Plus a list of our favorite tween-friendly makeup and skin products! If you’d rather skip the details and go straight to a list of skincare products we love for tweens, check out this post Top Skincare Products for Tweens: Best Face Wash, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen Picks.
Spa Craze Tweens: Makeup, Skin Care, and all the Things Spa!
Over the past few months, my tweens have developed a newfound love for all things spa. It hit me during the holiday season when, out of nowhere, they asked for a ride to Sephora or Ulta to pick up gifts for their friends. It was one of those moments that made me pause; was this really happening? I pulled into the driveway after work, and as I was about to head inside, the girls rushed to the car, practically bursting with excitement.
“Mom, can we go to Sephora, please? I need to buy Christmas gifts for my friends!” Della asked with such enthusiasm that I couldn’t help but smile. My first response wasn’t exactly what I would call polished. “Oh, that’s nice. Do you have a job?” I blurted out, half-joking. Della giggled, and we walked inside as she explained that she and Emma wanted to pick out the gifts themselves. Emma quickly added, “We could try Ulta instead!”
I’ll admit, I was a bit surprised by their choice of stores, but I decided to roll with it. They had a plan. They had cash (though they didn’t yet know the term “budget”), and I was proud to see them thinking about gift-giving in such a grown-up way. Della figured out she could spend $8 per gift, and Emma set her budget at $10. Off we went, and before long, we were wandering the aisles of Ulta. Emma’s first comment was a quiet, “Wow, everything is so expensive!” To be fair, she wasn’t wrong, and I gently suggested she keep looking before making her final picks.
Della, on the other hand, found some adorable spa headbands on sale for $7 each, along with a pack of lip gloss she could split up and add to each gift. Emma wasn’t thrilled with the options at Ulta and asked if we could try another store. I was headed to Home Goods next, and surprisingly, Emma was in her element when we arrived. The store was full of spa-inspired items like cozy candles, bath products, and holiday spa gift packages. She couldn’t wait to buy presents for her friends, her aunt, and her grandmother. Watching them independently plan and shop for their gifts made me reflect on how their sense of independence and creativity has grown. I never could have imagined these little girls navigating budgets and selecting meaningful gifts all on their own.
As a parent, it’s bittersweet to watch them step into these new phases of growing up. While I’m thrilled to see their independence in action, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic for those simpler days when their biggest worry was selecting Moana or Frozen as the movie for the night. But I’m also incredibly proud; these little spa-loving entrepreneurs are learning important lessons about budgeting, generosity, and self-care along the way.
The Spark Behind the Tween Spa Obsession
I’m still not entirely sure where this spa obsession began, but I know it’s been brewing for a while. Over the past year, the girls attended at least three birthday parties that took place on those fancy spa buses that pull up to your driveway. Maybe it’s the allure of the pampering, or perhaps the sophistication of it all, but I can’t deny that it has captivated their imagination. Of course, at school, they’ve picked up on trends from friends, and it’s clear that this is one of the biggest things going on in their social circles. It makes sense—tweens are in that transitional phase where they’re discovering a new sense of self, and spa activities offer a fun way to embrace relaxation, beauty, and even a little bit of grown-up glamour.
What’s interesting is that the girls aren’t allowed on social media (aside from one messaging app which I have full control over), nor do they watch YouTube tutorials, so I know this craze isn’t being fueled by influencers. I’m guessing their friends, who might be a bit more “in the know,” are passing along the trend to them, and they’re fully embracing it. As much as I want to keep Della and Emma from getting lost in the social media rabbit hole, I do love watching them find joy in something that’s so simple and hands-on.
DIY Spa Dreams: Watching My Tweens Create Their Own Little Business
At home, Emma and her group of friends have been working on their “spa business” idea. They’ve got it all figured out: DIY facials, mani-pedis, and even a makeup station. I’ve heard a lot of “my mom can help us with that”. Honestly, I think it’s cute that they think I can do anything despite me being very clear that I don’t possess certain skills. While this sweet faith in me lasts, I’m soaking it in. Until the teenage years, unless I am super lucky!
Della and Emma seem to be experts at creating the ultimate spa ambiance, influenced by our nightly ritual of burning a candle during dinner (something that’s apparently essential to their spa experience – but never without supervision). They’ve even started asking for mini robes, which, let’s be honest, are just about the cutest things ever when you see them in their size. This I know because they received mini robes in a goodie bag at a recent spa party.
The girls are getting creative, too. Emma is all about the fun extras like cucumber slices for the eyes and glitter face masks (because, why not?). Honestly, watching them put together their spa set-up is both hilarious and heartwarming. I can’t help but smile when I see their dedication to making these plans for their “spa business”.
One of my favorite memories from testing their menu for their spa business happened last week when the girls tried to do a “professional” facial on my face. As I lay back, they carefully placed a cucumber slice on my eyes—only to have it fall off multiple times… talk about relaxation! Cue the laughter and giggling. It was one of those moments where you realize, as a parent, that while they might not have all the details down yet, their creativity and zest for life are absolutely spot-on.
It’s incredible to witness my tweens’ journey of independence, creativity, and self-care. Watching them explore these new interests and share them with their friends and family has been one of the greatest joys of parenthood so far. Though I sometimes wish time would slow down just a little, I’m excited to see where this spa obsession takes them next.
Tween-Friendly Makeup Picks: Embracing Creativity with Care
Let’s move on to makeup! Navigating makeup with tweens can be a tricky balance, but for my Della and Emma, it’s all about having fun with it. Our rule is simple: they can only wear makeup out of the house if they first ask me or their dad. And I’m happy to say, they’re pretty good about this! We make sure they understand that makeup isn’t about changing who they are; at this stage, it’s about enjoying the glamour and creativity that comes with it. Their dad and I always remind them they’re beautiful just as they are. I’m not big on makeup myself.
Like me, Della isn’t as into makeup as Emma is. Emma loves to experiment! For Christmas, she received a makeup kit that she’s been having a blast with. Of course, she requested it! It includes everything from lip glosses and eyeshadows to blushes. The best part? The kit uses non-toxic ingredients, and is perfect for young, sensitive skin. I made sure we did a patch test before trying anything, especially since Emma tends to get irritation from some lip glosses. (I get the same reactions myself!). I am sharing it below. It is also a great idea for a gift if going to a spa birthday party though I would recommend checking with the parents prior to offering this to their child for a birthday.
Kids Makeup Kit for Girls – Non-Toxic Real Washable Make Up Set for Little Girls
Why I love this makeup kit:
- Non-Toxic: they advertise this kit as using only kid-friendly, non-toxic ingredients.
- Many Options – it comes with 18 eyeshadow colors, 2 foundations (Emma does not use those much), 3 highlighters, 6 blush colors, 8 lipsticks, 8 lip gloss, and 4 nail polish. It also includes a foam puff, a set of 5 makeup brushes for blush, foundation, smudge, eyeshadow, and a lip brush; There is an eyebrow comb included, and 2 washable makeup remover cloths. Lots of goodies!
- Tinted Lipsticks: A range of subtle pops of color that are fun, yet age-appropriate.
- Blush/Cheek Tints: Light, natural shades that give a soft, healthy glow.
- Eyeshadow Palettes: Playful shades that aren’t too overwhelming.
- Easy Removal: Washable and comes off super easily.
- Mascara: It does not include mascara which is great because we’re skipping this for now; I’m not rushing into it but mentioned it because Emma recently asked about this. It’s a HARD NO!
These products let Emma experiment without overwhelming her or compromising my comfort as a parent. I’m proud of how she’s exploring different looks, and surprisingly, she usually keeps it pretty simple. She seems to have already grasped the concept of “less is more” when it comes to makeup!
Lessons in Self-Care and Confidence: Building Healthy Habits
Along with makeup comes the responsibility of teaching Emma the importance of self-care and proper hygiene. She’s been going through my gentle makeup remover wipes (which I’ve asked her to stop). She is also learning how to remove her makeup thoroughly before bed using her face wash.
When we do our skincare routines together, I show the tweens how I apply my moisturizer—always pushing my skin upward, against gravity (a tip my mom shared with me that I now swear by! call me crazy but I’m not taking chances!). Although they do not yet use eye cream, we also talk about how delicate the skin around our eyes is, and how to gently dab it with the middle finger instead of rubbing.
This is not just about skincare; it’s also about instilling a sense of confidence in the girls. By teaching Emma how to care for her brushes and makeup applicators, I’m helping her build a sense of independence and pride in maintaining her personal care routine. These lessons are a great way to encourage creativity while also fostering self-confidence in my pre-teen girls.
The Daily Essentials: Skincare Routine
Della recently started using new skincare products. She is almost 10 and the most enthusiastic about them. She’s been loving Bubble Skincare products because of the packaging geared towards pre-teens and teens, and I love them because they’re gentle and designed for young skin. She uses the Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Cleanser to wash her face and follows that with the Bounce Back Balancing Toner Mists also from Bubble Skincare. They are also easy to find at places like Walmart, Ulta, and of course on Amazon! I’ve linked them below. Another bonus is that you can buy each product individually or as a set.
When I was younger, I hesitated to use moisturizers because I thought they would clog my pores and cause breakouts. But, I ended up with dry skin and even more breakouts! My dermatologist explained that using a moisturizer is actually key to preventing those breakouts and keeping my skin hydrated. Even though at the time I was much older than Della and Emma are today, I make sure they understand the importance of moisturizing. We stick with fragrance-free and gentle moisturizers, keeping things simple and effective. Della now uses Bubble Skincare’s Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer, and let’s be real, that packaging is so cute! Emma, on the other hand, still uses Cetaphil — a classic we’ve been using since they were babies. It’s a no-fuss, reliable option that works every time. But don’t worry, I’m planning to surprise her with a Bubble Skincare set for her 9th birthday in a little under a year (side note: how is she almost 9 already?! Time flies).
These skincare picks may not be fancy or expensive, but I find they’re perfect for tweens because they focus on gentle, non-irritating products that clean properly while helping them start to learn the basics of a skincare routine.
Here are some great options to consider for your tween’s routine.
Below I share with you my opinions for tween skincare. Know that I do not receive any commission from making these recommendations!
Tween-Friendly Face Washes
Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Cleanser
- Della absolutely loves this cleanser! It effectively removes buildup and impurities from her pores without leaving her sensitive skin feeling tight or uncomfortable, especially after sweaty sessions playing tennis in the sun. The formula is gentle yet powerful, and while she cannot yet appreciate that it’s cruelty-free and vegan, I do! While I can’t speak to this, it is advertised as working well for all skin types, making it a great choice for anyone.
CeraVe Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
- Perfect for tweens with dry or sensitive skin. It gently washes away dirt and oil without making their skin uncomfortable. Packed with helpful ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it helps keep the skin moisturized and balanced, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed every day.
Tweentastic Moisturizers
Bubble Skincare Bounce Back Toner
- Della loves spritzing it on her face; it’s fun, ensuring she uses it regularly, and it instantly refreshes her skin, adding moisture and balance. It’s perfect for on-the-go. She read a review online which gave her the idea to just throw it in her bag to stay refreshed throughout the day.
Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Moisturizer
- As a mom, I’m always looking for products that are both gentle and effective for my tweens, and this Slam Dunk facial moisturizer has been a huge hit! Della doesn’t really care about all the technical details like hydration or protection, but she absolutely loves how it feels. The lightweight cream texture makes it easy to apply, and she enjoys how smooth and refreshed her skin feels afterward. Plus, it leaves her with a healthy, glowing look—something I’ve definitely noticed! It’s perfect for her normal to dry skin, and I love knowing it’s made with natural ingredients. Bonus: the pump head helps ensure tweens don’t waste this product. One pump is all they need per application!
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion has been a go-to for my tweens for years, starting from when they were kids. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, delivering long-lasting hydration without any greasy residue. With its nourishing ingredients like glycerin and vitamins B5 and B3, it keeps their skin soft, smooth, and healthy, making it perfect for daily use on all skin types.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer
- This one is special. Sometime ago I discovered Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer for my own skincare and it’s been a game changer for my sensitive skin. The calming blend of prebiotic oat and feverfew soothes irritation while providing 24-hour hydration, making it a great fit for both moms and tweens. While I don’t use it much anymore because I’m turning 40 and focused on age-related products, I would definitely buy it for the girls as its gentle, fragrance-free formula is perfect for their skin and daily use without causing breakouts or irritation.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
- An absolutely fantastic choice for tweens. The lightweight formula offers broad-spectrum sun protection with zinc oxide (bonus!), while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide keep the skin moisturized and calm. It does not feel greasy and does not clog pores.
Gentle Tween-Appropriate Sunscreens
La-Roche Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
- I stumbled across this one by chance as they were being handed out for free at a tennis tournament last year. Not only have the girls used it, I have as well. It is unscented and a great choice for sensitive skin. It is not a mineral sunscreen, though.
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- This is a solid 100% mineral-based option made with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide. It is fragrance free and not greasy at all. It is advertised as being non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin. What can I say? We love it!
The girls now have a set routine: face wash in the morning, followed by sunscreen and moisturizer. They do the same at night, minus the sunscreen. Of course, I still have to remind them on many days, but that’s all part of teaching healthy habits. Della created a checklist for her daily routine, which inspired me to create a downloadable version for her to print. They love checking off each step, and if that’s what helps them stick to it, I’m all for it! I will make it available for download if requested.
Bonus read for mom’s skincare: 5 Key Reasons Why EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 Is My Daily Must-Have for Face Protection.
Parenting Perspective: Setting Boundaries While Supporting Interests
As a parent, I believe in supporting my kids’ interests while also setting clear boundaries. It’s no different with makeup than it is with any other area of their lives. For example, I’ve become aware that some of the kids at school are using more mature skincare products, like Drunk Elephant, which might not be right for Della and Emma. We’re all about gentle products suited for their sensitive, growing skin.
Here are some tips for maintaining balance:
- Have gentle conversations about self-esteem and natural beauty. While dad handles most of this (not because of any formal arrangement), I’m also involved in reminding them of the importance of feeling good in their own skin.
- Be involved, but avoid micromanaging. Let them experiment, but keep an eye on their choices.
- Set clear boundaries. In our home, no makeup without checking with a parent first.
Conclusion: Embracing Growth and Individuality
This phase of their lives represents so much growth, creativity, and budding independence. It’s exciting to watch them express themselves in new ways, whether it’s through makeup or other interests, and I’m always here to support them. It’s a fun bonding experience for me too, and sometimes, I’ll join in and we’ll have a mini “spa day” together.
If you’re navigating the world of tween skincare and makeup, I’d love to hear about your experiences. What products do your kids love? How do you manage makeup exploration in your home? Share your stories in the comments!