Some girls are more “girly” right from when they are born. Some are more “tomboyish”. As they grow up, your tomboy may become more feminine and ask, “Mom, can I wear makeup?” Whether or not to allow your daughter to wear makeup is not always an easy decision.

Some people let their daughters start wearing makeup early, especially if their daughter is involved in beauty pageants. Other parents are not happy with allowing their young daughters to wear makeup. The decision, ultimately, needs to be made between the parents and the child.

Is there a right age to let your daughter start wearing makeup? Not really. It is a decision based upon the parents’ wishes, the mother’s use of makeup, and what is acceptable where you live. However, if you’re not comfortable with your eight-year-old wearing makeup, don’t let what is acceptable where you live cause you to go against your better judgment.

Many middle school girls start wearing light makeup like lip gloss and possibly a little bit of mascara. As they get older, and more girls start wearing more makeup, your daughter will probably ask if she can wear more, too. When they reach high school, most girls are wearing makeup on a regular basis.

Were you allowed to wear makeup at an early age? If you were comfortable with the schedule your mother used with you, perhaps you could use a similar schedule with your own daughter. If you think your mom was too lenient with you, you have every right to ask your daughter to wait.

It may be time to realize that your little girl is growing up, and part of growing up means using makeup. Take the time to show your daughter the correct way to apply makeup rather than letting her do it. You want her to accentuate her youthful beauty, not look like a clown, or worse.

If you never learned the correct way to apply makeup, go with her to a makeup store and both of you get a makeover. You’ll both learn the best colors to use, will learn how to correctly apply makeup, and will have a great time doing something “girly” together.

When your daughter asks, “Mom, can I wear makeup?” - don’t panic. Listen to her reasons before saying no. If your answer is yes, then make sure she learns how to wear an appropriate amount for her age.