How soon is too soon for your kid or kids/teens, to wear makeup?

Question

I wasn't really into make-up as a teenager, so my mom and I never had to fight about this, but I've seen some young girls wearing makeup and it's just weird. I feel like not before they are older teens should they wear make-up in public. You know when some of these guys are like, "but I thought she was older," ...we know good and well as women some of these 14 year olds who have been watching make-up tutorials since they were 10, look like friggin' adults with lashes and contouring and all that other crap. I'm sure as hell not defending anything of that nature, but this is WHY I don't think "kids" should be wearing makeup. Your thoughts?

Seinna · Accepted Answer

I'd allow my 14-15 year old daughter to wear make up for special occasions, particularly if she was with a family member at a restaurant, concert etc.

As a regular thing, I wouldn't accept it until much later... but I don't know what age exactly. Depends on her maturity, what the world is like etc but probably not to school. I'd try to find her a school that doesn't allow it, mine didn't.

Also, it all depends on the makeup. Obviously lipstick, nails, eye shadow, dramatic eyeliner are a no go until she's out of school. Mostly because these would look tacky on a young girl and I want my girl to be classy, always.

smashleyy · Accepted Answer

I was 7-8 when an aunt gave me red lipstick, I went into my mom’s room to show it off expecting a “wow!” Or “so pretty” and I got an instant disgust look followed by “wash that off your face only hookers wear red” I still remember that knot in my stomach. It’s ironic my mom didn’t want me to turn out promiscuous and her way of preventing that was through shaming but by doing so it was lowering my self esteem and I was seeking sexual validation by 6th grade. If I ever have a daughter she will be able to wear makeup when she wants, cause at that age it’s just something cool and fun

MisterWack · Accepted Answer

Below the age of 16 in my opinion.

Kids should be easy going, having fun, getting studies done, laying the framework for their future with a good education that comes with friends & good classmates, etc. not having to worry about “adult stuff”. They have 18+ to truly worry about their makeup, having choice of perfume, etc. I wouldn’t want my child to grow up too fast because they might miss what really mattered in the moment….

BetaBucks · Accepted Answer

I don't see the point in making children sexually attractive. That's the point of makeup, despite all the lies about it.

I guess under 16 would be my answer then, because I just assume my daughter will be a lost cause at 16 and there's nothing reasonable I can do about. At least she'll be able to attract a better looking dirtbag that's going to use her.

Fashionista Amy · Accepted Answer

Navigating the makeup question with kids can be tricky! Each family's approach might differ, but many suggest a gradual introduction to makeup, starting with light options like lip gloss or mascara in the early teens. It’s crucial to balance creativity and self-expression with age-appropriateness. Encouraging experimentation under guidance at home can help them develop a healthy relationship with makeup. Ultimately, it’s important to foster discussions about confidence and self-image alongside aesthetics.

Smashingdoozy · Answer

Anyone should be allowed to wear makeup for fun at any age. So long as its age appropriate makeup. Toddlers shouldn't be wearing full coverage foundation and lashes for example.

I wore makeup from age 11/12, typically just eyeliner. I don't see anything wrong with that.

PeachyPie93 · Answer

16 because my kids should learn to grow knowing they are beautiful without it.. Plus makeup is only worn to attract male attention regardless of what delusional, liar woman will say.. or because they are ugly asf and have no confidence showing their real face. Which my kids don't need to worry about until they are older..

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

In theory , I would appreciate the idea that any teen can do what she wants, because it's just freaking makeup, it is harmless.  In practice , we don't live in a world accepting that it is harmless, we live in a world of men's desires for the most part,  so we protect our daughters from men's desires  by preventing them to wear makeup because of men. Is it an upside-down world? Yes, in many ways, not just makeup, as you all know 😑

Anonymous · Answer

Our 3 year old started wearing makeup about 6 months ago... well she was wearing marker when we found her making her own attempt at it. .

We let her, she has her own makeup kit, nothing dark, but she sees her mom and i putting on makeup before work, and it's her way of trying to express that she can be a big girl too. Her mom and I both work in tip-heavy fields so it's kind of a requirement, so it was kind of unavoidable, she sees her mommy and auntie doing it... that said, her makeup is not dark, is cheap, and very basic. Her lipstick is just gloss and her blush is very light... and if i have anything to say about it it will stay that way for another 15 years!

Why do we give her makeup? It's a form of self expression and it's a LOT easier to get off of her than marker!

Kaneki05 · Answer

A good rule is when they can buy it themselves. If they aren't old enough to know how to go into a store with some money and buy it then they don't need it.
And if they are old enough to have money, go to a store and buy it one can't stop it anyway.

Nifrayu · Answer

I didn't start wearing make-up until I was 23, but my kids sometimes do. I don't really think it's bad at any age unless they feel like they need it. Make-up is just for fun or be fancy. Kids definitely shouldn't feel like wearing make-up is the default state. That mindset towards it should be discouraged.

ariadneR · Answer

My now 3 Yr old neice loves putting on lip gloss and glittery eye shadow. She was 2 when she started. Her dad [my brother] doesn't let her do it all the time but she loves it.

It's something she bonds over with her sister (who is 10) and her mom... and me lol

jojouzumaki · Answer

When they have their own job.

My dad told me not to wear make up and keep it natural. It is not a prerequisite of looking or feeling beautiful. If you engage yourself in critical thinking, learning agility and growth mindset - that is beautiful.

Anonymous · Answer

My 5-year-old goes into my makeup bag and puts it on herself; usually all over her face is lipstick and mascara above her eyebrows. Yep, she's having fun doing it, and of course I can't stop myself from laughing; she's too cute.

The_Confusion · Answer

Do you realize that when you're asking this, you'll get most replies from not caring mothers, but bitter femcels, sluts, rарe victims, and man haters?

AviatorTom · Answer

In our house, our daughter didn't wear makeup until she was old enough to go on dates without a chaperone. The only exception to that was makeup she wore in school plays. That worked out quite well.

Apple1996 · Answer

Let little girls wear makeup at whatever ahe they want and get that stage out of the way early on so they can embrace their inner beauty later on as a teen or adult so they won't be insecure

Ez-Bri-Z_v2 · Answer

I think 13 or 14 is a good age for them to start learning how to do makeup. At least the basics of it. If it looks too adult I won't let my daughter go out, but practicing it isn't an issue for me.

rosemilk · Answer

i think too soon would be under the age of 13/14. 15 seems like a good age to start but it'd have to be light because what teen needs that much makeup anyways

Garud · Answer

The society I live in doesn't allow girls to wear makeup before the age of 18. My personal belief is, to first learn to respect your body by keeping it healthy and decorate it later.

Shamalien · Answer

If you think about what makeup actually is this picture should disturb you. Kids should not be messing around with that stuff; it’s for adults trying to attract partners or look sexy for their partner

Nikki1989 · Answer

They can wear it when they feel like wearing it.

Kelley1 · Answer

As soon as they want to, even as early as age 6, provided it is limited to easily remove lipstick and fingernail polish.

Elliegirl · Answer

I think I’ll let my daughter start experimenting with some makeup when she’s about 12 or 13. Like junior high age.

RingOfFire · Answer

That picture is just scary. I agree with you that young teens girls want to make themselves look older and as a man who was once a teenager I can tell you that's not a good idea.

Sirenboobzilla · Answer

Save for around the house and costumes, my mom didn't let me touch makeup till I was in 8th grade and having my first date

whiskeyontherocks · Answer

Can’t stand makeup…
It smells like kitty litter and baby powder, and reminds me of clowns 🤡.
My girlfriend tried to find something that didn’t have a smell but I have a great sense of smell it cannot be covered up.

Anonymous · Answer

Makeup provides an opportunity to enhance fertility traits so it's not appropriate for little ones.  Although playing dress up in the home is not a biggie.

CB-Raido-Time · Answer

They sure can make the funny videos. I think the way I would handled that as a parent I would have explained to them how needless and pointless it would be to cover themselves up with junk hiding themselves in their most adorable years.

4ngelic · Answer

very light makeup - 13 heavy makeup - 16

schoolgirlskirtcaley · Answer

My oldest daughter started at the beginning of middle school. So two years ago

WhitneySnow · Answer

I think 13 is ok, but my mom didn’t let me do it till I was 16

DrPepper12 · Answer

Mine started messing around with cosmetics at about 14 but she really uses its sparingly during school but does like to glam herself up sometimes.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

I think anyone wearing makeup in elementary school is just inappropriate, period. But that's just my opinion.

Johnagain · Answer

Around 15 or 16, and then on occations, not all the time.

buzzword · Answer

Once they are admitted to clown college.

Miristheiss · Answer

Younger than 13 or 14.

slatyb · Answer

Whenever they want to.

convo_king89 · Answer

I think the same question for thongs.. lol

jahaims · Answer

Once they are an adult

kaucky1 · Answer

Just wanna grow up fast

impalabill77 · Answer

I would say toddlers.

12karen · Answer

Too soon? 14

Kelly6 · Answer

Age 12-13

Crazzyyworld · Answer

18 I think

zombiewoof · Answer

Twenty five

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