My daughter is raring to wear makeup. She’s always digging through my makeup drawer, begging to put on just a little. The problem is that she is only 11! Should I let her wear some, and how much?

If I were you, the best thing you can do is indulge her a little. If you don’t let her wear any makeup, she is just going to want to wear it more. Then she might borrow some of her friend’s at school when you aren’t around and pile it on! Plus, being 11 is a hard age. If putting on just a little makeup will make her feel better about herself, then I say go for it. But here are a few suggestions to keep in mind, because you don’t want her walking out of the house with a full face of makeup looking like Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver. So here is what you start with:

1. Nude or Peach eyeshadow - This is flattering and subtle on most everyone. This way she feels like she is wearing shadow but it’s not pink, green or garish blue. Make sure to get an eyeshadow brush with a handle for her to use with it. It makes it even more special.
2. Blush - Something soft and pink. Not outside of what she would normally flush naturally when she is running around. Also once, again if you get a nice big fluffy blush brush to use with it, she will really feel like she’s wearing more than she is.
3. Lip gloss - Choose a shade only slightly deeper than her natural lip color. A sheer, rosy gloss will look pretty, but not overdone. Stay away from anything frosted or shimmery. It just looks wrong on a preteen.

Most kids her age want to appear older, but that’s not the point of makeup. Just don’t tell her that! She’ll just want to keep layering it on! Yet, by avoiding heavier makeup like mascara, liner and foundation, she will still look her age by starting off with subtle basics. Then, when she gets a little older and starts high school, I would take her to a professional makeup artist to get a real lesson in how to apply the stuff. Trust me, teenagers make the most hideous beauty mistakes!

I want to do a fun, craftsy project with my teenager. Do you have any idea how to make your own lip balm?

There are kits available sometimes at your local craft store, but those usually come out kind of sweet and sticky. I have a great recipe that I use to make lip balm that is easy and a soothing treat during the winter months. You can usually find all the ingredients at your local heath food store or grocery that specializes in natural organic products. This recipe contains pure shea butter, which is very hydrating. It makes 8 lip balms that you should put in little ½ ounce tins or pots. Empty pots or tins can be found at beauty supply stores. I like that it makes 8 because your daughter can pass out some to her friends. Instant popularity! Doesn’t everyone just adore lip balm? I know I can’t get enough of it. I am constantly on the lookout for new and different kinds to try. This is by far the best recipe I have tried. It’s my Vanilla Butter Bunny Lip Balm. My daughter made up the name the last time we made it. Can you tell she’s four? I don’t know where she got the bunny part, I swear there aren’t any bunnies in the lip balm. We didn’t test on bunnies either, just me and her Dad. Although I am sure he wouldn’t want anyone to know that… anyway…

Vanilla Butter Bunny Lip Balm
 
2 tbsp beeswax pellets
2 tbsp 100% shea butter
4 tbsp sweet almond oil
20 drops vanilla oil

Combine first three ingredients in a glass bowl resting over a pot of simmering water, and stir constantly with a small whisk until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla oil. Using a clean medicine dropper, divide the liquid into the individual pots or tins. Let cool for about 20 minutes. You can always decorate each tin with stickers or make up your own creative names for the lip balms. Or, you can just personalize it by writing each girl’s name on them. Then sit back, pucker up and slather on your handy work!