When I was a child, my mother enforced a strict no-makeup rule, believing I was too young at the age of 11. However, one day, while out with my dad, I used my allowance to sneakily purchase a vibrant tube of pink lipstick. I stashed it in my backpack and would apply it in the school bathroom, carefully wiping it off with a wet paper towel before returning home. That is, until my secret was uncovered.
One morning, while chatting with friends between classes, I spotted my mom approaching the school entrance, brown paper bag in hand. Initially, I felt relieved that she had brought my forgotten lunch, but that relief quickly turned to embarrassment when I realized I had bright pink lipstick smeared across my lips.
Eventually, my mom recognized that experimenting with makeup was a normal part of growing up. In no time, I was trying new lip colors and even mascara daily. It was just a natural progression from the stick-on earrings I wore in the third grade or trying on my mom’s high heels and deodorant a year later.
Now, as a mother of four, I understand that engaging in imaginative play, including wearing makeup, is crucial for a healthy childhood. Yet, the online world often erupts in outrage whenever a parent shares a photo of their child sporting lipstick. Why are there so many more pressing issues at hand?
I’m done with the debate over whether kids should wear makeup. Here’s my truth: I allowed my daughter, now a tween, to wear makeup since preschool. Yes, you read that right.
When she was just four, she watched me apply my makeup for a holiday party. With wide eyes, she asked if she could have some too. I smiled, applied a bit of sparkly eyeshadow, and showed her the mirror. She beamed and ran off to play, completely content.
From that point, her makeup usage fluctuated. Sometimes it was just a hint of lip gloss; other times, she went all out with eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. Often, she wore more makeup than I did, as I prefer a more minimal routine of a top-knot hairstyle and lip balm.
When my son came along, he also expressed interest in makeup, choosing bright red nail polish to celebrate his love of firetrucks. I didn’t think twice about it—why shouldn’t he want to paint his toes like his big sisters?
So what’s the fuss? Some adults seem to equate letting kids explore with sexualizing them. For instance, when celebrity parents like Mia Roberts received backlash for allowing their young daughters to wear hoop earrings, the internet was unforgiving. Similarly, Jessica Daniels faced criticism for taking her six-year-old daughter to a makeup store for some mommy-daughter bonding. Critics accused them of pushing their children to grow up too fast.
Yet, when a woman like Alicia Keys decides to embrace her natural beauty by going makeup-free, she also faces scrutiny. The beauty standards imposed on women appear to be a no-win situation, as mothers can’t please everyone, whether it’s about their children’s appearance or their own.
Here’s the reality: Kids crave attention and self-expression. They adorn themselves with stickers, show off new shoes, and perform silly moves without a second thought. My toddler frequently delights in displaying her somersaults—sometimes up to twenty times an hour!
The only ones introducing negative perceptions are those who make an issue out of it. The rest of us recognize that children are simply being kids, exploring their identities however they see fit.
Let’s stop being so judgmental when we spot a child, be it on the playground or a celebrity’s social media, enjoying themselves with makeup. Remember, it’s their body! As long as their parents are supportive, we should be too. For more insights on this topic, check out this post.
In conclusion, allowing children to explore their creativity through makeup is not a sign of sexualization, but rather a reflection of their desire to express themselves. It’s time we support this innocent form of play rather than criticize it.
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