We all remember playing dress-up when we were growing up and even putting on a little dab on mom’s lipstick and blush to feel like a big girl! But tweenagers these days don’t just want to play around with makeup – they want to wear it out and about. So the battle between mother and young & impressionable daughter begins – is makeup appropriate for tweens?

Tween girls – those age 8 to 12 – are wearing makeup much earlier than their respective mothers did back in the day! Our biggest responsibility as a parent is to ensure our children approach the use of makeup in a becoming way and that they understand that beauty is not solely represented through our outer appearance.

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Social media has really tainted the minds of our youngsters giving youth a false representation of beauty standards. Real people don’t normally look the way they do in magazines and on Instagram. Parents need to point out the difference between real life and what is often dishonestly portrayed online.

Teach them the right way

If your child is adamant they want to wear makeup – and you agree to allow them to do so – instructing them correctly and safely is the best way to go. Set some very clear rules of how and where makeup can be worn and not to abuse the privilege.

• Be sure your child is not sharing makeup with any of their friends and that old product is disposed of.
• Instruct them on proper application, “less is more”, and products/shades that compliment their naturally beautiful features.
• A full face is definitely not fitting for a tween-aged child. Proper face washing practices, mild moisturizer use, and daily sunscreen are good habits to instill though.
• Don’t buy cheap products! If you permit your child to wear a little blush and eye shadow on occasion – opt for a good brand. That’s not to say you need to purchase department store brands for your ten year-old! But that cheap dollar store crap can honestly cause damage to your child’s delicate skin!

So, is makeup appropriate for tweens?

Let’s be honest here – there really is no specific *right* age to begin wearing makeup! But making sure their intentions are in the right place is important. Are they being pressured by kids from school or what they may see online, are they revolting, or are they simply growing up?!!

So instead of fighting with your child and creating unnecessary conflict – give them a little freedom to experiment and express themselves (within reason)! Have some fun with it and maybe do your makeup together!