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Convincing your parents that you’re old enough to start wearing makeup might be hard.
There is no “right” age for makeup, other than the age you and your parents agree on, but most girls start using simple cosmetics sometime around sixth or seventh grade.
Your makeup should not lead your face into a room. Cosmetics are intended to enhance a woman’s assets and beauty, not construct a mask.
For young girls taking their first plunge into the wonderful world of cosmetics, a natural look is preferable and will probably be the most acceptable to parents. That means no raccoon eyeliner, no line of foundation on your jawbone, no garish streaks of pink blush on your cheekbones, no purple lipstick, and no baby-blue eye shadow from lid to brow.
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Only the luckiest teens in the world make it through adolescence without suffering at least an occasional breakout on their faces or other parts of their bodies. Even more important than what color eye shadow you wear or what kind of mascara you choose is to start taking care of your skin at an early age and adjusting the care as your skin changes. That means keeping it clean and using the right products for your skin type and problem areas.
YOU DO
Take care of your skin, keeping it as clean as possible. It’s the only face you’ve got, and you’ll be living in it for a lifetime.
YOU DON’T
Pop or pick at pimples; put new makeup on top of old makeup; wear heavy makeup when participating in sports or at the beach or pool; or go to bed with makeup on, no matter how tired you are.
Why
A dirty face with clogged pores is a breeding ground for skin trouble. Popping and picking at pimples is so tempting, and may be a quick fix, but will most likely cause scarring. There are plenty of better options available, and if over-the-counter products are not working, ask your parents if you can see a dermatologist. Makeup that streaks as a result of sweating or heat is not attractive or good for your skin.
YOU DO
Go with your mom or girlfriends to a department store for a consultation and free application with a professional who represents a line of cosmetics suitable for young women.
YOU DON’T
Go to the drugstore and buy multiple shades of foundation, eye shadow, blush, and lip gloss to take home and find the ones that work.
Why
Makeup in department stores is more expensive than makeup in drugstores, but if a professional helps you find exactly the right shades and applications for your skin type, you can actually save money, and learn how to use them properly.
YOU DO
Share makeup tips with your friends.
YOU DON’T
Share makeup with your friends, especially any product that goes on your eyes.
Why
Pink can be a fun shade of eye shadow. Pinkeye is not fun. It is extremely contagious, and sharing eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara can result in sharing much more than you intended.
A lady always removes her makeup and washes her face before bed.
A lady does not apply makeup in public.
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A lady is careful when trying on clothes that she does not stain them with her makeup.
A lady keeps her cosmetics and skin care products in a case, not scattered all over the vanity in the bathroom she shares with her siblings.
A lady wears sunscreen every day; otherwise she will look like an old lady long before her time.