Should children use makeup?

NAIL polish, lipstick, lip liner, eyeliner, glitter eyeshadow, and even trying out her mother’s padded brassiere, there is nothing a curious daughter won’t try, if she sees her mother doing it. As such, it is not uncommon for parents to, sometimes, make compromises, and allow their children some liberty.

As Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day today, one of the most pressing questions for parents of female children of the current generation is: Should my daughter use makeup? Makeover shares the opinion of experts on the issue.

‘Whatever the occasion, it’s pointless’

Mrs Tricia Peters of Triple Beauty Palace, Lagos, tells Makeover that “I don’t support children using makeup, no matter the occasion, unless, it’s something dramatic. But even at that, I still think there are other ways to portray the child as a mother without so much makeup. There are issues of skin sensitivity, and the child runs the risk of poisoning, depending on the age anyway.”

When asked if make-up is in order, when the child takes the position of little bride for a wedding, Mrs Peters answered: “I have two daughters, who have both been little brides and not once did I allow anything as little as a swipe of foundation on them. Not even when the bride I’m doing the makeup for suggests it. It’s just not necessary. With the right dress, trust me, from my experience, makeup would just look absolutely pointless on that little bride. They’re just children, for goodness sake. Besides, as a matter of principle, I believe my girls should take the decision to use makeup or not. I believe if you feel the need to use makeup on a child, you are already defining that child’s inferiority complexes, and not making her comfortable in her own skin. We already have enough women-related problems stemming from childhood decisions, to add that to the list. I’ve been in this makeup business for more than five years, so I know what I’m talking about. It’s a no for me.”

‘Makeup for children should be light’

According to Ms Shola Adebayo of GlamorousYou, Ikeja, Lagos, “It depends on what the parents want. I’ve had parents ask me to use makeup on their daughters, especially for special occasions such as weddings, family photo shoots, and even graduation parties. For me, it’s not a big deal. The trick is to make it as light as possible, so the child feels comfortable. I just do light powdering, mild lipstick and very light blush, where necessary. I try not to use too much, because of skin sensitivity. I also do a light touch to the brows. The makeup depends on the age.”

‘I don’t support it, but I dont say no to clients who request for it’

For Taiwo Odeyemi, CEO of Tai’s Home of Beauty, Ibadan, tells Makeover that makeup on children is not a necessity.

“I don’t know about other makeup artists, but for me, it’s not necessary to use makeup on children. You know their tendency to copy. One runs the risk of them using these products when you’re not watching. Before I got into the makeup trade full-time, and started using boxes I could lock, I once caught my sons trying on lipstick and powder. That’s my experience with boys who don’t even need it as adults. How much more girls? Honestly, I’ve never really liked the idea of children using makeup. Maybe, it’s because I have only sons that’s why I don’t understand it. However, I have never turned back any mother who requests my services for such. I guess it’s the parent’s decision anyway.”

ALSO READ: Building great nation through godly children

5 things to know when choosing makeup for children

Dr Eva Kubiczek-Love, a paediatrician at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, according to an article on www.clevelandclinic.org, shares five things parents should help their children do when considering makeup:

Buy safe products: “Many cosmetics, including those labelled ‘natural’ and ‘organic,’ aren’t regulated to the standards parents might expect,” she says. Shop for products with the fewest ingredients, and avoid ingredients you think are harmful.

Start with less: Ease into wearing makeup. For a preteen, maybe start with lip-gloss. Over time, add powder foundation or other products. Don’t dive in with heavy lipstick and eyeliner.

Watch for skin irritation: Reaction from cosmetics can be as mild as skin redness or as severe as hives and swelling. Most symptoms appear quickly. If they do, remove the product – and don’t use it again. In case of hives or swelling, give your child an antihistamine and call the doctor. Allergic reactions appearing on your child’s face could spread to his or her airways. If your child is wheezing, has abdominal pain or is vomiting, get medical care immediately.

Go easy on sensitive or acne-prone skin: Steer away from heavy, oil-based products – especially creams, lotions and foundations – that can aggravate acne, eczema and other sensitive skin. Use an oil-free concealer on acne. And, above all, follow tip No. 5.

Maintain a healthy skin regimen: Skin care is important for any adolescent, especially those wearing makeup. Teach your child to: Wash his or her face every day with a mild cleanser; avoid antibacterial soap and exfoliating agents. Harsh products can damage young skin and cause acne flare-ups; remove all makeup before going to bed; replace cosmetics every six to 12 months to minimise risk of contamination; avoid sharing cosmetics, which can increase the risk of contamination and infection.

“It’s important to teach kids that makeup is meant to enhance their appearance, not change or overpower it,” says Dr. Kubiczek-Love.