Come get to knowGeneration Beauty.
Some people even made calls to place an age limit on entering a Sephora.
Im taking this strong stance because I was a Sephora tween myself.
Courtesy authorDesign by Bella Geraci
I entered the 7th grade in 2006.
YouTube was only a year old and Instagram didnt exist.
It wasthesocial event of the week, bringing together kids from different middle schools in the area.
My middle school side table, featuring Bumble and Bumble Wave Spray from Sephora, a few OPI nail polishes, Rosebud Salve, and another unidentifiable lip gloss that I remember tasted like strawberry.
I felt so cool and independent having a night out unsupervised.
After the movie was over, Id catch up with friends and flirt with crushes until my ride arrived.
One of my favorite activities before showtime was to visitSephorawith my friends.
My brother and me at my middle school promotion. Curling my hair was always a big deal — note the mid 2000s side bang. I paired my mid-2000s side bang with Lancôme Définicils mascara and a light pink and blue swirl Juicy Tube lip gloss I had begged for.
I have distinct memories of walking through those aisles at that age.
But when we went to Sephora, we entered into a wonderland of play and exploration.
Every product we read about in magazines was there for us to try out in real life.
We would listen enraptured if they gave us any advice to improve our not-so-polishedmakeupskills.
I wouldnt have a tantrum when I heard no.
I was just grateful for these treats from the adult world of beauty.
My brother and me at my middle school promotion.
Curling my hair was always a big deal note the mid 2000s side bang.
The world of beauty is something I still love and revere.
There is a greater expectation to look made up than we did and they can do it well.
After all, kids have better access to learn makeup techniques with internet tutorials.
As far as hobbies go, experimenting withRare Beauty blushand Benefit liquid liner seems pretty harmless.
Kids should be allowed to play and express themselves with color and their personal style.
Where they may need more guidance is in the realm of skin care.
Tweens should focus on developing healthy habits like cleansing their faces and using sunscreen.
Parents can teach kids the rules of exploring a space like Sephora with respect.
We can still allow younger people to explore, dress up, and fall in love with beauty.
Lets just maybe steer them away from the Drunk Elephant aisle.
