Have your parents said no when you've asked them to let you wear makeup? Perhaps you feel annoyed and think they don't want you to grow up. But if you deal with the issue in the correct way, they might relent. Here's how to convince your parents to let you wear makeup …
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1. Go Shopping with Them & Let Them Choose for You
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Your parents may be reluctant to let you wear makeup because they're worried that you'll overdo it and end up plastering lots of makeup on. Ask if they'd let you wear some if they could choose what you buy. If they can pick out some makeup for you, they may feel happier that you're wearing makeup they approve of.
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A great way to get your parents to allow you to wear makeup is to go shopping with them and let them choose for you. This way, they can pick out makeup that they approve of and feel more comfortable with you wearing it. Make sure to explain to them that you don't want to overdo it and will only use the makeup sparingly. Additionally, it may be helpful to show them pictures of makeup looks you like and explain why you want to wear makeup. This will give them a better understanding of why you're interested in wearing it. Finally, be sure to thank them for their help and understanding.
2. Start with Simple, Age Appropriate Makeup
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When you're young, you don't need tons of makeup. Your youthful skin only needs minimal enhancement. Start with a simple makeup bag, with products like tinted moisturiser (which will also have some SPF protection), clear mascara, and lip gloss. This will just add a little polish to your face, rather than hiding it and making you look older.
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3. Don't Beg & Throw a Tantrum
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If your parents have already said no, don't throw a tantrum or beg them to change their mind. Leave it a while, and try again, giving a reasonable argument for letting your wear makeup. Whining 'but everyone else wears it!' is guaranteed to get a flat refusal; parents never, ever respond to the claim that you'll be the odd one out if you don't get to do what your friends are doing.
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Instead, approach the conversation with maturity. Be prepared to discuss makeup's role in self-expression and confidence. Talk about responsibility and how you'll use it sparingly as part of learning to make personal choices. Offer to start with light, age-appropriate makeup. This shows you've thought it through and you're not just following the crowd. If they still hesitate, suggest a trial period or asking for makeup as a special occasion gift, demonstrating that you're willing to compromise and respect their concerns.
4. Explain Why You Want to Wear Makeup
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When you're trying to persuade your parents to let you start wearing makeup, give them a sensible reason for wanting to use cosmetics. For example, it's fun to play with your appearance, and you just want to enhance your natural looks. Most parents are ok with light makeup; they just don't want to see you covered in it or trying to look older.
5. Negotiate when You Can Wear It
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Negotiate with your parents about when you're allowed to wear makeup; for example, it wouldn't be appropriate at church or school, but could be ok at weekends or if you all go out for dinner. And if they agree to let you wear it at certain times, stick to the rule; doing so shows that you're mature enough to be allowed more freedom.
6. Ask Your Mom to Show You How to Apply It
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Your parents may be worried that you'll put on far too much makeup and look like a clown or someone's who's much older. Try asking your mom to show you how to apply it; this may reassure her that you'll apply appropriate makeup for your age, and also make her feel part of your life (parents usually hate the thought of their children growing up!).
7. Offer to Buy It Yourself
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You could also try offering to buy the makeup yourself, rather than asking your parents to buy it for you. Save up your pocket money or offer to do some extra chores in return. They may be reluctant to spend money on things you don't actually need; if you budget for some makeup, you're showing that you really want some, and that you're sensible enough to save for it.
If all your arguments fail and your parents say no, you can try again later. But always be mature and respectful, rather than getting upset. It's not the end of the world if they say no (for now!).
Comments
SJC: I started when I was about 13 with just mascara, then as I got older I eventually added more makeup to my collection. The main thing is you definitely have to get the right colours and you definitely have to know how to apply it properly.
The: *embarrassing
Macie: Just start small. When I was in seventh grade I put on a smodge of concealer, blush and mascara every day and my super over protective mom didn't notice. Then I started adding a little more and she started noticing and telling me she liked my look and how subtle and age appropriate it was. A couple months later and she was buying me products for my birthday
SJC: And we all learn from our makeup mistakes so don't worry too much if you're just starting out :)
The: My mom didn't let me wear make up outside in the house it was fine. It was do embracing she would tell me to take off my make up in front of many people and she would scold me and I could see them giggling. But I never gave up. And I eventfully had a huge make up collection at 15.
The: *so *not
Taylor: Just make sure if your mom is buying you makeup, like concealer for example, it matches your skin tone. You don't want orange dots all over face lol
Tanya: Lol that's so me! I'm trying to convince my parents too!
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