My parents let me start wearing make up when I was in 7th grade, and that's my rule as well. However, it's very simple. Just some neutral eyeshadows and mascara and a little blush. All very natural looking - not clown looking or scary. Most of the time you can't even tell my daughter is wearing make-up. There are some girls in my kids' 5th grade class who wear a lot of make-up...I'm talking full blown eye-liner, blush, etc...they look like they are competing on "Toddlers and Tiaras"! It makes me sad. I don't know why these parents are in such a hurry for their daughters to be so grown up.

I believe that girls can start wearing light make up when in 7th & 8th grades. A light powder foundation or concealer to cover blemishes that start appearing at that age, or a light colored lip balm. (I recall being thrilled to be allowed to wear a bubble gum scented lip balm with just a touch of blush coloring.)

But, it seems some parents allow make up to a new extreme -- and pass it off as expression. Well, the artist palette and brush may be a little heavy handed. Pass by the local junior high and you will see eyes so dark it appears some young girls are simulating to look like raccoons. Magazines and music videos bring on a sense of an early need to express their sexuality at an early age-- I'm not sure if "Toddlers and Tiaras" would not be the pageant comparison I would make. It is sad.

I'll agree that 7th grade is an appropriate time to allow makeup. Starting with minimal products: lip gloss and maybe some blush. Some concealer to cover pimples is okay too. I know that black eyeliner is very popular now but it needs to kept to a tasteful minimum. The most surprising thing to me is seeing girls who are coloring their hair at a young age. Girls will mirror their friends' style or maybe even look to their mom's to try and find their style. It's a time when girls are learning to express themselves. Makeup and clothing styles play a big role.

Hi Everyone
I agree with the 7th grade but I don't know if they really have to be wearing a bunch of makeup to school. I would say Lip gloss and some some consealer and blush is all and not every day. I really want my daughter to be happy with who she is and in those grades we really need to stress that, without teaching them to hide behind looking pretty for other people.
I really feel that kids should be taught how to use makeup as well. I would most likely be the mom that would bring my daughter to a couple of makeup stores (JC Penny or Carsons) and have the professionals show her a couple of subtle ways to use makeup. That way she learns the right way and gets a quality makeup that is right for her skintones, without doing stuff like causing achne.

Well im going into 7th grade in 1 or 2 months but I still dont think my mom would let me