7 Best Makeup Products For Teens, As Per A Certified Makeup Expert (2024)

Experiment and practice your looks with high-quality and affordable makeup products.

Reviewed by Arrvada Isom, Professional Makeup Artist
Written by Esha Saxena, MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies)
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Asmita De, MA (English)  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

As a teenager, you are most probably enthusiastic to try out lip liner, eye shadow, lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, and other makeup products. But do teenagers apply makeup in the same way as adults do? Do you wonder how to apply makeup for teens? While you might have grown up watching your mom’s makeup routines, trying out new makeup or a new look might fascinate you as a teen. You might itch to use all the makeup products at once. But, it would be best if you were careful not to try out makeup techniques or makeup products that aren’t for you. Because you may end up looking old, over-the-top, or even damage your youthful skin. So, we have provided a step-by-step technique and some carefully picked products that help do the makeup flawlessly for your convenience. Keep scrolling to check them all out!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best For Even Skin Tone:Tinted moisturizer or BB cream
Price on Amazon
Best For Dark Spots:Concealer
Price on Amazon
Best For Rosy Hue:Cream Blush
Price on Amazon
Best For Subtle Look:Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
Price on Amazon
Best For Sharp Eyes:Eyeliner
Price on Amazon
Best For Longer Lashes:Mascara
Price on Amazon
Best For Plump Lips:Lip Gloss
Price on Amazon

Makeup Essentials For Every Teenage Girl

You don’t have to use all these products on a daily basis, but if you have something special coming up, knock yourself out. These are some essentials you can start out with, in your makeup bag.

1. Best For Even Skin Tone:Tinted moisturizer or BB cream

4.4
Tinted moisturizer or BB cream Image: Maybelline
Now 33% Off

A Blemish Balm does about everything you need – from moisturizing to evening out your skin tone, combatting UV rays, and protecting your skin from harmful externalities. It’s lightweight and great for young skin. Try the celebrity-endorsed Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector SPF 30 or The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream.

Product Dimensions: 0.93 x 1.83 x 4.57 inches | Weight: 1.52 Ounces

Pros

  • Smooth application
  • Blurs imperfections
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Oil-free
  • Hydrates the skin
  • SPF-infused
  • Lightweight formula
  • Dewy finish
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • May oxidize to a darker shade

Our Tester's Experience

"After using this BB cream for quite some time, I've noticed it provides good coverage with multiple benefits. It's an ideal solution for those going for a natural look. It also offers ample coverage for issues like rosacea, without the heaviness. It spreads smoothly and offers a sheer finish. A little certainly goes a long way."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 3,023 great reviews on Amazon.

2. Best For Dark Spots:Concealer

4.4

If you’re worried about dark spots or scars left behind from acne, a wee bit of concealer can be of immense help to you. You can try the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer or NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer as both of these are quite gentle on the skin. If you have dark spots or dark undereye circles, apply a concealer. Reviewers on online forums have suggested not going overboard with the concealer and focusing on problem areas only.

Color: Beige | Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 1.1 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 0.81 Ounces

Pros

  • 16-hour wear
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Hydrating formula
  • Crease-resistant
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Humidity-proof
  • Transfer-resistant
  • Water-resistant
  • Alcohol-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Ophthalmologist tested

Cons

  • Expensive

Our Tester's Experience

"This product offers good coverage, effectively hiding my dark circles. The shade is also a perfect match for my skin tone. It's a staple in my purse for its quick results and ease of use. Also, it blends smoothly and doesn't cake - a reliable choice indeed."


protip_icon Quick Tip

Apply the NARS Soft Matte Face Primer before applying the NARS Concealer to keep the matte makeup intact for a prolonged time.


3. Best For Rosy Hue:Cream Blush

4.4
Cream Blush Image: Milani
Now 14% Off

If you want to flaunt flushed cheeks throughout the day, a cream blush in a rosy pink tone will help you flaunt your cheeks all through the day. Many reviews indicate that the blush will brighten just about any look! Moreover, the product is not tested on animals, which makes it an appropriate option for people seeking cruelty-free choices. Try the Revlon Photoready Cream Blush or Tarte Cheek Stain today.

Color: LUMINOSO | Product Dimensions: 2.38 x 0.93 x 2.38 inches | Weight: 0.16 Ounces

Pros

  • Highly-pigmented
  • Buildable coverage formula
  • Smooth application
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Available in 11 shades

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"I love how this baked blush offers a radiant finish! The buildable, velvety texture that suits my skin quite well. It also enhances my skin without any cakiness. The formula has a good lasting power too. I also use it as a highlighter, which makes my makeup sessions smoother."

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 6,455 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

4. Best For Subtle Look:Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

4.4
Neutral Eyeshadow Palette Image: Covergirl

Just like that killer pair of sneakers, or your favorite jeans, a neutral eyeshadow palette is a necessity in every makeup bag for creating subtle eye makeup looks with ease. Try the Covergirl Nudes TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette or the L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude.

Color: Nudes - 805 | Product Dimensions: 2.84 x 4.49 x 0.47 inches | Weight: 0.23 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Highly-pigmented
  • Waterproof
  • Smudge-proof
  • Easily blendable
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Available in 8 shades

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Experience

"This has become an everyday staple in my makeup kit! The shades are beautiful and vibrant, aligning well with my preference for a muted, classy look. The formula has good staying power and shows no signs of flaking or creasing even after a full day's wear."


protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow up with truNaked waterproof eyeliner to make the nude eyeshadow bold and dramatic for any event.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 6,778 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

5. Best For Sharp Eyes:Eyeliner

4.2
Eyeliner Image: Urban Decay

There’s nothing like a statement-making eyeliner to make your peepers pop. Brown eyeliner is the best bet for you as it enhances the eyes without looking overdone. Try the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil or the Essence Waterproof Eyeliner Pen.

Color: Whiskey (rich brown matte) | Product Dimensions: 6.02 x 0.55 x 0.55 inches | Weight: 0.04 Ounces

Pros

  • Smudge-proof
  • Waterproof
  • Smooth application
  • Nourishing formula
  • Good color payoff
  • Skip-free formula
  • Creamy finish
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"This eyeliner has a very impressive staying power! It lasts throughout the day with minimal smudging, even on oily skin. It goes on smoothly and delivers a solid line in one stroke. It also does not transfer onto fabrics and is water-resistant."

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 890 rave reviews on Amazon.

6. Best For Longer Lashes:Mascara

Mascara

Mascara is perhaps the most fun makeup product to play with. A little bit of it can make a world of a difference to your look and amp it up, because who doesn’t love fluttery, long lashes? Try the Maybelline Volume Express Colossal Mascara or the Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara.

Color: 805 - Black | Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 1.3 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 0.44 Ounces

Pros

  • Clump-free
  • Flake-free
  • Smear-proof
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"The waterproof formula does a great job! It stays intact through tears, gym sessions, and sleep without smudging. It offers great results for a drugstore brand and matches its higher-end alternatives. The mascara formula separates the lashes and adds volume without any clumps. A bonus is how easy it is to remove after a long day of wear."

7. Best For Plump Lips:Lip Gloss

The gateway makeup – lipgloss or a sheer lip cream is best for teenagers! Choose sheer pink or neutral shades that are age-appropriate and will work for any occasion. Try the NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss or Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Gloss for exceptional results.

Skin Type: DryColor: Berry Chic | Product Dimensions: 0.64 x 0.64 x 3.64 inches | Weight: 0.58 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Sheer coverage
  • Non-sticky
  • Moisturizing formula
  • Available in 12 shades
  • Creamy finish
  • Mild scent

Cons

  • Expensive

Our Tester's Experience

"I have been using this one for some time now. I love its sheer finish and moisturizing benefits. It gives a subtle shimmery finish, slight tint, and a pleasant fruity scent. I use it for everyday makeup."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

How To Apply Makeup For Teens – A Step By Step Tutorial

Your teen years are the perfect time for some fresh, simple yet fun celebrity-inspired makeup looks. Now that you have an idea of all the essentials to have on your dresser, here’s a tutorial to help you create the perfect look.

1. Prep Your Skin

Makeup For Teens - Prep Your Skin
Image: YouTube @Lisa Eldridge

Start with a clean slate. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, exfoliate if necessary, and apply your moisturizer. If you have oily skin, you can use a priming moisturizer instead. However, be careful with most primers as they can be silicone based and build up in the pores causing pore enlargement and milia.

2. Apply BB Cream

Makeup For Teens - Apply BB Cream
Image: YouTube @Lisa Eldridge

Apply your BB cream or a tinted moisturizer with a brush or your fingers. Blend it out well until your skin looks even-toned. Make sure you keep it really light by applying a thin layer for a natural-looking finish.

3. Go In With Concealer

Makeup For Teens - Go In With Concealer
Image: YouTube @Lisa Eldridge

If you have dark spots or dark under-eye circles, apply a concealer. Don’t go overboard with the concealer and focus on problem areas only. For dark circles, it is best to apply a color corrector before the concealer to avoid “bleed through” of the undertones. Color corrector should be applied before the foundation.

4. Add Some Blush

Makeup For Teens - Add Some Blush
Image: YouTube @Lisa Eldridge

Use a subtle rosy pink cream blush and apply it using your fingers. You want a naturally flushed look, so keep it light and blend the product out well. You can add a light translucent setting powder on the other areas of your face.

5. Enhance Your Eyes

Makeup For Teens - Enhance Your Eyes
Image: YouTube @Lisa Eldridge

Apply a neutral eyeshadow on your lids and apply a coat of mascara to enhance your eyes. This will instantly make you look more awake. Groom your eyebrows with a spoolie.

6. Apply Your Lip Color

Makeup For Teens - Apply Your Lip Color
Image: YouTube @Lisa Eldridge

Use a tinted lip balm or a hydrating lip gloss for your pout – a color that looks very subtle and sheer to add a hint of color and hydration to your lips.

Voila! Here’s the final look! Isn’t it perfect for school?

Makeup For Teens - Voila! Here’s the final look
Image: Youtube

Tips: Makeup Tips And Tricks For Teenage Girls

Girls, you know what you need, and you know how to go about creating a simple, go-to makeup look that’s literally perfect for any occasion. The best thing about makeup is that you get to further enhance your already gorgeous features. Don’t use it as a crutch or try to look like somebody else, but use it to put your best face forward. Get it?

Here are a bunch of tips that will come in handy while you create your enhanced beauty routine. We are here to help you make the most of it.

  • Always moisturize and use a light primer as these are the best things you can do before putting any makeup on. This step will help set a smooth base for your makeup to go on while reducing oiliness and shine. Opt for the tried-and-tested Benefit POREfessional Primer!
  • It’s always a good idea to curl your lashes before putting on mascara. If you curl them after you have already put them on, it’s more likely to clump and ruin the look.
  • Use only high-quality teen products with ingredients that won’t clog your pores or harm your skin. When you’re a teenager, your skin is more prone to breakouts – use makeup that suits your skin type and won’t irritate it.
  • When you’re using your concealer to cover those pesky blemishes, use one that matches your skin tone and set it with loose powder to prevent it from fading through the day.
  • It’s also very important to take off your makeup at the end of the day. Make sure you incorporate CTM (cleansing, toning, and moisturizing) into your daily beauty routine for skin that is healthy and flawless.

Infographic: Makeup Rules Every Teenager Needs

Using some makeup to enhance their natural beauty is every girl’s dream. And if you follow the basic rules, you can enjoy looking pretty while keeping your skin healthy as well! The basic mantra is to go subtle. But what else can you do so that you look your best self? Check out the infographic below to know how you can make your makeup routine wholesome!

Makeup Rules Every Teenager Needs

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

I bet you teens are excited to shop the world of cosmetics for youth for the first time and let me tell you, your makeup skills are bound to get a gazillion times better by the time you are twenty. So keep at it, do what you love, and don’t feel shy to experiment with makeup. Of course, it has to be appropriate for the place and the occasion (you know the drill better). For instance, you can opt for an expertly crafted Tinted moisturizer or BB cream for an even skin tone and a statement-making Cream Blush to add a pop of color to your face for casual occasions. Lastly, make sure you eat healthy, drink a lot of water, and look after yourself so that the unmatched beauty of your youth will shine through without a lot of effort.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Esha Saxena is a makeup connoisseur who is always looking for tips to improve skin health and try new makeup products. In this article, she has handpicked some easy-to-use products for teenage girls and has also included quick guidelines on how to apply makeup. In addition, she has scoured hundreds of websites to look for the best ones to make it to her list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can teenage girls get a natural makeup look?

Teenagers can opt for a simple makeup look that enhances their natural features and complexion. Here are some easy steps:
•  Gently cleanse and moisturize your skin.
•  Use an SPF that is 30 and above.
•  Use a foundation in your shade or a BB cream.
•  Dab a few dots of concealer on any acne spots or the under-eye.
•  Add some blush to the cheekbones ever-so-slightly.
•  Accentuate your eyes by applying a few coats of mascara and a line of eyeliner.
•  Tame your brows using a spoolie.
•  Finish off the look by applying a light, tinted balm or sheer lipstick in a light shade.

What kind of makeup do teens wear?

Teens ideally wear light, minimalistic makeup that is lightweight and lets their skin breathe easily. This also ensures that their pores remain unclogged and their skin remains less prone to breakouts.

Which foundation is the best for teenagers?

Using a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer can easily give a flawless makeup base on teens. However, if you do want a foundation, you can use the Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Clean SPF 30 Foundation. It is a non-toxic, gentle, vegan formula that doesn’t give any flashbacks.

Is makeup good for teenage skin?

Teenage skin is sensitive and may easily be triggered by cosmetic products. So, make sure, as teens, you use the gentlest formulations that will not hamper your skin in any way.

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