Girls as young as 3 or 4 years old may try experimenting with makeup, with or without the knowledge of their parents. While these experimental stages are a normal part of growing up, they are certainly worthy of being monitored. Consider the following when deciding when to let your daughter wear makeup.
Pre-Adolescent Girls
When girls reach pre-adolescent ages, typically between 11 and 13 years old, the media and friends begin to influence their desires and choices. Many pre-teen girls look up to celebrities as role models, and the media unavoidably influences many girls’ desires to look and feel beautiful. In essence, the application of makeup helps girls feel like they resemble celebrity role models.
If parents allow their children to wear makeup during this time, they are often concerned with when and how to set limitations. Most parents strive to set guidelines but also want to avoid being too controlling. It is appropriate for mothers and grandmothers to fully be involved in their daughters’ applications of makeup, including demonstrating what is acceptable and age-appropriate for their children.
Adolescent Girls
As girls reach the ages of 14 to 17 years old, many begin to resist their parents’ influence and choose to follow that of their peers. Parents are often concerned with the level of influence children’s friends have. Of course, many girls will continue to want to follow popular makeup trends in the media as well as what is acceptable among their peers. Many parents agree that they should focus on keeping open communication with their teenage girls as well as respect how their daughters feel about their bodies.
It is normal for girls at this age to go through the rite of passage and experiment with makeup. If parents forbid their daughters from wearing makeup entirely, some girls may not understand why their parents are making these strict rules. Rather than totally preventing ones teenage daughters from wearing makeup, a parent might want to teach them what is age-appropriate and help them understand the social implications of wearing “too much” makeup.
How old were you when you first wore makeup? At what age would you allow your daughter to wear makeup?
Heather Johnson says
January 16, 2016 at 10:10 amI had play makeup as a little girl but did not wear makeup until I was an adult. I suspect my daughter will do the same.
Barrie says
January 16, 2016 at 7:58 pmMy teen hasn’t really worn makeup but recently, at 17, I took her to a professional makeup store to teach her how to put on makeup correctly. I bought her a full set of makeup and she has used it well!
Amber NElson says
January 17, 2016 at 5:14 pmThat is a great idea. At least if they want to wear makeup, they should know how to apply it!
Catherine S says
January 17, 2016 at 9:16 amI have always had a lot allergies so I have never worn makeup. If I had a daughter I am not sure at what age I would let her wear it.
Amber NElson says
January 17, 2016 at 11:52 amI started when i was around 16, I believe. I think 16 is a good age.
Ickle Pickle says
January 17, 2016 at 12:57 pmI have two girls aged 19 and 16. They both started wearing a little make up after they started secondary school at age 11. I think is is a personal choice for each parent. Kaz x
Jayne says
January 17, 2016 at 1:30 pmI was in junior high but I was sneaking to use it. In high school…probably my junior year…is when it became a staple.
I had boys so I have no input as a mother but as a grandmother, I just don’t see the big deal.
mburbage says
January 17, 2016 at 4:02 pmI never wanted to wear makeup, and still don’t . It wasn’t my thing, hopefully my girls follow my steps and if they aren’t comfortable with it, won’t do it. It wouldn’t bother me if they started to want to wear any as teens
Eileen says
January 17, 2016 at 5:08 pmI only experimented with make up when I was at home. I grew up in exclusive Catholic girls schools, and we were made to practice modesty and simplicity, therefore, no make up allowed. I guess that is why even as an adult, I rarely use make up. When my daughter got into her teen years, I did not mind when she tried using make up (only of course when she’s not in school – or else she’d find herself in the Principal’s office).
Farrah says
January 17, 2016 at 8:44 pmI was raised by a single father beginning in middle school when my parents divorced. My dad allowed me to start wearing make up in the 8th grade. We will probably permit it around the same age. Right now, we let our six year old have her nails painted. She knows she is not to play with my makeup since I buy an expensive brand.
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
January 17, 2016 at 8:47 pmI don’t have a time in mind. My 4 year old loves lip gloss now, but I think we will cross the bridge into other makeup when the moment presents itself.
Caroline says
January 18, 2016 at 1:58 pmMy daughter is 8 and she wears lip gloss on special occasion, I sometimes put a little bit of color on her eyes, but the full makeup won’t be before high school that’s for sure.
Courtneylynne says
January 19, 2016 at 5:29 pmOmg I didn’t wear makeup until later in life lol… Probably why I’m makeup obsessed today! Honestly though I don’t think makeup is bad for younger girls. If they are wearing it to be creative and confidence that’s totally fine. If it’s because of a boy or just to copy others…. Idk… That’s not what makeup is about 😉
Erin Will says
January 20, 2016 at 3:16 pmI think I was around 15-16 when I started wearing makeup daily. My daughter is only 4 and already tries to get into my makeup. When she hits her teenage years I will allow her to wear a little and teach her how to apply it. Makeup can be fun but I don’t want her to feel like she needs it.
Jennifer Wilson says
January 24, 2016 at 9:41 amI don’t think little girls need to wear makeup. They should be taught that you are naturally beautiful without makeup. When they reach their teens then maybe they should be allowed to experiment a little.
Dee says
February 27, 2016 at 5:04 pmI’m surprised no one is mentioning the following. If/Until your daughter starts having legitimate skin concerns (acne,oil) there is absolutely no reason to wear foundation, concealer, primer or powders. If they eat a healthy diet they should already have a natural flush to their cheeks, eliminating the need for blush. Their eyelashes are the thickest and fullest they will ever be in their entire life. Externally, they will never be considered more beautiful than they are at this age… With no help from products. And we moms should know these beauty products in fact cause damage over the years. I teach my 11yo the importance of skin care, diet and hygiene and occasionally allow gloss for a special occasion with her peers. Other than that no dice. I see too many women who feel they have to wear makeup now to hide the damage years of applying this stuff has done.
Kate F. says
April 14, 2016 at 8:34 amI started wearing makeup when I was 12 – but only a little bit of mascara and lip gloss to start. I would probably allow my daughter to start around the same age I did.
beautiful s says
May 4, 2016 at 2:40 pmI decided to go with a natural lip gloss for when my daughter first started wanted to wear makeup. I got for her the Somaluxe Raspberry Red Lip Gloss – and she loves it!! It comes in a cute jar, and it doesnt have any chemicals in it. The red is like a tint – not too much – perfect for a new teenager.