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While many parents may feel apprehensive about letting their tweens wear makeup, it can be a fun way for them to express themselves and develop their sense of style. Though we’re used to thinking of it as something just for adults and teens, kids between the ages of 9 and 12 are also showing interest in makeup. Rather than just saying no to the idea of makeup altogether, we can help our children find the right balance between self-expression and age-appropriate choices, particularly if we give them the best makeup kits to start with. Before giving your tween their first makeup, Rosmy Barrios, M.D., a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, recommends teaching them to make healthy lifestyle choices that encourage better skin health, including drinking enough water, ditching junk food, and eating nutritious food. “Tweens should be taught that everyone is beautiful in their own ways and you don’t necessarily need to wear makeup to feel good about yourself,” she tells Parents. With that foundation in place, you can move on to makeup as a tool for playing with at home, wearing onstage for dance or theater performances, and just expressing themselves. High-quality products from reputable brands will also give tweens a good makeup experience. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, so you may experience a bit of sticker shock when it comes to shopping for high-quality makeup for the first time. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $60 and up for a makeup kit from a reputable brand, but also know that these quality products are easier to apply, and remove, and they will likely be safer for your tweens' skin. We looked at all of the possibilities of makeup kits for tweens, from sets that are specifically made for their age range to makeup for adults that use simple, clean ingredients and neutral color palettes. With the right kit, tweens can have a great makeup experience without compromising their health, safety, or self-expression. What We Like: We adore the Petite n’ Pretty brand for creating high-quality, age-appropriate, and pediatrician-approved beauty products made and sized just for tweens and teens. But Take Note: Mascara can be on the clumpy side. This trio of daily makeup staples—a cheek and highlighter set, mascara, and lip gloss—delivers a soft and subtle makeup look for tweens. One of the standout features of the Petite 'n Pretty brand is that it's formulated without potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a safer choice for young skin. The glittery lip gloss is long-lasting and not too sticky, while the highlighter makes skin glow. It’s the perfect bundle for an easy, no-fuss look that can be completed in under five minutes. The Details: What We Like: Glossier is known for its focus on natural and subtle makeup looks, which is ideal for tweens beginning their makeup journey. But Take Note: The barely there makeup will be disappointing to kids who want to play with dramatic looks. Your tween will likely be excited about this trio of daily makeup staples from the cruelty-free brand that’s been among millennials, Gen Z, and teens. The Glossier Makeup Set will deliver a basic but beautiful everyday makeup look with a bundle that includes three of their most popular products. The eyebrow pomade, Boy Brow provides hold and a natural-looking finish. The cheek color, Cloud Paint, blends seamlessly into the skin and provides a natural flush of color. The mascara, Lash Slick, has a lengthening and volumizing effect. This set is great for a quick makeup look that your busy tween can apply in a few minutes. The Details: The Best Sex Education Books for Kids of All Ages (And Their Parents!) What We Like: This kit includes all kinds of makeup to experiment with, including glitter gel and peelable polish, and it’s made of nontoxic ingredients. But Take Note: Because the makeup is free of synthetic preservatives, you should discard it six months after opening. This ultimate makeup kit is also a next-level kit for your tween who needs all the products at once! It includes eyeshadows, blush, lip gloss, a roll-on fragrance, a glitter gel, and peelable nail polish, that deliver a noticeable yet subtle, appropriate look. Klee Naturals makeup is made with natural ingredients such as kaolin clay, argan oil, and jojoba oil, which are known to nourish and protect the skin. Because the products do not contain synthetic preservatives, the brand recommends that you discard the makeup six months after opening it. The Details: What We Like: The multipurpose makeup sticks are infused with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, grape seed oil, and vitamin E to hydrate and protect the skin. But Take Note: Each kit comes with one shimmery stick which is very glittery, and the sticks tend to break if mishandled. For the tween who wants some enhancement without too much color, these two nude shades can be used as a highlighter, eyeshadow, lipstick, and blush, all in one stick. The All Over sticks (also available in a pink-hued set) are perfect for a natural look or can be layered for a more custom glow. Made with a creamy, nontoxic, lightweight formula, the long-lasting sticks are blendable with a finger or makeup brush. They’re also cruelty-free and free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Just don’t let any younger sibling handle these, as they can break. The Details: What We Like: This brand is a great option for those who are looking for clean and vegan beauty products that also provide natural-looking coverage for all skin tones. But Take Note: Some of the oils in these products may not be friendly to acne-prone skin; make sure your tween is not allergic to them. LYS Beauty broke ground as the first Black-owned clean cosmetics brand retailed at Sephora. Created by makeup artist Tisha Thompson, the brand features makeup that is ideal for tweens with diverse undertones and subtones in their skin. The vegan formulas—which are free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates—are infused with vitamin E, avocado oil, and cold-pressed chia seed oils, and other super-nourishing ingredients. Be aware that sometimes these oils can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin, so you may want to do a patch test before applying it fully. The Bare Necessities bundle is the perfect set for a quick blush and lip look for your tween. The set comes in a makeup bag and includes a glossy lip treatment oil, which provides a sheer wash of color and hydration to the lips and matte blush made with a lightweight and hydrating formula. (These products are available separately, not bundled, on Sephora.) The Details: The Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids, Tested on Our Own Children’s Pearly Whites What We Like: The set includes a little bit of everything, like lip gloss, SPF moisturizer, and a football-themed crossbody makeup bag. But Take Note: It’s available for a limited time only, and on the pricier side. This special makeup kit full of Fenty Beauty favorites is for the Rihanna-loving tween in your life. The set, available exclusively on the Fenty site, features the fan-favorite Fenty lip gloss, a blotting powder for all skin tones, an SPF 30 moisturizer, a body cream sample packet, a football-shaped makeup sponge, and a sample of Fenty perfume. The goodies come in a clear stadium-approved Team Fenty bag that can be worn as a crossbody. The price is higher than everything else on this list, so we’re suggesting it as an excellent option for special occasion gifts. The Fenty Beauty Showstopp'r Kit is a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality, versatile makeup products from a popular and well-respected paraben, sulfate and cruelty-free brand. The Details: What We Like: This set includes a serum, for combination of skincare and makeup. But Take Note: Encourage your tween to spot test the serum to make sure they’re not allergic to its botanical ingredients. If your tween is a makeup beginner who is also more comfortable with a natural look, they’ll love this skincare and makeup trio that delivers a dewy radiance. In this kit you’ll find Futuredew, a serum made with light-reflecting minerals and moisturizing plant-based oils and squalane to make skin glow; Cloud Paint, a lightweight, buildable cheek color; and a shiny lip gloss. All three of these gems are dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free. This set is a favorite for tweens and teens who favor an effortless glow but also would like to customize their makeup. Cloud Paint is available in eight sheer colors, and there are three options for the lip gloss. The Details: What We Like:The five eyeshadow colors are fun to experiment with, without making anyone look clownish. But Take Note: The colors are very pigmented so they’re probably not best for an “everyday” look. Launched in 2019, Selena Gomez’s cruelty-free and vegan brand, Rare Beauty, will be a favorite of older tweens and soon-to-be teens who are more experienced with eyeshadow. This mini palette features rich matte and metallic shades and a castor oil-enriched mascara to condition, soften and nourish the lashes. Dermatologist tested, vegan, paraben-free, and suitable for sensitive skin, the warm eyeshadow colors are neutral but with just enough pop to be fun. The Details: What We Like: It’s free from talc and synthetic fragrances, but offers all the sparkle tweens want in their first makeup kit. But Take Note: The loose powder eyeshadows and body shimmer can get a little messy, so make sure those reclosable sifters stay closed when not in use. Caregivers love that the Klee Naturals line is made with nontoxic ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and mango seed butter, without any talc, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrances. Your tween star will love that this kit includes sparkly pink, purple, and blue eyeshadows, along with two organic lip shimmers, a body shimmer powder, and a water-based peelable nail polish—no nail polish remover necessary! Though shimmery, the lip gloss has subtle color, while the eyeshadows are simple to blend and the blush gives a nice, natural-looking flush to the cheeks. The kit also includes all the tools they’ll need to apply this makeup themselves. And everyone will be happy that this makeup washes away easily with mild soap and water. The Details: What We Like: If your tween has a growing collection of beauty products, a makeup storage case is key! But Take Note: The plastic isn’t as sturdy as it was in the original Caboodle cases. Parents who grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s can introduce their kids to the classic fishing-tackle-box-inspired Caboodle makeup case—a throwback that’s still a handy way to organize your makeup at home or to take on the go. We especially love this case for tweens who participate in school plays, dance recitals, and other performances where they often need a variety of makeup products and tools. This plastic makeup case is easy to clean and features a durable exterior with a locking latch, and includes a spacious interior with two-levels of storage, customizable compartments and a built-in mirror. The Details: The Best Bean Bag Chairs for Kids, Tested by Kids To find the best makeup kits for tweens, we looked at key factors like the age appropriateness of the makeup, the ease of application, the ease of removal, and the price to make this list. We consulted with aesthetic medicine specialist Rosmy Barrios, M.D., a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, Anna H. Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and author, and parents with tween and teen kids. In our interviews and while reading reviews across the web, we learned that there is no real “one size fits all” makeup kit for tweens, as needs vary across ages and interests. For our selections, we tried to focus on makeup that is safe for tween skin, products that are appropriate for this age bracket, and the quality of the makeup ingredients. “One of the hallmarks of kids between ages 10-13 is that they’re carefree and appreciate everything about themselves,” Dr. Barrios tells us, explaining why no child this age should feel like they need makeup. But as makeup has become accepted as a form of self expression, it’s also OK to let them have fun with it. But to keep kids’ skin in its naturally beautiful, healthy condition, Dr. Chacon suggests keeping makeup coverage to a minimum. “Tweens shouldn't put on a complete face of makeup, but if they're really adamant, they may use sunscreen as their ‘foundation,’ cherry Chapstick or clear gloss as their ‘lipstick,’ and clear eyebrow gel to comb their brows and double as mascara to feel like a big-[kid] gorgeous. In reality, they are not wearing any makeup, but they give the impression that they are. Furthermore, SPF is fantastic and guards against the sun.” If you want to encourage your tween to keep their makeup looking natural and minimal, they can start with simple products such as tinted moisturizers, sheer lip balms, and mascara. This will help them feel confident without going overboard. While Joanne Eustache didn’t allow her daughter to wear makeup in middle school, now that Zara, 17, is in high school, she loves a natural makeup look, but also experiments with trendy makeup looks. “Some days she wears nothing at all, and then others she’s really into mascara and lip gloss,” she says. “For her birthday, she’ll put on a fun eyeshadow look, like graphic eyeliner. What I’m most impressed about is how kids are focusing on healthy skin, too.” It’s up to you if you want to set guidelines for when and where it’s appropriate for your tween to wear makeup. For example, they may be allowed to wear makeup for special occasions like weddings or school dances but not for everyday wear. Is your child just wearing makeup to play at home? Are they interested in wearing it to school? Understanding your tween’s intentions and ideas about wearing makeup, combined with your guidelines as a caregiver, are where you’ll find the best compromise. The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds to Keep Them Playing, Creating, and Feeling Confident Besides age-appropriate makeup, safety, and quality should be the top priorities when choosing a makeup kit for tweens. Some makeup products are designed specifically for tweens, with age-appropriate formulations and colors. If you’re not choosing a product that’s formulated for children, be aware of the risks of allergic reactions and skin irritation, and teach children to properly remove makeup and use it safely. Healthy skin is the foundation for any makeup look, so before your tween starts using makeup, teach them about proper skincare. This includes washing their face daily, using sunscreen, and keeping their skin moisturized. Look for kits that are free from potentially harmful chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates. These chemicals can cause skin irritation and they have been linked to other health problems. Choose products that have been tested for safety and have passed quality standards, like those from Klee Naturals. Some makeup products are easier to apply than others. For example, a tinted lip balm is much easier to apply than liquid lipstick with a wand applicator. Stick to products that are easy to apply and don’t require a lot of precision for this age group. Also, keep it simple with a smaller kit that includes a blush and lipstick. These two basic products will help your tween learn that makeup can enhance their natural features rather than completely transforming their look. Not only does this make the application process easier, but it’s less time-consuming when it comes to removal. Makeup wipes are a quick and easy way to remove makeup, especially for tweens who are just being introduced to makeup. Look for wipes that are gentle and formulated for sensitive skin. Micellar water is another gentle and effective way to remove makeup by applying it to a cotton pad and swiping it over the face. Follow up with a cleanser and moisturizer formulated for sensitive skin. As we looked for tween makeup and “regular” makeup suitable for tweens, it was obvious that the better brands come with a higher price, starting at $25 and going up to $50 and more for makeup kits with three or four products. A budget-friendly way to shop for your tween can be to use multi-purpose products such as a tinted moisturizer that also provides SPF protection or a lip and cheek stain in one. The makeup starter kits that we’ve featured are the best way to try out a range of products without spending a lot of money. Another helpful tip is to set a budget for your tween and have them stick to it. This will teach them about responsible spending, too. The decision of when it’s okay for kids to wear makeup is a personal one and varies from family to family. Six of the 10 dermatologists we consulted for this article said that tweens are a bit young to wear makeup. “My honest opinion is that tweens don’t need to use makeup,” Dr. Barrios said. At the same time, makeup can be fun for role-playing dress-up, required for stage performances, and just a form of expression. The important thing is to instill children of any age with self-confidence and the knowledge that their outside appearance is not the most important thing about them. Makeup can be safe for kids' skin if it's used properly and the right products are chosen. Young skin is more sensitive than adult skin, and you can protect them by steering clear of controversial ingredients such as parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and talc, among others. “There is a long list of problematic substances,” says Dr. Chacon, noting that some of these ingredients haven’t been definitively proven to be harmful. Consult with a dermatologist or pediatrician if you have concerns about any particular ingredients. Parents should also be aware of the risks of allergic reactions and skin irritation, which can be caused by certain ingredients in makeup products. It's a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using any new products on the face. Kweli I. Wright is an experienced parent and a beauty and celebrity/entertainment journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. She’s covered beauty and style extensively and believes that a good makeup look begins and ends with a red lip, preferably by the Lip Bar. Her 17-year-old daughter keeps her makeup to a minimum, but swears by Maybelline’s Multi-Use Concealer to even out her skin tone.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-makeup-kits-for-tweens-just-having-fun-with-it-tout-8b405696f97f42d8965245cc9e2bc49b.jpg "These Safe and Natural Makeup Kits for Tweens Make Perfect Gifts (1)")
Our Favorites
Best Overall: Petite 'n Pretty Glow Makeup Set
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Best for Beginners: Glossier The Makeup Set
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Best Full Kit: Klee Naturals Next Level Glow - Ultimate Makeup Kit
Best Value: Petite 'N Pretty Stay Golden All Over Stick Duo
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/petite-n-pretty---stay-golden-all-over-stick-duo-for-kids-children-tweens-and-teens---made-in-the-usa-8aafeaef965a4371985e1652590b8f22.jpg "These Safe and Natural Makeup Kits for Tweens Make Perfect Gifts (5)")
Best Clean Beauty: LYS Beauty Bare Necessities Bundle
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Best Gift: Fenty Beauty Showstopp’r Kit
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Best Natural Look: Glossier The Dewy Look
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Best Cruelty-Free: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Sincerely Me Eye Essentials
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rare-beauty-by-selena-gomez-mini-sincerely-me-eye-essentials-ad6a1d5ef4c2491e8eab42cf8847ea3e.jpg "These Safe and Natural Makeup Kits for Tweens Make Perfect Gifts (9)")
Best Washable: Klee Naturals Up and Away Deluxe Starter Makeup Kit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/klee-is-off-e2d70d0f30dc428b8a01e41c932347f5.jpg "These Safe and Natural Makeup Kits for Tweens Make Perfect Gifts (10)")
Best Portable Case: Caboodles On-The-Go Girl Makeup Organizer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/caboodles-on-the-go-girl-organizer--486a961022d643aa9aa79a284dee457e.jpg "These Safe and Natural Makeup Kits for Tweens Make Perfect Gifts (11)")
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Factors to Consider When Buying Makeup for Tweens
Age Appropriateness
Skin Safety
Ease of Application and Removal
Price
Your Questions, Answered
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/klee-naturals-next-level-glow---ultimate-makeup-kit--d2ef45e650e641da8c330de4a7fe4d57.jpg "These Safe and Natural Makeup Kits for Tweens Make Perfect Gifts (4)")
