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AIBU?

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Original poster

Make up for 8 year old

30 replies

Ruby0UX · 14/09/2025 14:18

My daughter is into make up and skincare. She doesn’t have a lot but gets my old things for example. I’m planning on getting her a few bits for Xmas. Some people seem to think she’s too young and she will end up growing up too fast. I am really laid back and don’t mind her wearing the odd bit of make up on a weekend for example.
AIBU to trust my own instincts and let her experiment and use make up?

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FusionChefGeoff · 14/09/2025 16:39

If you want to give her an early, strong lesson that her worth is directly linked to what she looks like then go ahead!

If you want to impress upon her the need for her to spend a lot of time, money and effort that is absolutely not required of boys then please do.

If you want her to be more concerned about what other people look like than whether they are kind to her and others, then fill your boots.

I think it’s appalling

NuffSaidSam · 14/09/2025 15:48

I'd be quite sad if I had an eight year old who was into make-up and skin care. I'd question what example I was setting.

That said, if she's into I don't think there is any problem in getting her some make-up to play with. It's no different from face paints. I wouldn't let her wear make-up on a daily basis (like I wouldn't allow face paints all the time), but if she's playing at home and wants make-up as part of a game then it's fine.

BreakingBroken · 14/09/2025 15:42

@Luckyingame i thought the same re the two threads!!

Luckyingame · 14/09/2025 15:37

Yeah, sure. 🙄
By the way, there is another rather bizarre thread about a mum who wouldn't take her kids to school because of a 40 minutes walk.

notacooldad · 14/09/2025 15:30

AIBU to trust my own instincts and let her experiment and use make up?
Your instincts are messing with you!!!

Octopus45 · 14/09/2025 15:30

I’m you going to go against the grain. Here, I remember buying Constance Carroll make up at 8 years old (1983 so a long time ago). As long as she isn’t overinvested in her appearance and only uses very simple skincare, as others have said, I don’t see the problem

Notagain75 · 14/09/2025 15:29

I think 8 is too young for makeup.
Bubble bath, bath bombs and face paint are fine even children's nail varnish , nice soaps, shampoo, perfumed skin cream designed for children etc but makeup is a step too far in my opinion. She is just a little girl.

IdaGlossop · 14/09/2025 15:27

No way. It's parents colluding with grooming little girls to become good consumers.

ClearFruit · 14/09/2025 15:25

Fuck me. Make-up and skincare at 8?! Are you completely dense? She's a very little child.

I despair.

AngelofIslington · 14/09/2025 15:23

What type of skincare is she using? I’ve never seen skincare manufactured for 8 year old skin. I’d imagine any skincare would be too harsh at that age

Mumstheword1983 · 14/09/2025 15:15

I have four daughters and they all wanted to experiment with make up at this age but I wouldn't encourage it. At around 10 they started to use gentle skincare and I do allow lipgloss for a party or a bit clear mascara which really does nothing. Maybe a bit blush. Not for school. The school recently sent out a reminder that make up wasn't appropriate for primary school so I'm guessing many are using it. It's your decision but I think you will find it a no from most.

CrownCoats · 14/09/2025 15:07

This is really sad. She’s so young. Let her act her age.

xanthomelana · 14/09/2025 15:02

I’d usually say you are never too young to start a skincare regime but 8 years old is way too young. Mid teens when they start wearing makeup is fair enough because I never used to remove mine but at her age she shouldn’t be worrying about that, soap and water should be enough.

GagMeWithASpoon · 14/09/2025 14:58

Depends on the type, purpose and quantity.

Basically, if it’s adding an extra 30 minutes to her morning routine with various layers, lotions and potions, then no it’s not appropriate. Not just because for age, but it could actively be damaging her skin.

If we’re talking moisturiser (with or without SPF) , a special cleansing soap ,some eye shadow to mess about with/experiment and lip balms then fair enough.

mummyto9angels · 14/09/2025 14:55

I don't personally like children under about 13 wearing makeup in a 'serious' way. I think it is part of growing up to 'play' at getting done up etc but as a practise and trying it out thing not properly wearing it.

Nothankyov · 14/09/2025 14:54

Personally I wouldn’t. I have a 10 year old almost 11 and the only make up she wears is a Nivea lip balm (which is not make up really). What about just a face cream? My DD uses the child’s farm face cream, which is appropriate for their young skin.

UpMyself · 14/09/2025 14:53

Results for girls world styling head

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 14/09/2025 14:53

Too young. Dts are 15 now it was blanket no to anything but lip balm / floss and stick on nails until secondary. She doesn’t need skincare yet. Does she watch YT?

manicpixieschemegirl · 14/09/2025 14:52

How exactly does an 8 year old get into skincare and makeup? I’d say let her be a kid but I think that ship has already sailed.

TheCosyViewer · 14/09/2025 14:52

An 8 yo shouldn’t have or wear make-up imo. There’s absolutely no need for it and she should really have other interests and hobbies and not be even thinking of experimenting with make-up. It’s enough that you give her bits of what you don’t use herself, and even that is un-necessary. Children wearing make-up look ridiculous.

HappyNewTaxYear · 14/09/2025 14:52

Don’t trust your instincts on this one.

jettisoned · 14/09/2025 14:51

Nope. How would she even know about skincare, most are way too harsh for young skin.

Nannyfannybanny · 14/09/2025 14:50

Is that you Katie?

minipie · 14/09/2025 14:49

YABU

Jellycatspyjamas · 14/09/2025 14:49

I would be very careful about skin care for young children - most of it is pretty harsh and not intended for children’s skin, you could end up ruining her skin before she’s even got started. Dressing up make up is fine at that age but I wouldn’t be doing it daily or for general wear.