The older a girl gets, the more she starts to care about her appearance. She’s picking out her own clothes and shoes. Her hairstyles are now her own choice. She’s even making sure her lip gloss is poppin’, which might lead to an interest in makeup. That’s a touchy subject for many parents. They may be a bit more old-school and consider wearing a full face of makeup something reserved for grown women. Makeup artist Charlene Dunlap says times have changed. 

“I have noticed over the years my clients are coming to me younger and younger,” Dunlap told 21Ninety.

As a makeup artist, Dunlap has a protocol for how she handles requests to service minors. Parents can take her rules for wearing makeup and tips for care into consideration when allowing their teenager to use beauty products.

Early Teen Years

The younger the teenager, the less makeup they should use according to Dunlap. For girls between the ages of 13 and 15 years old, she thinks it’s best to start small every day.

“I can see small things in middle school like mascara and lip gloss. That’s about it,” Dunlap advised.

For an acceptable, elevated everyday look, Dunlap says teenagers can add a BB or CC cream to cover hyperpigmentation or acne scars and a light powder. If a child of that age has a big event like a school dance, Dunlap is ok with doing more for a special occasion. 

“I put mascara on them, a small hint of glitter eye shadow, blush up their cheeks a little bit and [add] some [lip] gloss,” Dunlap said.

Late Teen Years

Once the child reaches 16 years old, it may be ok to add more makeup products, but not quite a full face.

“Pop some [eyelash] strips on. Maybe fill in the eyebrows and [use] powder,” Dunlap said. 

She also says applying lip liner and lipstick can be acceptable at this age. When it comes to products like foundation, concealer, bronzer and others, Dunlap believes it should be left for events like prom and graduation.

“I wouldn’t think anybody needs to start with a full face until maybe college. Maybe a senior [in high school],” Dunlap said.

Proper Care

The most important thing Dunlap wants teenagers to know about makeup is that they have to use proper care with products and tools.

“Infection control is always number one. Don’t share your products, brushes or your equipment with your friends. You don’t know what your friend may have going on,” Dunlap warned.

This includes cleaning all of your makeup brushes and applicators.

“I cleanse my brushes daily. On a weekly basis I do a deep clean,” Dunlap explained.

Teenagers should also check the expiration dates on products, have foundations to match their changing skin color when the seasons change, and always have a good skincare routine.

“You don’t want your pores clogged up. You don’t want to start bad habits like sleeping with makeup on,” Dunlap said. “That goes with lashes too. Unless they get lash extensions, take them off every night and clean your lashes.”

Easing Concerns

Dunlap says her overall opinion is that yes, teenagers can wear makeup, but in moderation. She has, at times, had parents ask for a complete look on their child. Others have preferred to keep it simple.

“I have clients who want [teenagers] to be age appropriate. So, I do half of what I would normally do,” Dunlap explained.

If parents have concerns, she encourages them to reach out to a makeup artist for a consultation.

“Let the babies and the parents see what it would be like from a professional standpoint with age-appropriate makeup. [Then] they can determine what they like,” Dunlap suggested.

The decision is ultimately left up to what the parent is most comfortable with.