From celebrities in magazines to your mom or older sister, it may seem like everyone is wearing makeup these days. Makeup can be a form of self-expression or a way to enhance your natural beauty. However, you may find yourself asking when is the right time start wearing makeup? Also, how much is too much?
The right age is whenever you feel like you’re ready. You can wear makeup when you’re a preteen, or you could choose to never wear makeup. Makeup is not a necessity; it’s a personal decision and each girl will choose what’s right for her.
However, if you are a bit younger, I would recommend talking to your parents first before leaving for school with a face full of makeup. Some parents have strong opinions about the right age to wear makeup. In my case, my mom was extremely open to the idea because she worked as a part-time makeup artist. Though in my situation my parents were more relaxed, some parents will be stricter. But having that conversation is important!
Although it is completely you’re choice of what type of makeup you would like to wear and when, we’ve come up with an age scale just in case you’re feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed.
Ages 10-11
Most people would say you’re young and your skin is beautiful, you don’t need makeup. However, if you are feeling the urge to wear some, I would recommend lip gloss or tinted lip balm. Some lip gloss brands have a variety of sweet and fruity scents, so have fun with it.
Ages 12-13
In addition to lip gloss and lip balm, you can take it a step further by wearing a light coat of mascara, which is used to make your eyelashes look fuller and longer. I do not recommend trying this on your own if you have never applied mascara before, because it can be tricky and you don’t want to accidentally poke your eye. Ask someone to help you who is experienced, and apply one light coat. Try to stay away from clumpy mascara.
Ages 14-15
This is the age where most girls are in the middle of puberty, in which hormones kick in and acne flares up. If you’re feeling self-conscious about acne, I would recommend purchasing concealer, foundation, or tinted moisturizer. While foundation is a powder or a liquid that is applied on your whole face to even out redness and is used as a base or a “foundation,” concealer is used specifically to cover up blemishes or dark circles under your eyes. Tinted moisturizer is a lighter foundation option that can be optimal if you’ve never used face makeup before.
With foundation and concealer, it is extremely important to choose a color that matches your skin tone. Go with a parent or a friend to help you match your color, otherwise I suggest asking someone at the store to help you.
Ages 16-17
By this age, you’re coming closer to the middle of your teen years, and it’s totally okay to experiment with makeup. Ask your parent if you’re allowed to wear eye shadow, which I recommend staying within the neutral range of light shimmers and browns. If you’re unsure of how to apply eye shadow, search makeup tutorials on YouTube. These videos will usually walk you step-by-step of how to apply. Blush and lipstick are also appropriate to wear at this age, but talk to your parent about what they feel is right.
The key to wearing makeup is applying it correctly. If you do not have a parent or sibling that could help, I recommend watching tutorial videos. With any type of makeup, it’s important to take if off and clean your face using makeup remover and face wash. Without taking off your makeup properly at the end of the day, it may cause bacteria to build up and you will get acne.
It’s also important to clean your makeup brushes after every other use. I recommend running the brushes under a sink using lukewarm water. Add a spoonful of dish soap and olive oil to clean your brushes completely and all of the leftover makeup is gone.
What are your makeup tips and tricks for young women? And when did you start wearing makeup? Sound off in the comments!
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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