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Is there a such thing as being too young or too old for makeup?
Is there a such thing as being too young or too old for makeup? Why? Please be respectful and mindful in your comments!
I think there’s a too young–I don’t think it’s appropriate for a five year old to be wearing makeup on a regular basis. I totally get playing dress-up, recitals, and the like, but it’s something that has to be monitored carefully and not over-indulged. It is very easy to get caught up in looking good with the help of makeup and lose sight of how beautiful we are naturally at any age, but when we’re young, we can be especially vulnerable.
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yes for wearing any makeup for being to young…..and yes for wearing certain types of makeup texture when being older…..instead of highlighter, it accentuates wrinkles for example….
Yes for being too young. I remember running around a Sephora once and there was this lady testing out foundation on her little 7 year old daughter. I get it though if it’s something for performance, but if it’s for normal use, I’m a little weirded out. >>
There’s definitely ages that are too young for makeup but I think we should let parents decide that–and like Temptalia said little young girls shouldn’t be obsessing over their looks because that can lead to insecurity issues when they’re older 🙁 BUT, as with any controversy, it’s important to remember not to judge others for what they wear on their face, or how they behave/act as long as they’re not hurting anyone.
Too many people get caught up in pointing out other’s flaws that they don’t realize how hurtful they’re being, when in my opinion, the worst thing of all is to judge others when you don’t know their stories.
@ivylively very well put!
I agree with some girls being too young. I think once you’re old enough though, it’s all about application. I’ve seen plenty of young girls who don’t know how to apply makeup or overdo it, but I’ve also seen older women doing the same. If done correctly, I don’t think you’re ever too old!
I was 4 or 5 the first time I put on lipstick. I knew I loved makeup at that point, BUT I was not running around wearing makeup until I got older. My mom only allowed for me to use lip balm. I started experimenting with makeup when I was probably 12 or 13, but not full face. I started wearing makeup more frequently in high school, but kept it very simple for the most part unless I was just playing around. I didn’t really get into full makeup on a regular basis until I was 18-20. I still don’t even wear full makeup all the time. I think makeup is different for everyone in terms of when and how much. I do think young girls should be young girls, which I understand for many incorporates makeup and beauty products, but I think it can go too far, too. Some of those pageant show girls really say things that disturb me, such as if you don’t wear makeup you’re plain and ugly, and one girl once grabbed her chest and exclaimed, “I LOVE BOOBIES!!!! I can’t wait til I get some!” Personally, I think anything younger than high school age wearing makeup on a regular basis is a bit much.
And no, no such thing as being too old for makeup. You may want to adjust what you wear due to a change in taste or a change in what works/doesn’t work, but don’t feel like you have to stop doing something you love or wearing something you love if it still works for YOU and makes YOU feel good.
Very young girls should not wear any makeup, except if it’s a tinted cream prescribed by a physician ( redness, other causes ). But no lipstick or bold make-up, I see that kind of things here well it’s vulgar in fact. Old women should not wear too much make-up except if they look like Iris Apfel ( or other women famous or not ) ! But elderly women who wear makeup can be very classy, so it depends I would say.
Theres no too old but there is a too young! I had to beg my mom for my 1st lipgloss when I was 15 yrs old and that too clear gloss. I think girls should be atleast 15 before experimenting or wearing makeup, lip balm is ok, coz they should concentrate more on studying than enhancing their beauty. Grooming is a different thing. N also girls should appreciate their young healthy skin n keep their makeup light rather than covering their full face with products.
I definitely think that there are ages that are “too young” for makeup. It makes me sad seeing 9, 10 and 11 year olds wearing makeup, especially on a daily basis (a complete shock when I started my student observations at a grade school a few years back). I personally feel that 13 is the absolute minimum age for young girls to start wearing makeup, but even then I think they need to be experimenting with it for the right reasons–ie., not to look ‘sexy’ or to make boys like you. One of the issues I have with younger girls wearing makeup is that they often do it because they feel inadequate without it, which paves the way for a whole host of insecurities as they grow older. I feel so sad for the little pageant girls with fake tans and false eyelashes…I know people argue that “they’re just kids, they don’t understand when they’re that young” but kids really are not given enough credit for how much they really do understand. Little five year olds go through hours of hair and nails and makeup and compete with each other to be the best in a competition that is clearly based on looks (if it wasn’t, they wouldn’t do the makeup hair and nails). At some point it’s going to click for them that you’re not good enough just on your own, without the makeup or hairdye or fake tans or whatnot, and that’s not a healthy mindset to live with.
I don’t necessarily think that there is anyone who is “too old” for makeup, but I do think that once you reach a certain age you really need to be mindful of how you’re applying your makeup and how *much* makeup you’re applying. I’ve noticed that once women reach a certain age their makeup tends to look ‘off’, simply because they’re applying the same products in the same way they did when they were 20. Aging skin and features have specific needs that we need to pay attention to as we get older.
I think people should start wearing makeup regularly only when they can afford and responsible to the cost and spent themseleves.
parents should supply their children basic for life until they are independent and i don’t think makeup is part of it. of course if your parents are fine with it, go for it.
My mom didn’t let me really experiment with makeup until I was in middle school and even then it was just like a hint of blush and some lip gloss. But I wasn’t all that interested in it due to being in band and not being allowed to wear makeup (couldn’t wear any kind of lip due to playing clarinet) and all. I do think there’s a “too young” – I remember wearing stage makeup for dance performances when I was seven, and I think that’s acceptable, but for daily use I would think anything younger than like 11 or 12 is too young, and even then it shouldn’t be much. Girls need to know makeup doesn’t make them beautiful, it just makes them different, you know?
I guess my take on it is that if you want to wear makeup, you should be able to buy it yourself, either with an allowance or money from a job. But I don’t think there’s such a thing as being “too old” for makeup; why should we suddenly have a cut-off limit? If I’m 90 and want to wear lipstick, who’s to say I can’t, if it makes me happy?
I think there is such a thing as too young like babies, little girls (hello Toddlers in Tiaras!) etc. Teens, well, maybe something light unless there’s bad acne to cover. While I like make up and have fun with it, I think you need to give your face a break at any age. All that brushing, wiping, lining, cleaning, etc. does do some wear & tear on your skin, especially as there are chemicals in all the things we use more or less.
I’m unsure how I feel about cosmetics and kids. On one hand, images of preschoolers and young elementary school children wearing full faces of makeup truly disturb me, even in “appropriate” settings like dance recitals or school plays where I understand the legitimate need for the heavy makeup. Maybe it’s all of the exposure to old photos of JonBenet Ramsey from 20 years ago, but it’s hard not to look at young girls in heavy makeup and not think of grossly inappropriate sexualization of children.
But on the other, I don’t really have a problem with girls wearing *some* makeup even before they hit their pre-teen years. I was obsessed with cosmetics from a very young age (I started breaking into my mom’s stash when I was 2!) and I always asked my mom for makeup play sets as a kid and often got them and I’m sure I wore some of it to school on occasion. I definitely remember bringing it with me to recess. I don’t think I’d consider it inappropriate to let a younger girl wear items like tinted lip balm or lipgloss around, even on a daily basis, so long as it was something she wanted for herself. For some reason, that just feels more innocent and less age inappropriate than mascara, eye liner or foundation.
I think I was in the 7th or 8th grade when I started wearing makeup every day. I started out slow, just with lipstick and translucent powder at first and moved on to a full face around 16-17. My mom never had any rules about my makeup use and let me go at my own pace. She managed to indulge my love of cosmetics without pushing me toward it too young.
agree with you, 5 is just..too much lol. but i hate those annoying people that won’t allow girls over 11-12 wear make-up. black lined eyes and lipstick and stuff was forbidden in my middle school(a bummer cause i think black lined eyes look the best on me…). i still wore foundation, a lil blush and concealer tho(bad skin and dark circles…that’s why i started in the first place, so i NEEDED it…) and mascara
In my opinion there is a too young. I always cringe inwardly when I see 10 to 12-year old girls wear full face makeup to school. Not only does it look very unflattering in most cases (little girls do have a tendency to go overboard with blue eyeshadow, pink lipgloss AND to dark foundation ) I also think that they want to grow up too fast. There is a time in life to be a child and one to be grown up, and I’m not a fan of them rushing through that.
I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup to school until I turned 16, and while I hated my mom for not allowing it earlier then, not thinking back I’m more than grateful, since there are no disturbing pictures of me wearing above described little girl makeup. I was simply old enough to know better what suits me and the occasion and did not make the mistakes my friends did (it also helped that my mon bought me some really nice high quality makeup for my sixteenth birthday).
I completely agree with you. I think it’s a bit inappropriate to let a child wear makeup when they’re any younger than 10 or 11. I get that once you reach middle school, you start sneaking putting on your makeup in the school bathrooms (or at least I did)–but I don’t think it should be encouraged. I just think it sends kind of the wrong message on what it means to truly be beautiful. This also goes for clothing and things like cell phones, etc. I do get that some parents give their children cell phones specifically to call them and only them (to check in, after school is out, etc.), but so often I see very young girls walking around with lipstick, holding purses and wearing short shorts and tiny tank tops, gabbing away on a cell phone while walking around with their parents. It makes me kind of sad
I think yes to both. People can be too young, I dont think it’s right for little kids to be wearing proper makeup, like a full face. Things like the kiddie beauty pageants really disturb me. Children that age should not be dressing in that way or wearing that much makeup and fake tan. Its just really freaky and in my opinion pretty wrong.
I also think that people can be too old for makeup too. I’ve seen some older women who look like they still wear the same makup they did in their twenties. In my opinion bright lipstick, shimmery products and heavily lined eyes do not suit older ladies as it just draws attention to wrinkled, sagging skin. I think that maybe makeup can still be worn as you get older but you need to change your makeup to suit your skin. Otherwise it just looks silly.
Old(ish) lady speaking up here – I’ve loved make-up since I was a little girl in the 60″s. Oh, how I wanted to make up my eyes to look like Goldie Hawn on Laugh In, or Cher on the Sonny and Cher show! Alas, Mom knew better. When I was finally allowed to wear make-up, the natural look was in. So disappointing…. At any rate, I’m in my 50’s now and still wear make-up daily, but the range of colors has narrowed a bit. I find I depend more on eye liners than eye shadows, and invest more in skin care than I do make-up proper. And lip color is absolutely necessary! The one thing I’ve probably held onto longer than I should is nail color – how can ANYONE resist all those pretty blues on the market today?
When I see a child wearing make-up it seems to me like they’re growing up too fast. Youth should be a time when you’re in too much of a hurry to go play, much less apply a full face of make-up. Believe me, time goes way too fast.
Christine, I’m probably older than your average reader, but I just love your blog especially the lip and nail color reviews! Your descriptions are thorough and accurate…you’ve never steered me wrong! Thank you!
I think there’s definitely an age where you’re too young to wear makeup. I think 12 and under shouldn’t be wearing makeup unless it’s some concealer or foundation to hide acne that they are insecure about. But I think they should see a dermatologist first to see if there’s anything they can do to fix it (like an acne care routine). If nothing works, then they should ask the dermatologist about which foundations would be OK for acne prone skin. 13-14 is a good age to start experimenting with things like eyeliner, lip gloss, mascara. I think 15 (depending on how mature they are) would be a good age to play with more makeup like eyeshadows, lquid eyeliner, fake eyelashes maybe. Just as long as their mother thinks they don’t look ridiculous walking out of the house, you know? 16+ is when I think a full face is fine, again depending on the teenager.
I don’t think you’re ever too old to wear makeup. Ever since I was little I remember my grandma having her classy makeups and perfumes on her bathroom counter/dresser. She’s 78 and still looks amazing wearing makeup! <3
I think 13-14 is a good age to start wearing makeup. I don’t believe that a woman should stop wearing cosmetics at any age. If a bit of color gives a 90 year old woman joy, then so be it. However, I think being age appropriate is key. A teen probably doesn’t need a full face of heavy foundation and powder (no matter how bad the zits are). And glittery eyes are not such a good idea when the crow’s feet start settling in. Neither is black lipstick. I love seeing older women in (moderate) makeup! I used to have a customer (she passed away) at my store who was in her 80s and she always wore pink clothes and pink makeup. Bless her soul! She was very cute! She seemed to enjoy being a gal to the very end! I plan on doing the same.
I don’t think anyone is ever too old to continue to care about their appearance, so there is no maximum age limit to makeup. Additionally, as long as a woman (or man) is not wearing makeup that is inappropriate for their environment (and that goes for *any* age), then there’s also no problem with the type of makeup worn.
However, there is being too young. What that age is, I don’t know. When I was growing up, my mom set the bar at 16, then lowered it to 14 (I was about 10 at the time). When I was 11, she saw that other girls were wearing pastel lipstick & eyeshadow, so she gave in to that. Then I entered 7th grade, and really got into the “Goth” scene, and since makeup was a big part of the aesthetic, she relented. I still wasn’t allowed to wear makeup to church, or things like that, but since most of the girls at school wore makeup, she thought it was acceptable.
I never related makeup with self-esteem in the sense that a woman can’t be pretty without it, as I always saw it as an accessory, an extension of the entire outfit no different than a piece of jewelry.
Now that I have a daughter (almost 6), who loves makeup *already*, I have to start thinking about what age will be appropriate for her, and what guidelines I will set forth. She already has a huge stash of nail polish, and she loves wearing red lipstick (around the house), but I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what her peers are doing as she gets older. She sees me go without any makeup on days where I dress down, so hopefully she’s learning that makeup isn’t what makes one “pretty”, and she can learn to enjoy it for what it really is-a simple accessory, and something fun.
I definitely think there is too young, but even as a kid I would wear lip smackers lipgloss just for fun. I didn’t start wearing anything on my eyes until I was around 13, but I didn’t start wearing a full face until I was around 17, and even them it wasn’t heavy. It depends on the person. I don’t think there’s such thing as ‘too old’ because makeup often makes older people (even in their 80’s) happy when I used to sell makeup. A lot of the brands, such as guerlain and Elizabeth Arden have been around since they were teenagers, and they really appreciate that. It makes me smile!
One can definitely be too young for makeup IMO. Girls should learn to love their natural features and beauty. I think it’s a shame when young women try to cover up their gorgeous, youthfully glowing skin with makeup.
Middle school age is probably a good time to start experimenting with simple looks: tinted lip balms, sheer natural shades of eyeshadow (single color), subtle blush shades. By high school one can add: sheer lipsticks, mascara, extra e/s shades, eyeliner, extra blush shades, TM or foundation if needed (ex. to even out redness from acne).
You are never too old for makeup but your products, application and looks need to be adjusted as you age. Skin and features change. A woman shouldn’t be stuck in a time warp either. You should know what shades and products work best for you but be willing to experiment, within reason. Makeup is for enhancement but also fun. Go discover new products, get makeovers and be open to suggestions to look your always best.
Too young, for sure. Kids are growing up way too fast these days (hell, do I ever sound like my mom!) and the pressures on girls, especially, to look older, thinner, perfect – well, we all know the toll it is taking. Young girls are generally so pretty and it seems a shame to see them with tons of cheap foundation and makeup globbed onto their faces. As for “too old” – no way! Us older dames need all the help we can get, though overdoing it or trying to look too young is never flattering.
There is definitely a such thing as “too young”. IMO, if you’re under 12-13, you don’t need to wear makeup. For most of the high school years, you don’t need a full face, but you can start adding things here and there (mascara, lip gloss, a subtle blush, eyeliner), not to mention it’s also a good time to start a simple skincare routine. By the time you’re in your late teens, yeah, you can explore it a bit more.
But there’s never too old. Just be sensible. 🙂
I’ve tried for years to remove the word “should” from my vocab. I also freely admit that I’m sort of a “west coast groovy hippie do what you want cause we’re all just souls traveling the universe” kind of guy 😉
Too young? Eh… I donno. I suppose it depends on the reason… if it’s an expression of creativity and they are learning then I hope I’d be the kind of guy who let his kid wander around with zombie makeup on in July 😉
Too old? My great aunt is in her mid-nineties and she still spends 45 minutes every morning putting her face on and she always looks pretty! 🙂
Too young yes. Too old, NO! I think its adorable when ladies in their 80’s and 90’s wear make-up. Shows their love of life.
There is a too young. Girls under 13 shouldn’t wear make up on a regular basis – I was a ballerina since I was 7 so I needed to put on some blush and eyeshadow for the presentations, and also my since then beloved red lipsticks. But besides that? There’s no need for more the lipgloss – shiny, glittery. You’re young enough for that. You skin is still flawless, and, good to remember, in formation. I don’t see any reason why a teenager should wear heavy make up either. At this age, it’s good to maintain a good skin care routine because of acne and so. But everytime I see an adult woman that doesn’t even care about taking care of their skin or adding some color, I wonder where she wants to get in her life, because seriously. There’s no need for wearing heavy, glittery, elaborated make up – at any age – but it’s about taking care of yourself and building a image. I once read that women with a little make up are even considered more professional. So, c’mom.
@Maiara Alvim It is a very narrow-minded POV to judge women for not wearing *any* makeup. There are specific cultures, religions, lifestyles, etc, that do not *allow* women to wear makeup. I happen to be a single mother to a daughter with autism, and as much as I *love* makeup (I have alot of time & money invested in my relatively large stash), it’s not always practical to wear it every day. When she was younger, there were mornings when I had to get her ready for her 9 am therapy sessions, get myself showered & dressed, and make breakfast, so honestly, makeup was the furthest thing down on my list of priorities, especially on mornings she was having a rough time. Also, when I go shopping at the mall, I make a conscious choice to not wear makeup because if I try clothes on, I don’t want to risk any of my makeup transfering onto any clothes I try on (I wish *all* women felt the same way-I hate grabbing the only blouse in my size only to find makeup all over the collar-disgusting). Yes, I wear makeup to work, for special occasions & events, etc, but honestly, if I’m just running errands or picking up my daughter from school, then why should I feel a need to wear makeup? With my lifestyle & circumstances, if I can get an extra 15-20 minutes of sleep, I’m going to make that my priority, as I’m not going to sacrifice it to please those who have the luxury of spare time in their lives.
@xamyx @Maiara I know how you feel xamyx, I used to wear makeup everyday (in fact I love wearing makeup very much) but since getting lyme disease, then becoming debilitated by it, I haven’t worn it for an entire year (except on my birthday, but it took a lot of energy). My mom used to wear it to work, but she hasn’t since I have become so much more sick. She helps take care of me, and we only leave the house for doctors appointments once a month. I know it has changed us a lot, and I think we have learned not to be self conscious and try to embrace our natural beauty, because it has been difficult for us, and we had to change our priorities, you know?
@hollylilly92 I wish both you and your mother well. Sometimes people are just so wrapped up in their own lives that they don’t stop to think maybe there’s a reason why someone does something differently. Luckily, my daughter has improved a great deal, and is in school most of the day, so I have a little more “me” time, but I have reevaluated my priorities over the last few years. Again, I wish you the best, and a full recovery.
@Maiara Alvim I’m a professional IT employee, i work for a fortune500 company, and I don’t wear makeup every day. Why does that bother you? i assure you no one in my field thinks anything of it, and I’m not considered less professional for it. I don’t think anyone *needs* to wear makeup to be considered more professional or polished, and I don’t judge people for not wearing any. I take care of my skin, but I don’t need to “build an image” via makeup. Some women just don’t care or don’t have time or don’t care or…it doesn’t matter, and it’s not your place to judge.
@Maiara I want to add to this, since before I wrote on my phone – I don’t understand why “getting somewhere” in life requires makeup. I went to a fantastic college (one of the Seven SIsters), I have a great job, the best husband in the world (IMHO), a great group of friends, and I did it all without wearing makeup. I think I maybe wore a bit of lipgloss to my interview loop and that was it. If I’m *ever* at the point where I need to make myself up in order to get a job, I’m in the wrong field and interviewing for the wrong job.
There’s a difference between looking clean and groomed and looking made up. Of course I look clean and groomed for my job; that’s just common practice. But I don’t need to look made up for my job, and odds are I’d get weird looks if I started wearing a full face, because of my industry and my specific field. I wear make up because I *want* to, because I like how it makes me look, because I have fun playing iwth lip gloss and blush, because it’s pretty…I don’t wear make up because I feel forced into it. That’s a societal constraint I should hope we’ve grown out of in 2012.
@blueraccoon @Maiara Well said. This brings me back to my original comment about makeup being no more (for *me*) than an extension of whatever clothes I’m wearing. If I’m running errand in leggings & flip-flops, why should I bother with makeup? Should I really *care* what the checker at the market thinks? I like to think I have more important issues in my life. Conversely, if I go out of my way to don formal apparel, then I tend to go full face, for the same reason I may put on earrings. I don’t feel prettier either way, as I still look like *me*.
I didn’t wear makeup until I was in my late teens and attending university and even then it was just a hint of colour, but then again I grew up in a different time, and at the risk of sounding like an old woman, which I am not, I certainly did not feel any pressure to wear any makeup whatsover. I had no constant feed of sexualized and beautified people everywhere I turned nor products promising personal nirvana. Our youth is faced with a constant barrage of these images and messages and so it’s not completely a surprise young girls/woman want to experiment at an early age. I began wearing makeup because I viewed it as a vehicle for artistic and personal expression in my 20’s. To this day, I absolutely enjoy applying make-up and the whole process of creating a look for the day and I do not feel I will ever be too old to wear some form of it. I do go on a lot about age-appropriateness all the time since I am always striving for a certain look that falls under classy with a bit of edge. I’m not looking for funky or youthful, just creatively inspired elegant and refined. I expect that people will wear what pleases them and all the power to them no matter what their age. As far as young girls, that is for their parents to decide what they feel is appropriate. I do not have children and so I really do not have a say.
Young yes, old – NEVER!
I agree with Jolene ^^^
What Jolene said!
nope on either counts if you can put it on yourself wear it!
I agree with Jolene
Too young definitely yes, old no.
Never too old, too young- yes!
you can be young and have makeup on tastefully, age appropriate same goes with being old and age appropriate
too young, yes. too old no! but i think choices need to age appropriately with you, only slightly 😉
Ditto to everyone else!
never too old or young. My 5 yr old likes to play with mine although I won’t let her use mascara for fear it may damage her beautiful lashes and when you’re old you’re an adult and can do whatever you want 🙂
Playing with makeup as a child is totally different to putting your child in full makeup though, too young yes (and I regularly had my face done by my MUA uncle who was practicing at the time) but too old? Never.
Too young YES too old NEVER
every age can wear makeup, the trick is to wear makeup to compliment your face.
Too young & too much … Never too old
There is a time and a place. For example, little girls that are in dance recitals wear makeup on stage and I see no problem with that. I also don’t see a problem with little girls playing with makeup. As far as wearing it on a regular basis, personally I think anything more than a very lightly tinted chapstick is too much for little girls. Once they get to middle school they can switch to a gloss and add a swipe of mascara. Still, it’s all relative and situational. What’s most important, I feel, with little girls starting to wear makeup is that they have a supportive Mom/Dad/Aunt/Whomever to teach them how to apply it appropriately…and even more important than that is teaching them about SKIN CARE and SUN PROTECTION. 🙂
Too young, yes. Too old, no
No. Makeup varies depending on age.
I let my (9 yr old) daughter play dress up at home, but I would not let her wear makeup in public at her age. There is no such thing as too old!
Hmm… hard to say on the “too young”. But I’m still young myself, so I guess my opinion is indifferent lol
I don’t agree with 5 year olds running around with a full face of makeup on (hello Toddlers in Tiaras?) or much makeup below 12 or 13 at all. But I also think at that young of an age, it’s just a phase to be quickly outgrown, so I don’t mind it as much as others. I remember my Cheerleading competition when I was 8, and we did have to wear a full face of makeup, every day, for every division, for about three weeks straight. Even back then I loved makeup, but I HATED this. With a burning passion! And I was eight. (We have photographic proof of the god awful shit they put on our faces! I’m talking blue smokey eye, bright pink cheeks, and red lips. and glitter. can’t forget the glitter :P) I didn’t even think about touching makeup again until I was almost 13 years old. And even then, I was afraid to do more than a little eye liner and mascara.
As for being “too old” for makeup, that’s nonsense 🙂 I don’t think you can put an age limit on feeling beautiful.
I definitely agree with there being a ‘too-young’ to wear makeup…I don’t think a 5-year old should be wearing a full face of makeup, or ANY makeup, for that matter. Kids that age should enjoy their innocence and enjoy being kids, not try to look like women or older than they are. I think around age 10 or 11, girls start experimenting with a little makeup and this is ok, as long as they’re not going out with a lot of makeup on…As for being ‘too old,’ I don’t know…I’m inclined to think there isn’t an age where you can be too old too wear makeup, although I have a harder time picturing someone in their 90’s wearing makeup. Foundation maybe?
I definitely think one can be too young to wear makeup. I’d say a light lipgloss for girls who are say, 6th grade or so. More make up, but lightly used, in 7th or 8th grades. High school, more, but still in good taste. I didn’t really start wearing makeup until I was in my 20s. I’m 63 now and I enjoy makeup more now than I ever have. I’m hoping to continue wearing it til they put me in the grave. LOL I can’t imagine not wearing or enjoying it. It’s so much fun. Some little old ladies do get a bit carried away with too rosy a cheek and going out of the lines with their lipstick. I hope I never become that person. I don’t think I will. I still use it tastefully, I hope. 🙂
I want to add — in 7th and 8th grades, I’m thinking just a little blush and lipgloss is sufficient, for special occasions, a little mascara. Even in high school, the same, with a very light sweep of a neutral eyeshadow. Young girls don’t need all the contouring or eyeliners. They don’t realize how beautiful their own skin is, even if they do have breakouts — they skin is youthful land that’s is lovely. Girls/Ladies, don’t pile it on — let your own skin show through as much as possible. If you have freckles, embrace them. I think those whose freckles show through their makeup is such a great look. It’s so youthful. (Can you tell I’m obssessed with youth — ya, you will be too when you get to be my age. HA HA)
For too old, I’m not so sure since many old women still wear lipstick. However, too young, yeah some girls can be too young. I personally feel that a girl shouldn’t wear makeup until middle school. They should start out with basic liner and mascara, maybe with a hint of lipgloss first, and then try to experiment a little more when they’re 15 or 16.
I was FORBIDDEN to wear makeup before the age of 16, which was sucked for me because all the other girls wore loads. I wanted wear makeup not to be like them, but to feel pretty and experiment. So I used to sneak into the bathroom at school before class and put eyeshadow on (we’re talking blue eyeshadow all the way up to the eyebrows, I know awful!!). Coming from a 4.0 GPA daddy’s girl, I think this was one of the most rebellious things I ever did in high school, lol. I agree with a lot of you here, that there is no age when you’re too old for makeup, like Sam said, “I don’t think you can put an age limit on feeling beautiful.” But I don’t think a 7 year needs to wear makeup everyday, that’s just silly, I think they should embrace they’re natural beauty for as long as they can.
my late father was very strict with me and my siblings growing up so any make up before the age of 18 would of got me shot….. or worse (hence why i didn’t get into make up until i was about 23 and even then i wore mostly tinted moisturisers etc I only got into it full time at the age of 30)
Having said that i agree with with what you’ve said christine 5 year olds really shouldn’t be wearing make up i feel these days kids are growing up too quickly and as a result they can’t be kids instead they have to be adults in kids bodies, kids are growing up way too fast these days
@simone lymbery It not just makeup being the issue but rather that some parent thinks it’s ok to allow their kids to dress scantily as well (the trend of Halloween costumes for 10 year old is a huge red flag). This has been going on for a decade now and I’ve seen some 5 year old that their parent dress looking like hookers in daycare… It’ really a matter of parent being strict or even putting guide lines for their kids so that they don’t end up with very skewed prescriptions of themselves and what is health. For myself looking back, I would have loved to learn about makeup more in high school when I could experiment more on a daily bases but circumstance and funds would no permit it. as a working professional int he real world it just not appropriate to use colour sadly on my face. You really DON’t Need more then simple mascara of lipstick in junior high or younger. I can understand light foundation to even out skin tone or acne but the truth is almost everyone has to deal with acne at some point.
Playing dress up and recitals are in my opinion the only times where a child wearing makeup is acceptable, but to wear it out isnt before middle school. Its important for younger girls to know they are beautiful and dont need makeup. I didnt wear more than lipgloss until the 7th grade and only wore more once I was in 8th grAde. I think thats an appropriate time for day to day use. As for too old – dont think its relevant as long as you wear age appropriate makeup and know what looks nice and what looks like too much!
never!!! The type of makeup you need just changes xxx
(grr, stupid iPad). An conceal a flush in the child’s face. Teacher pay attention to cheek coloration in children because a persistent flush can mean a fever, or that the child has overheated. Small children don’t always stop playing if they are having fun, so teacher have to look for signs that they may be over doing it.
Playing in your own home is fine at any age, but there is a fine line when leaving the home. When I was a preschool aide I’d have parents dropping off 3 year old girls with strong blush applied and lipstick on. They told me it was cute. I had to tell them that it wasn’t appropriate for school. At the time, the school was preschool through fifth grade. If we don’t allow fifth graders to wear make up, why would we allow three year olds? Part of it is age related, but part is for their own safety. Just like heels aren’t allowed because they aren’t safe on the playground equipment, makeup, Esp face makeup can concea
Ps- I have no idea why my iPad autocorrected the “s” off “teachers” multiple times.
I think there’s definitely an age where you’re too young for makeup. Too old on the other hand, never!
Most of you are saying “yes” to “too young” – but what IS “too young”?
Also- what about nail polish?
yep
<—————– my fashion page <3
My 4 year old cousin likes to play with my make up and nail polish. But only certain products/colors. And she knows that its not an everyday thing and that she isnt allowed to go to school with it. As far as being too old i dont think so…. its all about what is appropriate for that age.
My 3 year old daughter loved to play with make-up and we would do her nails, face and hair, but she never left the house. She is now 15 and has a really good idea what is age appropiate when she is out in public. I don’t think there is anything wrong with experimenting with makeup as in all things sensible adult guidance is always helpful.
As for being too old? I think you would have to judge that for yourself when you get there :o)
I am in my 50s and when I was under 10, we wouldn’t have even considered wearing any makeup or nail polish (at least out of the house!) The really young are too young to wear makeup, but I am not sure what the appropriate age these days to start wearing makeup is, since there are so many types of makeup and applications, etc. But really heavy makeup looks its best on someone who is 16 to 25. Think about it — that is a narrow age span! But since in 2012 no one really goes out of the house with an uber full face of makeup 365 days a year, a 16 to 25 year old has the option to do that if they wish (or wear blue lipstick and glaring red eyeshadow if they choose. And then the next day, they could wear no makeup at all, and still look great! That is no longer an option for someone like myself in her 50s. My age and older looks best with less makeup and we by and large cannot pull off any extreme, trendy, or heavy makeup options. But I think if you really want to at my age, you still can try something very trendy or colorful — just take time and experiment with it gradually until you achieve a look that works for you. And when doing so that don’t overdo the trends — less is more.
I believe in the “too-young”, as most people. however, i started wearing foundation in about 4th-5th grade because i had horrible acne, and i was super insecure. in middle school i began experimenting with simple make-up, like mascara and eyeliner. once the accutane cleared up my skin, i am able to leave the house without make-up. i am 17, and i LOVE make-up. as for being “too-old” for make-up, there is no such thing!
Absolutely. I feel like anyone wearing makeup on a regular basis(talking 3-4 times a week) under the age of 10 is extremely excessive. I started wearing makeup when I was about 11 and a half,but very little and only occasionally. I don’t think there is too old, you can always wear makeup but there’s the option of looking good or not. I wouldn’t say makeup over the age of 100 if you live that long, but hey, who am I to say you can’t wear makeup if you are over 100?
I think it depends a bit, I’d be concerned if a kid under ten felt they *had* to wear makeup to look or feel good, but my husband’s from a culture where they put eyeliner on babies and children (and men), and where many women and young girls wear almost transvestite levels of makeup.
I think it’s harmful to teach children that their appearance is the most important thing in the world, but at the same time I think it’s overly harsh to forbid kids (and that includes boys) to experiment. I also tend to think that virtually all makeup wearers go through an ‘awkward’ learning stage and it’s probably better to get that out of the way when you’re younger, rather than in your twenties or thirties.
As for too old, whilst you might have to adapt your style a bit, I think if you’ve still got it go for it. I saw a photo at an art show once showing 92 year old Gloria who was described as still putting a lot of (tasteful) effort into her appearance and my mother and I both said we hoped we looked as good as her at her age.
I think absolutely anyone should wear makeup whenever they want, and no one should ever feel required to wear it. That said, kids do need some guidance on pretty much all their choices. I started begging to wear makeup at a very early age b/c I had a skin disorder that made my cheeks very red, and nothing the doctors had done helped. I endured some teasing, as you would expect, but almost worse were the well-intentioned people who thought I was about to pass out from over-exertion and raised a big public alarm about it without realizing they were embarrassing the heck out of me rather than helping someone in distress.
My mom refused to let me wear it, and instead made suggestions on how to deal with both types of people who called attention to it. Since we always have to deal with the occasional jerk or confused/ignorant person in life, I value the skills I learned by not covering up the redness and having to be confronted with those people. I also learned that when someone dislikes how you look enough to tease you about it, the solution is not for you to “fix” your looks, but for them to get a life. 🙂
I’m a minor, so I still live with my mom and dad (albeit separately, they’re divorced) and I’ve been wearing makeup for almost two years. When I was a grade-schooler, I was allowed lip gloss and nail polish out, and that was it. At home I could play around, but any makeup out was a no-no. When I was a fourth-grader, though, I was on the school’s dance team, so my mom allowed me *very* sheer, shimmery colors on game days. Now, I’m on summer break, about to be a seventh-grader, and I read makeup blogs religiously. I love color (thanks to Leesha [xSparkage] and Cora [Vintage or Tacky] but I also like natural makeup. My best friend isn’t allowed to wear any makeup and I don’t judge girls/women who don’t choose to wear it or simply have no interest or time. Most days I forgo the stuff for the fifteen minutes of sleep I gain. Before you go and say I’m too young for makeup, my mom would rather me be able to experiment and have some freedom, while learning what is and isn’t tacky, rather than me rebelling and putting on bright red eyeshadow up to my hairline. My younger sister, who is eight-and-a-half, and a tomboy, probably will be allowed at the same age I was, (ten) but I don’t expect her to utilize it. She’s a major tomboy. I feel like a lot of makeup too young is bad, (like when I started I was only allowed mineral powder foundation, clear mascara, and VERY light colors) and makeup that covers your looks is bad, but when used in the right way and in the right amount, makeup can really boost your self-confidence. You’re never too old for makeup, but there is definitely a too young.
I’m a minor, so I still live with my mom and dad (albeit separately, they’re divorced) and I’ve been wearing makeup for almost two years. When I was a grade-schooler, I was allowed lip gloss and nail polish out, and that was it. At home I could play around, but any makeup out was a no-no. When I was a fourth-grader, though, I was on the school’s dance team, so my mom allowed me *very* sheer, shimmery colors on game days.
Now, I’m on summer break, about to be a seventh-grader, and I read makeup blogs religiously. I love color (thanks to Leesha [xSparkage] and Cora [Vintage or Tacky] but I also like natural makeup. My best friend isn’t allowed to wear any makeup and I don’t judge girls/women who don’t choose to wear it or simply have no interest or time. Most days I forgo the stuff for the fifteen minutes of sleep I gain.
Before you go and say I’m too young for makeup, my mom would rather me be able to experiment and have some freedom, while learning what is and isn’t tacky, rather than me rebelling and putting on bright red eyeshadow up to my hairline. My younger sister, who is eight-and-a-half, and a tomboy, probably will be allowed at the same age I was, (ten) but I don’t expect her to utilize it. I feel like a lot of makeup too young is bad, (like when I started I was only allowed mineral powder foundation, clear mascara, and VERY light colors) and makeup that covers your looks is bad, but when used in the right way and in the right amount, makeup can really boost your self-confidence. You’re never too old for makeup, but there is definitely a too young.
I should add that there is “too young” like everyone else says.
I read in magazines recently that black eyeliner and glitter nail polish were aging and not appropriate for “older” women – a border on which I elegantly skate. I happen to LOVE black eyeliner AND glitter pedicures. Its like anything else – if you own the look and it makes you feel happy, go for it.
Yes there is such a thing as too young to wear make up. Children under the age of 12 should not wear make up. Their bodies and skin are still growing and changing, plus children should be playing and enjoin g life; not worrying about beauty.
I was forbidden to wear make up until I was about 13 years old, but my mother taught me how to look after my skin and hair during that time. At 13, my sister help me develop a skin regime and taught me how to apply mascara, clear lipgloss and pale pink nail varnish. That was all I could and had permission to wear out of the house until about 16/17. By that time, my mum and my sisters had shared all their beauty knowledge whilst I experimented at home. I read books about teenage beauty, social etiquette and sexual health too. So through home experimentation, gaining beauty knowledge, discussion and guidance I learned what make up was appropriate for my age and the situation.
Too old, you can never be too old! It become much more about what is appropriate for your age, skin type and lifestyle. My mother focuses more on health, skin and hair care than make up, she can’t be bothered with it.
I also believe small children should not wear make up, except if it´s for a school festival or something like that or they’re just playing and don´t leave the house. A child should look like a child and enjoy it! There will be time later for makeup, if they decide they want to wear it.
I don´t believe there is a “too old” for makeup – as long as you feel comfortable, why not enjoy wearing it? I really don´t think there is an age limit for say, wearing shimmery shadows or bright nail polish – I believe makeup choices should be based on our own taste, characteristics and look we are going for. I think it is important to keep an open mind to try new things but also to realize when something does not suit us anymore.
Nope. My mom gave me tinted AVON chapstick for school and now in stores like the childrens place they carry pretend polish and gloss 4 girls.
lol, i thought i commented here already :/ yeah, 5 is too young, 11 wasn’t in my case(horrible dark circles)
There is no such things as being too old, but too young, yes. I actually didnt start wearing “real makeup” until I was 18 or 19 and I hate seeing little kids on TV with layers and layers of chemicals on their sweet little faces. Children dont need makeup!
I didn’t start wearing makeup ’till I was 16-17yrs. old and at that point it was with a drugstore neutral e/s palette. Very soft greens and tans/taupes and some light-handed but black mascara. That was all…once I got into working and attending Renaissance Festivals where I dressed up as an Elf -which required darker colored shadows for the fantasy makeup, then I became more comfortable with it and by 18 I was wearing light-to-medium purple shadows and it’s gone from there.
Too young for makeup? Yes, indeed.
Too old for makeup? As long as it’s done right/well (as with any age), No.
My mom is constantly making comments about how she feels that she is too old to be wearing certain colors on her nails and/or eyes, and lips. I always try to tell her that she’s wrong -if she wants to wear it, then wear it. Everyone else be damned. But she won’t listen to me and is stuck in this idea that she can no longer flaunt purple nails or anything else ‘outlandish’.:/
I say, if you want to wear it then do it!
I definitely feel like there is a such thing as too young for makeup. As a preteen, I was only allowed to wear lip gloss and I didn’t start wearing real makeup until I was 15, which I thought was more than fair. My children will be following these same guidelines! A little dress up is fine occasionally, but no young child should be constantly walking around with a face full of makeup.