Let me just start by saying that there is no magic age to allow your daughter to begin experimenting with lipsticks and eyeliners. The best judge of when to begin this phase is most definitely a parent. However, there are some basic guidelines that you can consider when your “little” girl begins clamoring to be a “big” girl. And when you decide that it is indeed time to take the cosmetic plunge, there are some ways to ease into this step slowly and carefully.

Many experts will agree that while the decision ultimately rests with parents as to when a girl should begin wearing makeup, a general guideline is twelve or thirteen for special occasions and sixteen for everyday wear. However, there are some basics that should be in place before ever setting foot in the cosmetic aisle. First, your daughter should have a positive self image and some realistic role models to emulate before beginning the makeup adventure. Cosmetics should never be a substitute for feeling good about who you are. Second, your daughter should have a healthy skin care routine in place before adding any type of makeup to her face. Healthy skin will be less likely to suffer under a layer of cosmetics. Finally, your daughter should show enough responsibility and maturity to be able to handle makeup in a wise manner.

Makeup Products to Begin With

The obvious first makeup choice is often a lip color, since you can find products that will treat and protect as well as enhance. Look to lip tints that will provide ingredients like vitamin E and cocoa butter that will moisturize and treat while they color. A bit of lip gloss is a fairly harmless way to give a makeup-hungry young woman a pretty, polished look. Another good beginning makeup product is a foundation stick that she can use to hide any blemishes. Remember how you used to feel when your skin would break out before a big event like a school dance or party? Help your daughter deal with these minor embarrassments by showing her how to dot the area with a foundation stick and blend the edges gently. Finish with a dusting of face powder and your little girl’s complexion is good to go. Finally, a clear lash gel will go on like mascara without the color, but give her lashes a smooth, pretty finish.

If your daughter’s yearning for cosmetics is not fulfilled with these products, you can also allow her to indulge in some luxurious, scented body lotions and bath gels. These products will give your junior diva the feminine pampering that she so desires, without compromising your values and guidelines when it comes to her rate of maturity. Those makeup conflicts may be a fact of life between mother and daughter, but they don’t have to cause a rift in the family. Let your teen begin to experiment with some of these simple basics, and she will be ready for a real makeup plan when the time is right. Beauty begins young.

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