Is There A Right Age to Start Wearing Makeup?

As a beauty editor, I get asked a lot of questions — and they tend to vary based on the age of the person doing the asking. My mother’s friends ask about anti-aging skin care, for example, while my close friends ask about Tom Ford lipstick. But if I’m talking to younger girls — as in, high-school age or younger — I always get the same question: “How old were you when you started wearing makeup?” That’s quickly followed by: “At what age do you think girls should start wearing makeup?”

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Now, that’s a loaded question. There’s a lot wrapped up in the concept of young girls wearing makeup — from sexualization to self-expression. So, I decided to speak with some women, to see if they could arrive at any kind of consensus. I asked them when they started wearing makeup, and when they think girls should start experimenting with it. As expected, their responses were varied. Some didn’t believe in set rules, others had clear opinions, and many were conflicted. It seems that the only consistent theme was that wearing makeup is a deeply personal experience.

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Scroll through to see all the responses, and let us know where you stand in the comments.

Illustrations by Elliot Salazar.

Name: Victoria
Age: 22
When did you start wearing makeup? 10

Tell me about your experience.
I started wearing concealer and foundation because I had really bad skin.

Do you think there is a “right” age for girls to start wearing makeup?
Whenever the person feels ready!

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Name: Molly
Age: 32
When did you start wearing makeup? 13

Tell me about your experience.
I wound up using concealer as a foundation, which meant I looked like I was wearing a mask. I didn’t realize it until I saw a picture of myself, and was horrified by the distinct line between my jaw and neck. I was just trying to cover up teenage zits.

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Do you think there is a “right” age for girls to start wearing makeup?
No. #Acceptance.

Name: Jada
Age: 27
When did you start wearing makeup? 13

Tell me about your experience.
It was a black mascara from Jane Cosmetics. My mom taught me, but only in the context that it was something used to cover your face and, thus, cover your beauty. She still doesn’t like me wearing makeup.

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Do you think there is a “right” age for girls to start wearing makeup?
Yes, but I don’t know when. It’s just whenever the person who is wearing makeup realizes that the reason she’s wearing it is for herself and no one else.

Name: Erica
Age: 31
When did you start wearing makeup? 11

Tell me about your experience.
My friend Noems taught me in her mother’s bathroom. I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup yet, so I had to take it off before going home.

Do you think there is a “right” age for girls to start wearing makeup?
I think 13 is a good age. According to the Jewish faith, that’s the age that you’re officially a woman!

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Name: Elizabeth
Age: 25
When did you start wearing makeup? 12

Tell me about your experience.
My mom, to this day, has never worn makeup. I figured it out on my own, and she never pressured me either way.

Do you think there is a “right” age for girls to start wearing makeup?
I think girls should be allowed to experience makeup when they feel ready and interested in it. Looking back, I did not need the black eyeliner, and even received a bit of AIM teasing from a few boys at school. But that is all part of me and my experience growing up. And I’m happy I was allowed the freedom to experience it on my own.

To read about more makeup firsts, visit Refinery29.

By: Maria del Russo