Allow 12-13 year olds to use concealer for blemishes, eye shadow, eyeliner, powder for oily skin, and a light coat of mascara. Let teens start wearing heavier coverage foundation, bronzer/highlighter, blush, and lipstick.
Some teens with skin issues may need foundation, but most teenagers don't, Brown says. Opt for tinted moisturizer instead. Also, use concealer for under-eye dark circles and touch-up sticks to cover blemishes, if needed. “Mascara, a touch of blush, sheer lips or lip gloss, and that's really it,” Brown says.
"Most kids typically start wearing makeup between the ages of 12-15, but often they'll start experimenting in the house earlier and during playdates with friends," says clinical psychologist Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein.
There's no set age for girls to wear makeup, but 12-13 is the minimum age to wear makeup in daily life or school. Younger than this age should not be expected. A Mintel's research revealed that more than half of US 12-14 year olds use mascara (54%), as well as eyeshadow, eyeliner and eyebrow pencils (54%).
“Black can start to look harsh when skin gets into the 40s and beyond,” says Patinkin. “Tight lining under the upper lash line with a gel liner and a brush is a more forgiving way to use black as it will make the lash line look thicker and more defined without creating any severe lines or angles.”
Also, try to avoid applying makeup on the lower lash line as it makes the eyes look smaller, highlights fine lines and drags down the whole face. The eyeliner can get smudged from the bottom lash line, clearly showing signs of fatigue, and making you look older.
Eyeliner is optional. However, if you want to give it a try, stick to a thin line either along the top lash line or along your waterline. This way, your makeup is appropriate for school but still makes a serious style statement.
Apply the eyeliner in a very thin line to where the eyelashes are growing. To make your eyes look bigger make the line a little bigger the further you go. For more drama, you can even use a blue! For a pop of color, you can line your waterline/lower lash line with a colored liner.
“For ages 14 and up, pastel shimmer eye shadow, a light coat of mascara and a sheer lip gloss should be enough to give the teen a boost of confidence that every woman gets when enhancing their features with makeup,” Glaser says.
Dermatologists and cosmetologists recommend starting a skincare routine in the tween or teen years. The earlier you start, the better!
While there's no right or wrong age, the proper way for your kids to wear makeup depends on your family's perspective and the accepted practice in your child's community. And making sure you're okay with these norms ahead of time can help in your decision making.
Prior research has shown that these products often have toxic chemicals, like lead, asbestos, PFAS, phthalates, and formaldehyde in them. Toxic chemicals found in children's makeup and body products (CMBP), like heavy metals, are especially harmful to infants and children.
DON'T line your whole eye.
Drawing your eyeliner from outside corner all of the way to the inside corner of your eye, on top and bottom, is just a whole lotta eyeliner. It's harsh and unflattering, and makes your eyes appear smaller. It also makes it look like you wear a studded black belt over your Billabong t-shirt.
If this is a regular occurrence, it can lead to irritation, swellings, or even an infection. In short – eyeliner can be damaging to your eyes, so be careful when applying your makeup. If you can resist the temptation to add eyeliner to your eye's waterline, it's probably best to do so.
Avoid applying eyeliner to your eyelid margins
This can lead to issues with dry eye and irritation. Applying eye makeup at the “waterline” – behind the lash line, where your eyelid meets your eye – is more likely to block the meibomian oil glands.
The skin around the eyes is so delicate that leaving makeup on can cause the skin to have red, itchy, flaky patches. Sleeping in mascara and eyeliner can result in clogging of tiny hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids. When these areas become clogged, small bumps called styes or hordeolums can form.
Best Overall: Petite 'n Pretty Glow Makeup Set
One of the standout features of the Petite 'n Pretty brand is that it's formulated without potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a safer choice for young skin.