Wearing Makeup – All My Friends Are Doing It Mom
Wearing makeup has become a right of passage for girls and many want to start at a younger age then their mothers may prefer. It is important to discuss why she wants to wear makeup, when is it appropriate to wear, and how to properly apply makeup. Discussing these topics will make negotiating an agreement for wearing makeup that both mother and daughter will agree to much easier.
Why Does She Want To Wear Makeup
Girls often want to start wearing makeup such as lip gloss in grade school. Others may want to use eye liner, eye shadow, blush and lipstick far sooner than their parents feel is appropriate. It is important to understand why your daughter wants to start wearing makeup and exactly what she wants to wear. If she is trying to fit into a group that emphasizes wearing full makeup daily she may be adamant about what she wants and finding a middle ground will be important. Perhaps she is experimenting with styles such as goth that require a lot of dark makeup. If she is just curious and wants to experiment a bit then she may be more flexible in agreeing to wearing makeup only occasionally or just wearing lipstick or eye liner. Is she just doing what she sees the people in the media doing and wants to be perceived as more adult? Then style and age appropriateness needs to be addressed. It is also important to discuss the use of quality makeup and the cost of makeup in general.
When Is It Appropriate to Wear Makeup
Girls who really want to wear makeup daily may agree to wearing just lip gloss or blush. Other girls may agree to only wear makeup for special occasions. Girls who are wearing makeup for a specific style such as goth may need to agree not to wear this style at special occasions when it is not appropriate. Once an agreement has been reached for when makeup can be worn and what type of makeup is acceptable it is important for girls to learn how to properly wear their makeup.
Learning to Apply Makeup
This can actually be a really fun part of this process. There are many companies that will be happy to help girls learn how to apply makeup. Avon and Mary Kay are two examples of companies that will come to your home and throw a ‘party’ to show girls how to properly apply their makeup, how to choose the right colors for their complexion and how to remove the makeup at the end of the day. This is also an excellent time for the girls to discover how much makeup can cost. If they think they are old enough to wear makeup a mother may insist they are also old enough to buy their own. Salons and spas are another option. Take an afternoon to spend together at a spa and have the experts show her how to properly apply her makeup. Mom may also learn a new trick or two.
Talking to your daughter about why she wants to wear makeup, when it is appropriate to wear and how to properly apply it will allow you to reach a compromise that everyone can live with.
Cindi Lewis writes for glossy.com a skin care and beauty products online retailer.
So My question is when did you start wearing makeup. Also if you have a daughter what age do you feel is the right age?