Back when this Pro was a young teen, I spent a lot of my time digging through my mom’s makeup bag and stealing her lipstick, blush and mascara. I would secretly use all her skin care products and pretend that I had no idea why the jars and tubes were almost empty (but she knew).
I was lucky that genetically, I didn’t have to worry much about my skin, but my girlfriends were not so lucky and I remember that by high school, most of them were packing on the product and popping pimples with their Lee Press-On Nails! It was the 80’s and big hair full of Aqua Net, shoulder pads that could poke an eye out and crap loads of makeup were “rad!”
Today’s teenagers (and tweenagers) are way more savvy and they have done their “homework” when it comes to skin care and makeup, but this Pro has found that what they usually want is expensive, colorful and sometimes…unrealistic.
Personally, this Pro feels that it is up to the parents to decide when their daughters are ready to jump into the amazing world of makeup. However, I will say that “in my professional opinion” I think it is very unfair that cosmetic companies are targeting our young girls by enticing them with product lines that are “kitschy” sporting the latest Disney star or cartoon character!
Speaking from experience (I have two teen daughters) some girls are not mature enough to understand the importance of taking care of their skin and can’t remember when an assignment is due, let alone to remove all their makeup before they fall asleep.
When my girls came to me and wanted to begin wearing cosmetics (at around age 13) I told them that I would embrace their need however, I was going to be a “stickler” when it came to cleansing and applying sunscreen. I also made it extremely clear that I would not tolerate turquoise eye shadow, bubble gum pink blush and black lip gloss all worn at the same time. They would have to go through a few makeup classes with yours truly and that it would be “my” way or the “no makeup” highway!
Let’s start with skin care. Most teens should use a mild cleanser and gently wash twice a day concentrating their effort on the hairline and t-zone area. If your daughter (or son) suffers from extreme acne or dry skin then you will want to consult a dermatologist.
Using a cleansing machine like the Clarisonic can be beneficial and give the teen a better advantage. Remember, you want them to remove makeup, dirt, oil and bacteria effectively. They spend a lot of time sweating: during tests, in gym class, flirting, walking home from school. They devour food that we would consider to be more than unacceptable and who knows how much water they actually drink!
Besides the grease and hormones, add the fact that most teens can’t help but touch their less-than-clean hands to their faces a hundred times a day and you can bet a break out will happen at some point. Don’t be a status quo and fall into the “my parents just don’t understand” category. Your child’s complexion is one of the most important things to them and how they look makes or breaks their confidence.
Teen skin care products with this Pro’s seal of approval:
Proactiv Solution
Dermalogica (the new teen line)
Clean & Clear
Makeup is another “beast” and this Pro believes that this is were the “battle” really begins. As a parent, I have found that I must give my girls a little creative outlet and so I do allow them to wear more vibrant eye liner with light, matte, neutral eye shadow, light blush colors and pale lips. Or I will allow a stronger lip color as long as the eyes and cheeks remain neutral.
Make sure that your teen’s makeup does not contain oil – adding to an acne problem by putting oil-based products on top of skin issues is not recommended! In fact, this Pro does not endorse wearing a foundation if your child is under 16 and you should seek the approval of a dermatologist before covering up any major issues.
The choice is up to you, but remember that you were their age once and how did it feel when your mother told you “no” or thought you were not old enough or that you didn’t “fit in” at school. Makeup washes off; purchase quality product, especially in the foundation, concealer and powder categories and you can rest assure you won’t clog the pores!
List of this Pro’s teen makeup must haves:
Purely Cosmetics – incredible mineral line suitable for teen skin - foundation, powder, eye shadows, blushers and bronzers.
tarte Cosmetics – natural line with fun packaging – I recommend the eye shadows, cheek stains, mascara, lip gloss and foundation/concealer/powder products.
M.A.C. – good “color” line for eye liner, eye shadow, lip glosses and their wipes are great for removing eye makeup.
CoverGirl – good and inexpensive “color” line for neutral eye shadows, soft blush pigments and mascara.
Consider investing in a decent set of brushes - I said "decent," not expensive!
Here is the how-to for teen queens:
1. Prep skin with moisturizing sunscreen SPF 30 (oily skin does not need moisturizer, but will need the sun protection).
2. Apply light coverage of foundation and concealer (or spot conceal the occasional pimple). If acne is more severe please consult a dermatologist prior. Use a sponge if skin is oily or foundation brush to blend. Choose foundation that is an exact match to your skin tone and powder foundation is better for younger skin. If you use a cream or liquid then be sure to "set" with face powder. Again, this Pro does not feel it is necessary for a very young teen (under 16 years old) to wear a foundation or concealer.
3. Light dusting of bronzer to cheeks or soft application of cheek stain and blend.
4. Neutral eye shadow (taupe and/or vanilla). Apply taupe to lid and vanilla to brow or just use vanilla shade all over. Line top lash line only with chocolate brown or more vibrant color; plum, green, blue and smudge. If you are going to wear a more colorful eye shadow then keep the liner to a light brown. If you decide to line your lower lash area use the taupe eye shadow lightly and blend. Please do not fill in the eyebrows!
5. Light coat of mascara on top lashes only.
6. Lip gloss - soft pink or nude with a colored eye - a more vibrant lip color should be paired with a very neutral eye and cheek.
PRO TIPS & TRICKS:
Most teens have a natural pink tint to their cheeks so don’t add to that color with more pink. Opt for a bronzer in a light hue. Also, purchase your teen blot papers and teach them to use these to “mop” up excess oil during the day instead of resorting to a face powder! That little “puff” inside that compact will eventually be full of bacteria that your teen will “dip” into the powder contaminating the product and then apply it to her delicate skin! YUCK!!!!
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