Young beginnings
Beauty girl Amy McDonald remembers her fateful beginnings in the world of beauty and ruminates on what she would do to guide a young hand into it…
Everyone should remember their first ever item of makeup. I think it’s a great sign of things to come. My first ever was a bright red lipstick by Constance Carroll when I was 8. I bought it with my Christmas money, and I recall, having shakingly applied at home, looking at my face and thinking Wow! And so started a life long love affair with painting my face all sorts of bizarre colour combinations.
My sister bought a pale pink lippie that day, and all her life, has never swayed from that sort of colour palette, although she admires my chutzpah. She knows what suits her, and bright red gloss with winged liner ain’t it. On her wedding day she did her makeup herself, and the light silver shimmer eyeshadow and glossy rose pink lipgloss went wonderfully with her antique cream dress and short blond bob.
There is a time and a place for youngsters in makeup – however those times and places are quite few and far between. Punk parties are brilliant for your child to unleash their inner Lady Gaga. Have a cleanout of your makeup drawer and pass it on to a hungry new generation. Some blue hairspray and fake eyelashes will round off a super fun day. Give them a copy of the latest music magazine to copy looks.
Family photos are often a good way to get your daughter or younger sister into some light makeup, especially if she’s suffering from acne and is refusing to leave the house. A good teenage skin care routine will help with this problem (think the Clinique 3-step system) but for a quick fix, concealer, tinted moisturiser and pressed powder means your girl won’t be mega-totally-like so embarrassed at that photo being on the wall.
School dances and balls are definitely an occasion for a light covering of makeup. Not only does it make them feel super grown-up, but it also makes for great pictures. I remember being told when I was young that I should let my wonderful natural beauty and youth shine through, but I thought, balls to that. When else can you pull off some crazy high-fashion looks and get away with it?
Once she (or he, you never know, you could have the next Russell Brand) starts showing an interest in makeup, a great Mother/Offspring day is to go and get your makeup done together. All decent beauty counters offer this service, and it’s usually free if you cover the cost with the purchase of some makeup. This way your child can learn what looks good and what doesn’t from a professional.
Great ranges for youngsters to play with that won’t break the bank are: Australis, Maybelline and Rimmel, all available at various Farmers stores.
What age do you think is an acceptable age for young girls to start wearing makeup?
