It’s a girl’s world, and we are all just living in it. From the newest TikTok dances to makeup trends and skincare must-haves, our little girls immerse themselves in this magical world of “pink everything” and dreamy 100-step self-care routines.
Admittedly, I am just as in love with skincare, sparkly eye makeup, and candles that smell like vanilla birthday cake, but I think things are getting a bit out of hand, and we parents can thank the internet for that.
As a mom of two girls, I have surprisingly managed to fly under the radar when buying my daughters clothing that coincides with the latest trends and listening to T-Swift on repeat in the car until I’ve memorized every word.
I wasn’t too restrictive; I just never put much of an emphasis on shopping for trends while out with my kiddos. I taught them to wear what makes them feel good and what looks cute, whether in style or not. Of course, once in a while, I bought them the jeans of the moment and the “slay” tops they just had to have. However, I did so in moderation – a mish-mosh of their style flowed way better than spending money on clothing that would be out of style two weeks later.
Fast-forward to the present moment, and I can’t seem to break my daughters away from Stanleys and the aesthetically pleasing lavender and baby pink drinks Starbucks has to offer (which, may I add, is not for the flavor because I end up dumping most of the drink out, so my wallet is taking a hit for a pretty hue and TikTok cameo).
It seems like it all happened overnight. Luckily, my youngest isn’t as invested in die-hard skincare routines and overusing the word “slay” to the point of no return, but she is not far behind her sister!
When my 11-year-old diva rolls out of bed, she heads straight to the bathroom. She dedicates most of her time to brushing and perfecting her hair into a trendy style, which almost always includes a color-coordinated headband (which complements her outfit, of course).
Skincare comes next with her newest item: eye cream (since when does an 11-year-old need under-eye cream?! I digress) and a sparkly swipe of lip gloss to complete the look. I am well aware that this routine is nothing compared to what it will be when she is allowed to wear actual makeup and go all out on her beauty routine, which, may I add, she cannot wait to engage in.
However, there is a time and a place for everything, and I feel that makeup is not permissible at eleven years old (at least in my home). The most I allow is lip oil or gloss. Blush, mascara, eye shadow, and any new-age magical pixie concealers and face powders circulating on social media are not in her beauty tote.
She is way too young, in my opinion, for a full face of makeup. Of course, there have been days when I’ve allowed her to experiment, and I must say that she did a great job and mastered the “less is more” look on her own. She donned just the right amount of mascara when I expected to see her stroll out of the bathroom looking like a quarterback with jet-black under-eye smears. Kudos to my girl for perfecting the good old “I have makeup on, but I look like I don’t” rule. No one likes a clown, and Halloween is meant for one day, so the makeup is minimal.
Our little girls grow up so fast, and the swirl of social media, skincare routines, and the ever-changing popularity of musical artists all influence their grip on reality. We parents must keep our girls level-headed and maintain their originality by not letting them become preoccupied with the new beauty trends and letting them focus on TikTok dances rather than homework.
Even their taste in music can change according to what their friends are listening to. Our daughters must find balance in everything and be confident in their decisions, from how they dress to what song is worthy enough to appear on their playlist. The glamour and fashion world will always be there as a fun escape from the normal world – but that’s just it; the normal world needs attention. Schoolwork will forever be superior in my book. Makeup and hair are fun but won’t prepare you for the long road ahead, which is surviving everyday life.
What seems important now is a mere fraction of what our girls will face in a few years. Grades will determine what colleges they get accepted into, and their study habits and decision-making will determine what jobs they get and how they will support themselves.
Social media is a fun distraction from the reality that we adults even get sucked into from time to time, but everything is in moderation. As long as balance and priorities are placed on the right things, there will be fewer bumps in the road to adulting.
The next beauty product or Starbucks drink fad will always be there to take your coins, but you can’t obtain what you don’t have the money for. This is food for thought and, if nothing else, an incentive for our girls to work hard and become successful enough to buy out Sephora one day.
