Introducing Your Child to Your Makeup

It’s crystal clear, makeup is going nowhere. History hints that women have gone as far as using burnt match sticks to darken their eyes. Different societies have different beauty secrets and concoctions. Therefore, makeup will not only stick around, but it will also evolve.

Today, makeup has evolved into a multi billion-dollar industry. Most women own makeup kits even if they don’t necessarily use them regularly. Girls begin to invest in makeup from as early as 7th and 8th grade. You’ll find young girls keeping lip balms in their school bags “just in case” they need them. As soon as adolescence strikes, they become aware of their sexuality and suddenly they spend more time staring at mirrors, just to ensure they look good. As a mother, you should be on the lookout for signs of a daughter trying to discover the makeup world which will help you realize the best time to start introducing your child to makeup.

Should You Introduce Makeup to Your Kids?

Some women wear heavy makeup daily while others can confidently walk out of the house without a streak of makeup. Similarly, some kids develop an interest in makeup at a very young age, while others stay away from it for as long as they can. Whether you apply makeup of not, you cannot afford to bury your head in the sand when your daughter begins to show interest. It’s best to introduce her to make up, rather than leave that to the internet or her teenage friends. Bear in mind that certain makeup brands can ruin her natural beauty, thus plunging her into a low self-esteem crisis. It’s, therefore, best to jump right in and show your daughter how to apply makeup as soon as she shows interest.

When Is the Right Time?

There is no right time to introduce your kids to makeup. As mentioned above each child will develop interest at their own pace. However, occasions such as her sweet 16th birthday, prom night or special events at school or home provide excellent opportunities to try out different looks on her young face. If your daughter does not seem interested in makeup at all, it’s best to give her time or try introducing mild adjustments like colorless lip balm or colorless mascara.

How to Start the Conversation?

You can’t walk to your daughter’s room and ask, “hey would you like to try my new lipstick”. Remember, there is a generational gap between you and her and the things you perceive as trendy/fashionable may seem old school to her. Therefore, before introducing her to makeup, do some research. Observe what other girls her age are rocking. Also, observe her friends to establish what your daughter is likely to desire in her makeup bag.

The goal is to help your child strike a balance between appreciating her natural beauty while discovering herself by enhancing (not concealing) her features. Therefore, be careful not to send the wrong message. It’s advisable to start small as you discover what looks good on her. Start with mild makeups such as blush, mascara, eye shadow and lip gloss. Avoid face products that might irritate her youthful skin especially if she is dealing with adolescence pimples. Also, ensure you do not force anything on her or make her feel as if she is inadequately beautiful without makeup. Once you discover what works for her, you may add to her makeup kit little by little.

A Note from GR8NESS

Makeup can boost a woman’s confidence. When people admire how they look on the outside, they tend to feel very good on the inside. Do not refrain from introducing your kids to make up if they’re interested. Introducing child to makeup can be an excellent way to bond as you discover their likes and dislikes. It’s also an opportunity for you to step in and reassure them, that you’re the go-to person when it comes to their body image issues.