There’s no “right” age to start wearing makeup. Some people start playing with lipstick as kids, while others don’t discover foundation until their mid-twenties. That said, once you hit your teenage years, the idea of covering blemishes with concealer and swiping on a few coats of mascara is all too enticing. And makeup for teens can be a whirlwind to navigate. Aside from finding the must-have products for your new makeup bag, we’d be willing to bet you also want to give some of the latest TikTok trends a try. If you’re unsure where to start, consider this your guide to the best makeup for teens, including what to include in your teen makeup kit and a few of our favorite looks to try.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR TEEN MAKEUP KIT
Before talking about tips and looks, it’s a smart idea to build your own teen that will have you equipped with all the necessities. While you’ll likely want to expand your kit as you try new makeup trends, here are the basics to include.
#1. MEDIUM-COVERAGE FOUNDATION
For an all-over even complexion, you’ll want to start wearing foundation. However, this doesn’t mean you have to wear a formula that’s noticeable. Instead, opt for a medium-coverage foundation that will help blur and conceal your imperfections without hiding your skin underneath. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is a must for your teen makeup kit since it offers medium coverage with a radiant finish.
How to use it: Apply a dot of foundation to your cheeks, forehead, and chin. Then, blend the formula outward with a makeup sponge for an airbrushed finish.
#2. FULL-COVERAGE CONCEALER
While you don’t need a full-coverage foundation, having a concealer that can cover it all can come in handy. Whether you have acne or dark circles, you name it, and the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage will help disguise it!
How to use it: Apply a dot of concealer where needed using the doe-foot applicator. You can also apply a color that’s one to two shades lighter in an upside-down triangle under your eyes to help disguise dark circles. Blend the liquid formula with a makeup sponge for seamless coverage.
#3. NATURAL-COLORED BLUSH
A little flush never hurt anyone! While there is plenty of fun, trendy blush hues to try, we recommend adding a natural-looking option to your teen makeup kit. Pick a shade from the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush collection that resembles your natural blush.
How to use it: Smile! Then sweep your color of choice onto the apples of your cheeks using a blush brush.
Editor’s note: Instead of only wearing blush on your cheeks, give one of the latest trends a go by putting blush on your nose. Yes—it’s a thing! Check out our article, Should You Wear Blush on Your Nose?
#4. BROW MASCARA
There’s no need to go crazy when it comes to filling and shaping your eyebrows, but a little grooming can go a long way. For a subtle brow boost, use a brow mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Boost & Set Brow Mascara. This will help add a tint of color, create a slight boost in thickness, and keep any stray hairs from falling out of place.
How to use it: Start with clean brows. Comb the angled skinny brush through your brows in short, upward strokes to boost volume and build to the desired intensity and shape.
#5. EYESHADOW PALETTE
Rather than stocking up on an array of single eyeshadows, make your life easier and invest in an eyeshadow palette. Look for one with neutral colors that can be used daily, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude. Then, build your collection by adding some fun shades into the mix as you experiment with different looks!
How to use it: There are plenty of options for using your palette. To help get you started, check out our article, How To Apply Natural-Looking Eye Shadow: The Complete Tutorial.
#6. MASCARA
It should come as no surprise that mascara is on this list—it may just be the most essential product! Look for a formula that will give your lashes both length and volume. We love the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable.
How to use it: Place the wand at the base of your lashes. Sweep up and gently wiggle back and forth as you do so to pack on volume.
#7. SHEER LIPSTICK
Glossy lips are associated with youth, but they also happen to be seriously trendy right now. Our favorite way to get the look is via a sheer, high-shine lipstick, and it’s definitely a teen makeup kit must-have. Pick your favorite shade (or a few!) from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick line.
How to use it: Apply starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to outer edges of your pout, following the contour of your mouth. Then glide across the entire bottom lip.
#8. LIP GLOSS
Speaking of sheer lip colors, if you want something even glossier, make sure you grab a lip gloss for your makeup bag! A tube of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Le Gloss is just what you need. Consider taking the glossy lip trend to the next level and learn How To Get Glassy Lips.
How to use it: Start at the center of your upper lip and work your way to the outer edges of your pout, following your lip shape. Glide the applicator across your bottom lip and fill in.
#9. BRUSHES AND TOOLS
Of course, you’ll be needing something to help you apply all of this makeup. Make sure you pick up some essential makeup brushes and a makeup sponge, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, so you can create flawless looks every time.
How to use it: Apply a small amount of product directly onto the blender or your skin. Then, use dabbing and rolling motions to blend the product for the smoothest, most uniform application.
#10. MAKEUP REMOVER
One last thing! In case you didn’t already know, sleeping in your makeup is an absolute no-no. Yup, even if you stayed up way too late and are ready to crash. Make sure to have a waterproof makeup remover on-hand. We love no-rinse, sink-less options like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types.
How to use it: Saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water before gliding it over your skin to remove makeup.
Next: A Skin Care Routine For Teens