Quick Poll Results

SmartGirls submit their questions, and we post them! Here are some of the results.

Method:

We posted the following poll on SmartGirl.org:

Should tweens wear make-up?

lollypop, age 14

Results:

This chart shows how SmartGirls voted in the poll:

Results: should tweens wear make-up? Yes: 31; No: 27

The results were close, but most SmartGirls voted yes: tweens should wear make-up.

Some SmartGirls gave the following reasons for their vote:

Yes:

Daisi, age 19, says:
It's not harming anyone, although I can see why some people would be against it. As long as they don't wear too much, I think it's fine.
Kaytrina, age 17, says:
As long as they truly want to and they aren't just doing it because they think they aren't pretty without it, then go ahead! It's only if they don't truly want to when they probably shouldn't.
Gymnast, age 13, says:
Well, I wear make-up and I have since I was 11. It makes you feel confident in yourself and older than you are--if you can put it on well. I think the most popular response will probably be no because saying tween can be anybody from 7-12, and in my opinion, no one under 10 should wear make-up.
Elizabeth, age 13, says:
Some of it can show who you are. It might just be a phase, and if you aren't allowed, don't go for the goopy thick stuff because it will mess up your skin later in life. Eye shadow and blush have no effect, so I think yes, tweens/TEENS should be allowed to.
Brittany, age 14, says:
If they choose to wear make-up, they can. At that age, girls may be starting to or are already wearing make-up, and they are going into 9th, so it may be good to wear it. Some girls don't need make-up though, so don't think that you HAVE to wear it.
cora, age 9, says:
To me, every girl should wear make-up! It's the perfect thing to do if you're having trouble expressing your feelings because then make-up can show how you feel by the way you put it on and what colors and even how you wear it kinda shows how you are feeling.
Anonymous says:
I think eye shadow and lip gloss are fine, but if by make-up we mean eyeliner, lipstick, blush, bronzer, or mascara, then no.
Anonymous says:
Late tweens like 12 might wear some light foundation or mascara to parties, but otherwise no.
Thomas, age 22, says:
Why limit a child's ability to make herself feel beautiful, especially as their body may be changing for better or worse.
kisskiss, age 10, says:
Why not?
alexa, age 13, says:
It's up to them if they want to or not. I know a lot of people who do it, and so do I.
Shanaynay, age 13, says:
I don't see a problem with it, but it's not like you absolutely should! It's like just a little won't hurt.
lalala says:
prettier
Tiarra, age 10, says:
Because it gives you more glam
kate, age 13, says:
We are teens. We need a little freedom to express ourselves.
Cozzette, age 14, says:
They get the chance to experiment with who they are and how they show who they are to the public.
cece, age 12, says:
idk
cora, age 9, says:
I love make-up! It's stylish, glamorous, and makes you look even more beautiful than before!

No:

Lisa, age 15, says:
Firstly, it ruins their skin. Secondly, it ruins their childhood innocence! This should not be worried about!
Sharon, age 14, says:
Because our skin is sensitive, if you start putting make-up on now, your skin will look bad by the time you're 30.
Ellie, age 16, says:
They should learn to be comfortable without it before they begin to use it.
pinklover300, age 11, says:
Because they're young
Anonymous says:
It really depends on your age. Once you turn 13, I think you should be allowed to, but if you are 11, then it is a big no-no.
Anonymous says:
I think they should on a night out, but it will spoil their face for when they are older if they wear it every day.
Anonymous says:
Well, tweens could, but only like lip gloss. The more you put on, the more you look like a clown and not mature.
Erin, age 13, says:
I don't think you need it because it makes some teens think they are better an prettier than others if they do wear it.
Anonymous says:
I feel nobody should wear make-up. If you need make-up to cover up your body, then you must have really low self-esteem. Make-up is just plain silly!
Darkness17, age 10, says:
No. Think about how long it would take you to apply it.
Amanda, age 31, says:
They are too young to worry about their appearance. Let them be kids.
Anonymous says:
They have plenty of time to do that kind of stuff in the future! The only reason they should be able to is if they are way too insecure.
Danni, age 17, says:
Depends on the age. I believe 14 is an acceptable age. As a tween, they're still children.
Gracie, age 13, says:
Cuz it should be for performances only.
BRAINYGIRL, age 10, says:
Because you don't know what's in the make-up!
Meteorologist, age 10, says:
Because it is not appropriate for us.
Diva, age 16, says:
hh They are beautiful just the way they are.
Jasmine, age 14, says:
They're not even in the stage where they should be getting acne.
Allie, age 14, says:
When you're a tween, you have tons of natural beauty, so you should certainly let it show. Wearing make-up as a tween symbolizes growing up too quickly. Take it easy... the time will come where you will get to wear make-up. And, really, teens (minimum of age 13) should only wear a small amount of make-up to highlight their natural features.
divaa, age 16, says:
Because they shouldn't until they're responsible.
Hooooosieys, age 17, says:
I think they should be allowed to wear a little bit when they go to parties, but they don't NEED to wear it.

Discussion:

How old were you when you first started wearing make-up? Do you wear make-up every day? Do you think make-up is just a basic part of getting dressed, or is it more self-expression? Is it okay to NOT wear make-up?

Please respond to the results, the reasons for the votes, or our discussion questions below: