Should Tweens Use Cosmetic Products? Filipino Moms React

It’s natural to be curious about makeup – remember the first time you tried your mom’s lipstick? But thanks to social media influencers and early exposure to beauty tutorials, today’s tweens are buying cosmetic products designed for older women, also known as the “Sephora Tweens” phenomenon.

It raises questions about the proper age for kids to start using makeup and skincare products, and how moms can guide their choices and start a conversation about self-care and self-image. Below, moms share their thoughts and tips.

Claire Seelin-Dioko, a professional makeup artist, says her nine-year-old daughter Lexi wasn’t taking her school’s hygiene classes seriously. But one day, Lexi took an interest in makeup when she saw her mom researching different styles for work.

Claire taught her the basics but set rules: stick to cheek creams and lipstick; no eye makeup because the skin around the eyes is very sensitive. Lexi has now mastered fresh, barely-there makeup and the Douyin lip.

Lexi is now more enthusiastic about haircare, skincare, and hygiene. She also built good habits like wearing sunscreen, cleansing properly, and removing makeup before bedtime.

“The more she learns about makeup and skincare, the more careful she will be about what she puts on her skin. It is the largest organ in our body after all!” says Claire.

Hormonal changes can cause oily skin and breakouts. It’s normal for tweens and teens to search for solutions, but their search may end in more skin troubles since many trending products are formulated for adult skin.

Dr. Candy Chua, dermatologist and mom, suggests bringing tweens for a skin checkup. “The dermatologist can discuss the different skin types, and how skin can be affected by sleep, stress, and menstrual cycles, etc. This helps tweens understand their skin problems and choose the right products – hindi lang sumusunod sa uso.”

Dr. Chua also suggests bringing the kid’s makeup kit or skincare products to the doctor, so they can determine if the products are safe for their skin.

Wendy Chua doesn’t allow her daughter to wear any makeup except for lip gloss for kids or tinted lip balm. She explained to her daughters that they should “enjoy being a kid” and part of growing up is waiting for milestones instead of trying everything at once.

However, Wendy encourages other forms of self-expression, like different hairstyles and fashion choices. “While I’m strict about makeup, I respect their different styles and believe dressing up builds their self-confidence.”

Several moms say the problem isn’t cosmetic products per se, but the heavy influence of social media on kids’ habits, purchases, and self-image. They are barraged with images of beautiful people leading seemingly perfect lives. And it’s not just from influencers: peers can curate their feeds to look like they’re having the best day ever, all the time.

The Sephora Tweens phenomenon and the sudden popularity of makeup for kids are just part of that constant pressure to be perfect. Here, moms share how they teach kids to build a healthy relationship with social media.

Know who they follow. Pamela Reinoso always asks her kids what’s trending and who they follow. “I don’t judge their choices, but I ask them questions that make them think, like ‘Do you think they’re like that off-cam?’ Do you think she went out of her way to set that up?’”

Teach them to be social media-savvy. Lucy Palma believes kids are smarter than we give them credit for. She advises explaining how companies use social media to promote products and how algorithms recommend posts based on their interests. “You can’t completely filter their social media, especially when they’re older. It’s better to give them the skills so they can make good decisions later, whether it’s about buying makeup or trusting an influencer.”

Give them many positive role models. Vivs Enriquez is thankful for having a “village” of supportive and empowering relatives, church friends, coaches, and teachers who help shape her child’s values. “I think it balances out the social media influences and makes kids less susceptible to peer pressure.”

Nurture different interests. Tootsie Evangelista encourages her tweens to pursue as many activities and interests as possible. “I remind them that this is the best age to try new things! They never get obsessed over beauty influencers or trends because they have other hobbies, too.”

Why take risks with your child’s skin? Choose cosmetic products formulated for teens and encourage your kids to focus on building healthy skincare habits before experimenting with makeup.

Try Eskinol Deep Cleanser Mild for Teens, which gently removes dirt and prevents acne thanks to its MicroCleanseAntiBacterial technology. Vitamin E, cucumber extract, and water minerals soothe and hydrate the skin to prevent dryness and irritation.

After cleansing, teach them to apply a lightweight moisturizer like POND'S Aloe Vera Jelly Moisturizer, which hydrates the skin for up to 24 hours. The oil-free gel formula feels light and can be used to get the “glass skin” effect during the day, or as a mask at night. It’s dermatologically tested, made with 100% natural aloe vera extracts and Vitamin B3, and is safe for all skin types.

By putting skincare first, your tween will realize that she doesn’t need a lot of makeup to look great. She learns important habits that protect and nourish her skin–which is the foundation of beauty, at any age.