Tweens have it rough. They are not yet a teenager and no longer a child. As if not knowing their place in the world is not bad enough, they are usually also in that awkward stage. Allowing your tween to use an age appropriate amount of make up can help increase their self esteem. However, tweens should follow certain tips when it comes to make up.
Start with a Clean Face: Tweens need to know if they are going to be allowed the privilege of wearing makeup that they need to keep their face clean. Be sure they use a gentle cleanser. At night, make up removal is essential.
Tweens do not need foundation or powder: At the age of 10-12, a girl is in probably going through puberty. Since their hormones are all out of balance, using foundation is not good for the skin as it can clog pores and cause acne or make existing acne worse.
A tweens make up bag should contain only a few items: For a tween, eyeliner, dark mascara, and dark lipsticks or glossses are not age appropriate. Your tween does not need to look older. A tween should only use concealer, light or clear lip gloss, a neutral or light eye shadow, a natural blush, and possibly a colored mascara.
Make up should look natural: For a tween just starting to wear makeup, be sure she is taught how to use it properly. Make up should only be used to accentuate your natural beauty.
Using Concealer: Concealer for occasional breakouts should be oil free and should contain an acne fighting ingredient like salicylic acid. Always use a concealer brush to apply concealer. Using sponges or fingers to apply transfers bacteria and does not give even coverage. Dap concealer on the back of the hand (whichever hand your tween is not prominent in). Dip the brush into the concealer on your hand and apply to the center of the blemish with the tip of the brush. Turn the brush and use the “fat” side to spread concealer from the center point and out, blending in with the skin.
Blush: Blush should be a natural color (not too orange or dark) that is the same shade as your tweens natural blush. Blush should be used to accentuate the apples of the cheeks.
Eyeshadow: Eyeshadow should either be a natural or neutral color. Flesh tones, light pastels, or tans/ light browns are age appropriate. Eyeshadow should be worn in 3 complimentary hues. Lightest tone on the brow bone up to the eyebrow, medium shade on the lid, and darker tone on the crease of the lid.
Lip Gloss: Lip gloss should be clear or natural in color to accentuate the natural color of the lips. Stay away from “hot” colors like pink and thick pastel lip glosses.
Colored mascara: Tweens should not use black mascara. They can use clear mascara (really great for dark eyelashes) or a color that will accentuate their eye color. Brown eyed tweens should use plums or purple. Have green eyes, try a rasin or dark green. Blue eyes, Navy blue or brown topaz. For hazel eyes, A dark brown will bring out eyes.
Do not Share Makeup. Females of every age tend to share makeup, however, only certain items are safe to be shared. Anything liquid like lip glosses, mascera, or liquid eye liner should not be shared. Otherwise, you may end up sharing more than make up; like conjunctivitis, the flu or cold sores. Powder make ups such as eyeshadow and blush should be safe to share.
