Having a teen is a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions. You enjoy watching your sunshine venture out into the world, yet you wince at the harsh reality they endure whilst finding their feet. This is often vividly reflected in their grooming habits, particularly their usage of makeup. Once filled with a sheer obsession with Winnie the Pooh and all things magical, suddenly my teen couldn't wait to get her hands on that sparkling mascara or shiny new lip gloss. I'm not alone in navigating these choppy waters of adolescence.
As parents of teens, we realise the huge transformation our children are going through. Our innocent little ones no longer view the world with the same naive charm, instead, they now carry an eagerness to fit in, to express themselves, and to grow into the person they aspire to be.
One part of this journey, especially for teen girls, is mastering the basics of makeup. We're all familiar with the final result of an experiment gone wrong. Thankfully, we as parents are here to guide and support them, albeit from a respectful distance.
Start with Skin Care
Everything beautiful starts with a strong base and the same goes for makeup. Teach your teen the importance of a daily skin routine that includes cleansing, toning, moisturising and always, always wearing sunscreen. A clean, well-hydrated canvas yields the best makeup results, but it also promotes healthier skin and teaches them the value of self-care.
Build a Basic Makeup Kit
The world of cosmetics can be overwhelming for your novice makeup user. Start them off with a basic kit that includes a light foundation or BB cream, concealer, mascara, an eyeliner, a blush, a neutral eyeshadow palette, a precise eyebrow pencil, and a couple of lip products. It's essential to familiarise them with the products and have clarity on how to use them effectively.
Practice the Application
Practice makes perfect, so give your teen ample time and space to experiment with her new makeup tools. A Saturday afternoon at home could give her the freedom to perfect that eyeliner flick. Equally, taking off the makeup correctly, is a habit as essential as applying it. So, ensure that they understand the importance of removing makeup before bed, and cleaning their makeup tools regularly.
Encouraging Healthy Beauty Perceptions
The most crucial part of this journey isn't the makeup itself, but the perceptions and attitudes towards beauty that our teens develop. Encourage them to view makeup as a tool for self-expression, not a mask to hide behind. We want our kids to embrace their natural beauty and use makeup to enhance, not redefine, their features.
A Time and a Place for a Certain Look
Teach your teens that there's a time and a place for different looks. A subtler, natural look tends to be more appropriate for school, whereas a glamorous look might be saved for a special occasion or a weekend party with friends. Ultimately, these decisions are left to their discretion, but it's constructive to give them some guidance.
Who can Help?
While most teens could spend hours on YouTube tutorials, remember there is a real-world role model close by: you! Sharing your makeup do's and don't's and your personal experiences can be beneficial and even a bonding experience. Makeup artists, professional tutorials and even magazines can also be a great source of tips, inspiration, and advice.
In this voyage towards freedom and self-expression, makeup in the hands of teens can sometimes feel like giving a toddler the reins of an aircraft. They might face-plant once or twice, but that only prepares them for a smoother flight the next time. Let's be their biggest cheerleaders, the patient audience to their experimenting glitz, and their soft cushion every time they fall, knowing these are the stories they will someday laugh about when they're mastering more significant life's makeups.
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