Teaching Your Kids to Apply Makeup

Wearing makeup is one of those milestone moments that occur for kids of different ages. As a parent, you might have mixed emotions about your kid wearing makeup. On the one hand, you might look forward to being able to bond together during makeup application sessions. Yet, you might also feel a little apprehensive about them growing up too soon. Teaching your kid how to apply makeup properly alleviates your concerns, and you'll find it easier to guide them through this new stage in life by following these strategies.

Decide If Your Child is Ready

Applying makeup is a lot like riding a bicycle. There is not a set timeline for when your child is ready or when they'll have the ability to apply it right. Talk to your kid about why they want to wear makeup. Are they trying to cover up blemishes or look cool in front of their friends? Asking these types of questions helps you determine if they are emotionally ready to wear makeup. 

Set Age-Appropriate Rules

Even preschool-aged children like to experiment with makeup, but you might only allow it to be worn at home or for special occasions such as a dance recital. With an older kid, you might want to set different rules that allow them to stair-step their way of wearing makeup. For instance, you might limit them to only wearing eyeshadow or lip gloss at first. This can help them to avoid over-applying different products.

Teach Them About the Importance of Hygiene

Young kids and teens love sharing makeup products and tips with their friends. Make sure your child knows not to share makeup with their friends that come in contact with their skin. For instance, they can use disposable applicators if they choose to share the same eyeshadow palette. Your kid will also need to learn how to clean their makeup brushes and applicators at home.

Give Your Child Time to Practice 

Correctly putting on makeup takes time to learn. Try to do makeup lessons when your kid has plenty of time to practice their skills. This way, they'll be prepared when they want to put on eyeliner for a special outing. As your kid practices, remember to choose your words carefully. Although it might be comically cute to see your kid with unevenly applied makeup, it is best to avoid laughing. Instead, it is better to focus on helping them learn a different technique for applying the product.

Make the Learning Process Fun

Makeup application lessons provide for lots of bonding time. Consider setting up a parent and kid night where you take turns putting makeup on each other. Remember, this is a good time to reinforce makeup hygiene. You can also use a makeup lesson as an opportunity to get ready for a night out together. Try showing your kid how to put on eyeshadow before you go to a family dinner or movie.

Recruit Help If You Don't Use Makeup

While some parents are excited for the day that their kid wears makeup, others might dread having to teach a skill that they don't know well. If you don't wear makeup yourself, then consider delegating this opportunity to someone who enjoys it. An older relative might be willing to show your kid how to put on makeup. You could also recruit a dance instructor, friend's parent, or even a makeup artist to show your kid the right application techniques before removal.

Remind Them of the Importance of Skin Care

Choosing hypoallergenic makeup for your kid is the best way to prevent allergic reactions. However, most makeup can still lead to blemishes if it is left on too long. Show your child how to clean their face before and after makeup application. You can also give them special wipes for facial cleansing that work well for getting off makeup products that are hard to remove, such as mascara.

Most parents find that teaching their kids to apply makeup is a process that spans several months. Try introducing a product or two at a time. Most kids start off with ones that are simple to apply, such as eyeshadow and blush. Later, you can add on eyeliner and other products that are more complicated to put on correctly. As your child makes progress, remember to praise their efforts. Letting them know that you approve of their makeup application techniques encourages them to continue to practice.