Kids as young as 5 are becoming part of the trend of young beauty enthusiasts flocking to cosmetics retailers to purchase popular makeup products. These kids, sometimes referred to as “Sephora kids,” are spending significant amounts of money on beauty products from brands such as Fenty Beauty, Makeup by Mario, and La Roche-Posay. Some children are even strong-arming store employees into purchasing anti-aging products with harsh chemicals. As social media is filled with images of kids destroying shelves and mistreating employees in pursuit of their beauty goals, there is concern about potential harm to their skin from these products.
Parents of children interested in makeup are being advised to research natural and safe ingredients for their children’s developing skin. It is recommended to look for makeup products with SPF or those made with ingredients such as olive oil or hyaluronic acid while avoiding items with parabens, chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful substances. These potentially harmful ingredients could act as hormone disrupters in young children. The focus should be on teaching children a healthy way to explore beauty while ensuring the safety of their skin and overall well-being.
Some parents like Melissa Horne encourage their children’s interest in makeup by teaching them how to take care of their skin at a young age. By using gentle products to remove makeup and cleanse the face, children can develop positive skincare habits early on. Despite criticisms from naysayers who believe children should not be using makeup at such a young age, parents like Val, a Brooklynite, feel that it is important to keep up with the times and allow their children to explore their interests, especially in the age of social media.
For some parents, supporting their children’s interest in makeup involves teaching them financial responsibility, independence, and proper grooming techniques. Kelly Haley, a mom of three, enjoys supporting her daughter Sophia’s love for makeup, as it helps her enhance her natural beauty and feel good about herself. Other parents, such as Bed-Stuy mom Val, also see the value in allowing their children to explore makeup while ensuring they still look their age. As children like Sophia receive compliments and boost their self-confidence through makeup, parents believe it is essential to strike a balance between allowing them to express themselves and setting boundaries to protect their well-being and innocence. Ultimately, the focus is on guiding children through the world of beauty in a healthy and age-appropriate manner.
