Makeup. It’s a magical thing that a lot of people rely on. Whether you’re leaving the house to do your shopping, going for that first date or its part of your job as a beautician. You might be on set or stage for a performance job. It could just for a time to make yourself feel a little bit brighter and explore with different looks.
As adults, we love it and it’s a fact of life that our children pick up on what we apply to our faces and bodies. But, the question stands for many as to ‘is kid’s makeup really safe?’
Generally, within society, there’s this mixed view of whether kids or young teenagers should be using makeup. Why do they need to cover up such youthful skin? Why might some parents push the faces of our youth into the spotlight and plaster them with cosmetics galore on a stage for a mini beauty pageant or shoot?
However, what about the choice and chance? The choice of the kid; what they want and the opportunity to explore if they so wish. Identity is a massive part of our culture. Nowadays, the millennial market is rife with adventure, identity exploration and individuality. Kids love to dress up and play and that’s why you should know that it can be done safely and healthily.
In a report through the online site Mamamia, Dermatologist, Dr Lim states that:
“Overall, the allergy to cosmetics is uncommon, so there’s no need to panic. Certain kids are at higher risk – for example, if they have eczema, skin sensitivity, if they’ve got lots of allergies – so you’d be a bit careful as to what you’d put on their skin. So it’s just a commonsense thing.” (*1)
This quote supports the fact that as a nation, people are aware that the faces of our babes are that much more sensitive than some of our matured skin. However, as parents and carers, you do not have to look any further than your own brain and common sense to know what should and shouldn’t be put on your child’s bodies and cheeks.
Reality is that people on this planet can react to anything. Everyone’s unique and individual with a reactivity level that’s different from the next. Furthermore, why should children be deprived of exploring different elements taken from our new-age society? Similarly, why shouldn’t our kids be finding themselves in whichever way they wish, just because they might react to a product?
Yes, be aware of what is in these makeup products and check the ingredients if your kid has an allergy. But, don’t just stop them. Maybe think about exposing your kids to a variety of coloured lipsticks, fragrances and nail varnishes so that they can really play and dress up as they wish. Who says art isn’t part of identity, right?
If you’re still worrying then maybe take a look at a few of these six top tips:
- Patch test your kid’s skin.
It’s probably common sense to all you mums, dads and carers out there. Test a product before using it. As adults, it’s common that for most products including hair dyes and foundation we do a patch test. So, make sure you do this with your children as well. It’s essential to ensure that their skin is protected as much as possible.
- Check for individual ingredients if your kid is allergic to something in particular.
It doesn’t take a genius to know that if you’re allergic to something, then you make sure that it’s safe to use. Simply don’t allow your child to apply makeup if it’s got something in it that they react to. End of.
- Don’t just let your kid use any old makeup.
Check the dates on your products. How long have they been open for? If they’re hand-me-downs from your own cosmetic bag, then maybe check how long it’s been open. Rule of thumb is usually that if a product has been open for more than 12months, it’s best to bin it. Would we use second-hand makeup on ourselves as a treat? No? Then don’t do this to your children unless you know it’s well within its usage date.
- If you can’t see the ingredients on the packaging or label, then DON’T USE IT.
It’s a simple one but something that many adults might forget when their children are pestering them to let them play with makeup. If there are no ingredients present, then merely NEVER let your child use a product. Explain why this is. Let your kid know your reasoning and ensure that they are safe. Always.
- Be aware of changes and monitor how your kid is feeling.
At the end of the day, it’s an adult’s responsibility to ensure that their children are safe. However, remember that you can only do so much. If your kid is going to raid your cosmetic bag for that lipstick to ‘look like mummy’, then they’re going to find a way to do it.
That’s cool, they like to express themselves and dress up but just make sure that you keep an eye out for anything nasty on their face or skin. Look out for blisters, rashes and marks as you would if they were having their face painted at the fair. Any signs of nasties – it’s simple, wash it off. Pop some soothing cream on if you think it’s suitable and, if anything worse, then seek medical help.
- Join in, have fun and play!
Use the exchange of makeup or fragrance as a real bonding experience with your kids. Let them know of how to stay safe but keep it energized and adventurous as much as possible. Why not look at different styles or makeup that are used for different occasions and let them explore on your face as well. At the end of the day, you can have just as much fun as them and it shows your kid that they can be safe, sensible and their own little superstar!
At the end of the day, makeup and dressing up is part of who we are. Kids are learning things earlier and earlier as generations expand. So, how do we make sure they’re safe? We just help them explore, explain and enjoy!
