Many parents freak out at the mere thought of allowing their child to wear makeup. But playing grown-up is a big part of a healthy childhood. Sometimes, this means playing dress-up with your parents’ clothing, and other times, it means trying on your mother’s lipstick and experimenting with some colorful eyeshadow.
Still, the concept of kids wearing makeup is still controversial. Whether they’re toddlers or adolescents, a lot of people are wondering: is it okay to allow your child to explore cosmetics at a young age?
- Makeup can improve their self-esteem
Based on these stats, 42% to 52% of teenagers in the US use beauty products as a means of boosting their confidence. Makeup can be a way for children to practice self-expression and feel more proud since it’s just another way of developing their personal identity from a young age. However, parents should teach their kids that makeup is only a way to enhance appearance and is another form of playtime rather than a way to measure self-worth.
2. Makeup for kids isn’t bad, but adult stereotypes are
Most adults call makeup for children inappropriate since it relates to the concept of attractiveness. Therefore, many believe we should protect their innocence. Expressing oneself through cosmetics isn’t inherently wrong, but society’s assumptions about them are. After all, it’s their body, and they should decide what they want to do with it.
3. It’s a way for children to explore creativity
Makeup is a major way for adults to get creative, and it’s the same for kids. Whether it’s playing with flitter or drawing patterns on their faces, makeup doubles as an art supply, with kids’ nails, faces, and bodies acting as the canvas. Messing around with textures and colors is just another form of creative and artistic fun.
4. Kids can learn healthy makeup practices and routines
Introducing makeup early into a child’s life is an opportunity for parents to educate them properly about products. For instance, they can teach them about face hygiene, like the importance of only using makeup tools and washing your face daily. You may want to ease your child into wearing minimal makeup before experimenting with heavier shades.
5. Kids exploring makeup is bound to happen, so acknowledge it instead of repressing it
Repression doesn’t work well. Even though you might think you’re protecting your child by doing it, they’ll find a sneaky workaround at some point.
Based on this study, 30% to 54% of American kids aged 12 to 14 have used concealer, eye makeup, foundation, bronzer, and blush. Regardless of what you teach them, kids are regularly exposed to makeup through social media, which is a major reason why the younger generations are using it more and more.
Rather than encouraging secrecy, discuss the topic openly and set boundaries so you can properly guide your kids on healthy beauty habits. Based on experts’ opinions, this is a smarter choice than leaving children to explore makeup behind their parents’ backs.
