I saw my 2-year-old toddler using my blending brush, mimicking her mommy. So, I started wondering at what age it is safe for children to put on makeup.
Many online sources state no specific age for kids to wear makeup. Whereas some parents don’t approve till their child is 14 years old. This puzzling situation compelled me to dig deeper into the matter.
So, here’s an article to help parents understand the right age for kids to wear makeup and what makes them do it. How adult makeup products can harm them, and safety tips for parents.
The Right Age to Allow Your Kids to Put on Makeup
First things first, there is no right or wrong when it comes to makeup and age. Various factors influence a child to wear makeup. As I said earlier, my 2yo imitated me with my makeup brush. Also, the impact of culture plays a key role in shaping your kid’s interest.
But let’s be honest. As a parent, it is up to you to decide the suitable age for your children to apply makeup products. However, a research study revealed that most parents are fine with their kids doing makeup at 14 or 16. That’s when they are in their teens.
What Makes Your Child to Put on Makeup?
Several driving forces motivate a child to glam up. So, let’s explore the common ones.
To Express Oneself
Children, especially preteens, enjoy experiments. They develop habits that help them unveil their creative side. Therefore, they may find makeup to be one way of self-expression.
Copying People Around Them
Children learn behavior from their parent’s actions, and makeup is one of them. If you, your partner, or anyone they know applies facial cosmetics. There is a good chance that they will try to replicate those things.
In my case, my daughter keeps noticing me when I use cosmetics. So, she tries to do what her mommy occasionally does before leaving for work.
Of course, she can’t actually apply it since she is still a toddler. But such behavior might erupt her interest to the point that she begins wearing makeup in her preteens.
Content Available on Social Media
No, I am not blaming the social media personalities for specifically targeting tweens to buy makeup. But it is no secret that our children somehow have access to kids’ content on YouTube and other sites.
Various content creators and influencers indirectly promote the application of makeup on kids through scripted videos and cartoons. As a result, our kids get inspiration from those videos and try to copy the act.
Conscious About Body Image
I do understand that children do make fun of each other. But sometimes, the limits are so very crossed that it forces the bullied child to do something about their appearance.
The idea of “looking good” makes them vulnerable. So, they choose makeup as their shield against all the odds.
Effects of Makeup on Children
It may be unsafe for a child to apply makeup at any age, especially if the products are for adults. Here’s why.
Makeup-Induced Acne
The NYPost mentioned one study where 45% of Brazilian women had skin diseases due to religiously wearing makeup. 14% of them suffered from “acne cosmetica” or makeup-induced acne.
Bacterial Growth and Infections
Sharing makeup is not a new thing. But this act is the major cause of spreading bacteria, leading to staph infections, cold sores, and even herpes.
Moreover, a study revealed that makeup helps breed bacteria. This happens mostly in liquid cosmetics like mascara, lip gloss, and foundation.
Contact with Harmful Chemicals
Not all, but most of the beauty and body products made for children contain toxic substances. This includes chemicals like PFAS, formaldehyde, lead, phthalates, and asbestos.
These chemicals may not be intentionally added. However, they have been linked to several irreversible health issues, such as neurodevelopmental harm and cancer.
Accidental Consumption
Several reports have confirmed that many children, specifically those in their hand-to-mouth phase, unintentionally ingest toxic ingredients.
The significant sources to blame are children’s makeup and body products (CMBP), such as face paint and lip gloss. Likewise, nail polish thinners are easily accessible to toddlers, which can harm them internally since they contain ethyl.
That is why some states, including Washington and New York, have considered tightening regulations for personal care products, makeup, and toys.
Eye Infections
Not all cosmetics are suitable for preteen and teenagers’ skin. Products like eyeliner and mascara can lead to eye irritation and infections in your child.
Tips for Parents to Ensure Safe Makeup for Children
You can’t keep an eye on your kids 24/7. But you can follow these tips to make sure your kids are putting on makeup safely.
Don’t Just Fall for Labels
Not all the makeup products that claim to be “organic” and “natural” are approved by safety authorities. So, instead of just believing what you see on the packaging, do some research on your own.
You can check the ingredients in the beauty products from the EWG’s Skin Deep website.
Test the Product
Okay! So you researched and found the product free from any toxic material. But before applying it, test it on your skin before using it on your child’s face.
Wait a while to note any signs of irritation, like swelling or redness. If no red flags exist, you may allow your child to use it.
Also, you should not let them use makeup if your child has acne or allergies.
Pick the Right Makeup for Children
I suggest starting with small products, like chemical-free lip gloss, when showing makeup to your preteens for the first time.
It is always best to avoid eyeliners and heavy lipsticks until your kids are 18.
Check the Makeup’s Expiry
Don’t let your child use makeup that is about to expire. Also, you should dispose of any expired product that’s still on your dressing table.
Try your best to replace cosmetics after every 12 months. Besides, look for fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free products to reduce the risks of skin reactions.
Conclusion
There is no perfect age that can be 100% safe for a child to put on makeup. Our kids learn from their surroundings and adopt hobbies that fascinate them. Similarly, numerous factors turn their attention to wearing cosmetics.
But we should always be there to guide our children in wearing makeup. If they are interested in doing makeup, and you think it’s an appropriate age, help them find harmless products.
That’s the best you can do to protect their health.
FAQs
What age is appropriate for kids to wear makeup?
Carol Tuttle, author of Dressing Your Truth: Discover Your Personal Beauty Profile, suggests that children between the ages of 10 and 14 should only wear lip gloss. Children between the ages of 15 and 17 should be allowed to apply mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow.
Is it suitable for a 12-year-old to wear natural makeup?
If your 12-year-old desires to wear natural makeup, let them experiment with skin-friendly products. But first, you should teach them the basic skincare routine, especially if they are about to enter their acne-prone phase.
Can children put on makeup when going to school?
It totally depends on the child and the type of school they are in. Some schools may not allow makeup, while others do. But it is suggested to wear light makeup that compliments the school dress.
