Have you got a child hellbent on collecting makeup or wanting to experiment with skincare? Are their constant requests for products wearing you down? You are not alone. Children and cosmetics are a definite ‘thing’. Kids are driving a huge boom in beauty sales, spurred on by increased access to social media channels and peer pressure. In some beauty stores, there are as many under 10s as adults. If you are worried about keeping up with the cost of your child’s demands or the potential hazards of products intended for adults being used on very young skin, keep reading.
First up, it’s important to recognise that targeted skincare treatments, including serums and creams, should never be used by children. They can include potent ingredients that are not suitable for kids’ skin. That’s not to say there isn’t a safe workaround. I will get to that in a bit.
It's natural for children to be exposed to the allure of cosmetics. However, the early introduction of makeup to young minds raises valid concerns about self-image, body image and potential health risks.
One of the primary worries is the impact of cosmetics on children's self-esteem. In a world where beauty standards are often unrealistic, children may feel pressure to conform. Early exposure to makeup can reinforce the idea that appearance is paramount, potentially leading to unhealthy comparisons and self-doubt. It's essential to foster a positive body image in children, emphasising their unique qualities and strengths beyond physical appearance.
Additionally, there are potential health risks associated with children using cosmetics. Many products contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Young children may be more susceptible to the effects of these chemicals due to their developing bodies. It's crucial to choose cosmetics that are specifically formulated for children and free from harmful ingredients. Parents should also monitor their children's use of makeup to ensure they are using it safely and appropriately.
While there are concerns surrounding children and cosmetics, it's important to acknowledge that many young people enjoy experimenting with makeup as a form of self-expression. The key is to strike the right balance between allowing children to explore their creativity and ensuring their safety and well-being. Parents can play a vital role in guiding their children's relationship with cosmetics by fostering a positive body image, choosing safe products and setting appropriate boundaries.
Cosmetics for children
Now that the pep talk is over… Before you agree to a trip to Sephora or Superdrug, consider what that could mean - not just for your purse but for your little one’s future self-esteem and skin health. What can you do to satisfy their cravings for all things cosmetics while keeping everything safe? Here are some simple ideas. We’re talking savvy dupes to keep children and cosmetics on the right path.
Skincare options for children
Sunscreen - this can be decanted into clean skincare jars. For authenticity, keep your skincare packaging and any shopping bags from high street beauty stores. If questions are asked about product consistency, say you managed to pick up a limited edition and it cost you a fortune! In my experience, the lure is often the packaging. Get that right and you are more than half-way there.
Pure aloe vera gel - the ideal dupe for a serum. Repackage. Make sure this product is only ever applied to clean, wound-free skin and that it does not get in the eyes or ears.
Water - a perfect face mist or setting spray! Decant into a clean spray bottle and change the water daily (when your child isn’t looking). Pay careful attention to the waterline and only replace the amount of water you discard. It's amazing what children can notice!
Makeup options for children
Please avoid powdered face products that contain talc. Talc-free brands include The Beauty Crop.
If you don't want your child to use traditional makeup, a clear or lightly tinted lip balm in trendy packaging, or a lip gloss, is ideal. PLouise has some great options and recently launched children’s bundles on TikTok. If that looks a bit pricey for your budget, shop around but stick to known brands. A trendy lip look your child could try is the two-tone finish - use a clear lip balm on one lip and a tinted one on the other. The height of fashion!
If you are set on buying ‘real’ makeup, avoid pressed pigments, hybrid products that include skincare ingredients, anything that contains talc (the dangers of talc in cosmetics are explained here) and products made by unknown or obscure brands. Never buy secondhand makeup.
Always check labels for ingredients and bin anything immediately that concerns you or irritates the skin. Always do a patch test on yourself before attempting a test on your child. Patch tests should be done at least 24 hours before a product is used on the face.
Never sign up to a subscription service and if you feel your child is becoming obsessed with cosmetics, divert their attention away from screens.
Money-saving cosmetics ideas for children
Parents can significantly reduce or elimiate their cosmetics expenditure for children by encouraging natural beauty. Why not emphasise the beauty of natural skin and hair, minimising the need for excessive products?
Then there’s DIY skincare... Teach your child about homemade skincare routines using natural ingredients like honey, aloe vera or oatmeal.
You can always create alternatives. Think about encouraging your children to explore other forms of self-expression, such as art or fashion, that may require less spending.
Talk to other parents and discuss ways you can work together to quietly divert children's attentions away from beauty products.
Don’t forget…
Make cleansing an important part of your child’s schedule. This will thoroughly remove any products and keep the skin healthy. Use a very mild face wash suitable for young skin. Consider brands such as Simple and Aveeno.
It's amazing how times change. I can remember my Mum's bedside table never being without a bottle of Olay fluid. It's not been a product that has ever 'spoken' to me. It's always seemed old fashioned.
If you're struggling right now with a child's obsession with cosmetics, remember that fads come and go. While skincare and makeup may be 'in' this year, it will almost certainly be something completely different next year. Who knows... Tank tops and Space Hoppers could be all the rage again!
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