Best Teen Makeup for a Flawless Natural Look
If the time has come in your house and your teen is asking to wear makeup then it is time to buy them some of their own. Perfecting their look will take some time, but you want to make sure that they have good quality products to work with and the products are safe to use on their skin. Supporting them in this new adventure can be hard, but if their interest is there it is time to help them learn from the best. Creating their new look with makeup will be trial and error, but the products below are listed as the best makeup for teens. This should help you make sure that they are creating a look that works best for them.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 35 hrs of research
All in one makeup kit with case
Set includes; mascara, eye shadow, applicators, blush, and more
23 different shades of eyeshadow with matte and pearl finishes
Features two face blushes
Great set for learning teens
10 Best Teen Makeup Reviewed
1. SHANY 'Woke Up Like This' Kit
All in one makeup kit with case
Set includes; mascara, eye shadow, applicators, blush, and more
23 different shades of eyeshadow with matte and pearl finishes
Features two face blushes
Great set for learning teens
Kit is small in size
Eyeshadows can break easily if not careful when transporting
When your teen is starting to become interested in experimenting with makeup it is time to get they their own makeup. This set is perfect. It is an all in one set that includes everything they need to get started with learning how to apply and use makeup in the correct ways. The set includes mascara, applicators, face blush, different shades of eye shadow, a great setup to check everything organized, and so much more. Included in the blushes are two different shades. The shades are pink and bright pink to be able to get those cheeks rosy and pink.
Read moreStyle
There are 25 different shades of eyeshadows that range from nude to a bright range of colorful shades. The shades are also in both pearl and matte finishes. The set is great for beginners or your teen that is always on the go.
Brand
Learning to start to apply to makeup as a teen can be a struggle. Finding those shades that look just right on you and how to apply it to get the best look for your face shape is a challenge. This all in one kit by SHANY is perfect for any learning teen.
Safety
The storage case and all in one design are great for taking along to a friend’s house or to school. All the products created by a cruelty free company that does no testing on animals and are created in the USA.
Creativity
Gives the teens so many different shades of eye shadow and allows them to work with the makeup themselves. Awesome kit to get them started. It has everything they need, plus all the shades that allow them to experiment with what works best for them.
2. Maybelline Makeup Baby Skin
Lightweight
Easy to spread out and is absorbed quickly
Minimizes the look of pores
Compatible with Maybelline foundation
Moisturizing formula
There's not very much product in one squeeze-bottle
A primer will ensure that a foundation goes on smoothly and without any noticeable imperfections and Maybelline is one brand we trust for that. This primer offers hydration as well for an extra moisture boost during those dry seasons. If your teen is really serious about her makeup routine, a primer is the way to go. This works fabulously with the previously mentioned Maybelline Matte Foundation and is a great way to extend the wear of your foundation so it stays in place all day long. Primer is used as a base for foundation so that it doesn't slide around or become patchy and it can also moisturize skin and reduce the appearance of pores, which foundation can easily settle into. Overall, it'll make the look of your makeup much smoother and flawless-looking, which is a huge plus for teens who might have blemishes or acne that make them self-conscious.
Read moreStyle
There are plenty of things that teens might be insecure about when it comes to their skin. This primer is great for any skin type which means regardless of whether you have combination, oily, or dry skin, it will be beneficial to your foundation all the same. It's easy to use and won't feel heavy or clogging which is a common feeling left by some lesser quality priming formulas.
Brand
Because teen bodies are going through puberty, their skin is undergoing major changes that aren't always welcomed and this is where makeup can help them learn to love their facial features again. Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser by Maybelline helps to even out texture, minimize pores, and allow the foundation to glide over their skin easily.
Safety
This primer does have a moisturizing element to it which is helpful for those suffering from dry skin, especially if they're using a matte foundation. This primer is also water-based which will make it highly compatible with other water-based foundations while also allowing breathability between makeup and skin.
Creativity
Rather than cover up their insecurities, primer and foundation allow teens to embrace their skin in such a way that makes them feel confident and accentuate the other features they love much more without allowing the ones they don't to come through.
3. Maybelline Volum' Express
Creates plenty of volume
Makes eyes appear bigger and more open
Comes in two shades of black
Waterproof
Easy to use and won't clump up
It's challenging to take off without an oil-based makeup remover
Although this mascara might look simple, it offers plenty in the way of volume. This is a great way to introduce your teenager to mascara and they're sure to fall in love with the natural glam they're left with after one swipe. Sometimes all a teen needs to feel a bit more confident is a great mascara that will elongate her eyelashes and truly bring out her natural beauty and eye color. Mascara is often the number one makeup tool that many women use on the go and in a rush because it's the one product that pulls double duty as far as beauty goes. Mascara will make your lashes darker and longer and this one, in particular, adds a heaping amount of volume as well. This is great for those who might have very minimal or short eyelashes and desire a fuller look in order to bring out their eyes while making them look more awake, feminine, and attentive.
Read moreStyle
This mascara can do all of that while providing your teenager with that glam, chic feeling that you can only get from finding a stellar mascara. It's easy to use, adds fullness, and a great starter makeup product for any teen who is just learning how to create their own signature look.
Brand
Maybelline is very well-known for their mascara products and is really unparalleled in the world of affordable makeup. The Colossal helps to separate each eyelash and with every sweep of the brush, your teen will notice her eyelashes doubling in fullness and length.
Safety
The Colossal adds drama without creating it if you know what we mean! The bristles are well-spread out and designed to hit each eyelash individually in order to provide one nice, even coat without clumping, which is always a safer alternative for the eyes.
Creativity
Maybelline promises up to nine times the average eyelash volume with this mascara and they definitely deliver. It's a great option for those who aren't yet ready for eyeshadow or don't like using it as it'll help to draw attention to the eyes without seeming overdone or bold.
4. NYX Professional HD Photogenic
Covers a decent amount
Lightweight and doesn't feel heavy
Comes with options for color-correcting
Plenty of shades to choose from
Hydrating formula
Can look heavy on those who have dry or flaky skin
Concealer is a must-have for those late nights when you're up studying (or maybe binge-watching Netflix!). NYX is a reputable brand with a passion for helping girls look their best and this concealer is an easy way to look a bit more naturally awake and radiant.
Read moreAnother aspect of having a natural look is finding a concealer that will provide ample coverage but still looks as though it's part of your skin. This concealer covers up dark undereye spots as well as minor blemishes and imperfections that can contribute to your teen not even wanting to leave the house in the morning. It comes in 14 different shade as well as lavender and green correction shades. The skin shades should be chosen in one shade lighter than your natural skin tone in order to brighten and lift their area that you're concealing.
Style
Color-correcting can really add a flawless finish to any makeup routine. The first step to having a natural look is ensuring that your skin is looking at its best without looking too full-on. The color correctors go on under foundation in order to counteract redness, dullness, and dark spots. The NYX Professional Concealer helps provide coverage without taking away too much from your child's natural skin appearance.
Brand
NYX is a brand that has gotten plenty of attention lately for having high-quality products that won't come at a high-end price. This brand is used by plenty of professionals and will make finding a daily makeup routine easy for your teenager.
Safety
Green correction shades counteract excess redness while lavender is helpful to combat any yellow tones in the skin. Overall, this concealer has been created for all skin types and will provide medium coverage while also helping to hydrate the skin rather than drying and becoming a cakey mess.
Creativity
By having access to so many shades, there's a slim chance that your teen will end up with a concealer that will draw out blemishes rather than cover them. Since dark undereye circles are something that every teen deals with at one point or another, this concealer does the job without feeling or looking heavy.
5. SHANY The Wanted Ones 12 Piece Lip Gloss Set
Lip gloss set featuring 12 different shades
Each tube of lip gloss is full sized
Colors included; pinks, oranges, nudes, and reds
Different finishes; crème and shimmer
Keeps lips nourished and soft
Pigment in the shades is very light
Sticky texture of the gloss
Perfect kit for highlighting the skin tones of the face on their lips. The kit has been created to allow teens to finish up their look with just the right shade on their lips. Included in the set they will find shades like; red, orange, nude, pink, and just sheer. These shades allow them to be worn individually or to be placed to build color for that perfect coverage. All of the lip glosses have been infused with vitamin e and aloe vera to keep their lips soft and well hydrated. The different shades all include both crème finishes and shimmer finishes.
Read moreStyle
There are 12 different colors included in the set. Keeping their lips hydrated and soft will never be the same once you introduce them to this set. It truly allows teens to experiment with their style with safer, more nurturing lip gloss options.
Brand
SHANY is popular for their interesting packaging and these glosses all come in a reusable box that is lined with a velvet interior. The tray is great for them to be able to keep them organized and easily able to view each color.
Safety
The skin on your lips is very sensitive and needs care just like the skin on the rest of your body. Keeping the lips moist and soft is the best defense to chapped lips. These lip glosses have all been infused with vitamin e and aloe vera to keep them soft and nourished.
Creativity
Set gives your teen lots of different shades to allow them to match their makeup and outfit. It also keeps their lips soft and nourished protecting them. The included tray lined with velvet is great for keeping them organized.
6. FCTRY Unicorn Snot
Vegan and cruelty-free
Provides a fun flair to any look
Can be used on the skin or in hair
Easily washed out
Easy to use and not overly heavy
Can't be used on or near eyes
It sounds totally gross and unappetizing but looks truly spectacular. This vegan and cruelty-free glitter gel is a totally rad way to add some extra glitz and glam to any teen's life. Makeup should be used to accentuate as well as have fun with your features and glitter can be a neat, harmless way to add a bit of flair to an otherwise fairly boring makeup routine. This gel can be used on the face, on the body such as shoulders, arms, and collarbones, and even in your child's hair for a pumped-up vibrant look. The gel itself is easy to use and can be applied with the swipe of a finger.
Read moreStyle
It comes in six different colors which all contain rainbow sparkles in order to provide your teen with all the glitz they need in one small container. A little goes a long way and this is such an awesome look for concerts, parties, or special occasions with friends.
Brand
Every girl needs a little bit of glitter in her life, right? This glitter gel is a bit of fun and a bit of glam all rolled into one. Unicorn Snot is attention-grabbing not only because of its outrageous name but also for its disco-like glitter glow that will truly help your teenager to stand out.
Safety
Unfortunately, animal testing is a process many makeup companies use in order to perfect their formulas. Unicorn snot is completely vegan and cruelty-free which means that not only is your child getting a high-quality product, but they can feel good while using it, too.
Creativity
This glitter gel is fun for any occasion. A little goes a long way and it's fun to use every once in a while to add a bit of glam to any normal look. The fact that it's so versatile only boosts our love for the product; anything that can go from your skin to your hair is a win in our book!
7. Physicians Formula Happy Booster
Mood-boosting properties
Light and natural glow
Several different shades create a "glow from within" effect
Dermatologist-tested
Lightly scented
The brush isn't outstanding quality
We can't guarantee that it'll take away your teen's attitude, but we can guarantee that they'll look gorgeous when they have it! This blush can be built up and provides a little pop of color that's perfect for any makeup beginner.
Read moreBelieve it or not, Physicians Formula actually claims that this blush is responsible for improving the wearers' mood via plant extracts that have been shown to boost happiness. Whether or not that's true depends on who's wearing it, but we can all agree that this blush is stunning. This blush also comes with a mini brush that helps to apply blush evenly and quickly for a fast morning application or touch-up on the go.
Style
There are several various hues of pink in this blush that all work together to create a beautiful shine and glow that looks completely natural. The blush itself does contain a violet scent that's soothing and pleasant without being overwhelming, in addition to the plant extracts that naturally improve moods.
Brand
Physician's Formula has been around for quite some time and creates products that are long-lasting and vibrant in color as well as shimmer. As a blush, it adds a light, rosy shade to light skin tones and creates a subtle pink glow on darker shades.
Safety
This makeup has been dermatologist-approved which means it works well on sensitive skin and won't cause any irritation. It's hypoallergenic so even if you are prone to skin irritation, this blush will provide you a natural glow without being too heavy or uncomfortable.
Creativity
Aside from its mood-lifting properties, this blush is also subtle but buildable. It can be layered for a more dramatic effect but is super versatile overall. It's the perfect day-to-night transition product that can easily be slipped into a purse or backpack.
8. e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
Lightweight foundation that offers full coverage
Created with oil free materials
Blends easily to create bright and smooth looking skin
Offer semi matte finish
Available is a wide selection of different skin tones
Shades are hard to match from an online selection
Product does have a scent
Looking for a full coverage foundation for your teen without a heavy makeup feel? This may be just what you have been searching for. It is a blend of oil free ingredients that blend naturally to give a very gentle semi matte look, but still, provide that full coverage that she is looking for. It comes in a liquid form. It is a great way to get the full coverage with ease without having to use stick blends or powder forms.
Read moreStyle
The style of the makeup is a foundation that has been created to give full coverage, but not with all those oils and heavy makeup finishes. It is able to restore their skin tone and even out the textures without overdoing it. It will create a visibly smoother and brighter skin tone. It is available in many tones to be able to have that perfect match all the time.
Brand
e.l.f. is a well know make up brand that has been created on the foundation that they are cruelty free. They allow teens to be able to use their makeup without the guilt of hurting the animals around them. The makeup is also easy to use and offers a lightweight cover foundation that parents can also get excited about.
Safety
This company has created a full line of makeup products and tools which are all vegan based products, plus are a cruelty free company. The company is able to supply great quality products that are safe, effective, and professional without practicing any testing on animals.
Creativity
There is not much creativity that can be done with a lightweight foundation, but it does allow you to get creative once it is applied with other forms of makeup. It gives the skin a smooth texture that allows it to become a palette for wonderful forms of other makeup.
9. e.l.f. HD Under Eye
Lightweight facial moisturizer that has the versatility
Works great as a foundation or to highlight areas of the face
Adds a light touch of shimmer to the natural glow
Available in four different shades
Great for wearing all seasons
Shades are often darker when received than online
Liquid does contain lots of glittery materials
When teenagers are asking for makeup you want to provide them with the best products to ensure that their skin stays clear and smooth. This is a lightweight lotion that is designed to be used on the face as a moisturizer. It is perfect to be used as a foundation and more. It is just the shimmer that will highlight their skin.
Read moreStyle
The style of this makeup is great for teens because it is a lightweight liquid illuminator that has many functions. It can be used as a foundation all over the face or used as a décolletage, over the cheekbones to highlight, or impress with the cupids bow look. It adds a light shimmer to the skin anywhere that it is placed.
Brand
NYX Professional Makeup is a professional make up company that has designed a line of makeup to be used at home. They are easy to apply and make a great addition to any teen’s makeup collection. The versatility of the lightweight foundation or shimmer is a great reflection of the products that they offer on the market.
Safety
Adding shimmer to the entire face or using it to create highlights allows teens to create a more natural look with a lightweight product rather than using dense oily products to create a similar look. It is a lightweight design that goes on easily allowing teens to still show their true beauty.
Creativity
Applying this lightweight luminous liquid foundation highlights the glow from within and it an illuminator that parents and teens will love. It is available in four shades. Each of the shades is just as light catching as the last. It mixes and matches well with other products from NYX Professional Makeup allowing a look to be created that is natural and beautiful for all occasion’s year around.
10. Neutrogena Moistureshine Lip
Adds a subtle pop of color
Contains SPF 20
Formulated with a cooling agent
Comes in four different shades
Can be reapplied easily throughout the day
Adds a subtle pop of color
Contains SPF 20
Formulated with a cooling agent
Comes in four different shades
Can be reapplied easily throughout the day
Lip gloss will never go out of style because it's a convenient way to add a subtle pop of color on days when you need something extra. Lip care is also important, which is why lip gloss with SPF, such as this one by Neutrogena, is so important. With all this talk of face makeup products, we can't forget about the lips! While teens might not be interested in lipstick, lip gloss is still something that seems to be in every teen's starter kit for makeup. This lip gloss can be used repeatedly throughout the day without feeling too heavy or sticky. It provides a natural pigmentation while still packing in all the moisturizing power that's often needed in the summer and winter months.
Read moreStyle
There are four different colors that provide a bit of pink or red to the lips without looking too bold or full-on, making it perfect for teenagers. It gives your lips a natural, classy and healthy look.
Brand
Neutrogena is a brand that's known for providing very natural makeup with great quality. All of their products go above and beyond in providing that extra little something to make it helpful as well as beautiful. With this beauty company, less is in fact more.
Safety
Moistureshine Lip Smoother Gloss is a great way to provide your teens with a bit of subtle color and shine while also giving them a way to protect and moisturize their lips. When it comes to makeup, lip care is just as important as face care. This gloss contains SPF 20 as well as a cool agent which helps keep lips hydrated and shining, all day long.
Creativity
Lip gloss is the perfect in-between for teens who want a bit of glam without wanting to make the commitment to a liquid lipstick or regular lipstick, which can often get messy and be challenging to apply. This lip gloss provides subtle color without all the hassle of a lipstick that they don't have experience with quite yet.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
While many parents may agree that wearing makeup too soon can have adverse effects on your teenager, using the right type and kind of makeup can alternately produce the opposite effect. Makeup is a tool of encouragement and also of creativity, two things that we'll explore more of in just a bit. In order to find the correct types of makeup for teenagers, however, we had to go through a bit of a research process. We understood that teens don't need full-on glam for high school (excluding special occasions such as prom or events) and instead only need makeup that's conducive to a natural look. Teenagers have no need to fill in wrinkles or cover up age spots, which meant the makeup we were seeking had to be lightweight, minimal coverage, and be very easy to use.
Brand
We tried to find makeup that was trusted by women everywhere and had a reputation for offering products that weren’t too outrageous or bold. We also took into consideration the price point for each product and decided that everything needed to be super affordable, while maintaining the highest quality possible. Our reasoning for this was that teens would be just starting out with their newly-found makeup routines, therefore, higher-end makeup products could be something for parents to consider further down the line. Many teens also purchase their own makeup, which meant that we had to find the best quality products that were also within a budget. All of this led us to find only the essentials for a full face of makeup with viable options for subtle accents while also bringing to light products that would help to accentuate your child’s naturally gorgeous features.
Safety
There's a difference between using makeup to cover up perceived imperfections and using it to accentuate your best features while pushing others to the background. This is the difference that teens must understand in order to use makeup successfully and to be comfortable wearing it. If they only try and hide their blemishes, acne, or scars, they'll end up with a face of makeup that often looks cakey or heavy, which is not natural at all. By taking a moment to decide what they love best about their natural features -- whether it's their eyes, cheekbones, eyelashes, smile, skin, etc. -- they'll know what to focus on and what to try and bring out, rather than immediately focusing on hiding many of their less-loved features. When it comes down to it, makeup shouldn't be something to hide behind or used to cover up what you've been given. Makeup should be used to bring out all the features that you love and this is a wonderful lesson to teach your teenager.
Creativity
Teen years are hard enough as it is and if teens start out on a confident foot, then they can continue on their journey through self-discovery without the need to constantly spend hours in the bathroom altering their appearance. A great way to ensure that they understand this is to provide them with makeup slowly. If they really love their eye, mascara can be an excellent option and will show them that even if they have a pimple that day, mascara can counteract the attention on their face and instead draw it to their eyes. The opposite also works; if you provide them with a lightweight foundation, they might immediately notice a difference in how lovely their other features are once their skin tone is evened out a bit. By playing with facial features as individual components, you can help your child to realize that they are beautiful, regardless of what products are on their face.
If necessary, you can set certain rules for your teen's makeup use. Simple compromises such as lip gloss over lipstick, mascara over eyeliner, BB Cream over foundation, etc., can be helpful in teaching your teen moderation and how to accentuate their natural beauty first. As they get older, they'll have a basis from which to begin building their own personal makeup routine thanks to rules that were set in their teenage years. Some teens might not even have the desire to use a ton of makeup, in which case, anything on this list will suffice to provide a natural look.
Dermatologists advise teaching your teenagers to clean their face regularly with products that contain 2% salicylic acid especially if they enjoy experimenting with different makeup brands. It is important for them to learn to take off their make up before they go to sleep so their pores don't get clogged which might result in acne and premature aging of the skin. Since teenagers are notoriously lazy when it comes to following routines, you might want to buy them makeup removing wet wipes and place them next to their bed as a shortcut to the whole late night skin care procedure that even adults tend to skip once in a while.
Other Factors to Consider
Age Range
Teenagers have very gentle and sensitive skin, therefore, they deserve skin care products that are specifically designed for their age range. However, they are also very passionate about upcoming trends so they are prone to experimenting a lot especially when it comes to their image. Juggling these two factors can be more challenging than it looks. It’s so easy to go overboard with makeup which is why starting out without eyeshadows and lipsticks is a good idea. All of the products on our list can be controlled and don’t provide a look that’s too over the top, making them very teen-friendly. Even if all of these products were used together, they’d still provide a look that’s flawless, yet natural. By using certain combinations, such as mascara, a BB Cream, and a lip gloss, your teen can play around with her own features while using tools that are designed to bring out natural beauty rather than cover it up or turn it into something drastically different.
Texture
The skin needs to breath and the perfect makeup product for a teenage face should be lightweight and made of natural ingredients. The texture of the makeup can be matte, satin, frost...the list is endless. However, at the end of the day, it has to have a maximum glowing effect with the minimum appliance in order for the skin to preserve its youthful shine. Eyeshadow is something that needs to be blended and worked on which is why you won’t find it on our list, however, a highlighter can be used just as easy to add a bit of color or shimmer to the eyelids for some glam. Similarly, foundation or concealer can be applied to the eyelids to even out their tone and provide a neutral base so that when mascara is applied, teens will still have that natural, flawless appearance. There are plenty of combinations here that don’t require a ton of products or work in order to achieve something that’s pretty and subtle.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are any of these waterproof?
Yes. The Colossal mascara by Maybelline is very waterproof and is best taken off with makeup remover. The foundation and BB Cream aren't waterproof but are best removed with a face wash designed for makeup or makeup remover in order to keep pores clean and clear.
q: At what age is it appropriate to give these to my child?
We’d recommend ensuring that your child is over the age of 13 before encouraging their interest in makeup. Of course, you can wait longer, but many girls become interested as soon as they enter their teenage years.
q: What other products would be useful in putting this makeup on?
A beauty blender is a useful tool for just about everything on this list. It can be used (and is recommended) damp for a foundation. It can also be used dry to apply highlighters and blush. While brushes are helpful as well, they can rough up the skin and must be cleaned with a brush-safe solution. Beauty blenders can be cleaned with a bit of dish soap and olive oil, then rinsed with warm water.
q: Do you need a primer for use under foundation?
While it’s not necessary at all, it’s helpful. Depending on your teen’s skin (whether it’s dry, oily, or in-between), a foundation can have a habit of sliding or sticking to dry patches that can be avoided with the use of a primer first.
q: Are all of these products cruelty-free?
Many brands will list on their product page if they are vegan or cruelty-free. The only one that we have listed here is Unicorn Snot.
q: How can you test these first to ensure your child won’t have a reaction to them?
A simple way to test for irritation is by putting a bit of the product on your child's wrist or forearm, where the skin is more sensitive. If there's no visible reaction after several minutes, try using in a small spot on the face (away from the eyes and mouth) and if no reaction occurs, you should be good to go.