At what age did you let your daughter start wearing make-up?

[scrapquitler]

When my DD hit 12 or so, I told her that she could start wearing a little makeup if she wanted to, I said I would take her to the makeup counter at Macy's and they could show her what to do (I can't really help since I almost never wear any makeup). She told me she wasn't interested. She'll be 16 next month and still isn't interested, except that she does wear a little bit of lip gloss once in a while.

She has worn full makeup (pancake, blush, lipstick, eyeliner, etc) since pre-school for the dance recitals and she hates that she has to wear it. She says it makes her face feel weird. These days, she has to wear fake eyelashes for the show (from middle school up it's required) and she HATES that.

 

[mickeyboat]

DD13 wears a little mascara, eye shadow and lip gloss every once in a while. If she is interested in wearing more, I am happy to show her or take her somewhere where she can learn to apply it. I am also happy to buy her whatever she needs (within reason).

DD12 would not be caught dead wearing make up, although she has changed a lot in the last month or so, and I would not be surprised to see her try a few things in the near future.

 

[robinb]

My DD started to wear a little make up last year (12-years old, 7th grade) and now that she's 13 and in 8th grade she is wearing more (eyeliner, eye shadow, lip gloss, etc).

 

[StephMK]

We let DD start last year. She was 11 and in 6th (middle school here). She just wore a little mascara and maybe some light eye shadow. She is definitely influenced by older sis - who thankfully wears it beautifully and has shown DD#2. DD12 now has not shown much interest in it this year but I'm ok with her wearing it as long as it is tasteful.

 

[luvsJack]

12, last half of 6th grade.

She got make up for Christmas that year. She gets a lot of make up tips and techniques from magazines and does a great job. Most of the girls in her grade started wearing make up about the same time.

 

[luvmy3jewels]

My daughter is 11 and in the 6th grade. She starting wearing lipgloss last year and has just started wearing mascara. So far she has kept it very light and natural looking (except for when she is performing on stage).

 

[FlightlessDuck]

You know, I don't remember for sure. 12 or 13 I think. Maybe a few years younger.

She had to wear makup for dance competitions when she was smaller, but I remember getting her a big case of makeup of her own for her birthday, at either 12 or 13.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I'm 21, but I started wearing make-up when I was in 7th grade (13, I'm thinking). My mother took me to Clinique and got me the essentials - foundation, concealer, neutral eye shadow. I didn't wear mascara for the longest time because I have really long lashes (but now, as a baby-faced adult, I try to look a little older).

I'd say introduce her to the basics - it's better for a girl to have her mother's guidance (and the help of a professional) than for her to put on ridiculous eye shadow in the school bathroom. If she wants to go ahead and start wearing some make-up, she'll still look age-appropriate, but if she doesn't want make-up, she'll be able to make her own decision.

 

[pixiewings71]

My oldest started wearing at 14, because if I didn't let her she would have snuck it at school and I knew that so I just let her wear it. DD16 has no interest in wearing make up much at all, she wears it for Halloween but that's about it. I've offered the Sephora make over (I use BM and love it and we have a Sephora in our JCP) but she doesn't seem interested. She does wear lip gloss sometimes. DD12 wears lip gloss and that's all.

All that said, I rarely wear makeup either, I wear it when I go out and when I work at the bar but for my day job I generally skip it.

 

[Sorsha]

6th grade and/or 12 years old (6th grade is the school dress code rule.)

Oldest DD has never been big on make-up; a little eyeliner, a little mascara, a spritz of Bath and Bodyworks spray and she is good to go for the day.

DD12 is a little more excited about it, because she has been waiting for it "sooo long" (or so she claims) and because she is a Drama Queen. I have taught her to apply it properly, and she doesn't get to run around with a clown-face, but she is VERY fond of glitter.