Is there really an age limit on when kids can start using makeup? They’ve probably been watching your makeup routine for a while now and have started playing around with your eyeshadow or lipstick – it’s normal.
Table of Contents
Seeing your kids applying and wearing makeup, on the other hand, can be quite a shock for parents for a number of reasons.
For those who have tweens who have started to take an interest in makeup and are wondering if it’s appropriate or what the impact on their skin will be, it’s a completely valid concern.
While there is no specific age when your child can officially start wearing makeup, we’re going to help you decide when the best age for your child to start wearing makeup.
When do tweens start taking an interest in makeup?
Some parents can pinpoint the exact day that their child started taking an interest in makeup, while others will tell you that it just happened all of a sudden.
The bottom line is that everyone is different, so some kids may develop an interest in makeup when they’re young children, while others might not even like it well into their teens.
However, there are general stages that kids go through as their relationship with makeup develops.
Here’s what parents can typically expect from kids and when they’ll start taking an interest in makeup:
Early curiosity (5 – 10 years old)
Kids learn a lot of things just by watching their parents, so many of them will start to develop a curiosity about makeup from a young age just because they’ve watched you or their older siblings do their makeup.
During this stage, it’s purely about play and encouraging their imagination. So, is it okay to let them start wearing makeup at this stage?
Yes, as long as it remains within the context of playtime and you’re conscious about the products they’ll be playing with.
Stick to products that are non-toxic and can wash off easily, like face paints, lip balms and different eyeshadows. At this point, makeup should be something that is fun and in no way to make them “look good”.
Tween experimenting (11 – 13 years old)
As kids get older and more aware of their appearance and why people wear makeup, they start to wear it outside the boundaries of playtime.
A huge influence could be that their friends are wearing makeup and experimenting with it more, and naturally, they want to be included.
This leap can be a shock to the system for some parents as they start to realise that their child is no longer so little and is growing and maturing.
At this point it’s good to start setting boundaries with makeup, too, so maybe allow them to wear it on the weekends or at special occasions – by now most of you have seen the videos of Sephora tweens, and it’s not a pretty sight.
Letting your tween experiment with wearing makeup is totally acceptable at this stage, but it’s best to keep it light to prevent breakouts.
Stick to products like lip balms and gloss, tinted moisturisers and BB creams and then clear mascara. When choosing makeup for tweens, sticking to light makeup allows them to experiment without looking too mature or dramatic.
Teenage years
When your kids hit the teenage years, makeup becomes more of a serious task.
If it’s been introduced to them well leading up to these years, they should have a healthy relationship with makeup and not view it as a way to hide their features but rather accentuate their beauty.
However, many teens feel pressured to wear makeup because of social media and peer pressure.
This is a good time to give your kids more freedom when wearing makeup but still encourage them to wear more natural and age-appropriate makeup. At this stage, you as a parent can guide them on how to apply, what products to use that will suit their complexion, and, more importantly, how to take it off correctly.
How to choose the right makeup for your tween
For your tween, light makeup is always the best route. Not only does this mean they won’t walk around looking too mature for their age, but it also means they’ll be using products that are better suited to younger, more sensitive skin.
Most makeup contains ingredients and parabens that can be terrible for young skin.
So, when shopping around for tween makeup, keep an eye out for the following:
- Fragrance-free products – scented products full of range can irritate skin and cause breakouts and redness
- Hypoallergenic products – these are essential for sensitive skin
- Age-appropriate brands – there are a variety of makeup brands that are specifically formulated for young skin
Whether you’re a fan of makeup or not, eventually kids will start to show an interest in it.
You as a parent can either introduce it in a way that promotes a positive and healthy relationship with it or let them figure it out on their own and risk them damaging their skin or looking ridiculous.
You have the opportunity to provide them age-appropriate makeup and teach them how to enjoy it. Now all you need are the right products!
