Teens and Makeup

Makeup Artist/Teacher,
Celena Rubin
weighs in on
Teens and Makeup
with tips and suggestions.

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​ Makeup is fun and it can create a transformation that can bring confidence to the difficult time of growing up, but it can be applied sparingly. As an introduction to teens wearing makeup, I suggest starting with a tinted lip balm or gloss, and then something a little more, without looking so obvious. An easy next step might be a light coat of mascara or maybe just a touch of blush, bronzer or even just a shimmery highlight on the cheekbones for fun. These ideas are plenty to create a transformation.

If teens are experiencing skin breakouts, they will probably want to find a good foundation to cover their blemishes. Just that alone can really make a big difference and boost the confidence of a teenager going through hormone changes. For someone who doesn’t have anything to cover, they might choose just a little concealer under their eyes and on their eyelids to brighten their face.

I started dappling with wearing makeup when I was about 13 years old, and that was only eyeliner and mascara. Some are just dappling like I was. However, nowadays by the time kids are 13, some can not only do a full beauty makeup, but they’ve learned a lot of special effects makeup tricks, and face painting skills. How are they so skilled in these professional makeup artistry techniques? They learn from Youtube tutorials...of course!

​How much makeup a teen should wear depends on the family and should be discussed between parents and children. Makeup can be an artistic expression, a way of establishing identity or maybe a way of getting attention. The intent of the child is important to consider. It’s possible that some makeup styles can be an outward expression of feeling troubled on the inside, and it can be a clue as to what is going on with the child. It may also be used as a tool to fit in with a certain group of kids, whether it’s a healthy and happy group or not.

Makeup can make a child look a lot older or more mature than they really are. I personally think kids should enjoy being a kid and looking like a kid as long as possible. They’ll have a lot of years as a grown up, and when that time comes, they’ll also have the maturity to make the decisions that come with being and looking like an adult.

Celena Rubin is the founder and director of Art of Makeup, the Northwest's School of Makeup Artistry. To learn more about her and her school, click here.