should an 11 year old be allowed to wear make-up?

Diane - posted on 02/04/2010

As a mother of a 14 year old, I have learned I have to pick my battles. At 11, my daughter started experimenting with makeup as well. If you allow her to wear sheer tinted lip gloss and perhaps a soft subtle shade of shadow, I don't think this is the worst thing. Claire's has very inexpensive "light" shades that are easy on the eye. I was a former model so I taught my daughter the art of application and the "less is more" theory. Do I think any 11 year old needs makeup? Of course not but like I said, you have to pick your battles and allowing her to experiment with some very subtle colors will ease this difficult transition into her teenage years!! Believe me, this will pale in comparison to the upcoming requests you will have once she enters middle and high school. Don't let it make you crazy!

Yeni - posted on 02/03/2010

I have an 11 year old girl and she wants to wear makeup too. I allow her to wear light colors on special occassions and she can wear lip gloss whenever she likes. Heavy makeup is not okay and we meet eachother half way. With kids now a days you have to compromise and not judge them by their appearance but she will ve happy if only a bit of makeup is allowed. Saying no will just upset her and might cause for her to want to do it behind your back. Good luck to us both.

Deb - posted on 02/03/2010

'All my friends are doing it....' is never a reason to say yes to anything - even if it is true! If you deny her, it becomes like the forbidden fruit. She'll want it more.

When my daughter went through this phase, I had discussions with her about her youthful beauty and the reasons why people (including me) wear makeup. I then asked her to tell me why she wanted to wear makeup (again, friends are not a good reason), and what she hoped to gain from wearing it. This generated a good discussion on motivations and consequences of our choices. Asking enough questions and respecting her answers gives her the feeling that she is in control and has responsibility for what she wants and asks for.

Christine - posted on 02/03/2010

My daughter is 13 she does wear a colored or clear lip gloss...she doesn't ask to wear blush or mascara yet but she tells me girls in her school wear it and boys like it. I tell her if they don't like you because your natural then don't bother with them...I know easy said then done. I feel this added to the peer pressure from other girls because my daughter has had girls ask why don't you wear makeup and she tells them...I have no time for that and my Mom tells me once you start putting it on it just becomes a hassle. I did wear makeup at her age a little blush and some lip gloss. My father used to tell me to take it off until I was sixteen..it's like when your parents tell you no, "what do kids sometimes do, rebel and do it anyway. So have a talk with her if she really wants to wear makeup start with a lip gloss and see how it goes...and remind her of her inner beauty and how wearing makeup wont make you popular.

Best Wishes, Christine

Misty - posted on 02/03/2010

In my opinion, makeup shouldn't be worn until whatever age you would allow her to date. After all, makeup is to look prettier for the boys and to look older. I would not want my 11-year old trying to attract boys and make them notice her physically. Also, even if you let her wear soft, muted colors now, trust me, in a couple of years (so at only 13) she will convince you to add eye liner and mascara and bolder eye shadow. And what a 13 or 14 year old thinks looks good, you will think looks trampy.

Terisa - posted on 02/03/2010

When I was 11 I was allowed to wear makeup but only pale colors and only on certain occasions. My school had a no make up rule. I once got in trouble for wearing a fruit scented lip balm so only was allowed to wear make up to Christmas parties ect. Most important my mom took me to a lady at the mall that sold skin care products and made sure I learned good skin care.

Margie - posted on 02/03/2010

I let my 11 yr old wear lip gloss and sparkly shadow. I personally don't think that there's anything wrong since she's growing up and dabbing in pre-teen normal behavior. Besides it allows me time to sit with her when we do our make-up together and I'm able to teach her about moderation in its use. When done I think she looks beautiful anyways.

Nancy - posted on 02/02/2010

I believe if u let her wear makeup now u are looking for trouble down the road if not trouble now.

Cecilia - posted on 02/02/2010

Hi there!

My daugher is 11 to and I let her wear make-up as long it is light. I told her that if it makes you feel good go for it. It makes them feel good about themself .

Mrs. - posted on 02/02/2010

Uh no, over time the make affects thier skin, because the pores are not alllowed to rejuvenate dead skin cells as your child grow. Also talk to her about how beautiful she is without makeup, let her enjoy her beautiful skin. We all know that she will want to wear it later.

Sylvia - posted on 02/02/2010

Absolutely not....11 years of age is extremely too early for anybodies make up!

Bonita - posted on 02/02/2010

I have a 19 year old and a 10 year old, both young ladies. I did allow my 19 yr old to start wearing make-up at 13 yrs old. We started out with nude lip gloss and moved on to more colors. And now at 19, she doesn't over do it with the make-up. I don't agree with an elementary child wearing make-up. Clear lip gloss maybe, but make-up NO.

Vanessa - posted on 02/02/2010

That's not an acceptable reason in our house. What grade is she in? Is she responsible enough to keep her make up clean, wash her face etc. You could always start slow, lip gloss, neutral blush and then work your way up from there. I would dig a little deeper, is she getting interested in boys? Thats a whole different conversation that needs to happen! Good luck!!

Terria - posted on 02/02/2010

no!

Suzy - posted on 02/02/2010

Alot of how this could be handled depends on the child's personality. My oldest, now 13, has a very mature and independent nature. I do my best not to make decision automatically become a no. I give time to consider even what I would not like. Alot of our discussion about makeup ( and clothing for that matter) took into account how one is perceived when wearing makeup. I was very open to my daughter about how boys and men would feel a certain way about her if she were made up and also how hard it was for me to see her becoming a woman so quickly. I listened to her desire to be like the other girls. In the end we came up with the idea of being able to wear all the makeup she wanted at home and gradually allowing for it in public or special occasions. This worked great. She quickly found out how uncomfortable it is to wear and wash off. It also gave me time to be comfortable seeing her with it on and to be able to trust that she wasn't going to become "trashy" about it. An added bonus was that we shopped for makeup together. We put it on together. We looked at adds for makeup ideas together. It became something fun between her and I instead of something that could have been a source of a lot of fights. (and honestly, when I was eleven, I just snuck putting it on at school and wiping it off before a parent saw me.)

Zenovia - posted on 02/02/2010

I am not in favor of children with makeup, especially dark and trashy looking. However, I had to realize that they live in a different world from the one I grew up in. I waited until they got their period....gave them a "coming of age day" shopping trip with me which involved a makeover by a skilled person showing them how to use light colors and take care of their skin, bought them a new outfit, new hairdo, good makeup and skin care products, and finishing with dinner out in a "grown up" restaurant. Just me and the one daughter. So far it has worked well for the two older ones. I still have to wait about 6 years for my youngest. Sometimes it's okay to compromise as long as you the parent are the one in charge and that you make sure they learn how to use make up properly and take care of their skin.

Natalie - posted on 02/02/2010

I started letting my girl wear make-up in moderation, at 11 . She knows that more is less has all sorts of different flashy types but she always keeps it simple. No racoon eyes or anything ridiculous.I also taught her that make up is just to gently smooth the skin and even out tones. Less is always more.

MaryLou - posted on 02/02/2010

That is only something you can decide... I think if you show her how to apply it correctly, and not to much because of her age. Then as she gets older she will know how to apply the makeup. Just letting her put it on herself, she might have too much on (that making her look to old)

Tracey - posted on 02/02/2010

Could you compromise, she can wear it to go out with friends to to a special event but not wear it every day. I agree with getting a professional to showe her how to put it on properly, I live near a girls school and lots of them come out covered in foundation that makes their skin orange and so much mascara they have 2 black eyes.

Kimberly - posted on 02/02/2010

I personally did not allow my daughter to wear makeup until she was12. I am okay with a little lip gloss, but there are girls that do not know how to apply it properly. Some parenst may not even know that their daughters are wearing makeup, thus they go out in public looking pretty bad. I would say wait and take them to a place where a professional can show them the right colors and how to apply. Best of luck to you!

Dahn - posted on 02/01/2010

oh absolutely NOT! they grow up way to fast anyways*** you know the saying ' i'm not your friends parents i am yours' or something like that?- anyways my daughter is now 13 and she has been begging me- finally for christams i bought her mascara and that is it- but never would it be bedfore then!

Tracy - posted on 02/01/2010

Hi there, my daughter is 12 and she's been wearing eyeshadow since she was 9. We discussed what shades would be appropriate and how to apply it lightly. When she turned 10 she was allowed to wear eyeliner (again very lightly). But ultimately, it is your decision. Good luck.

Renee - posted on 02/01/2010

they tend to want to experiment with makeup, mine have started off with just some lip gloss and as we hit the teenager the eyeliner seems to be the big thing, aslong as it looks tasteful and not bad

Faiqa - posted on 02/01/2010

I dont want my daughter to wear make up also, but isit that easy?

Misty - posted on 02/01/2010

I am old fashioned. I do not allow my 11 year old to wear make up. Maybe when she is 16 will I let her and depends on how responsible she is.

Amber - posted on 02/01/2010

My daughter is now almost 14, but when she was that age she also wanted to wear makeup. We started her out with just mascara and lip gloss. It was enough that she could tell she was wearing it, but without the racoon eyes that some of her friends had. Then we later ventured into neutral foundations and eyeshadows. I still don't allow her out of the house if she has a lot of eye makeup on. I don't like it and I don't think it makes her look very pretty. She can cake it on at home, but that's as far as she's allowed to go with it.

Robin - posted on 02/01/2010

I don't think she should be allowed at a young age. I know it's tough b/c all her friends are and she wants to fit in. My daughter will be 14 next month and told her she had to wait until she turned 14. I think 14 is a little young too, but that's when I started. It's hard now a days because things have changed so much since we were kids.

Caryn - posted on 02/01/2010

I think if you approach it in a positive way for both of you having her wear makeup or asking her to wait, can be done. I have an 11 year old who has no interest but she has friends that are wearing it. I'm a makeup artist, and I have done several shows and parties where I teach young girls how to apply makeup. They don't need black eyeliner and tons of blush. When they are taught how to use makeup correctly, it can be fun for them, and in most cases ok for the moms too.
Good Luck.

Tammy - posted on 01/31/2010

Well...without reading all the other responses to this...maybe you can explain to her if she starts wearing it now, she is more likely to have acne problems...I personally say NO WAY! I was not allowed to wear makeup till i was 16...I do have a 14 year old step daughter that wears make up(tooooo much in my opinion and i tell her that) I also have an 8 year old daughter that wears PLAY makup around the house..she will NOT wear it to school or church until she is much older!!!

Jody - posted on 01/31/2010

i let my daughter where light eye shadow that was about it she didnt start wearing eye liner or mascara til 13.

Lawanda - posted on 01/31/2010

i say that each girl is different my daughter is 11 and i just started her with makeup but i watch her put it on and i tell her the best way to look good is to look like you are not wearing any and its working so far.

Paula - posted on 01/31/2010

11 years old is way to young to be wearing makeup. but i'm going to tell u this if you tell her no she will wait until she is not around u to wear it so i will say even though 11 is to young u have to sit down with her and make sure she know what she's doing and that she understands to she does not have to wear a lot of makeup and go with her to buy the makeup so u know what she's putting on and what kinds cause all makeup does not go for everyone

Winona - posted on 01/30/2010

yes and teach her about skin care. remember it's not so much about the makeup it's about how she feels good about herself. She might want to wear it dark one day and the next none at all. Always no matter how much you hate it tell her she is beautiful. It is all about how she is trying to see how she fits into the world. Also, it's about self-esteem and how she thinks she looks beautiful. Guide and teach don't preach.

Stacey - posted on 01/30/2010

My daughter was allowed to start wearing light neutral colors when she was 11. I didn't allow her to wear mascara or eye liner. But I see nothing wrong with light makeup at that age. A little bit of eye shadow and light lip gloss. She is 12 now, and now will add a little blush to the mix now and then.

Dearbhail - posted on 01/30/2010

no way,I think children should be children,in this day and age they are growing up to fast,my daughter is 10 years old and has recently asked me if she can dye her hair blonde lol obviously i said no,they need to grow first and not to get old before their time which unfortunately is happening.I dont see the problem with little girls playing with make-up but as for leaving the house every day with it on im afraid I personally say no.

Bonnie - posted on 01/30/2010

I say it depends on your "style" and what kind of personality your daughter has.
When i was 11, my mother allowed me to wear lightly tinted chapsticks (like bonne belle and avon stuff) and begin to play with almost invisible lilac and pink eyeshadow.
now my mother and i both have always been the girly girl type. i was also very shy, quiet, and liked subdued non flashy clothing. a little lip tint wasnt going to to make me dye my hair and get my lip pierced.

same with my daughter who is 9 now. by 8 she already had a large collection of lip balms, and nail polish that she was allowed to wear. there was other "play" makeup, but it was understood that it was only to be worn in the house or sleepovers.
she is very mature (9 going on 35) and again, quiet, etc.

now- the day i see her friends with red lipstick on, short skirts and teased hair, i will probably freak out and throw it all away. then again, i see it as an opportunity for trust/growth/responsibilty while sharing one of the fun things about being a girl.

EMMA - posted on 01/29/2010

What would be her need for it? My daughter is 13 and theres absolutely no way I will allow her to were make-up shes too young. I think its more of a I seen my friend with it on and now i want some kind of thing. I think that my daughters face is gorgeous without it and I think I would be setting a bad example too soon. I feel like ok, now that I let you do this, what will you ask for next? Tatoos, piercing, boyfriend oh no not yet maybe 15 :~)

Melanie - posted on 01/29/2010

Personally as a mother of 4 girls I have not allowed them 2 were make up generally until they are much older, I explained the effect makeup has on the skin & how it stops our skin breathing & because they are still young there skin needs 2 breathe & be left natural 4 as long as possible, I also used myself as an example with all my high school photo's & still have youthful clear skin at 34, because i did not wear makeup because I 2 was explained by my mother/grandmother what effect makeup has on the skin's condition when growing, I do how ever allow my 16 & my 12 yr olds 2 were makeup on special occision's which varies 4 both as the age difference. My 16 yr old now thanx me because all her friends have terrible skin with pimples & blemishes & she has beautiful skin.....If you are going 2 allow it then be sure 2 get her in2 a very strict routinue of cleasining her skin morning & night with moisteriser afterwards as it will be this that will help keep her skin as clear as possible if she insists on wearing it ! Ah the joys of girls that one is easy wait until she has a boyfriend & has him over & they ask 2 sleep in the same bed like my 16 yr old did on the weekend, I neally died LOL....Good Luck :)

Donna - posted on 01/29/2010

I went and boutght my 11 year old makeup for christmas. She was wanting to wear it and I did not want her going crazy with it so I bought some that I don't mind her wearing. The more you tell her no the more that she is going to want to. So what you need to do is get her some light makeup and show her how to put it on. I told mine that the best way to put on makeup is to make it look as if none is there..

Marcy - posted on 01/29/2010

I have two daughters... one 13 and one going to be 11 next week. My oldest wanted to start wearing makeup at 10 (because all her friends did) So I decided when she was 11 to allow it. I took her to get a "make over" to decided colors etc. But before hand, when I made the appt., I talked to the makeup artist about my wishes of lighter colors and to accentuate her natural beauty. She agreed to follow my wishes. And after we picked out what was suggested and bought her her own make up. She was so excited and felt so grown up. Now 2 years later at 13, she would rather sleep in than get up early enough to put it on. LOL And when she does she remembers what she was taught, current trends and at how I apply mine and when she tries a new look she comes to me first for my opinion. She does a pretty good job most days :D Now my younger daughter is almost 11 and remembers me taking her sister for that special 11th birthday "right of passage" and can't wait to do the same. But remember as what the other ladies had also said you may get those looks from other parents. But it is what you are more comfortable with. If you choose not to allow her now to wear make up, then let her know your reasons why and discuss when might be the appropriate age or grade that you think it is ok. And discuss under what terms. ie when my older daughter was 10 and asked about make up, I decided to let her wear lip gloss until her 11th birthday, that was ok for her, and my youngest is more interested and lip gloss was not enough, so I then decided when she was at home she can play around with make up. But if we were going out she had to wash it off. She agreed and most days she doesn't even care about make up. We shall see how next week after her "make over" how things go. :D As a mom of a daughter it's a hard desicion to make, especially the times are much different as when we grew up. Good Luck!

Jolene - posted on 01/29/2010

i have a 13 year old daughter who started using make-up at 11. I dealt with it by allowing her to wear only pale colours like soft pinks and silvers around her eyes no foundation or heavy eye make up. She was quite happy with this because she felt i wasnt just being an old fashioned mum lol. Shes 13 now and she has got quite good at applying her make-up which i suppose is all just a part of being a girl. I wasnt allowed to wear any make-up growing up as a teenager so i know what it feels like when you feel your mun is being to hard on the subject. So my advice would be dont freak out about it and start with the pale pretty colours and your daughter i bet will be more than happy with that. ( for a wee while anyway ). Oh and as for the mums that will think your mad at allowing it just remember at least your daughter is doing it infront of you and not going to friends houses and coming out looking like a clown lol hope this helps.



good luck

Theresa - posted on 01/29/2010

That's really up to you. I have two boys who are 14 and 11 and my girl is only 16 mos so I don't have firat hand experience about this. I will say that I have seen some little girls that look very trashy because they don't know how to put on make up and wear way too much of it. I honestly dread when my daughter gets old enough that I have to make those decisions. I would say if you decide to let her that you should sit down and talk about how to wear make up, how much and what colors. Tell her that you will allow it as long as it's not too much or too dark. It might be fun for the two of you to go get make overs together. They can teach her the right way to put it on and the right colors for her. It would be a good bonding time, maybe have lunch together after to have the discussion about the make up rules. No matter what you decide be prepared for problems. If you say yes there will be moms who give you the look. You know, the "What kind of mom are you" look. And if you say no, she'll be mad. Good luck.