Makeup for Teenagers: 15 Basic Products That Are Affordable and Safe
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Interested in makeup for teenagers? Then you've stumbled upon the right article. For many teenagers, wearing makeup is a rite of passage. Ask a beauty lover of any age, and they can probably tell you the first real makeup product they bought and what it meant to them. Things like blush, mascara, and concealer sound simple, but they can say so much; makeup is a place for freedom, experimentation, and play.
Building your first real makeup routine as a tween or teen can be really overwhelming. There are so many products to choose from, so how do you know what you really need versus what's trending on TikTok at this very moment? Of course, the best makeup for teenagers depends on a few different factors: your day-to-day life, your budget, and your personal style. Some teens are more glitter than clean-girl minimalism. Some prefer a fresh, dewy look, while others gravitate toward a more sculpted, YouTube-tutorial vibe. The fun of makeup is that it's not permanent; you can wash it off whenever you want, so you don't have to take it so seriously!
When you're looking for the best makeup for teenagers and tweens, start with daily essentials you'll wear every day before loading up on expensive palettes or the flavor-of-the-week viral product. A few basic complexion products, like a skin tint, bronzer, and concealer, will help you create a simple base so you can have fun with lip glosses and oils. Ahead, we've rounded up some tried-and-true makeup for teenagers essentials to get you started, from bestselling blushes to budget picks that work like their more expensive counterparts.
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innisfree
Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 SunscreenOK, so sunscreen isn't makeup per se, but you absolutely need it in your routine! It's never too early to start using SPF to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays that can cause dark spots, fine lines, and skin cancer.
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e.l.f. Cosmetics
Halo Glow Skin TintA great skin tint helps even out your complexion without feeling too heavy or “done," especially when you're rushing out the door. e.l.f.'s Halo Glow Skin Tint gives light, subtle coverage with a radiant finish, plus SPF 50 mineral sun protection!
Whether you're using concealer to hide a breakout, disguise dark circles, contour, or all of the above, this creamy, buildable formula from Colourpop gets the job done for under $10 and comes in a wide variety of shades.
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Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Rare Beauty's easy-to-use bronzer sticks can be used in a few different ways, including to contour your face or as a traditional bronzer for a sunny glow. If you're curious about contour, this chunky stick formula is a great place to start — and remember, practice makes perfect!
Don't feel like fussing with a brow pencil? Air Brow is a lightweight brow gel that can easily be brushed into your brows to tint, shape, and define them. We love that it stays in place all day and comes in a ton of different shades.
Glossier’s Cloud Paint will always be a classic. There are plenty of shades to choose from and it's easy to dot on and blend with your fingers. Just remember that less is more with this ultra-pigmented formula.
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Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez knows good blush. Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Bouncy Blush is so much fun to apply and gives cheeks the prettiest flush of bright color in a fun cream-powder fusion.
Mascara is another essential, though it's currently trendy to skip it in favor of a no-mascara look. But if you love a defined lash, this budget-friendly pick from Essence gives your lashes lasting lift, volume, and curl for one low price.
These face gems, created by the lead makeup artist from Euphoria, are perfect for having a little fun with your look. Wear them on your eyes, cheeks, above your brow, wherever! They're cute for a special occasion like prom, a school dance, or a concert, but can be worn whenever you want to sparkle.
Speaking of sparkle, this ultra-shimmery shadow went viral on TikTok for a reason. It's so sparkly and gorgeous when worn solo or layered with other shadows. Apply it with your finger or blend it with a brush.
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ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr
Keep your makeup in place for a long day of classes or a night out with this dewy-finish setting spray, which gives your skin a glassy glow and locks in your look.
Join in on the jelly trend with Kaja’s two-in-one lip and cheek stain. They come with a keychain and the cutest charms, so you can hang them on your purse when you're going to the mall or your backpack when you're off to school.
This lip gloss is one of the most popular among Teen Vogue editors, so you know it's good! It gives a picturesque tint and feels so shiny and dreamy, never sticky, on your lips.
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e.l.f. Cosmetics
Glow Reviver Lip OilYou don't need a luxury lip oil when this under-$10 version from e.l.f. is so good! Drugstore brands have totally changed the game for affordable, quality products at any price point.
teenvogue
