As a professional makeup artist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the fascinating evolution of makeup from an adult-only domain to a world where kids are increasingly involved. Over the years, I’ve seen a surge in colourful palettes and glittery glosses designed specifically for younger users. What was once considered mere play has become a significant trend and I’ve had the opportunity to observe it’s impact on children, parents and the beauty industry as a whole.
Why Tweens Are Getting Attracted to Makeup?
In my experience, confidence is the major driver behind the attraction to beauty and makeup products for kids. I’ve noticed that children are developing beauty awareness at an earlier age, largely due to platforms like YouTube and Instagram. This trend isn’t limited to girls; I’ve had several young male clients who are showing great interest in grooming products.
One memorable client, 11-year-old Sarah, came to me feeling insecure about her appearance. We worked together to create a subtle, age-appropriate look that boosted her confidence immensely. It was heartwarming to see how a little bit of makeup helped her feel more comfortable in her own skin.
The revenue of the cosmetics market in the UK is believed to be $3.17bn by the end of 2024. Moreover, there has been an increase in demand for non-toxic, sustainable and cruelty-free beauty products in the UK.
Marketing and Media Influence
As a makeup artist active on social media, I’ve observed the significant role that marketing and media play in the popularity of kid’s makeup. Young influencers with beauty routines and makeup tutorials have made makeup seem exciting and accessible to kids.
Why the popularity of kid’s makeup products is seeing an upward trend? There are many reasons for the same. However, the most significant one is the role of media and marketing. Movies, TV shows and social media platforms are having many young influencers coming up with beauty routines and makeup tutorials. These influencers are the big reason that makeup looks exciting to the kids and also easily accessible.
I once worked with a 13-year-old aspiring YouTuber who wanted to create her own makeup tutorial. We focused on age-appropriate techniques and emphasized the importance of skincare. It was a great opportunity to guide her towards responsible content creation while nurturing her creativity.
What’s more? Some popular characters from movies or web series collaborate with cosmetic brands and these brands release themed makeup collections. Thus, marketing campaigns are likely to develop fun and creativity amongst teens and kids.
Parental Perspectives
In my interactions with parents, I’ve encountered a range of attitudes towards kid’s makeup. Some see it as a fun activity, while others express concerns about it’s implications. One client, a mother of two young daughters, was initially hesitant about allowing her girls to use makeup. We had a thoughtful discussion about setting clear boundaries and using makeup as a tool for self-expression rather than a mask.
I always advocate for non-toxic, kid-friendly products and emphasize that makeup can be a wonderful bonding activity between parents and children. It’s been rewarding to see families come together over a shared interest in creative expression through makeup.
Parents can buy non-toxic makeup products and accessories to boost the self-esteem and inner beauty of their kids. Engaging in open discussions helps children to develop the right and balanced perspectives on beauty. And do you know you can also treat makeup time as a bonding activity, strengthening your connections with them?
Safety and Regulations
There has been an increase in the strictness in scrutinizing children’s cosmetics in recent years. Such scrutiny strengthens the trust element between parents and manufacturers, contributing to overall growth of the market. Also, don’t forget to supervise your children when they are busy showing their creativity through makeup items and educate them about proper safety practices.
Safety is paramount in my work, especially when it comes to children’s makeup. I’ve made it a point to educate myself thoroughly on regulations and safety standards for children’s cosmetics. When working with young clients or advising parents, I always stress the importance of using high-quality, hypoallergenic and non-toxic products.
I recall a situation where a young client had a mild allergic reaction to a drugstore makeup product. This experience reinforced my commitment to using only the safest products and educating both children and parents about proper application and removal techniques.
Societal and Cultural Influences
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with families from various cultural backgrounds. I’ve seen how makeup is often deeply rooted in cultural traditions, especially during festivals and family functions. This early exposure to makeup as part of cultural celebrations has influenced many of my young clients’ interest in cosmetics.
One of my favorite experiences was helping a 12-year-old prepare for a traditional family celebration. We incorporated elements of her culture into a tasteful, age-appropriate look that made her feel connected to her heritage and confident in her appearance.
Boost Their Self-esteem
I’ve witnessed the psychological benefits of makeup application in many of my younger clients. For instance, I worked with a shy 10-year-old who found the process of applying makeup calming. Over time, as she mastered simple techniques, her confidence grew not just in her appearance, but in her ability to learn and perfect a skill.
Another client, a 14-year-old dealing with anxiety, found that our makeup sessions provided a soothing routine that helped manage her stress. It was incredible to see how this creative outlet positively impacted her overall well-being.
Healthy Makeup Routine
As a makeup artist, I see my role as not just applying makeup, but educating my clients – especially the younger ones – about proper skincare and hygiene. I always start our sessions with a lesson on cleansing and moisturizing, emphasizing that healthy skin is the foundation of any good makeup look.
One parent thanked me for teaching her daughter about the importance of removing makeup before bed and maintaining a consistent skincare routine. It’s rewarding to know that these lessons extend beyond our sessions and contribute to lifelong healthy habits.
Long Story Short
From my perspective as a makeup artist, the growing popularity of kid’s makeup is a complex phenomenon that goes beyond just a trend. It’s a form of creative expression, a confidence booster and an opportunity for learning and growth. While it’s important to approach it with care and consideration, I’ve seen firsthand how, when used appropriately, kid’s makeup can be a positive force in a child’s development.
As we continue to navigate this evolving landscape, I remain committed to promoting safe, age-appropriate and joyful experiences with makeup for my younger clients. It’s not just about the colors on their faces – it’s about helping them discover their unique beauty, inside and out.