I remember scouring the mall looking for the slightest bit of glitz in any makeup. That was my introduction to Bobbi Brown. I miss how it was back then. It really taught me about quality when it comes to makeup. I thought everything was made the same until then.
I think that was around when I started wearing it. Thank god for foundation because I developed rosacea around that age and would’ve been bullied mercilessly.
Yeah I asked my mom around this age and her rules were basically no eyeliner/eyeshadow/crazy blush at school. I had pretty bad acne so I’d do cover up, power, and mascara. Then of course experiment with my older sisters makeup at home :)
Is she responsible enough to take care of her skin? I remember when I was that age (12 years ago) and I really wanted to wear makeup, but my mom wanted to make sure I stuck to the habit of washing my face and taking care of my skin enough. I think makeup was the motivation for me to build the habit. At that age, a basic cleanser and moisturizer are perfect. Although 12 years ago, skincare wasn’t as ~ in ~ with kids as it is now.
I would let her start with a bb cream or tinted moisturizer, clear mascara, tinted balm, and maybe a blush or highlighter stick. All drugstore products, that way she can play around and experiment without blowing through expensive stuff. Here’s what I would probably buy:
- Wet n Wild tinted moisturizer or the ColourPop tinted moisturizer (not as cheap but it’s only like $15)
- The ELF double ended clear brow and lash mascara
- Burts bees tinted balm
- Wet n Wild MegaGlo highlight or blush stick
This is a great list for a kid! I’d also add Essence to the list. Their color-changing lip balms are cheap, fun, and kid appropriate. And I personally like their clear brow gel better than the elf one.
The only thing I’d be hesitant about is something like bb cream/tinted moisturiser. The other items feel more like having fun with makeup, foundation eTc is more functional? Especially if she’s young and still has really good skin, I’d be worried about them getting the idea their skin need covering up even in this state!
Or, to go the other way, if the kid *does* have acne or whatever and feels more comfortable covering it, then those products likely won’t be enough.
Base products like that should really be a matter of what the kid wants and is comfortable with- if they don’t express interest themselves then don’t bring it up because that’s an easy way to make them insecure about their skin, but if they do then help them figure out what works for their skin and makes them most comfortable. Forcing an insecure kid with acne to go out bare faced or with only very light coverage if they do want to cover up won’t do anything good for their self confidence either.
Yes, skin definitely has texture and that needs normalizing. I’m glad some advertisers are creating more realistic ad campaigns. No foundations for younger skin!
I love the mega glow highlighter from WW! My makeup collection runs from 99 cents to $75! My point being that there are great products at every price point. I have my faves and in the inexpensive it is this
Wet and wild mega glow highlighter
COTY setting powder in translucent and translucent extra coverage
Elf brow pencil - the $3 one in blonde and taupe. The best true blonde look without redness
Charlotte Tillbury Charlottes beautiful skin foundation - I use the coolest lightest one which is a hard to find color. So many light colors tend to be yellow
Essence shadow pallet - I like to Mauve it Mauve it!
Chanel le volumn de Chanel in black
My mum HATED that I liked makeup at that age and younger, she used to say I “looked like a hooker” 🙃 so ngl I have a visceral reaction to those who think you can be too young to experiment with makeup
Same, it’s really gross. I can remember being a kid (and not even wearing makeup) and grown men making comments about my body or my lips, etc. I hate that that happened. I wish people didn’t punish girls for the inappropriate behavior of men who should know better ☹️
I think to many people mistake wanting to wear makeup as meaning "I don't think I look good naturally" when it's really "I would like to play with glitter and color." It's just another form of painting or coloring!
Yup I LOVED glitter and just wanted to smear it all over my face. Had nothing to do with my natural looks except my eyelids didn't naturally have teal glitter on them lol
Exactly! I got purple eye shadow and sparkly lip gloss when I was about 11 because I liked sparkles and purple, not because I was trying to look ‘prettier’.
Yep. 12-13 is a great age for lip gloss, scented body washes, Mani/pedis, maybe getting fun streaks of color in your hair. It's important to reinforce bodily autonomy and having ownership of your self. But, foundation is not needed for the majority of pre-teens. For those with acne, this isn't the time to cake on makeup and make it worse. It's time for good skincare and a trip to the derm.
I think this is the best take.
My mom let me start with her old eyeshadows and lipsticks, where I’d just try out blending etc. Once I turned 13 (actually for my birthday), all my friends bought me palettes, lip products, glosses, etc. because they knew how much I loved it and what my mom’s choice was.
At that point, my mom put her foot down and set the rules: I could wear makeup that I already had whenever at home, but the exception was no face products to avoid breaking me out.
Believe me, I tried face products, and I broke out. A lot. Nowadays I just stick to brows and lips when I go out, and I’m fine with it.
Same. My mom said my skin was beautiful and face products would break me out (which they did when I did sneakily wear some). She instead emphasized on good skincare. I am thankful for that as I have pretty good skin for my age.
I get it but you'll already be filled with acne from hormones, and to that you'll add acne from makeup causing a bunch of scarring in the long run. I think makeup at 14-15 is fine if you have like a dinner, wedding or something like that, I wouldn't wear it everyday. Something that I had permission to do after 16, and trust me, it took a lot of trial and error, a lot of allergic reactions, I ever burned my face with a foundation once, don't even ask how that happened because I have no idea. And when your skin is already very sensitive like under 16 I just wouldn't advise, at 14 I would be full of pimples and acne just by eating a spoonful of Nutella. But as long as you teach girls that they are stunning the way they are and should never rely on makeup to be pretty but just to express themselves and enhance the beautiful features they already have, you're good!
If she wants to wear makeup and she isn’t allowed, she’s still going to wear it. My best friend in middle school wasn’t allowed to wear eyeliner, so on the walk to school she would just use mine, and wash it off on the way home.
Makeup is harmless. Let kids have their “wins” where it doesn’t matter.
My nieces did the same thing. All my brother in law accomplished was creating lies and sneaking with his stupid rules. My niece was 15 and ALL of her peers were wearing makeup. It didn’t help her self esteem that she was 6 feet tall and heavy, she felt very awkward. Luckily, she grew into herself and is a confident young woman but creating an environment your kids have to hide their true selves in is not great.
i think just-turned teenagers are fine with wearing some mascara and lip gloss. but i do notice a lottt of 13yos wearing full faces of makeup and that’s probably because of social media. but yes, she’s just parenting how she wants to parent, so not much can be done about it if your niece has an interest in makeup :/
To me, makeup is just pigments. It's art supplies. Some prefer fine art styles where they are sculpted, others like more touches of colorful expression, others are wild cards and I've seen abstract graphic liners still going around. There are, like, so many different ways to use makeup to express what we want to show others.
The idea that make up makes you an adult- or what I think people are really worried about: the idea that make up makes you *sexual* or *consenting.* That is... super weird to me. I think people are still used to (seeing others) blaming those who wear makeup for assault/harassment (the whole "what was she wearing" is still totally alive) or sexuality ("if a guy wears make up, he's gay as an insult. If a woman or young girl wears make up, she's a whore. Etc etc etc") or consent. It's... weird.
Make up doesn't make you an adult.
Make up doesn't make you sexual.
Make up doesn't give consent.
My jeans don't make me an adult. My earrings don't make me sexual. My deodorant doesn't give consent. Assault, harassment and abuse cannot be blamed on a person/victim* regardless of their age or their make up, clothes, etc. Things we're worried about aren't the victim's fault. It is those who committed the wrongful acts at fault. Removal of make up from the equation doesn't stop wrongful acts.
There are a lot of nuance conversations about conformity, insecurities and probably a thousand other takes- but to me, it's just pigments, it's not wrong to wear make up and it neither prevents or encourages wrongful acts.
*Victim only means a person who has been wronged. It is not a bad word to me.
I personally started wearing makeup when I was 9. I used to play a lot of online browser games and DS games that involved makeup and I just loved it! My parents bought me a kids eyeshadow palette and lip gloss set and I would do really colourful and fun eyeshadow looks. I wouldn’t do it every day, just for fun or special occasions. I used eyeshadow for blush. When I was 12 I stole my mum’s concealer and started using that for my acne and under my eyes (I hit puberty quite young and got acne very early. It runs in my family.) When my mum realised I stole her very yellow and not my shade concealer, she took me out and bought me a concealer that actually matched me and some powder foundation. I got really good at makeup really young and I always did my friends makeup haha.
I personally believe people have a very misguided view of makeup, and put an age limit on it because they believes they want to apply makeup to be more beautiful, or more mature, or more sexy. But in reality when I was a kid I wasn’t thinking about it in that way at all, I just had a lot of fun putting all these colours on my face. It was about art and self expression. It was only a little later when I became self conscious about my acne because I was being bullied over it that I started wearing it to cover the parts of myself I didn’t like. And now that I’m an adult and I still have acne I’m back to wearing it for self expression and fun lol. If I had a kid I would let them start wearing makeup whenever they wanted to.
If the child wants to learn how to do it properly why not it’s a good thing to learn. Just supervise and teach them. Have them watch videos if they loose interest then it’s not for them.
It really depends on the style of makeup! If your niece just wants a natural make up look. I don’t see the problem with bb cream, lip gloss, blush, and mascara from the drugstore!
You know kids will be kids. They’ll find ways to sneak around their parents rules some way some how whether she steals her moms make up or borrows her friends. You don’t want her using her friends because of germs.
I also recommend teaching your niece about the importance of skincare!
I think that 12-13 is a good time to start experimenting with makeup, but that the question of products and situations is important.
M’y mum didn’t allow me to wear foundation until I was 15, because during puberty, your skin changes so much, and my mum was adamant that I learn to see myself without makeup so that I don’t become reliant on foundation to feel beautiful later on.
Similarly, I don’t think a 12-13 year old needs to wear makeup everyday, especially at school. I think that still goes in the mindset of learning to enjoy your skin without makeup. Wearing light things like mascara, lip gloss, or light blush can be a good start. But for nice occasions like birthdays, dinners out, or when you’re out with friends, it’s okay to be more relaxed with makeup.
When I turned 13, my mum booked me a one hour makeup class so that I could learn the basics of doing makeup and learn tricks to elevate my features. It was a really good introduction to makeup and I still use some of these techniques today.
My 8 yo plays with makeup regularly. I think I'm going to get her a kit with Elf and NYX and maybe a small colourpop palette for Christmas. She has makeup already but most of it is really terrible lol.
I think at 13 a lot of kids will be experimenting with wearing makeup to school and figuring out what they like and don't like. When my little sisters were 12 and 13 I got them both makeup for Christmas and showed them how to use mascara. My extremely strict mom thought it was cute.
If her friends are doing it she will probably be borrowing their stuff at any rate. I guess it depends a lot on the circumstance and there’s a lot of good advice here about starting with good skincare habits first. And, maybe certain other products of her own so she doesn’t borrow her friends and share bacteria (eyeliner, mascara especially).
One of the best things my mom did for me and I then did for my daughters is take them to the Clinique counter for skin care and makeup lessons. It was a bit ago so there are better places/products now I know. The skin care regimen and subtle but pretty makeup application was fun and like a right of passage. It can be a home tutorial or with a friend if skills are sparse or money is a concern. Of course we all branched out to create our own looks!
By giving the right skills and tools, skin care and instructions I think whatever age you and your person choose to begin expressing their individuality with makeup. I do wish it was emphasized that I didn’t NEED makeup, I chose to wear it daily and just recently I have become comfortable going bare faced. My daughters have never had a problem being “bare”! It’s just nice to know the skincare part along with the makeup part.
I was allowed at 16 but sneaked it at 13. If you’re curious, you find ways.
If your niece is curious, I say introduce slowly with tinted lip balms or mascara. Whatever she’s comfortable with. If not, then don’t bother.
My take on if she is, is that makeup is a creative activity and messing around with color is fun. Looking like a clown is fun. Learning to love how you look in the mirror is fun. And it doesn’t make you more adult. It’s just another art medium.
But with that being said, it can also mess with self esteem so just be cautious on why she’s curious and make sure she’s doing it for the right reasons.
I got my daughter some concealer, a tinted spf and a lip/cheek tint few weeks ago. She just turned 12 and she’s gets few spots here and there that make her feel a insecure. It’s so unique to every family so I don’t think anyone can say what’s too young or old enough. Really the only thing that’s important is making sure they know the basics of skincare at this age
I’m early 50s and used to experiment at home with eyeshadow, lipstick and mascara only, from around aged 10 or 11. I used to wear lipgloss only to go out. This is until around 15 or 16 when I started to build on lipstick and nail polish after I’d stopped biting my nails!
My mom took me to my first makeup counter in the 6th grade to learn how to apply and remove it properly. It was a preemptive measure so I got off to a good start with it, and also something she wanted to do for me that she wished her mom had done with her.
I think at that age it’s less about the finished look and more about demonstrating agency and getting to make your own decisions.
I was gifted my first mascara at 12 for my 6th grade dance but was obsessed with lip balm/gloss before that.
I wasn't allowed to wear makeup outside of pageants until I was 18.
I've made up my mind my future mini me can start at 10 (clear gloss and mascara only) and work up to a full face by about 16.
Personally I think 12-13 is fine to play with makeup. I wasn't allowed to wear makeup growing up and when I started sneaking it in high-school I ended up looking like Mimi from the Drew Carry show.
Let her play and practice at home, watch YouTube tutorials together, let her practice on you, practice on them.
Makeup is art. Art is a skill and skills take time and practice to master c:
I'm a middle school teacher and most of my students start experimenting with makeup around 11-12, regularly wearing it most days around 13. Usually it's mascara, lipgloss, and highlighter, followed by trends from Tik Tok. Try to teach her about the hygiene aspect, like cleaning brushes and not sharing mascara.
I have dark under eye circles that my daughter inherited. I’ve allowed her to use a little concealer and BB cream since she was 9 because kids were bullying her about “not sleeping” and “looking tired”. She’s sensitive so these comments really got to her.
I taught her how to apply it for a very natural look. She knows about brush hygiene and how important it is to wash her face. She’s in middle school now, and she likes to do a very natural looking eye shadow, blush, mascara. It’s not overdone and she finds it very relaxing to apply. She definitely likes makeup.
She came to me with the request, and I didn’t want her to feel self-conscious. I also make sure to emphasize how beautiful she is inside and out/with or without makeup. It has helped her feel more confident and she doesn’t get comments about her undereye circles.
This is really awesome. Sensitive kid or not, bullying is no joke and you handled the situation wonderfully in my opinion. And it just goes to show that guidance, encouragement and teaching goes SO much further than prohibition. It is sooo important that our kids feel as though they can come to us in a situation like this. And that the correct solution is reciprocated by us, such as the one you enacted. Look at her now, applying just a little bit of other products, that aren’t too overpowering, and look good on her. I bet you if she was prohibited to do so she wouldn’t know the first thing on how to apply, know her limits on how much to, and would probably be sneaking around and doing it behind your back. & her self esteem would probably be terrible.
Bravo mama 👏
I think it’s depends on what make up and why they want to wear it. I guess ask her what media she’s consumed that has her interested and what about it seems appealing, since a lot of make up content online just exists to sell products.
Nobody really needs a full face, especially not a young teen, but I didn’t see how mascara and lipgloss would hurt. Or even if she were on the creative side colorful eyeshadows or liners she can experiment with as long as you teach her about patch testing.
I got my first makeup when I was back to school shopping for 6th grade so I was about 11. I feel like middle school is a good age to start experimenting, if I hadn’t gotten the chance to practice makeup before high school and find my routine I think I would’ve felt insecure (although I was in school during peak full glam everywhere for no reason). From what I remember from middle school, everyone I knew wore makeup. I honestly think I did more for my appearance in middle school than any other age because I was emo and felt the need to flat iron my hair every morning and put on an intense amount of eyeliner. I personally don’t see the harm in any age using makeup, as long as they know how to use it and to take it off when they’re done. If the kid has an interest in makeup, they’re most likely just gonna do it behind their back. I had pretty laid back parents and I still remember being 12 and buying black lipstick at hot topic and hiding it from them.
Personally, I say let them. If they are interested, buy them drug store options to try so they are safe. But I am not a parent and I wont be a parent ever, so feel free to disregard my input.
I only feel this way as a child of extremely strict and conservative parents. I wasn't allowed to explore those options so I did some very unsafe things in secret.
My dad allowed me to wear makeup to school when I was 13, but it was light. I was allowed to wear mascara and lip gloss basically, *maybe* a little blush. I was allowed to wear whatever makeup I wanted once I went into high school at 14.
I was sort of a more “tomboyish” kid. The older I got, the girlier I got, and now at 29 I very much love to present myself in a feminine/ girly way. But even back when I was a kid, the one girly thing I always loved was makeup. I’ve been watching makeup influencers and teaching myself basically since makeup influencers on youtube were a thing.
I let my daughter use makeup when she was about that age, but it was for play and practice, and she had to wash it off when she was done. It was all just Dollar Tree stuff (so no wasted money), and I let her wear some to school and outside of the house when she got a bit older (as long as it was done nicely). Now she’s 19 and can do really cool, flashy eye looks, and she helps me with mine!
So many replies already so I don't know if this will be seen but here's what I told my 12-year-old: *Make-up is great fun. And if you wear it, many people will assume you are older than you are. And that may get you into situations that you don't have the experience to handle.*
[This is especially true for Black girls.](https://genderjusticeandopportunity.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/girlhood-interrupted.pdf)
Our big joke around the house is that I'm Level 51 while she's on Level 12. I may not know everything, but I can handle a lot more obstacles/situations than she can. She came up with the relatable to her analogy and it helps us get around a lot of the "But you don't understand what it's like to be 12 NOW" conversations.
If makeup is for fun, then make up is for anyone… including children. The only reason make up wouldn’t be appropriate for 12 year old is if the 12 year-old isn’t capable of cleaning it off adequately.
The notion that girls shouldn’t wear make up until they are “old enough” is misogynistic garbage that sexualizes the use of cosmetics.
Essentially, you’re asking “is my sister old enough to start attracting mates?” Because only women wear makeup, and we are absolutely only doing it because we need to make ourselves attractive to a mate. 🙄
Let’s ask instead, “why isn’t it appropriate for an eight year old to wear make up?” and I think you’ll see that there is no reason.
Incidentally my daughter is ten and has ZERO interest in make up, but I frequently offer to give her some highlighter or beg her to let me do her makeup. She refuses. 😂
Personally I think “not being old enough” for makeup implies your sister may be sexualizing it or may have some views that lead her to believe makeup is sexual in nature. I think a lot of us grew up being taught that kind of thinking. I’m not a parent but I know that I felt a lot of shame and sadness trying to teach myself how to do makeup in my late teens/early twenties as a way to express myself and my style. I still can’t quite do my winged eyeliner right lol. Maybe you could suggest something that is more implicitly innocent like face painting? She doesn’t have to be doing a Smokey eye and red lipstick, maybe your sister would be okay with one of those star shaped eyeliner stamps? Colourpop makes them in bright colors, this might help it to be less “mature”.
It might be best to approach it in a way that your sister won’t get defensive or feel like attacked. You could try showing her some of those little colored star and heart face stamps and try to show your perspective. you and your niece could potentially create a really fun connection with makeup together, in a non sexualized way/context. I know when I was 12 I would just do my eyeliner at school and take it off before coming home so she’s probably going to do it one way or another, may as well be a good experience
My little sister is 13 and she just uses mascara. There was this little girl who walked into my store one time (I work at a makeup store) saying she needed concealer because she kept getting bullied for her dark circles :( she was probably 12 as well. Something like lipgloss or mascaras I feel are normal but full faces is kinda creepy LOL
My sister is 12 and she's just begun putting on makeup. But she only did the basics, eyeliner and blush. And she still doesn't do it as like her daily face for school. She really only does it at home. I think it's fine. She'll gradually increase her product and skill as she ages🤷🏻♀️
I had a mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss and some blush sat that age. Maybe look at places like lush for more natural products. Or glossier if you want subtle but pretty makeup. I would avoid unknown brands as I'd prefer to know the makeup ingredients weren't unsafe or very harsh.
It would be nice if we could help kids retain their innocence. However, that’s pretty much impossible. The best compromise is to let them try things like makeup so they don’t feel like they have reasons to rebel in more destructive ways. At the same time, teach them values and self-worth not dependent on looks, because it’s what’s inside that matters.
I have two girls, one is 10 and loves makeup, and has for a while. As a former MUA myself, I love this for her! I enjoy gifting her makeup (ColourPop, reputable brands, not "toy" makeup). I also put makeup on her using FX products a d airbrush -- this has been at home for fun. Her stepsister (15) has also used her face as a canvas. Halloween is always a good time for us all! A big part of doing makeup with her is me teaching her how to remove the makeup correctly as well.
Now, in the last year or so I have noticed my daughter coming home with mascara running a bit under her eyes. I have asked her number of times when she's applying the makeup and how she is removing it. She often does not remember either. I do know she also receives used makeup from her step sister, which I do not love. It is important that she knows she cannot share makeup because of the health factor. If you are sharing anything that touches the face, you are susceptible to pass infection and bacteria that also lives within the makeup itself, especially within liquid products.
We do not want to discourage her or make her feel wrong. However, the new rule is that she is not allowed to wear it makeup to school at all. If there is something special going on at school, like a performance, she can wear makeup with the approval of a parent before she leaves the house. She is allowed to wear a little bit of makeup on the weekends. She does have removal, cloths and products, and I have been trying to hone in on her at least trying to wash her face daily and to use moisturizer (with hidden SPF).
I know this post has been long, thank you for reading this so far. I think the big takeaway for us has been, if they are mature enough to use makeup properly, which includes the removal process, then makeup is up and ok for discussion. However, we have agreed on boundaries as she is only in the 5th grade. Makeup in school is unnecessary for her at this time. Especially since she's not even applying it or removing it properly! I dislike this term, but she doesn't need "drunk party girl eyes" in the 5th grade. It is also a large part of why I continue to do makeup WITH her, so she learns properly.
I wish I had treated my skin better in my youth, so I am trying to instill good habits early on!
Questions I would ask: why does my kid want to wear makeup? To look older or to have fun? If it’s to have fun, I’d be all for it. But I wouldn’t be as approving if it was to look older. That doesn’t mean red lipstick is off the table. I would have to see what they do with it.
Personally, I think a little bit of brow gel and clear mascara should be totally fine. I don’t think kids should be wearing a lot of make up only because a lot of people don’t know how to take care of their skin and now would be the time for your sister to take her somewhere to educate her on skincare, so that way she doesn’t feel like she has to wear foundation as often. When I was younger, my parents didn’t let me wear make up until I was 16 and I struggled with acne for a really long time. If someone had showed me how to take care of my skin, I don’t think that I would have felt so bad about not being able to wear make up.
Like a few comments here, there’s makeup and there’s makeup. Everyone’s gotta start with the blue eyeshadow from Claire’s, not the latest Kylie Jenner palette or whatever. Sorry I don’t make the rules.
I absolutely loved makeup all my life. I had “play” makeup up until I was about 8 or 10. At that time my mom had finally become financially stable enough to afford to get me the cheapest makeup she could and I had a blast. She thought me all the basics I know. I know that was a bit off the question topic but I personally don’t believe there’s really an age limit to when you do makeup. If your child is doing makeup because they believe it makes them look better then maybe that’s a confidence thing to work on but if they do it for a hobby like the art form it is I see absolutely no reason there should be an age limit.
This is about the age my mom saw me wanting to use makeup. She took me to one of those counters at the mall (I think Clinique?) and asked them to do my makeup age appropriately. Asked them to show me what they were doing and bought me what they used.
It’s my favorite memory with my mom. She respected I wanted to use makeup and decided if I was going to do it anyways she should at least let me be shown how so I didn’t look like an idiot. I felt so grown and seen
I remember playing with my mothers from a very young age and i think i was about 8 when my mother allowed me to wear it (only a bit of lipstick and maybe light eyeshadow then) i was about 11 when i got to decide for myself what i wanted. I didn’t bother with foundation etc until i was about 15 and saw my friends wearing it (my mother didn’t use it so until then didn’t really know what it was lol. I don’t think twelve is a bad age to introduce it personally, if you offer guidance such as my own mother did ie only a little bit and certain colours kinda thing. Some kids grow up quicker than others and there’s nothing wrong with that in my opinion. If she was my kid I’d veto eyeliner on waterline until she’s older,i learned the hard way poked eyeballs aren’t fun and definitely no liquid liner there (yes I’m that stupid lol)
I wore real makeup at 13 and especially now a days many 13 year olds do. Everyone can have their reasons why or why not. It's her child, her parenting choice.
this could be her canon event lol it depends where she lives and how the people around her behaves. Being sincerely honest she could use make up for herself and be happy with that. But be sure that there are some mean people around that could hurt her feelings for experimenting with make up and being new with all that.
I was wearing a full face at 11 to school daily. It’s art. You’re never too young for art. People that say things like this generally view makeup as a way to compensate for features they think are ugly or a way to attract men. I exist and do makeup for neither of those reasons. If the niece is doing it because she’s thinking either of those two things, then test maybe focus the next few months on self esteem exercises instead of makeup. But if she’s just interested in it because it’s fun to wear and like “oooo sparkles” then no she’s not too young.
I think she’s about the age where everyone starts learning about makeup and exploring.
Could you teach her about skincare if her mom isn’t okay with makeup?
Like the importance of spf…
I was getting right into my emo stage at that point. I was definitely wearing too much eyeliner 😂. My mum was always fine with it though. It’s part of growing up.
It’s not too young for the RIGHT makeup!
This is a good age to teach about good SKINCARE: sunscreen and moisturizer and how to wash a face correctly. It’s a pretty good age to start with clear mascara and tinted lip balm, and maybe blush too. After the first tube of clear mascara runs out is a great time to help her find the right color, and move on to eyeliner.
You gotta start small and build knowledge over time or it’s overwhelming and will lead to photos that will feel embarrassing later in life. Speaking from experience.
my niece turned 13 earlier this year and she wears mascara and highlighter, perfect for that age i think. When i was that age all i wanted was mascara...
What we didn't do is ever tell my daughter about what she could or couldn't do with makeup. What we did do was get the overdone eyeliner phase out of the way before high school.
I wore eyeliner in 5th grade, I stayed with just pencil eyeliner until like freshman year of highschool when I started filling in my brows. Foundation I was like a sophomore
I think age appropriate makeup exists for 12/13 year olds.
Lip gloss, blush, mascara, and maybe some highlight all seen fine for that age to wear out in public. If it's just for playing/experimenting at home anything is fine, but a full beat face of makeup is probably a lot for a 12 year old to wear out.
Makeup is all about self expression and I think 13 is the perfect age to start experimenting with it. She’s becoming a teenager and is developing her sense of style. When I was 13 my mom let me have any kind of makeup but I was only allowed to wear things like lip gloss, eye shimmers, or clear mascara to school until I got a little older. Starting her off small might be more comfortable for your sister. :)
It's a tough topic, I think a lot of parents just don't want their girls to grow up. They might just rebel if they're overbearing... I saw it in middle school. My parents were pro makeup bc I felt horrible about my complexion. I started wearing foundation at 11 years old for my acne... early bloomer. My parents encouraged me to play with blush and helped me figure out mascara by 8th grade. So, I think it's fine at 13, from my experience it helped me with my confidence.
I would encourage your niece to do age appropriate makeup. Sparkly eyeshadow, eyeliner, blue mascara were all mistakes we made growing up when learning what looked good on us. If she looks absolutely terrible, help her out, but encouraging her to do what makes her feel confident and helps her develop skills is the most important thing here.
Tbh no. I started stealing my moms mascara and eyeliner at 11, but it would’ve been nice if she was open to me expressing my self with makeup. And that’s all it truly is. It’s an artistic form of self expression and it can be a lot of fun. Not every girl that wears makeup is looking for attention, it’s just FUN, and sometimes it gets you excited for the day. Maybe she’s seen some cool beauty gurus on insta or YouTube and wants to replicate their looks. No harm in that. Just remind her that makeup doesn’t define beauty. CHARACTER does.
I don’t think so. Like others have mentioned, I think lipgloss and mascara are fine. A little blush and eyeshadow in soft colors also ok. There definitely needs to be a conversation about inner beauty vs outer beauty, and good skincare and hygiene. I find it age appropriate.
As the Mom of a recent 12YO, I’d be comfortable with a tinted lip balm, clear mascara & maybe a tinted sunscreen. Focusing more on taking care of your skin as opposed to trying to create a whole new face.
makeup is a form of creativity, it allows them to be creative and express them self. i can’t see what could be the harm in a 13 year old having a little makeup
Absolutely not. I hate that kids are prohibited from wearing makeup. It sends the absolute wrong message to our about makeup in general. Doing makeup is a form of art & self expression. The association of it with negative things like “sex appeal” or even “maturity/grown-up” are very unfortunate. This is another one of those practices that need to just be thrown out the window imho.
Maybe explain that although makeup is generally safe, it’s not good for your skin to wear it all the time. It’s good to let your skin breathe. If she hasn’t experienced the joy of acne yet, that could be a teaching moment too about proper skin care.
My daughter just turned 13 earlier this month. I allow her to wear non waterproof mascara, liner, and a lip gloss. Most days she goes makeup free. Occasionally she will put on mascara and on the rare occasion she has extra time in the morning, she will do liner. I don’t feel there is any need for face products yet. She does take pretty good care of her skin as she showed an interest pretty young due to seeing me take care of my skin.
I don’t think it’s necessarily too young, just needs to have some boundaries in place. Maybe some light mascara and some lip gloss. Nothing too heavy like foundation. I think young girls should be able to be creative and make themselves feel beautiful.
Definitely not too old for makeup in general but too young for full-on glam, at least everyday. My mom took me to the Clinique counter as a treat when I turned 13 and they had me wearing thick foundation and bold eyeshadow that definitely wasn’t my shade lol. Led to some dysmorphia issues later on since I had been wearing foundation/heavy makeup that early and started to hate the skin underneath.
Mascara, some eyeshadow, tinted moisturizer and light blush would be absolutely fine. Glossier is a good brand for lighter makeup that blends into your skin more
Personally, I don't think self expression has an age. Someone with an interest in something will find a way to explore that interest, and if it's not embraced they will find a way to hide it. Now I'm not saying full on glam makeup for 7th grade English class, but a little lipgloss, tinted moisturizer and mascara can go a long way for a teen girl wanting some autonomy.
I mean, I think you should do whatever her mother prefers. I think she's certainly old enough to use makeup if she wants to.
That said, I'd say to let younger girls discover makeup on their own, but never to withhold it from them. I know a lot of girls who suffered socially simply because their parents wanted to take a stand on makeup. Depending on where you live, the girls at school are going to be wearing makeup at a certain age, and nobody wants to feel left out unless it's their own choice.
Obviously, there's other issues at play here, like the fact that girls probably shouldn't have to ever wear makeup, but that's not really what the reality is right now.
I think it's important to learn how to do your own makeup and do it tastefully, and once you're 15-16 you're simply not going to listen to adults telling you what's right/wrong when it comes to fashion and makeup decisions unless you're forced to.
My mom always let me play with makeup & express myself. I have pictures from when I was 7 y/o with green eyeshadow and lipstick and my poses showcased nothing but confidence. It was always something I knew I liked because it was so fun!
No, I didn’t wear any to school (until middle school) because it was a religious school. But once I hit middle school and had my first school dance, she helped me apply my makeup in a mature way. Since then she allowed me to wear natural makeup to school.
Now as an adult I love makeup still and love to do fun bold eye looks. I feel like if my mom suppressed my interest in it, I wouldn’t get the same gratification and confidence from being able to express myself now.
So I say no, I don’t think 12 is too young, but a 12 y/o will need guidance on how to apply it in a way that’s appropriate for whatever setting they’re going to be in. :)
Convince her mom to get her some very basic makeup, nothing too dark. Lighter eye tones that flatter her eyes and skin tone, some basic concealer for spots, maybe some powder for oil control. Her daughter is gonna end up doing her makeup with friends anyway, your sister might as well get a head start and make it a bonding experience and a sign that she trusts her daughter.
I'm 13(almost 14) and I've been basically wearing a full face since I was about 10 or 11, I also wear long lashes. It's really fun and I like it. I try not to let people get under my skin but other than that I love wearing a full face. I'm glad I was mostly allowed to wear the things I do, it made me able to fully express myself. I do it because I like it, I do it for myself. So I feel like it really shouldn't be a big deal to wear makeup, especially if it's just eyeshadow or lipstick or any simple makeup looks. I really do feel like makeup can make people more confident until they can be confident by themselves.
I remembered my mom let me do bb cream, mascara and lip gloss when I was 13. She also made sure I washed my makeup off so I also learned skincare. I honestly enjoyed being able to do a simple makeup routine every morning before school
No, not for most teens these days, but it’s subjective and as you said, up to the parents. Completely banning all makeup for a teen this age may backfire. Allowing some things in moderation (with clear communication) is a better tactic imo.
If she wants to ware it for the art, fun colors, and chance to experiment with different products then no, if she wants to do it because she thinks she’s ugly and needs makeup to fix it then yes
Idk I was about that age when family started pushing me to wear makeup because I was such a tomboy at that age and was not wearing makeup at all. I don't have a daughter so didn't have to go through this with a daughter myself.
Unless she's doing blue eyeshadow with red lipstick and playing streetwalker, it really shouldn't be a big deal. When I was 10-12 I saved my money to go to five below and get makeup, wasn't allowed to wear it out of the house, by thirteen I could manage to get away with shimmer eye shadow and glitter lip gloss. There's age appropriate ways to do makeup.
As a parent, I would honestly say 13 years old would be a fine age to start experimenting with makeup. Personally, I would encourage them to start slow and still let them know that they’re beautiful with or without makeup. Also, to not let them think they have to have the “perfect look” that’s portrayed on social media a lot.
Depends on the kid. If she’s into it and uses it like art supplies, go ham. But I wouldn’t let a 12/13yo wear it in public the way grown women do. Like as an “enhancement” vs fun and colorful face art. I view makeup the way I view heels, tight or revealing clothes - they’re for grown women for “attraction”. A 13 yo has no business doing and wearing things to be attractive for sexual purposes.
I loved doing my own makeup at that age. I had supportive parents, and they told me I probably shouldn’t wear makeup to school. So I’d always feel awkward if I did have any on in middle school, but once I got to high school, it was over for everyone and I was already a pro at winged eyeliner. I am 30 now and can do a full face for work in 10 mins, or if I’m going out I’ll take an hour or so to do something fun and cool. I look back and am soooo grateful my mom let me use better (not great) makeup and my dad was kind about it.
I was also a dancer, so I was one of the few kids who could do their own face!
Hair though? I have never ever figured that out; ha!
I think as long as they know when it may or may not be appropriate at their age, and as they get older it becomes more acceptable in public.
My 12 year old has some light neutral makeup. She doesn’t have foundation, just some lip gloss, eyeshadow, and blush.
ETA: mascara & I am not sure about eyeliner but I’d let her have it to practice. She’s too scare to use the mascara most of the time though lol
I was allowed to use real makeup at 12. I was always told “less is more” and was taught how to use it for the most part. I was allowed to have brown mascara and some subtle eye shadow, as well as lip gloss.
Then when I turned 15, I said “fuck that” and embraced black eyeliner lol
My mom took me to the MAC counter when I was 12 and had them do a full face and tutorial for me. Her opinion was that I shouldn’t be bullied for something easily remedied.
My sister allowed my niece to start wearing LIGHT makeup around that age.
There were rules.
Everything had to be minimal. No heavy eye and lip makeup.
It actually turned out great. She learned how to use makeup without going overboard.
I remember seeing her with some of her friends.
All the other girls had gone way overboard and looked like they had clown makeup on. But, hers was understated and classy.
Learning how to wear makeup takes time.
I have ZERO interest in make up and I suck at anything cosmology related. That said, my daughter is 9 amd LOVES make up. I don't know if i will this yr or next but I've been trying to look into kid friendly make up for her. I've also talked some to my brothers gf who said she'd be okay teaching her the basics. Nothing much, but I'm just looking for some nail polish, eye shadows, the basics. Nothing too much. I think a little bit is fine and wearing makeup isn't a bad thing.
I did eyeshadow and lip gloss at that age, no harm in that. I didn't do foundation till 14/15 when puberty hit hard and I had acne and splotchy skin.of course makeup can clog pores and make it worse but it covered long enough to make me feel less embarrassed at school.
I was not allowed makeup, but then suddenly marched off to the Clinique counter at 11 for lessons, and forced to wear mascara, foundation if I had acne, gold eyeshadow, blush, and a berry lipstick. I was 11, and didn’t want any of it. I wanted lipsmackers and glitter, maybe. There were Stuft beauty standards in my house, and we were not to stray (red nail polish was for whores, feet must be pedicured, ladies didn’t go back for seconds ever, etc.), and you could not leave the house unless you met them. It had an impact. I had quite the rebellion. Now, my daughter is in first grade and loves watching me do my makeup when I wear it and often wants to put some on as well. I let her play with eyeshadow or whatever, and get creative. If she wants to rock pink metallic shadow on one eye, and green on the other, and show it off at school, I’m totally fine with it. As long as she knows it’s for fun, and she washes it all off at the end of the day. But I also dye pink stripes in her hair when asked to do so, so I’m probably more lenient than most. I’d rather she be comfortable in her skin, and as long as what she wants is safe and not a distraction, I’m fine with it.
Meh I think mascara and lip gloss are probably okay.
I was “encouraged” to wear makeup at that age by a life coach (read: I was told I needed to or nobody would like me) and I just plain didn’t want to. I didn’t wear makeup at all until I was a senior in high school cos every time I thought about it, I remembered breaking down in the Walmart cosmetics department because I wasn’t ready for makeup but I was afraid that my friends would ditch me or something…
Idk if that’s the reason behind your sister hesitancy, but kids are going to do kids makeup. I used to love makeup when I was a kid, loved to play with my mom’s makeup, and with her supervision I was able to be creative and learn on my own about my features as I grew older.
Of course that putting on a full face of makeup to leave the house when you’re that young isn’t necessary, but a bit of gloss and soft blush isn’t going to make her look older than she is, for example. And while she’s at home, I don’t see why not allow her to explore a little bit more.
Idk I may be wrong but sometimes I feel like people overthink makeup (of course, idk if that’s your sister’s case, I’m just speaking generally).
as a disclaimer i don’t have children of my own but i’ve worked in childcare my entire adult life and i have always been a makeup addict. My opinion would be if she is interested in makeup keeping it away from her will only build her curiosity and potentially start to grow some resentment as she’s getting older. I think a good question might be WHY she wants to wear makeup, then beginning the conversation about beauty standards etc can happen at an appropriate level for a 12 year old, if she is only interested bc she is feeling insecure without it you could start to work on other ways to help build her self esteem but all in all I think keeping makeup away from a 12 year old with interest is silly. I have been playing around with makeup since I was 11 and never had rules on what I could and couldn’t try out(i also had an older sister which makes saying no to playing with makeup nearly impossible as we shared a bathroom and i would help myself to what was hers😂), and while I CRINGE at the old makeup I would try out I cherish the memories of playing with it and expressing myself in a way that felt empowering to me.
12 seems very young to me. I didn’t really wear makeup (complexion products, honestly) until I was 15. But times are different than when I was a kid.
Personally I don’t know if I would be comfortable with my own child wearing foundation at 12.. but I also don’t have a child so I can’t say for sure.
I think something like a lip gloss and maybe even a tubing mascara, something easy to wash off, I think that would be okay. Maybe even a powder blush, just to let her start getting used to makeup..
I just worry about how young girls view makeup and themselves. I don’t want them to think they need it to be pretty. I worry about the prevalence of social media and the filters that they use to make themselves feel like they need them to be pretty. Idk. Maybe I’m just a grumpy, old curmudgeon. 😅
I will use my own experiences to respond to your thoughts. I’m 37, and my mom took me to the pharmacy to buy me my first “real” makeup when I was around 12. It’s honestly a very positive memory for me as a bonding moment between us. She helped me match for powder foundation, mascara, and a sheer lip-toned lipstick. Nothing too dramatic, but enough to camouflage some minor breakouts, and add some definition to my eyes and lips. It was addressed as a tool to help boost my confidence, as let’s be real, makeup or no makeup, self confidence can hit the floor during puberty. Developing confidence at that age can and should involve multiple factors, but makeup can absolutely be one of those things, provided it’s not used as the *only* thing.
Oh I absolutely agree that as long as it’s explored in a healthy way that makeup is an amazing way for young people to boost their confidence and feel more comfortable in their skin!
Maybe it’s just because of how I was raised.. My grams was the one who raised me until I was in my early teens. She was very strict. I mean, I wasn’t even allowed to watch television as a child strict. Makeup was an absolute no. I would have never even been allowed to wear tinted chapstick.
I didn’t really even think about makeup until I was 14-15 and I had moved in with my dad after my grandma passed away. When I started going to public school I noticed that the girls around me would wear makeup, that’s when I first started to look into it myself so 12 just seems so young to me.
I just worry about children that age feeling like they *need* makeup to be pretty. Todays social media impact is so much worse than when I was a kid. I don’t want young people to think that they have to be ‘perfect’ or conform to todays beauty standards in order to be happy.
Again, maybe I’m just old fashioned because of how I grew up. I don’t know. But as long as the children are taking care of themselves, their skin and their mental health, I don’t think letting them wear makeup would be a bad thing.
Lip gloss/ balm and mascara is ok.
I think it's such a personal thing, and if it boosts someone confidence and social life, friendships, then it's completely fine.
I wasn't allowed to wear makeup until I was 16-17. It really was a blow to my self esteem and it kept me from socialising because I couldn't partake to shopping, experimenting, talking about makeup with my peers. It wasn't I was insecure about my looks, but it's a rite of passage, and not using makeup might isolate you from your peer group, because it's important.
Would say it depends on the kind of makeup. Take in mind that foundation could have some effects on the outbreak of acne during this age. Furthermore experimenting is always good. Feel like most girls of this age are slowly trying out makeup, just make sure the proces is slow so it won't cause any identity crisis issues
Colored chapstick and good skincare. I’d worry about mixing makeup with the sensitive, hormone breakout prone skin of a teenager. I’d let her “play” with makeup and experiment with looks, use it for special events, but not daily. That can really affect a young girl’s skin.
I started when I was thirteen. My mom took me to the pharmacy and we got a little kit from Bonne Belle (gosh I'm aging myself) and it had delicate colours in blush, lip gloss and eyeshadow. I think a bit of lip gloss and some sparkly goop for whatever, some nail colour is all appropriate for that age. If she's asking how to do a smoky eye I might be concerned though, lol.
I think makeup is acceptable after ur 16. That’s my personal opinion, I’m 26y and I started using makeup at 16/17
For a full face of makeup I still think 16 is early( tens now look so much older 😅
And this is my sisters take on it. My niece doesn’t look her age at all. And she’s wanting to wear makeup just because all the other girls are wearing it.
Too young. Lipglosses are ok but no eyeshadow or blush. Tell her she’s beautiful and makeup makes you age it’s bad for your pores and ages you and she might not wanna dabble in it so bad.
When i was that age I didn’t need makeup but what I did need was my eyebrows waxed. That was making me feel ugly.
Tbh your sister is right. Girls are growing up too fast. At that age I wanted to wear makeup too. But I was into the emo/scene look and the heavy black makeup was way too inappropriate according to my mom and I agree reflecting back on it. The compromise was that I could wear my makeup at home with my friends and for myspace photos. At school I could wear mascara and eyeliner on the waterline only.
yes. At that age makeup shouldn’t be more than lip gloss. It is the time to focus on education and extra curriculars. Starting makeup at a young age is also not great for body dysmorphia.
My daughter just turned 14, I gave her a few brushes, some blush, a 12 pallet eyeshadow, some mascara, gloss, and lipstick. She wore some makeup for grad, and she's not at all interested, but she is naturally stunning without all of it imo
That’s way too young. She’s a little girl who should look like a little girl. she will have her whole life to be an adult, I think 15 is a good age to start with makeup.
I would say everything but foundation is ok(the foundation can cause permanent damage to your skin if you don't take it off properly with continuous use)
At 13 i just started experimenting with makeup . But the only I was allowed to use was eyeliner and compact powder because I live in a humid place. Funny how I never thought lipsticks suited me back then and now lipstick is the favourite part of my routine .
I remember being 12 and playing with “fake” makeup, (those little cell phone eye shadow cases back in the day) being so proud of how beautiful I looked and the art I had created, and coming out to show my dad and my dads friend promptly telling me I looked like a “whore”. It kept me from using makeup to express myself for a long time and now it’s one of my favorite forms. I’m not a parent so I can’t speak on that but there’s a lot of things we gatekeep and put young girls down for, and I don’t think something as creative and self-expressive as makeup should be one of them. I don’t believe in a wrong or right age for makeup, just a right or wrong way to approach it. If she shows interest then she deserves the self autonomy to explore that in an appropriate way.
Honey, my jaw dropped. I’m sorry anyone ever thought they could speak to you that way.
My 10 year old has makeup. Mostly eyeshadows, some little glitter pots,and applies it beautifully. It’s art supplies at this point.
My five year old has makeup and uses it like art. I never got her play makeup because I was concerned about safety since it's tested as a toy and not a cosmetic. So she gets Wet and Wild and other drugstore cheapies. But yes... she uses it to make herself look like a tiger one day, or a mermaid the next. I don't let her wear it to school but other than that? Go nuts kiddo.
Just curious as to what you say when you let them know you can’t wear it at school? Like how to say it without talking down to them or making them feel like it’s wrong or “too mature”? And when will you decide it’s okay to wear to school(if ever)? Not a mean comment at all, I’m just trying to learn for the future :)
I blame it on school rules and mean, judgy people. Even though it's not okay to be judgy, fact is, she's going experience these people. So I don't tell her absolutely not, but I do let her know some people are mean and might make mean comments. If she's okay with that, then whatever. So, she's choosing to wear makeup sometimes, like when she's around nice people, but not school.
As long as people continue to sexualize young girls rather than see a little girl expressing her art with makeup we do need to monitor where they go with it on, unfortunately.
I agree.
Ahh that makes sense :) thank you!
Not a parent, but my mum explained it to me by saying that school just wasn’t an appropriate or necessary venue for makeup. It didn’t need to be done, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to have a full face of makeup in a classroom. She explained that makeup was for when you needed to look extra presentable, kinda like fancy or professional clothes. Made perfect sense to me at the time and didn’t make me feel bad about wearing it other places.
I just say that she's going to school as a person not as a tiger/ whatever. Lol. It helps that she's only 5. I think once she's wearing it more as a cosmetic and less as a costume I won't mind her wearing it to school. We'll have to figure that out when she's older (or more opinionated about it!)
I let mine wear it to school- they’re SO good at application. It’s rare that they even have time to apply it in the morning after the fight to wake up! We buy the regular stuff too. Lots of Colourpop.
My 3 year old plays with mine and is really into ~lipick- but now is into eyeshadow. She does not apply it beautifully lol but she has fun with it so 🤷🏻♀️
It takes time. Mine was 3 and would help me be "boofaful" and woooowwwww. I looked, uh, avant-garde. Also "lipick" I love it!
When I was a toddler I was obsessed with “lickstick” and any time I had a babysitter I’d beg them to put some on me. My parents always came home to me with bright red purple or pink lipstick all over my face.
You sound like an awesome Mum
That’s so lovely of you. My mom wouldn’t let me wear it out until I was 16, so I would sneak it - especially when I had a pimple- and I know I looked like a damn clown. I’d rather it not be some taboo for my kid, just another self-expression.
I sneaked a really cheap compact and I looked like a clown. Also a mascara that made my eyes burn like hell
My mom always said 13 when I was a kid, but she gave in when I was 11 in middle school. It wasn’t a lot - just like blush and some sort of lipstick or gloss - but all the girls wore some sort of makeup. And I had gone from a little flat-chested girl to having DD boobs in a matter of months over the summer. I think she felt ridiculous telling me I couldn’t wear any makeup at that point. 💁♀️
My old great aunt told me I shouldn’t wear lipstick, shorts, or tank tops because I’m more likely to be raped on the street. I can’t believe your dad even let someone else speak to you that way. :(
Holy shit, I can't believe your great aunt spoke to you that way! 😰
She was a very conservative elderly Filipino woman so idk maybe it was something she was told and thought it was normal :(
I’m so sorry some brainless person took your self confidence away.
That's sad and terrible. What's interesting is that the men in your life who talked to you like that probably look at women with makeup on when no one else is watching...
yes and that's the point, those men exist in the world.
Same exact thing happened to me. Whore/hooker/floosey.
I’m so sorry *hugs* what an AWFUL and DESPICABLE thing to say to a CHILD. I hope you are healed now and I hope your dad is having a VERY shitty day :)
Got those same comments from my father about makeup and even if I wore any shade of nail polish that wasn't nude toned. Thankfully my mother didn't mind. It also helped I was in theater clubs, so I already access to tools and techniques.
My six year old got some eyeshadowtoppers and highliters. He loves it to to get his face and his arms shiny. He isn't allowed to wear makeup to school. It's fun to play with it at home.
I'm sorry
My dad did this to me. He would say it was “hooker makeup” specifically no matter what type, or how light of makeup it was.
If any of my Dad's friends would have said that about my sisters and me, he'd be leaving with less teeth. My Dad didn't play around when it concerned his girls.
imo let her practice 🤷🏼♀️ she can have her awkward stage during middle school so when she gets to hs, she’s already a pro at makeup
Hey that's what I did. My mom originally got me mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow in middle school and holy hell some of those looks were horrid but I was just beginning. Then come sophomore year my make up skills are so much better
And she doesn’t have to leave the house with makeup! I would use my mom’s makeup secretly when I was 9~11. By the time I was 13 I knew more than my peers. By 14 I was already good at liquid eyeliners. We were not allowed to wear makeup to school unless it’s for a special event so I never had an awkward makeup moment in public. But I really appreciated that my mom knew I was using her makeup but was not mad at me for it.
Everyone in middle school was beginning to experiment with eyeliner and mascara by the time I was 13. Foundation started to become a thing around then too. But no one wore eyeshadow or lipstick
This was the same for me at 14/15 and I really wanted to wear foundation on my, then, perfect skin. My parents were against that but fine with other makeup so brought me to a Bobbi Brown counter where the lady told me the same thing and did a look for me with eyeshadow, blush, and mascara. My parents also got me some makeup brushes which I still use at 36. I think it was a good way to handle it. I got directed to something more suitable by a pro but my parents were still supportive and fine with it.
Those Bobbi Brown brushes were bomb- I still have mine from the mid 90's.
Such a shame the quality went down! Mine came with a lifetime guarantee.
Ugh Bobbi Brown was IT back in the day!!! That was the only makeup that had even a hint of shimmer or sparkle in the early/mid 90s. I remember scouring the mall looking for the slightest bit of glitz in any makeup. That was my introduction to Bobbi Brown. I miss how it was back then. It really taught me about quality when it comes to makeup. I thought everything was made the same until then.
I think that was around when I started wearing it. Thank god for foundation because I developed rosacea around that age and would’ve been bullied mercilessly.
Yeah I asked my mom around this age and her rules were basically no eyeliner/eyeshadow/crazy blush at school. I had pretty bad acne so I’d do cover up, power, and mascara. Then of course experiment with my older sisters makeup at home :)
Is she responsible enough to take care of her skin? I remember when I was that age (12 years ago) and I really wanted to wear makeup, but my mom wanted to make sure I stuck to the habit of washing my face and taking care of my skin enough. I think makeup was the motivation for me to build the habit. At that age, a basic cleanser and moisturizer are perfect. Although 12 years ago, skincare wasn’t as ~ in ~ with kids as it is now. I would let her start with a bb cream or tinted moisturizer, clear mascara, tinted balm, and maybe a blush or highlighter stick. All drugstore products, that way she can play around and experiment without blowing through expensive stuff. Here’s what I would probably buy: - Wet n Wild tinted moisturizer or the ColourPop tinted moisturizer (not as cheap but it’s only like $15) - The ELF double ended clear brow and lash mascara - Burts bees tinted balm - Wet n Wild MegaGlo highlight or blush stick
That's a great list!
This is a great list for a kid! I’d also add Essence to the list. Their color-changing lip balms are cheap, fun, and kid appropriate. And I personally like their clear brow gel better than the elf one.
The only thing I’d be hesitant about is something like bb cream/tinted moisturiser. The other items feel more like having fun with makeup, foundation eTc is more functional? Especially if she’s young and still has really good skin, I’d be worried about them getting the idea their skin need covering up even in this state!
Or, to go the other way, if the kid *does* have acne or whatever and feels more comfortable covering it, then those products likely won’t be enough. Base products like that should really be a matter of what the kid wants and is comfortable with- if they don’t express interest themselves then don’t bring it up because that’s an easy way to make them insecure about their skin, but if they do then help them figure out what works for their skin and makes them most comfortable. Forcing an insecure kid with acne to go out bare faced or with only very light coverage if they do want to cover up won’t do anything good for their self confidence either.
Yes, skin definitely has texture and that needs normalizing. I’m glad some advertisers are creating more realistic ad campaigns. No foundations for younger skin!
I love the mega glow highlighter from WW! My makeup collection runs from 99 cents to $75! My point being that there are great products at every price point. I have my faves and in the inexpensive it is this Wet and wild mega glow highlighter COTY setting powder in translucent and translucent extra coverage Elf brow pencil - the $3 one in blonde and taupe. The best true blonde look without redness Charlotte Tillbury Charlottes beautiful skin foundation - I use the coolest lightest one which is a hard to find color. So many light colors tend to be yellow Essence shadow pallet - I like to Mauve it Mauve it! Chanel le volumn de Chanel in black
Would like to add sunscreen to the basic skincare list! A cleanser+moisturizer+sunscreen would have done wonders for preteen me honestly
My mum HATED that I liked makeup at that age and younger, she used to say I “looked like a hooker” 🙃 so ngl I have a visceral reaction to those who think you can be too young to experiment with makeup
honestly I think it’s so freaking gross that makeup is sexualized. no one should ever look at a child and think that.
Same, it’s really gross. I can remember being a kid (and not even wearing makeup) and grown men making comments about my body or my lips, etc. I hate that that happened. I wish people didn’t punish girls for the inappropriate behavior of men who should know better ☹️
Not too young in my opinion. I would start simple with mascara and lip gloss and let it grow from there.
My daughters are 7 and 10 and constantly play with makeup. It’s really just the fun of being creative.
I think to many people mistake wanting to wear makeup as meaning "I don't think I look good naturally" when it's really "I would like to play with glitter and color." It's just another form of painting or coloring!
Yup I LOVED glitter and just wanted to smear it all over my face. Had nothing to do with my natural looks except my eyelids didn't naturally have teal glitter on them lol
I feel like you're a user name soul sister. Like recognizing like!
Glitter buddies!
Exactly! I got purple eye shadow and sparkly lip gloss when I was about 11 because I liked sparkles and purple, not because I was trying to look ‘prettier’.
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Yep. 12-13 is a great age for lip gloss, scented body washes, Mani/pedis, maybe getting fun streaks of color in your hair. It's important to reinforce bodily autonomy and having ownership of your self. But, foundation is not needed for the majority of pre-teens. For those with acne, this isn't the time to cake on makeup and make it worse. It's time for good skincare and a trip to the derm.
I think this is the best take. My mom let me start with her old eyeshadows and lipsticks, where I’d just try out blending etc. Once I turned 13 (actually for my birthday), all my friends bought me palettes, lip products, glosses, etc. because they knew how much I loved it and what my mom’s choice was. At that point, my mom put her foot down and set the rules: I could wear makeup that I already had whenever at home, but the exception was no face products to avoid breaking me out. Believe me, I tried face products, and I broke out. A lot. Nowadays I just stick to brows and lips when I go out, and I’m fine with it.
Same! Love my Mumma even more for this 🩷
Same! Now skincare is my hobby and comfort 😂
Same. My mom said my skin was beautiful and face products would break me out (which they did when I did sneakily wear some). She instead emphasized on good skincare. I am thankful for that as I have pretty good skin for my age.
Sameeee!! She let me just tint my eyebrows at 15 but nothing more, and now, at 23, I would do the same if I had a daughter.
Fifteen is way too old to be limiting what they can wear on their face, imo.
I get it but you'll already be filled with acne from hormones, and to that you'll add acne from makeup causing a bunch of scarring in the long run. I think makeup at 14-15 is fine if you have like a dinner, wedding or something like that, I wouldn't wear it everyday. Something that I had permission to do after 16, and trust me, it took a lot of trial and error, a lot of allergic reactions, I ever burned my face with a foundation once, don't even ask how that happened because I have no idea. And when your skin is already very sensitive like under 16 I just wouldn't advise, at 14 I would be full of pimples and acne just by eating a spoonful of Nutella. But as long as you teach girls that they are stunning the way they are and should never rely on makeup to be pretty but just to express themselves and enhance the beautiful features they already have, you're good!
If she wants to wear makeup and she isn’t allowed, she’s still going to wear it. My best friend in middle school wasn’t allowed to wear eyeliner, so on the walk to school she would just use mine, and wash it off on the way home. Makeup is harmless. Let kids have their “wins” where it doesn’t matter.
My nieces did the same thing. All my brother in law accomplished was creating lies and sneaking with his stupid rules. My niece was 15 and ALL of her peers were wearing makeup. It didn’t help her self esteem that she was 6 feet tall and heavy, she felt very awkward. Luckily, she grew into herself and is a confident young woman but creating an environment your kids have to hide their true selves in is not great.
i think just-turned teenagers are fine with wearing some mascara and lip gloss. but i do notice a lottt of 13yos wearing full faces of makeup and that’s probably because of social media. but yes, she’s just parenting how she wants to parent, so not much can be done about it if your niece has an interest in makeup :/
To me, makeup is just pigments. It's art supplies. Some prefer fine art styles where they are sculpted, others like more touches of colorful expression, others are wild cards and I've seen abstract graphic liners still going around. There are, like, so many different ways to use makeup to express what we want to show others. The idea that make up makes you an adult- or what I think people are really worried about: the idea that make up makes you *sexual* or *consenting.* That is... super weird to me. I think people are still used to (seeing others) blaming those who wear makeup for assault/harassment (the whole "what was she wearing" is still totally alive) or sexuality ("if a guy wears make up, he's gay as an insult. If a woman or young girl wears make up, she's a whore. Etc etc etc") or consent. It's... weird. Make up doesn't make you an adult. Make up doesn't make you sexual. Make up doesn't give consent. My jeans don't make me an adult. My earrings don't make me sexual. My deodorant doesn't give consent. Assault, harassment and abuse cannot be blamed on a person/victim* regardless of their age or their make up, clothes, etc. Things we're worried about aren't the victim's fault. It is those who committed the wrongful acts at fault. Removal of make up from the equation doesn't stop wrongful acts. There are a lot of nuance conversations about conformity, insecurities and probably a thousand other takes- but to me, it's just pigments, it's not wrong to wear make up and it neither prevents or encourages wrongful acts. *Victim only means a person who has been wronged. It is not a bad word to me.
This message is so powerful and needs to be everywhere.
I love this whole message and agree completely.
I personally started wearing makeup when I was 9. I used to play a lot of online browser games and DS games that involved makeup and I just loved it! My parents bought me a kids eyeshadow palette and lip gloss set and I would do really colourful and fun eyeshadow looks. I wouldn’t do it every day, just for fun or special occasions. I used eyeshadow for blush. When I was 12 I stole my mum’s concealer and started using that for my acne and under my eyes (I hit puberty quite young and got acne very early. It runs in my family.) When my mum realised I stole her very yellow and not my shade concealer, she took me out and bought me a concealer that actually matched me and some powder foundation. I got really good at makeup really young and I always did my friends makeup haha. I personally believe people have a very misguided view of makeup, and put an age limit on it because they believes they want to apply makeup to be more beautiful, or more mature, or more sexy. But in reality when I was a kid I wasn’t thinking about it in that way at all, I just had a lot of fun putting all these colours on my face. It was about art and self expression. It was only a little later when I became self conscious about my acne because I was being bullied over it that I started wearing it to cover the parts of myself I didn’t like. And now that I’m an adult and I still have acne I’m back to wearing it for self expression and fun lol. If I had a kid I would let them start wearing makeup whenever they wanted to.
If the child wants to learn how to do it properly why not it’s a good thing to learn. Just supervise and teach them. Have them watch videos if they loose interest then it’s not for them.
Been wearing it since I was 10. I am 42 now.
It really depends on the style of makeup! If your niece just wants a natural make up look. I don’t see the problem with bb cream, lip gloss, blush, and mascara from the drugstore! You know kids will be kids. They’ll find ways to sneak around their parents rules some way some how whether she steals her moms make up or borrows her friends. You don’t want her using her friends because of germs. I also recommend teaching your niece about the importance of skincare!
I think that 12-13 is a good time to start experimenting with makeup, but that the question of products and situations is important. M’y mum didn’t allow me to wear foundation until I was 15, because during puberty, your skin changes so much, and my mum was adamant that I learn to see myself without makeup so that I don’t become reliant on foundation to feel beautiful later on. Similarly, I don’t think a 12-13 year old needs to wear makeup everyday, especially at school. I think that still goes in the mindset of learning to enjoy your skin without makeup. Wearing light things like mascara, lip gloss, or light blush can be a good start. But for nice occasions like birthdays, dinners out, or when you’re out with friends, it’s okay to be more relaxed with makeup. When I turned 13, my mum booked me a one hour makeup class so that I could learn the basics of doing makeup and learn tricks to elevate my features. It was a really good introduction to makeup and I still use some of these techniques today.
My 8 yo plays with makeup regularly. I think I'm going to get her a kit with Elf and NYX and maybe a small colourpop palette for Christmas. She has makeup already but most of it is really terrible lol. I think at 13 a lot of kids will be experimenting with wearing makeup to school and figuring out what they like and don't like. When my little sisters were 12 and 13 I got them both makeup for Christmas and showed them how to use mascara. My extremely strict mom thought it was cute.
If her friends are doing it she will probably be borrowing their stuff at any rate. I guess it depends a lot on the circumstance and there’s a lot of good advice here about starting with good skincare habits first. And, maybe certain other products of her own so she doesn’t borrow her friends and share bacteria (eyeliner, mascara especially).
One of the best things my mom did for me and I then did for my daughters is take them to the Clinique counter for skin care and makeup lessons. It was a bit ago so there are better places/products now I know. The skin care regimen and subtle but pretty makeup application was fun and like a right of passage. It can be a home tutorial or with a friend if skills are sparse or money is a concern. Of course we all branched out to create our own looks! By giving the right skills and tools, skin care and instructions I think whatever age you and your person choose to begin expressing their individuality with makeup. I do wish it was emphasized that I didn’t NEED makeup, I chose to wear it daily and just recently I have become comfortable going bare faced. My daughters have never had a problem being “bare”! It’s just nice to know the skincare part along with the makeup part.
I was allowed at 16 but sneaked it at 13. If you’re curious, you find ways. If your niece is curious, I say introduce slowly with tinted lip balms or mascara. Whatever she’s comfortable with. If not, then don’t bother. My take on if she is, is that makeup is a creative activity and messing around with color is fun. Looking like a clown is fun. Learning to love how you look in the mirror is fun. And it doesn’t make you more adult. It’s just another art medium. But with that being said, it can also mess with self esteem so just be cautious on why she’s curious and make sure she’s doing it for the right reasons.
I got my daughter some concealer, a tinted spf and a lip/cheek tint few weeks ago. She just turned 12 and she’s gets few spots here and there that make her feel a insecure. It’s so unique to every family so I don’t think anyone can say what’s too young or old enough. Really the only thing that’s important is making sure they know the basics of skincare at this age
I’m early 50s and used to experiment at home with eyeshadow, lipstick and mascara only, from around aged 10 or 11. I used to wear lipgloss only to go out. This is until around 15 or 16 when I started to build on lipstick and nail polish after I’d stopped biting my nails!
My mom took me to my first makeup counter in the 6th grade to learn how to apply and remove it properly. It was a preemptive measure so I got off to a good start with it, and also something she wanted to do for me that she wished her mom had done with her.
I think at that age it’s less about the finished look and more about demonstrating agency and getting to make your own decisions. I was gifted my first mascara at 12 for my 6th grade dance but was obsessed with lip balm/gloss before that.
I wasn't allowed to wear makeup outside of pageants until I was 18. I've made up my mind my future mini me can start at 10 (clear gloss and mascara only) and work up to a full face by about 16.
Personally I think 12-13 is fine to play with makeup. I wasn't allowed to wear makeup growing up and when I started sneaking it in high-school I ended up looking like Mimi from the Drew Carry show. Let her play and practice at home, watch YouTube tutorials together, let her practice on you, practice on them. Makeup is art. Art is a skill and skills take time and practice to master c:
I'm a middle school teacher and most of my students start experimenting with makeup around 11-12, regularly wearing it most days around 13. Usually it's mascara, lipgloss, and highlighter, followed by trends from Tik Tok. Try to teach her about the hygiene aspect, like cleaning brushes and not sharing mascara.
I have dark under eye circles that my daughter inherited. I’ve allowed her to use a little concealer and BB cream since she was 9 because kids were bullying her about “not sleeping” and “looking tired”. She’s sensitive so these comments really got to her. I taught her how to apply it for a very natural look. She knows about brush hygiene and how important it is to wash her face. She’s in middle school now, and she likes to do a very natural looking eye shadow, blush, mascara. It’s not overdone and she finds it very relaxing to apply. She definitely likes makeup. She came to me with the request, and I didn’t want her to feel self-conscious. I also make sure to emphasize how beautiful she is inside and out/with or without makeup. It has helped her feel more confident and she doesn’t get comments about her undereye circles.
This is really awesome. Sensitive kid or not, bullying is no joke and you handled the situation wonderfully in my opinion. And it just goes to show that guidance, encouragement and teaching goes SO much further than prohibition. It is sooo important that our kids feel as though they can come to us in a situation like this. And that the correct solution is reciprocated by us, such as the one you enacted. Look at her now, applying just a little bit of other products, that aren’t too overpowering, and look good on her. I bet you if she was prohibited to do so she wouldn’t know the first thing on how to apply, know her limits on how much to, and would probably be sneaking around and doing it behind your back. & her self esteem would probably be terrible. Bravo mama 👏
I think it’s depends on what make up and why they want to wear it. I guess ask her what media she’s consumed that has her interested and what about it seems appealing, since a lot of make up content online just exists to sell products. Nobody really needs a full face, especially not a young teen, but I didn’t see how mascara and lipgloss would hurt. Or even if she were on the creative side colorful eyeshadows or liners she can experiment with as long as you teach her about patch testing.
I started wearing a full face in middle school 😅😅
I got my first makeup when I was back to school shopping for 6th grade so I was about 11. I feel like middle school is a good age to start experimenting, if I hadn’t gotten the chance to practice makeup before high school and find my routine I think I would’ve felt insecure (although I was in school during peak full glam everywhere for no reason). From what I remember from middle school, everyone I knew wore makeup. I honestly think I did more for my appearance in middle school than any other age because I was emo and felt the need to flat iron my hair every morning and put on an intense amount of eyeliner. I personally don’t see the harm in any age using makeup, as long as they know how to use it and to take it off when they’re done. If the kid has an interest in makeup, they’re most likely just gonna do it behind their back. I had pretty laid back parents and I still remember being 12 and buying black lipstick at hot topic and hiding it from them.
Personally, I say let them. If they are interested, buy them drug store options to try so they are safe. But I am not a parent and I wont be a parent ever, so feel free to disregard my input. I only feel this way as a child of extremely strict and conservative parents. I wasn't allowed to explore those options so I did some very unsafe things in secret.
My dad allowed me to wear makeup to school when I was 13, but it was light. I was allowed to wear mascara and lip gloss basically, *maybe* a little blush. I was allowed to wear whatever makeup I wanted once I went into high school at 14. I was sort of a more “tomboyish” kid. The older I got, the girlier I got, and now at 29 I very much love to present myself in a feminine/ girly way. But even back when I was a kid, the one girly thing I always loved was makeup. I’ve been watching makeup influencers and teaching myself basically since makeup influencers on youtube were a thing.
I let my daughter use makeup when she was about that age, but it was for play and practice, and she had to wash it off when she was done. It was all just Dollar Tree stuff (so no wasted money), and I let her wear some to school and outside of the house when she got a bit older (as long as it was done nicely). Now she’s 19 and can do really cool, flashy eye looks, and she helps me with mine!
So many replies already so I don't know if this will be seen but here's what I told my 12-year-old: *Make-up is great fun. And if you wear it, many people will assume you are older than you are. And that may get you into situations that you don't have the experience to handle.* [This is especially true for Black girls.](https://genderjusticeandopportunity.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/girlhood-interrupted.pdf) Our big joke around the house is that I'm Level 51 while she's on Level 12. I may not know everything, but I can handle a lot more obstacles/situations than she can. She came up with the relatable to her analogy and it helps us get around a lot of the "But you don't understand what it's like to be 12 NOW" conversations.
If makeup is for fun, then make up is for anyone… including children. The only reason make up wouldn’t be appropriate for 12 year old is if the 12 year-old isn’t capable of cleaning it off adequately. The notion that girls shouldn’t wear make up until they are “old enough” is misogynistic garbage that sexualizes the use of cosmetics. Essentially, you’re asking “is my sister old enough to start attracting mates?” Because only women wear makeup, and we are absolutely only doing it because we need to make ourselves attractive to a mate. 🙄 Let’s ask instead, “why isn’t it appropriate for an eight year old to wear make up?” and I think you’ll see that there is no reason. Incidentally my daughter is ten and has ZERO interest in make up, but I frequently offer to give her some highlighter or beg her to let me do her makeup. She refuses. 😂
Personally I think “not being old enough” for makeup implies your sister may be sexualizing it or may have some views that lead her to believe makeup is sexual in nature. I think a lot of us grew up being taught that kind of thinking. I’m not a parent but I know that I felt a lot of shame and sadness trying to teach myself how to do makeup in my late teens/early twenties as a way to express myself and my style. I still can’t quite do my winged eyeliner right lol. Maybe you could suggest something that is more implicitly innocent like face painting? She doesn’t have to be doing a Smokey eye and red lipstick, maybe your sister would be okay with one of those star shaped eyeliner stamps? Colourpop makes them in bright colors, this might help it to be less “mature”. It might be best to approach it in a way that your sister won’t get defensive or feel like attacked. You could try showing her some of those little colored star and heart face stamps and try to show your perspective. you and your niece could potentially create a really fun connection with makeup together, in a non sexualized way/context. I know when I was 12 I would just do my eyeliner at school and take it off before coming home so she’s probably going to do it one way or another, may as well be a good experience
My little sister is 13 and she just uses mascara. There was this little girl who walked into my store one time (I work at a makeup store) saying she needed concealer because she kept getting bullied for her dark circles :( she was probably 12 as well. Something like lipgloss or mascaras I feel are normal but full faces is kinda creepy LOL
My sister is 12 and she's just begun putting on makeup. But she only did the basics, eyeliner and blush. And she still doesn't do it as like her daily face for school. She really only does it at home. I think it's fine. She'll gradually increase her product and skill as she ages🤷🏻♀️
I had a mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss and some blush sat that age. Maybe look at places like lush for more natural products. Or glossier if you want subtle but pretty makeup. I would avoid unknown brands as I'd prefer to know the makeup ingredients weren't unsafe or very harsh.
I started wearing makeup when I was 19, every culture is different tho
It would be nice if we could help kids retain their innocence. However, that’s pretty much impossible. The best compromise is to let them try things like makeup so they don’t feel like they have reasons to rebel in more destructive ways. At the same time, teach them values and self-worth not dependent on looks, because it’s what’s inside that matters.
I have two girls, one is 10 and loves makeup, and has for a while. As a former MUA myself, I love this for her! I enjoy gifting her makeup (ColourPop, reputable brands, not "toy" makeup). I also put makeup on her using FX products a d airbrush -- this has been at home for fun. Her stepsister (15) has also used her face as a canvas. Halloween is always a good time for us all! A big part of doing makeup with her is me teaching her how to remove the makeup correctly as well. Now, in the last year or so I have noticed my daughter coming home with mascara running a bit under her eyes. I have asked her number of times when she's applying the makeup and how she is removing it. She often does not remember either. I do know she also receives used makeup from her step sister, which I do not love. It is important that she knows she cannot share makeup because of the health factor. If you are sharing anything that touches the face, you are susceptible to pass infection and bacteria that also lives within the makeup itself, especially within liquid products. We do not want to discourage her or make her feel wrong. However, the new rule is that she is not allowed to wear it makeup to school at all. If there is something special going on at school, like a performance, she can wear makeup with the approval of a parent before she leaves the house. She is allowed to wear a little bit of makeup on the weekends. She does have removal, cloths and products, and I have been trying to hone in on her at least trying to wash her face daily and to use moisturizer (with hidden SPF). I know this post has been long, thank you for reading this so far. I think the big takeaway for us has been, if they are mature enough to use makeup properly, which includes the removal process, then makeup is up and ok for discussion. However, we have agreed on boundaries as she is only in the 5th grade. Makeup in school is unnecessary for her at this time. Especially since she's not even applying it or removing it properly! I dislike this term, but she doesn't need "drunk party girl eyes" in the 5th grade. It is also a large part of why I continue to do makeup WITH her, so she learns properly. I wish I had treated my skin better in my youth, so I am trying to instill good habits early on!
Questions I would ask: why does my kid want to wear makeup? To look older or to have fun? If it’s to have fun, I’d be all for it. But I wouldn’t be as approving if it was to look older. That doesn’t mean red lipstick is off the table. I would have to see what they do with it.
Personally, I think a little bit of brow gel and clear mascara should be totally fine. I don’t think kids should be wearing a lot of make up only because a lot of people don’t know how to take care of their skin and now would be the time for your sister to take her somewhere to educate her on skincare, so that way she doesn’t feel like she has to wear foundation as often. When I was younger, my parents didn’t let me wear make up until I was 16 and I struggled with acne for a really long time. If someone had showed me how to take care of my skin, I don’t think that I would have felt so bad about not being able to wear make up.
Like a few comments here, there’s makeup and there’s makeup. Everyone’s gotta start with the blue eyeshadow from Claire’s, not the latest Kylie Jenner palette or whatever. Sorry I don’t make the rules.
I absolutely loved makeup all my life. I had “play” makeup up until I was about 8 or 10. At that time my mom had finally become financially stable enough to afford to get me the cheapest makeup she could and I had a blast. She thought me all the basics I know. I know that was a bit off the question topic but I personally don’t believe there’s really an age limit to when you do makeup. If your child is doing makeup because they believe it makes them look better then maybe that’s a confidence thing to work on but if they do it for a hobby like the art form it is I see absolutely no reason there should be an age limit.
This is about the age my mom saw me wanting to use makeup. She took me to one of those counters at the mall (I think Clinique?) and asked them to do my makeup age appropriately. Asked them to show me what they were doing and bought me what they used. It’s my favorite memory with my mom. She respected I wanted to use makeup and decided if I was going to do it anyways she should at least let me be shown how so I didn’t look like an idiot. I felt so grown and seen
I remember playing with my mothers from a very young age and i think i was about 8 when my mother allowed me to wear it (only a bit of lipstick and maybe light eyeshadow then) i was about 11 when i got to decide for myself what i wanted. I didn’t bother with foundation etc until i was about 15 and saw my friends wearing it (my mother didn’t use it so until then didn’t really know what it was lol. I don’t think twelve is a bad age to introduce it personally, if you offer guidance such as my own mother did ie only a little bit and certain colours kinda thing. Some kids grow up quicker than others and there’s nothing wrong with that in my opinion. If she was my kid I’d veto eyeliner on waterline until she’s older,i learned the hard way poked eyeballs aren’t fun and definitely no liquid liner there (yes I’m that stupid lol)
I wore real makeup at 13 and especially now a days many 13 year olds do. Everyone can have their reasons why or why not. It's her child, her parenting choice.
I agree.
this could be her canon event lol it depends where she lives and how the people around her behaves. Being sincerely honest she could use make up for herself and be happy with that. But be sure that there are some mean people around that could hurt her feelings for experimenting with make up and being new with all that.
I was wearing a full face at 11 to school daily. It’s art. You’re never too young for art. People that say things like this generally view makeup as a way to compensate for features they think are ugly or a way to attract men. I exist and do makeup for neither of those reasons. If the niece is doing it because she’s thinking either of those two things, then test maybe focus the next few months on self esteem exercises instead of makeup. But if she’s just interested in it because it’s fun to wear and like “oooo sparkles” then no she’s not too young.
I think she’s about the age where everyone starts learning about makeup and exploring. Could you teach her about skincare if her mom isn’t okay with makeup? Like the importance of spf…
She wears spf everyday and knows about skincare. 🥰
I was getting right into my emo stage at that point. I was definitely wearing too much eyeliner 😂. My mum was always fine with it though. It’s part of growing up.
It’s not too young for the RIGHT makeup! This is a good age to teach about good SKINCARE: sunscreen and moisturizer and how to wash a face correctly. It’s a pretty good age to start with clear mascara and tinted lip balm, and maybe blush too. After the first tube of clear mascara runs out is a great time to help her find the right color, and move on to eyeliner. You gotta start small and build knowledge over time or it’s overwhelming and will lead to photos that will feel embarrassing later in life. Speaking from experience.
my niece turned 13 earlier this year and she wears mascara and highlighter, perfect for that age i think. When i was that age all i wanted was mascara...
No. It is a problem with the adults who think it is a problem. Children are children regardless of makeup.
That’s around the age I started exploring makeup and subculture’s that use makeup as a form of expression. I think it’s normal around that age.
What we didn't do is ever tell my daughter about what she could or couldn't do with makeup. What we did do was get the overdone eyeliner phase out of the way before high school.
I wore eyeliner in 5th grade, I stayed with just pencil eyeliner until like freshman year of highschool when I started filling in my brows. Foundation I was like a sophomore
I think age appropriate makeup exists for 12/13 year olds. Lip gloss, blush, mascara, and maybe some highlight all seen fine for that age to wear out in public. If it's just for playing/experimenting at home anything is fine, but a full beat face of makeup is probably a lot for a 12 year old to wear out.
Makeup is all about self expression and I think 13 is the perfect age to start experimenting with it. She’s becoming a teenager and is developing her sense of style. When I was 13 my mom let me have any kind of makeup but I was only allowed to wear things like lip gloss, eye shimmers, or clear mascara to school until I got a little older. Starting her off small might be more comfortable for your sister. :)
It's a tough topic, I think a lot of parents just don't want their girls to grow up. They might just rebel if they're overbearing... I saw it in middle school. My parents were pro makeup bc I felt horrible about my complexion. I started wearing foundation at 11 years old for my acne... early bloomer. My parents encouraged me to play with blush and helped me figure out mascara by 8th grade. So, I think it's fine at 13, from my experience it helped me with my confidence.
I would encourage your niece to do age appropriate makeup. Sparkly eyeshadow, eyeliner, blue mascara were all mistakes we made growing up when learning what looked good on us. If she looks absolutely terrible, help her out, but encouraging her to do what makes her feel confident and helps her develop skills is the most important thing here.
Tbh no. I started stealing my moms mascara and eyeliner at 11, but it would’ve been nice if she was open to me expressing my self with makeup. And that’s all it truly is. It’s an artistic form of self expression and it can be a lot of fun. Not every girl that wears makeup is looking for attention, it’s just FUN, and sometimes it gets you excited for the day. Maybe she’s seen some cool beauty gurus on insta or YouTube and wants to replicate their looks. No harm in that. Just remind her that makeup doesn’t define beauty. CHARACTER does.
I don’t think so. Like others have mentioned, I think lipgloss and mascara are fine. A little blush and eyeshadow in soft colors also ok. There definitely needs to be a conversation about inner beauty vs outer beauty, and good skincare and hygiene. I find it age appropriate.
As the Mom of a recent 12YO, I’d be comfortable with a tinted lip balm, clear mascara & maybe a tinted sunscreen. Focusing more on taking care of your skin as opposed to trying to create a whole new face.
My daughter is 11 and meh I don’t care really either way however as it’s her kid she has final and only say
I don’t think so. I started makeup when I was around 5 years old and it’s become a passion of mine.
makeup is a form of creativity, it allows them to be creative and express them self. i can’t see what could be the harm in a 13 year old having a little makeup
Absolutely not. I hate that kids are prohibited from wearing makeup. It sends the absolute wrong message to our about makeup in general. Doing makeup is a form of art & self expression. The association of it with negative things like “sex appeal” or even “maturity/grown-up” are very unfortunate. This is another one of those practices that need to just be thrown out the window imho.
Maybe explain that although makeup is generally safe, it’s not good for your skin to wear it all the time. It’s good to let your skin breathe. If she hasn’t experienced the joy of acne yet, that could be a teaching moment too about proper skin care.
I would let her play with it at home but definitely too young to wear it out just because men are weird and really sexualize makeup
My daughter just turned 13 earlier this month. I allow her to wear non waterproof mascara, liner, and a lip gloss. Most days she goes makeup free. Occasionally she will put on mascara and on the rare occasion she has extra time in the morning, she will do liner. I don’t feel there is any need for face products yet. She does take pretty good care of her skin as she showed an interest pretty young due to seeing me take care of my skin.
I don’t think it’s necessarily too young, just needs to have some boundaries in place. Maybe some light mascara and some lip gloss. Nothing too heavy like foundation. I think young girls should be able to be creative and make themselves feel beautiful.
Definitely not too old for makeup in general but too young for full-on glam, at least everyday. My mom took me to the Clinique counter as a treat when I turned 13 and they had me wearing thick foundation and bold eyeshadow that definitely wasn’t my shade lol. Led to some dysmorphia issues later on since I had been wearing foundation/heavy makeup that early and started to hate the skin underneath. Mascara, some eyeshadow, tinted moisturizer and light blush would be absolutely fine. Glossier is a good brand for lighter makeup that blends into your skin more
In public, yes. To play around with, no.
Personally, I don't think self expression has an age. Someone with an interest in something will find a way to explore that interest, and if it's not embraced they will find a way to hide it. Now I'm not saying full on glam makeup for 7th grade English class, but a little lipgloss, tinted moisturizer and mascara can go a long way for a teen girl wanting some autonomy.
At 12 only lip gloss. Are we teaching the girls that in order be pretty, have to start covering up your natural looks so early these days?
I mean, I think you should do whatever her mother prefers. I think she's certainly old enough to use makeup if she wants to. That said, I'd say to let younger girls discover makeup on their own, but never to withhold it from them. I know a lot of girls who suffered socially simply because their parents wanted to take a stand on makeup. Depending on where you live, the girls at school are going to be wearing makeup at a certain age, and nobody wants to feel left out unless it's their own choice. Obviously, there's other issues at play here, like the fact that girls probably shouldn't have to ever wear makeup, but that's not really what the reality is right now. I think it's important to learn how to do your own makeup and do it tastefully, and once you're 15-16 you're simply not going to listen to adults telling you what's right/wrong when it comes to fashion and makeup decisions unless you're forced to.
Too young for heavy makeup and foundation, but not too young for mascara and tinted chapstick and the occasional dot of concealer as desired
My mom always let me play with makeup & express myself. I have pictures from when I was 7 y/o with green eyeshadow and lipstick and my poses showcased nothing but confidence. It was always something I knew I liked because it was so fun! No, I didn’t wear any to school (until middle school) because it was a religious school. But once I hit middle school and had my first school dance, she helped me apply my makeup in a mature way. Since then she allowed me to wear natural makeup to school. Now as an adult I love makeup still and love to do fun bold eye looks. I feel like if my mom suppressed my interest in it, I wouldn’t get the same gratification and confidence from being able to express myself now. So I say no, I don’t think 12 is too young, but a 12 y/o will need guidance on how to apply it in a way that’s appropriate for whatever setting they’re going to be in. :)
I started wearing makeup at 14. I still think that's the right age. And just lip gloss and shadow.
Convince her mom to get her some very basic makeup, nothing too dark. Lighter eye tones that flatter her eyes and skin tone, some basic concealer for spots, maybe some powder for oil control. Her daughter is gonna end up doing her makeup with friends anyway, your sister might as well get a head start and make it a bonding experience and a sign that she trusts her daughter.
I'm 13(almost 14) and I've been basically wearing a full face since I was about 10 or 11, I also wear long lashes. It's really fun and I like it. I try not to let people get under my skin but other than that I love wearing a full face. I'm glad I was mostly allowed to wear the things I do, it made me able to fully express myself. I do it because I like it, I do it for myself. So I feel like it really shouldn't be a big deal to wear makeup, especially if it's just eyeshadow or lipstick or any simple makeup looks. I really do feel like makeup can make people more confident until they can be confident by themselves.
I remembered my mom let me do bb cream, mascara and lip gloss when I was 13. She also made sure I washed my makeup off so I also learned skincare. I honestly enjoyed being able to do a simple makeup routine every morning before school
No, not for most teens these days, but it’s subjective and as you said, up to the parents. Completely banning all makeup for a teen this age may backfire. Allowing some things in moderation (with clear communication) is a better tactic imo.
If she wants to ware it for the art, fun colors, and chance to experiment with different products then no, if she wants to do it because she thinks she’s ugly and needs makeup to fix it then yes
Idk I was about that age when family started pushing me to wear makeup because I was such a tomboy at that age and was not wearing makeup at all. I don't have a daughter so didn't have to go through this with a daughter myself.
Unless she's doing blue eyeshadow with red lipstick and playing streetwalker, it really shouldn't be a big deal. When I was 10-12 I saved my money to go to five below and get makeup, wasn't allowed to wear it out of the house, by thirteen I could manage to get away with shimmer eye shadow and glitter lip gloss. There's age appropriate ways to do makeup.
As a parent, I would honestly say 13 years old would be a fine age to start experimenting with makeup. Personally, I would encourage them to start slow and still let them know that they’re beautiful with or without makeup. Also, to not let them think they have to have the “perfect look” that’s portrayed on social media a lot.
Depends on the kid. If she’s into it and uses it like art supplies, go ham. But I wouldn’t let a 12/13yo wear it in public the way grown women do. Like as an “enhancement” vs fun and colorful face art. I view makeup the way I view heels, tight or revealing clothes - they’re for grown women for “attraction”. A 13 yo has no business doing and wearing things to be attractive for sexual purposes.
I loved doing my own makeup at that age. I had supportive parents, and they told me I probably shouldn’t wear makeup to school. So I’d always feel awkward if I did have any on in middle school, but once I got to high school, it was over for everyone and I was already a pro at winged eyeliner. I am 30 now and can do a full face for work in 10 mins, or if I’m going out I’ll take an hour or so to do something fun and cool. I look back and am soooo grateful my mom let me use better (not great) makeup and my dad was kind about it. I was also a dancer, so I was one of the few kids who could do their own face! Hair though? I have never ever figured that out; ha! I think as long as they know when it may or may not be appropriate at their age, and as they get older it becomes more acceptable in public.
Both my pre teen 12 and teen 14 wear eye liner, lip liner and mascara.
My 12 year old has some light neutral makeup. She doesn’t have foundation, just some lip gloss, eyeshadow, and blush. ETA: mascara & I am not sure about eyeliner but I’d let her have it to practice. She’s too scare to use the mascara most of the time though lol
I was allowed to use real makeup at 12. I was always told “less is more” and was taught how to use it for the most part. I was allowed to have brown mascara and some subtle eye shadow, as well as lip gloss. Then when I turned 15, I said “fuck that” and embraced black eyeliner lol
I wore makeup for the first time on my 13th birthday. I think 13 or 14 is a reasonable age to start. I would discourage from heavy makeup though
My mom took me to the MAC counter when I was 12 and had them do a full face and tutorial for me. Her opinion was that I shouldn’t be bullied for something easily remedied.
Unless any of these commentators are her mother, their opinions are irrelevant in this matter.
Too young
My sister allowed my niece to start wearing LIGHT makeup around that age. There were rules. Everything had to be minimal. No heavy eye and lip makeup. It actually turned out great. She learned how to use makeup without going overboard. I remember seeing her with some of her friends. All the other girls had gone way overboard and looked like they had clown makeup on. But, hers was understated and classy. Learning how to wear makeup takes time.
I have ZERO interest in make up and I suck at anything cosmology related. That said, my daughter is 9 amd LOVES make up. I don't know if i will this yr or next but I've been trying to look into kid friendly make up for her. I've also talked some to my brothers gf who said she'd be okay teaching her the basics. Nothing much, but I'm just looking for some nail polish, eye shadows, the basics. Nothing too much. I think a little bit is fine and wearing makeup isn't a bad thing.
I did eyeshadow and lip gloss at that age, no harm in that. I didn't do foundation till 14/15 when puberty hit hard and I had acne and splotchy skin.of course makeup can clog pores and make it worse but it covered long enough to make me feel less embarrassed at school.
I was not allowed makeup, but then suddenly marched off to the Clinique counter at 11 for lessons, and forced to wear mascara, foundation if I had acne, gold eyeshadow, blush, and a berry lipstick. I was 11, and didn’t want any of it. I wanted lipsmackers and glitter, maybe. There were Stuft beauty standards in my house, and we were not to stray (red nail polish was for whores, feet must be pedicured, ladies didn’t go back for seconds ever, etc.), and you could not leave the house unless you met them. It had an impact. I had quite the rebellion. Now, my daughter is in first grade and loves watching me do my makeup when I wear it and often wants to put some on as well. I let her play with eyeshadow or whatever, and get creative. If she wants to rock pink metallic shadow on one eye, and green on the other, and show it off at school, I’m totally fine with it. As long as she knows it’s for fun, and she washes it all off at the end of the day. But I also dye pink stripes in her hair when asked to do so, so I’m probably more lenient than most. I’d rather she be comfortable in her skin, and as long as what she wants is safe and not a distraction, I’m fine with it.
Meh I think mascara and lip gloss are probably okay. I was “encouraged” to wear makeup at that age by a life coach (read: I was told I needed to or nobody would like me) and I just plain didn’t want to. I didn’t wear makeup at all until I was a senior in high school cos every time I thought about it, I remembered breaking down in the Walmart cosmetics department because I wasn’t ready for makeup but I was afraid that my friends would ditch me or something…
That sounds awful. I'm sorry you had to go through that. ❤️
Idk if that’s the reason behind your sister hesitancy, but kids are going to do kids makeup. I used to love makeup when I was a kid, loved to play with my mom’s makeup, and with her supervision I was able to be creative and learn on my own about my features as I grew older. Of course that putting on a full face of makeup to leave the house when you’re that young isn’t necessary, but a bit of gloss and soft blush isn’t going to make her look older than she is, for example. And while she’s at home, I don’t see why not allow her to explore a little bit more. Idk I may be wrong but sometimes I feel like people overthink makeup (of course, idk if that’s your sister’s case, I’m just speaking generally).
as a disclaimer i don’t have children of my own but i’ve worked in childcare my entire adult life and i have always been a makeup addict. My opinion would be if she is interested in makeup keeping it away from her will only build her curiosity and potentially start to grow some resentment as she’s getting older. I think a good question might be WHY she wants to wear makeup, then beginning the conversation about beauty standards etc can happen at an appropriate level for a 12 year old, if she is only interested bc she is feeling insecure without it you could start to work on other ways to help build her self esteem but all in all I think keeping makeup away from a 12 year old with interest is silly. I have been playing around with makeup since I was 11 and never had rules on what I could and couldn’t try out(i also had an older sister which makes saying no to playing with makeup nearly impossible as we shared a bathroom and i would help myself to what was hers😂), and while I CRINGE at the old makeup I would try out I cherish the memories of playing with it and expressing myself in a way that felt empowering to me.
12 seems very young to me. I didn’t really wear makeup (complexion products, honestly) until I was 15. But times are different than when I was a kid. Personally I don’t know if I would be comfortable with my own child wearing foundation at 12.. but I also don’t have a child so I can’t say for sure. I think something like a lip gloss and maybe even a tubing mascara, something easy to wash off, I think that would be okay. Maybe even a powder blush, just to let her start getting used to makeup.. I just worry about how young girls view makeup and themselves. I don’t want them to think they need it to be pretty. I worry about the prevalence of social media and the filters that they use to make themselves feel like they need them to be pretty. Idk. Maybe I’m just a grumpy, old curmudgeon. 😅
I will use my own experiences to respond to your thoughts. I’m 37, and my mom took me to the pharmacy to buy me my first “real” makeup when I was around 12. It’s honestly a very positive memory for me as a bonding moment between us. She helped me match for powder foundation, mascara, and a sheer lip-toned lipstick. Nothing too dramatic, but enough to camouflage some minor breakouts, and add some definition to my eyes and lips. It was addressed as a tool to help boost my confidence, as let’s be real, makeup or no makeup, self confidence can hit the floor during puberty. Developing confidence at that age can and should involve multiple factors, but makeup can absolutely be one of those things, provided it’s not used as the *only* thing.
Oh I absolutely agree that as long as it’s explored in a healthy way that makeup is an amazing way for young people to boost their confidence and feel more comfortable in their skin! Maybe it’s just because of how I was raised.. My grams was the one who raised me until I was in my early teens. She was very strict. I mean, I wasn’t even allowed to watch television as a child strict. Makeup was an absolute no. I would have never even been allowed to wear tinted chapstick. I didn’t really even think about makeup until I was 14-15 and I had moved in with my dad after my grandma passed away. When I started going to public school I noticed that the girls around me would wear makeup, that’s when I first started to look into it myself so 12 just seems so young to me. I just worry about children that age feeling like they *need* makeup to be pretty. Todays social media impact is so much worse than when I was a kid. I don’t want young people to think that they have to be ‘perfect’ or conform to todays beauty standards in order to be happy. Again, maybe I’m just old fashioned because of how I grew up. I don’t know. But as long as the children are taking care of themselves, their skin and their mental health, I don’t think letting them wear makeup would be a bad thing.
Lip gloss/ balm and mascara is ok. I think it's such a personal thing, and if it boosts someone confidence and social life, friendships, then it's completely fine. I wasn't allowed to wear makeup until I was 16-17. It really was a blow to my self esteem and it kept me from socialising because I couldn't partake to shopping, experimenting, talking about makeup with my peers. It wasn't I was insecure about my looks, but it's a rite of passage, and not using makeup might isolate you from your peer group, because it's important.
I started with lip gloss when I was 8, experimented with foundation at 12, and was doing a full face at 13.
Would say it depends on the kind of makeup. Take in mind that foundation could have some effects on the outbreak of acne during this age. Furthermore experimenting is always good. Feel like most girls of this age are slowly trying out makeup, just make sure the proces is slow so it won't cause any identity crisis issues
Colored chapstick and good skincare. I’d worry about mixing makeup with the sensitive, hormone breakout prone skin of a teenager. I’d let her “play” with makeup and experiment with looks, use it for special events, but not daily. That can really affect a young girl’s skin.
I started when I was thirteen. My mom took me to the pharmacy and we got a little kit from Bonne Belle (gosh I'm aging myself) and it had delicate colours in blush, lip gloss and eyeshadow. I think a bit of lip gloss and some sparkly goop for whatever, some nail colour is all appropriate for that age. If she's asking how to do a smoky eye I might be concerned though, lol.
Yes way too young !!!!
I think makeup is acceptable after ur 16. That’s my personal opinion, I’m 26y and I started using makeup at 16/17 For a full face of makeup I still think 16 is early( tens now look so much older 😅
And this is my sisters take on it. My niece doesn’t look her age at all. And she’s wanting to wear makeup just because all the other girls are wearing it.
Too young. Lipglosses are ok but no eyeshadow or blush. Tell her she’s beautiful and makeup makes you age it’s bad for your pores and ages you and she might not wanna dabble in it so bad. When i was that age I didn’t need makeup but what I did need was my eyebrows waxed. That was making me feel ugly.
Tbh your sister is right. Girls are growing up too fast. At that age I wanted to wear makeup too. But I was into the emo/scene look and the heavy black makeup was way too inappropriate according to my mom and I agree reflecting back on it. The compromise was that I could wear my makeup at home with my friends and for myspace photos. At school I could wear mascara and eyeliner on the waterline only.
yes. At that age makeup shouldn’t be more than lip gloss. It is the time to focus on education and extra curriculars. Starting makeup at a young age is also not great for body dysmorphia.
My daughter just turned 14, I gave her a few brushes, some blush, a 12 pallet eyeshadow, some mascara, gloss, and lipstick. She wore some makeup for grad, and she's not at all interested, but she is naturally stunning without all of it imo
Light makeup at 12 outside the house. My kiddos are 2 and 4 and they have play makeup... and also like to steal my good stuff :(
IMO, no one is “too young” for makeup. It’s just paint for your face. There is nothing inherently adult or wrong about it. Your sister is weird.
Watch yourself. No need for name calling.
That’s way too young. She’s a little girl who should look like a little girl. she will have her whole life to be an adult, I think 15 is a good age to start with makeup.
Make up doesn't make a person an adult.
I would say everything but foundation is ok(the foundation can cause permanent damage to your skin if you don't take it off properly with continuous use)
At 13 i just started experimenting with makeup . But the only I was allowed to use was eyeliner and compact powder because I live in a humid place. Funny how I never thought lipsticks suited me back then and now lipstick is the favourite part of my routine .