If the tween in your life seems more up-to-date on beauty trends than you are, you’re not imagining it. Between viral TikTok beauty trends and hyped-up product launches, young makeup enthusiasts have an uncanny ability to know what’s hot before most adults do. Celebrity makeup artist and mom Jamie Greenberg notes, “By 13, they know what’s popping on TikTok before I do.” Even as professionals, makeup artists admit that while they guide their children, tweens ultimately make their own choices. Romy Soleimani, a New York-based celebrity makeup artist, says, “My daughter’s product choices are in no way dictated by me, even though I like to think I’m pretty good at this makeup thing.”
While tweens love exploring makeup, the pros agree that moderation and safe formulations are key. Theo Kogan, a professional makeup artist, advises, “Less is more, especially for younger tweens.” Greenberg also recommends clean, dermatologist-tested formulas, noting that younger skin may be more prone to reactions. Soleimani discourages exfoliants with strong acids or granules and heavy foundations, which can irritate delicate skin.
The consensus? Tweens love colorful lip glosses, nourishing lip oils, easy-to-blend blushes, subtle eyeliners, brow gels, and highlighters. These products encourage creativity while remaining age-appropriate. Here’s a curated guide of the best makeup gifts for tweens by age.
Best Makeup Gifts for 10-Year-Olds
Squishmallows Moisturizing Lip Balm
Fun-shaped lip balms with clear tints are perfect for young tweens. Squishy tops double as stress-relievers, and multiple character designs make them collectible.
Press & Play Slime + Nail Set
This playful set includes slime, nail stickers, and kid-sized press-ons, merging creativity and self-expression—ideal for sleepovers or at-home fun.
At First Glow Makeup Starter Kit
This starter kit contains six eyeshadows, blush, highlighter, a dual-ended brush, and lip gloss, all free of parabens, phthalates, and formaldehydes. Perfect for young beginners.
Face Play Makeup Starter Set
Evereden’s washable face crayons and sheer tinted lip oils let tweens experiment safely. Vegan and free of microplastics, formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and PEGs, they encourage creative play without compromising skin health.
Lip Oil Mystery Glaze
iNNBEAUTY’s vegan lip oils come in clear, lightly tinted, and sparkly shades. They adjust to the skin’s pH, delivering a glossy finish tweens love.
Juicy Watermelon Lip Scrub
A sweetly scented lip scrub ensures smooth lips for glosses and lip oils. Gentle, flavorful, and fun to use.
Best Makeup Gifts for 11-Year-Olds
Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige’s clear, hydrating lip mask works overnight with coconut oil and shea butter. Tweens love collecting every flavor.
Cruise Liner Eye Pencil
Gen See’s bright-colored pencil eyeliners allow young makeup enthusiasts to experiment at home. Teal, hot pink, and orange shades offer playful options.
Great Lash Clear Mascara
Maybelline’s clear mascara helps groom brows and separate lashes for a subtle, natural look.
Buttermelt Blush
NYX’s powder blush gives a youthful glow and is ideal for normal to oily skin. Affordable and beginner-friendly.
On The Go Girl Funfetti Case
Caboodles retro-style makeup organizer keeps supplies neat at home or on-the-go. Roller Rabbit makeup bags are another favorite for sleepovers and backpacks.
Limited Edition Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
Touchland’s hydrating sanitizer is a practical addition to tweens’ routines, keeping hands clean before makeup application.
Best Makeup Gifts for 12-Year-Olds
Make Waves Lash Curler
Tower28’s curler lifts lashes without mascara. Applying a dab of Aquaphor first creates a natural, no-mascara look.
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Rare Beauty’s liquid blush offers a soft, natural flush. A little goes a long way, making it ideal for subtle age-appropriate makeup.
Lip Butter Balm
Summer Fridays’ vegan lip balm comes in seven sheer shades. Its pillowy, moisturizing texture makes it a tween favorite.
Limitless Lash Mascara
ILIA’s lightweight mascara separates lashes effortlessly, creating a natural look that’s easy to remove.
Glowscreen SPF 40
Supergoop!’s multitasking SPF moisturizer adds sun protection while creating a radiant finish—perfect for time-conscious tweens.
Ultimate Brush Roll
ColourPop’s 14-brush set in a travel roll helps tweens organize brushes for blush, highlighter, and eyeshadow.
Best Makeup Gifts for 13-Year-Olds
Skincare Fridge
A compact skincare fridge preserves products longer and helps reduce puffiness. LED-lit versions double as makeup mirrors, adding a fun tech element.
Glazing Milk
Rhode’s essence-like lotion delivers hydrated, dewy skin—tweens adore the fresh, glowing results.
Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint
This rosy tint offers long-lasting color for both lips and cheeks. Ideal for school-day wear.
Matte Fluid Eye Paint
About-face’s bold eyeshadow comes in a variety of colors for creative, easy-to-apply looks.
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover
A gentle, effective makeup remover is essential as tweens explore eye and face products.
Starface Hydro-Stars
Fun, star-shaped hydrocolloid patches help treat occasional breakouts while making skincare playful.
Best Makeup Gifts for 14-Year-Olds
Snap-on Lip Case
Rhode’s limited edition iPhone lip balm holder combines tech and beauty, perfect for tween collectors.
Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror
An LED vanity mirror provides optimal lighting for experimenting with makeup, a long-term investment for growing enthusiasts.
Exhibitionist Lip Liner
COVERGIRL’s lip liner helps achieve trendy ‘90s-inspired looks with precision and ease.
Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Tarte’s concealer covers spots effectively while remaining beginner-friendly.
DIORAddict Lip Glow Balm
These pH-adapting lip balms provide sheer, natural color and hydration—perfect for fancy tweens.
Beauty Highlighter Wand
Charlotte Tilbury’s wand creates a reflective glow on cheeks and cheekbones, adding professional polish to youthful looks.
Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Glossier’s pomade thickens and holds brows naturally without stiffness. A must-have for brow experimentation.
Slug Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer
Futurewise’s “slug cream” locks in moisture during dry months and encourages proper nighttime skincare habits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makeup products are safe for tweens to use?
Tweens should stick to dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and clean formulations. Lip glosses, tinted lip balms, gentle blushes, and light highlighters are ideal. Avoid harsh exfoliants and heavy foundations.
At what age can tweens start wearing makeup?
Many experts suggest starting around ages 10–12 with light, playful products like lip glosses or tinted moisturizers. Always prioritize safe ingredients and minimal coverage.
How do I choose the best makeup gift for a tween?
Consider age, skin sensitivity, and personal style. Starter kits, colorful lip glosses, and fun accessories like makeup brushes or storage cases are universally popular.
Are clean or vegan makeup products better for tweens?
Yes. Clean, vegan, and non-toxic makeup reduces the risk of skin irritation and allows tweens to experiment safely. Look for products free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Can makeup be fun and educational for tweens?
Absolutely. Beginner-friendly kits, creative face crayons, and easy-to-apply products encourage self-expression, teach application skills, and build confidence.
Are there makeup products that are trendy for tweens in 2025?
Yes. Popular items include hydrating lip balms, glittery lip oils, colorful eyeliners, blush wands, and multitasking products like tinted lip and cheek stains.
How can parents guide tweens in using makeup responsibly?
Encourage moderation, help select safe products, and teach proper hygiene (like washing hands and removing makeup before bed). Avoid pressuring them to follow trends.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect makeup gifts for tweens is all about balancing fun, creativity, and safety. From playful lip glosses and blush wands to dermatologist-tested starter kits, these age-appropriate products let young beauty enthusiasts explore their style while staying protected. By selecting clean, gentle, and trend-friendly items, parents and gift-givers can inspire confidence, self-expression, and a love for makeup that lasts. Whether it’s a first-ever kit, a must-have lip oil, or a chic accessory, these carefully curated gifts are sure to delight every tween and earn the approval of makeup pros alike.
