My 11-year-old daughter, Emma, has become quite the makeup enthusiast. With the help of Instagram and YouTube tutorials, she can contour like a pro, her eyebrows are always impeccably shaped, and she knows precisely which shades complement different skin tones. She’s even gone as far as creating her own makeup with items from my baking pantry. (Fun fact: cocoa powder doubles as a fantastic bronzer!)
Shopping for makeup with her is a blast. We pick out brushes, share products, and experiment together at home. There have been some hilarious mishaps, like the time I attempted to fill in my brows only for Emma to say, “Mom, no. I just can’t take you seriously like that.” Despite my 25 years of makeup experience, her opinion reigns supreme. She’s already become a beauty expert in her own right.
Watching her reminds me of my younger self. When she pleads to wear eyeshadow and mascara every single day, I’m flooded with nostalgia. I recall the eagerness I felt to be made up every morning. Those products gave me a boost of confidence, and I loved getting ready. However, I firmly believe that my daughter should not be wearing makeup to school every day—not yet.
Right now, makeup is merely for fun. She can experiment at home or with friends, and occasionally, I allow her to wear mascara for special occasions like a concert or talent show. But as for everyday use? Not happening. I want her to savor her childhood.
Emma has expressed that she doesn’t see herself the way I do, and I understand that no amount of reassurance about her natural beauty will change her mind—just like I didn’t believe my own mother when I was her age.
Her determination is undeniable. I’ve witnessed it on the basketball court, where she rallies her siblings and puts in the effort to master swimming after watching her brother. She’s persistent, but there’s someone even more resolute: a mother who is committed to ensuring her daughter doesn’t rush through these precious years.
At just 11 years old, Emma has plenty of time ahead of her. There’s no need for her to wake up earlier to “put on her face” or obsess over contouring. She should be relishing her age—sleeping in a bit longer, cuddling with our dog every morning, and enjoying a nutritious breakfast instead of worrying about mascara. Plus, I can just imagine the makeup running down her face during every basketball game or when she out-swims her brothers.
I consider myself a “yes” mom, but when it comes to allowing my children to grow up too quickly, the answer is always a resounding “no.” Emma is blissfully unaware of the responsibilities that await her in adulthood. There will be a time for makeup, but this moment—when she’s caught between childhood and the desire to be grown-up—is precious. It’s fleeting and fragile. I’m determined to let her savor every moment.
As her mother, I have the final say, and I’m all for allowing her to play with makeup for fun. However, I must draw the line at anything that may evolve into a daily necessity for her self-worth. She needs to embrace her natural beauty right now, and we can revisit makeup later.
As parents, we can’t halt the passage of time, but it’s our duty to guide our children to appreciate the current phase of their lives. There’s no rush, and for now, Emma is simply too young to wear makeup daily. So this mom says, “Not yet.”