DDs and make-up

[DappledThings]

When did your daughters start being aware of make-up and their appearance?

DD is only 5 and questioned me at the weekend about why I never wear any and how I might look prettier than I do if I wore make-up so you couldn't see my spots (rosacea).

I just said casually it just wasn't something I was interested in and I didn't mind having spots, that I'm happy with my face.

Is this a normal age to start thinking about these things? I, maybe naively, thought I had a few years before it came up. I'm not worried about it, just want to keep an eye on what messages she's getting about her looks and the importance she places on it and I don't know if my casual answer was the best one to try and keep her confident in herself.

it's very normal i'm wondering how you went 5 years tbh 😂

I’m afraid 5 isn’t what it used to be. 11 yr old GD wouldn’t go out with me on Saturday till she had her make up on!

It’s so sad isn’t it. Watching my 9yr old niece not leave the house until she’s done her makeup like her mummy told her to

No I don't think that's the norm at all.

My 11 and 9 yo aren't that interested, eldest might put some lip gloss on but generally make up is just for playing, and then it's rare. I'm don't wear much though and don't make it into a big deal

Aww, that's so sad! My DDs are much younger but I'll be sad if they're really aware of makeup by 5. Perhaps I'm setting myself up for disappointment though.

It can go the other way, though! My mum always wore makeup and I was never interested, not even when she started actively wanting to put makeup on me!

My DS has had questions about me wearing make up since he was very little. He’s wanted to try it and likes watching me do it, but I don’t wear to work/on school run really. He's a big kid now and likes to watch Glow Up/Ru Paul and understands it’s quite arty/for stage too not just for enhancing beauty.

He also used to point out my spots a lot. I wouldn’t worry too much.

DD is 8, she likes watching beauty videos, and thinks it fascinating on the incredibly rare occasions that I put make up on, but she doesn't wear it herself other than the odd bit of tinted lip balm or nail polish.

My partner's daughter who is 2 and a half was fascinated for months every time she saw me put on makeup so I bought her a plastic pretend makeup kit and she loves it. She always asks her dad if she can do "his makeup" and it's hilarious. I don't think her mum wears much but I don't know if that makes a difference.

I remember myself being interested in hair and makeup before the age of 5, and my own mum hardly ever wore makeup back then. I think it probably changes from child to child

My 2 year old looked at me the other day and said "mummy you've got spots all over your face". Kids are great 🙃

To be fair my grandmother said that to me once as well!