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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Anita Bhagwandas

‘Mummy, when can I wear makeup?’ How to talk to kids about body image

Kellie French Fiona Yassin
Chil model in leather jacket and lipstick
Ask your child what makeup means to them and why they want to use it. All portraits by Kellie French for the Guardian. Styling: Melanie Wilkinson Photograph: Kellie French/The Guardian

‘When can I start wearing makeup?’

Seeing your children in makeup can cause mixed emotions: it signals a transitional growing-up period you may not feel ready for. Choosing an appropriate age is up to you, but a 2019 YouGov study suggests that most parents believe that children should be allowed to wear makeup between 14 and 16.

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