*(This post has been updated with product links in 2020)* I remember being a young girl and whenever a dance recital or Halloween would come around, I would get so excited because I knew those special occasions allowed me the opportunity to: 1. get dressed up, and 2. wear makeup!! Two of my favorite things.
Most young girls I know are pretty thrilled with the idea of finally being allowed to explore makeup! However most moms aren’t as thrilled with the idea of their baby girl growing up and wearing makeup!
So the burning question we moms wonder is,
“What is the appropriate AMOUNT AND TYPES of makeup my teenage daughter should wear?”
Now that I have a daughter of my own, who is verrry interested in makeup, (you can see here on my Insta!) I will definitely have to go ahead make a decision on WHEN I’m going to let her wear makeup and then, more importantly, HOW MUCH of it.
But since I am a makeup artist, I do have a guideline for what I use and suggest for teen makeup looks when I am hired to work with them for special events like weddings, homecoming, prom, family photos shoots, etc.
end makeup result…as well as their mother!
- Skin. A light wash of overall bb cream or a lightweight liquid foundation applied with a sponge or foundation brush to the center of the face. However this is a step I would skip for daily basis application if the girl has no skin issues that need to be covered up. Because most girls this age don’t need full coverage, just concealer to spot treat. But if she struggles with acne or redness, a light layer of BB cream is helpful for confidence issues.
- Concealer is definitely useful to conceal any blemishes/breakouts that need to color corrected and sometimes just a tad under the eyes to brighten. I sometimes suggest a touch of translucent (colorless) pressed powder in the center T zone of the face to set the foundation and concealer to help it stay put throughout the day. The Maybelline Fit Me concealers are easy to use with their included small wand.
- Eyes. Keeping these colors light and neutral is key! Your focus is to bring out the natural eye color and highlight the inner tear duct with a champagne colored shadow with a hint of shimmer for fun. Neutral shadow palettes are best for this age group as they don’t need to be wearing more than two shadows at a time. This Tarte palette is perfect for first timers.
- Mascara is one of the easiest products to pull off and looks great even without eyeshadow. I’d start them off with a black- brown shade instead of black so it doesn’t appear too harsh. Clear mascara can be used to swipe thru and keep brows in place.
- If you want to use eyeliner, try a fun liner shade like this NYX “Jewel” toned liner which isn’t as dramatic (or aging) as black. It’s a pretty taupey-plum shade that is very soft and natural looking and works on most skin tones. I also like to see bronzey- brown liners on teens. Make sure if eyeliner is applied that it is smudged into the lash line with a liner brush to make it soft and not harsh.
- Cheeks and Lips. A safe blush color is usually a peachy-pink which is always my go to for young skin, I like Milani’s baked blushes. Lip gloss is all they need, and you can’t go wrong with NYX Butter Glosses in neutral pink shades like Creme Brulee or Tiramisu.
