One of my favorite pastimes has always been exploring new makeup and beauty products. I began experimenting with makeup when I started ballet and was required to wear intensive makeup looks while performing on stage. My love of experimenting with beauty products continued into my teens when I started doing beauty pageants. While I am now a professional and mother of two, I still love how I feel when I try a new product or a new makeup look. With age, experience, and being more educated on the beauty industry and proper skincare, I understand the value of good quality makeup products and the importance of a good skin routine.
I have noticed that every time I go into Sephora, Ulta, or the makeup counters at Del Monte, I am amazed at the number of tweens, teens, and preteens there. While the makeup and beauty industry has always been booming, I’ve been wondering how young is too young and what new makeup users or beauty product users should look for when shopping for merchandise. Especially now that I have a young daughter, I want to know when the best time is to start teaching teens and preteens the value of good skincare and when to let them begin exploring makeup.
As the demand among younger customers grows, some brands are alerting potential users that they may not be ready for the ingredients in their products. Drunk Elephant, a cult brand that is a huge hit with young teens posted on social media recently that many of their products may not be safe for a younger age group, warning them to stay away from products containing acids and retinol.
THE NUMBERS
Based on statistics, in 2022, Sephora generated over $7 billion in sales, and Ulta generated over $10 billion, with their target audience being beauty enthusiasts of all ages. According to the Cleveland Clinic, on average, girls start using makeup between the ages of 12 and 15. This is the prime age group to make mistakes in choosing products or not properly using the products–mistakes that can lead to breakouts, skin irritation, and infections.
AN ESTHETICIAN WEIGHS IN
Emily Lam, a licensed esthetician and the owner of Skin Studio 831, also echoed and agreed with these statistics. She says the best way to approach a skin routine is to require consultation with a professional, whether it’s an esthetician or a dermatologist. According to Emily, starting a skin routine between 12 to 15 is appropriate, which coincides with when teens begin wearing makeup.
According to Emily, influencers on social media such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram promote products and skin routines but don’t always share the science or product details. Young teens and adults may buy products that may not necessarily be the best product for their skin type, tone, or skin sensitivity as a result. And, they are spending a lot of money on those products!
Emily shared that the cost of products may only sometimes equate to quality. Some vendors will mark up products to pay for packaging or marketing. She recommends that before investing in expensive products, make sure to do your research.
Emily advises that preteens and teens should follow a minimalist beauty routine. Overuse of products can damage their skin or make them look older. Makeup that is applied thickly and used consistently without proper removal can clog pores. From Emily’s professional perspective, the biggest mistake she sees teens make is improper cleansing, rushing the processes instead of cleansing for at least one minute.
WHAT PARENTS SAY
For many young people, using makeup products or establishing a skincare routine is almost a rite of passage into becoming more independent. Makeup can be a form of expression and a way to help build confidence. However, for moms who begin this process with their preteens or teens, there must be some boundaries.
Brandi Bommarito, a mother to a teenage daughter, said her daughter was 15 when she started wearing makeup. For Brandi, one concern was the amount of makeup she would allow her daughter to wear at that age. She felt that a natural makeup look was more age-appropriate. Brandi said shopping at Sephora or Ulta has become more of a treat than a regular routine. Her daughter often gets makeup gifts on special occasions, such as her birthday or the holidays. Brandi says she appreciates that her daughter does not spend much of her time and money on makeup products. Setting a budget and teaching her daughter when it’s appropriate to go more glam in her makeup look helps her teen set boundaries on how much to spend on beauty products.
Najat Abdela allowed her daughter to start wearing minimal makeup in 8th grade but worries that teens feel pressure to wear make up. She also wonders if it affects their self esteem if they feel they need make up to feel comfortable. Abdela worries about her daughter’s use of skin care products and make up causing irritation. She takes her teen to Sephora or Ulta once every six months or so and occasionally allows her daughter to make a purchase for a special event.
SOME FINAL ADVICE
Through my discussions and research for this topic, the answer on when the right time to start makeup and a skincare routine is “it depends.” While it’s a personal choice between parent and child it is advisable to seek out professional advice. As your child is beginning to use skincare products they will need guidance on which ingredients to avoid– namely any product containing retinol or acid. In addition, products that cause symptoms such as hives, swelling, or any other allergic reactions should immediately be discontinued.
If your child is interested in establishing a skincare routine, help them choose a gentle cleanser that they can use morning and evening. If their skin is acne-prone, a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide is a good choice. A light moisturizer can be used if the child’s skin isn’t oily. The last step should be a good sunscreen. They can still enjoy browsing Sephora, buying the occasional lip gloss or other makeup item while avoiding the heavy duty skincare products that can cause problems.
Other simple rules to prevent risk are to remove all makeup before going to bed, replace cosmetics every six to twelve months to minimize the risk of contamination, and not sharing cosmetics. When in doubt about makeup products, most beauty counters can offer samples to ensure you are not wasting money on products that do not work for you.
This advice should make navigating the beauty industry safer and more enjoyable for you and your tween or teen.
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