My 11-year-old daughter is becoming quite the makeup enthusiast. Thanks to the influence of Instagram and YouTube, she’s mastered the art of contouring, her brows are always impeccably styled, and she knows exactly what shades complement different skin tones. She’s even experimented with making her own makeup using my beloved baking supplies. (Fun fact: cocoa powder can double as a bronzer!)
Shopping for makeup with her is a blast. We hunt for the perfect brushes, pick out products to share, and then have fun experimenting together. Sometimes, though, things don’t go as planned—like that time I attempted to fill in my brows. My daughter took one look at me and said, “Mom, no. I can’t take you seriously like that.” I may have two decades of makeup experience, but when she says it’s a no-go, I trust her judgment. She’s already a beauty expert in her own right.
She reminds me of myself at her age. When she pleads to wear eyeshadow and mascara every day, I’m transported back to my own childhood, where I yearned to start each day looking polished. Those little bottles of makeup gave me confidence, and I loved the process of getting ready. However, I’ve drawn the line when it comes to her wearing makeup to school daily.
For now, makeup is strictly for fun. She can experiment with friends or try a bit of mascara for special occasions like concerts or talent shows, but as for everyday use? My answer remains a firm “no.”
I understand that she doesn’t see the same fresh face that I do when I look at her; she’s told me as much. I could shower her with compliments about how beautiful and flawless she is, but I know she wouldn’t believe me—just like I didn’t believe my own mother at that age.
Her persistence is admirable. I’ve witnessed her tenacity on the basketball court, convincing her siblings to play along with her, and she’s the one who took the plunge when her older brother learned to swim. She mirrored his every move, and the very next day, she was swimming on her own.
But there’s someone even more determined than her: a mother who is committed to ensuring her daughter doesn’t grow up too fast. There’s no need for her to wake up earlier each morning to “put on her face” or perfect her contouring. She’s just 11. Eleven! What she really needs is to embrace this age fully, to enjoy more sleep, cuddle with our dog in the mornings, and savor a wholesome breakfast instead of worrying about mascara. And let’s be honest, that makeup would probably run down her face during every basketball game and every time she outswims her brothers.
While I generally consider myself a “yes” mom, I have to draw the line when it comes to allowing my children to rush into adulthood before they’re ready. My daughter has countless years ahead of her when she’ll have to navigate the adult world on a daily basis. She can wear makeup then. This phase of her life—where she’s still a child but feels the pull to be more grown-up—is precious and fleeting. I refuse to let her rush through it.
As her mother, I have the final say, and while I’m all for her playing with makeup for fun, it’s my responsibility to prevent any habits from developing that she might feel are necessary to her beauty. Right now, she needs to feel comfortable and confident in her own skin, and we can explore makeup together later.
As parents, we can’t stop time, but we can help our children appreciate the present and revel in their current stage of life. There’s no need to hurry, and at this age, my daughter is simply too young for everyday makeup. So this mom is saying, “No, not yet.”
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Summary
This article discusses the author’s perspective on her 11-year-old daughter’s desire to wear makeup daily. While recognizing her daughter’s skill and enthusiasm, the author firmly believes in allowing her daughter to enjoy her childhood without the pressures of adult beauty rituals. Emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the fleeting nature of childhood, the author sets clear boundaries regarding makeup use.