LilSugar

Mommy Dearest: Grandma Encourages Child to Use Cosmetics

LilSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

My daughter is four years old and is as "girly" as can be. She watches me get dressed for work in the morning and even "helps" me put on my makeup. My mom started buying her toy makeup kits two years ago and often gives her the free cosmetic samples she gets at department stores. Both my husband and I have told my mother that we don't want our child playing with makeup, but she laughs it off, saying that we are being too strict. How young is too young for a child to be playing with makeup?

– Don't Want Daughter Made Up

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Don't Want Daughter Made Up,

Lots of little girls and boys like experimenting with makeup, but it's up to parents to decide what age wearing cosmetics is appropriate. The powders, brushes, tubes of bright lipstick, and sparkly eye shadow entice kiddos because they resemble art supplies. Children have flawless skin and features so it's understandable why you don't your daughter painting her face with products that are for adults or may contain chemicals. But you may be sending mixed messages by having her help with your makeup and letting her play with the goodies grandma has given her. You should sit down with your mother and discuss the rules from this point on, and ask that she respect them. Since it seems the two bond over playing makeup, maybe you would consider allowing her to paint your daughter's nails or dab on a dot of clear gloss as a special treat when they are in each other's company.

-Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Moms Without Makeup

LilSugar — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

The glitz of Hollywood glamour is largely show and that's something we all know, but the other day my jaw hit the floor when I caught a segment on television condemning moms without makeup. Of course, kudos were given to a fistful of women for their God given beauty - Heidi Klum and Jennifer Garner - but that was only after actresses like Marcia Cross were condemned for being too pale on the playground. As a fellow mom, I think the forty-something mother of twins looks rather fabulous bare faced! To see what happened, read more.

Other notables were cited for offenses from lacking luster and not having taken the time to smudge on a smoky eye or pouty lip before heading out. I'm fairly certain those who dared to comment on the appearance of the women weren't parents themselves. Otherwise, they'd know that when in a rush - a mama is more apt to grab a tube of sunscreen than mascara. And, some are lucky just to fit in a shower. Do you make wearing cosmetics a part of your daily routine even when you're hanging out with your offspring?
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Lil Tip: Make Makeup Work For You

babysugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:13 -0700

There's something magical about makeup that makes youngsters swoon. Perhaps it's their desire to mimic mommy, but lads and lasses alike often love applying blush and eye shadow to their baby faces.

My daughter recently broke out in a rash and I needed to apply special lotion to her face and body. Wary, she shied away saying, "No, no mommy!" Thinking on my feet I said, "It's your makeup." In an instant sat up straight and let me lather the cream onto her peachy cheeks. Smiles all around, I know now that makeup is a powerful bribing tool - even for 20-month-old tots.
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Mom-Me Time: Mommy Makeup

LilSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:00:43 -0800

Brushing your teeth can be a task once you have a baby, so finding time to put on a lil make-up is almost impossible. But, one relatively new line of make-up was specifically developed for moms in a pinch.

Debra Rubin-Roberts, an award-winning makeup artist who had worked with Nars, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier, created Mommy Makeup out of necessity after the birth of her daughter. After much trial and error, she developed two kits and a six-minute routine using five to six multi-tasking products that create a “Clean-n-Casual” or “Pretty-n-Polished” look.

To learn more about the kits, read more

Each kit comes in a range of five shades and is accompanied by a “paint by number” instruction chart.

The “Clean-n-Casual” kit ($88) includes five products made to create a natural and bright-eyed, non-made-up look. Included in the kit are a concealer, lip and cheek tint, powder bronzer, powder and mascara.

The “Pretty-n-Polished” kit ($120) is designed for the mom who wants to look a bit more made-up for either the office or a night on the town, and includes concealer, shadow, a combination bronzer and blush, powder, mascara and combination lipliner and lipgloss.

Mommy Dearest: How Should I Deal With Gender Issues?

babysugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:45:44 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

I have a 4-year-old little girl who seems to fit into the stereotypes surrounding children her age; she loves princesses, makeup, and playing with baby dolls. In an effort to get her to branch out, I have signed her up for soccer with other boys and girls her age. At first, the playtime was terrific - boys and girls running elbow to elbow. Then the coach decided to split them up by gender. Kids generally play with their own sex, so I understood his rationale for dividing them, but at this past practice he decided it was time for the boys to play football while the girls still kicked the ball around. When one of the girls asked the coach why the boys got to play football, he said, "The boys have gotten really good at soccer so we're letting them play football. You guys still need to work on your soccer." All of the mothers on the sideline gasped. While the coach may be right, he is already starting to pigeonhole them into the stereotypes that we moms are trying so hard to avoid. They are such an impressionable age and they are already starting to hear that boys are better than them. I would like to talk with the coach about it, but I don't seem to have the right words. Do you have any advice?

- Antistereotype Soccer Mom

To see Mommy Dearest's response, just read more.

Antistereotype Soccer Mom,

Parents are often conflicted with how to share a gender-divided world with their children. It is commendable that you are trying to take actions to show your girly daughter the other facets of life that don't include tutus and lip gloss, but you may find that not everyone is like minded. It seems the coach could use some, er, coaching in stereotyping. He is probably used to straight talk and may appreciate the candor of a sideline mommy. Rather than make a big issue out of it, I'd simply tell him you want the girls to have the same learning experience as the boys. The larger concern at hand would be how he manages to tell the girls about their routine. I would ask him to explain to the girls that they are equal to the boys and ready to roll with the flag-football punches.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on our new community page.

Modeling After Others Mamas: Do You Fear Influences?

babysugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:30:40 -0800

If Lila Hack wasn't born crawling with a swagger, she is sure to learn it just by watching her mum. Model mother Kate Moss threw her godchild, 9-year-old Iris Law (daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost), the soiree of her dreams - a catwalk party. A well-known woman in the fashion world, the leggy Top Shop designer brought gobs of clothes, hairdressers, and makeup galore for the little darling and her pals, which happened to include her own 7-year-old daughter Lila Hack. Done up to the nines, it was then time for the youngsters to learn how to strut their stuff. While it may sound fun and fancy, one might wonder what kind of influence it has on the impressionable youths. One source said:

All of the girls at the bash wanted to be Kate. She brought along lots of clothes for them and the girls had their hair and make-up done especially. . . . Kate also presided over all of the accessories to make them look as catwalk-ready as possible. She was teaching them how to master her famous hip swagger and her "I don’t care look."

My hang-up? I always want my child to care. Would you allow your tot to attend a model party?

Thoughts on the High Glitz: Glamourous or Heinous?

babysugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:02:55 -0800

It is natural that every parent thinks her child is the most darling being on the planet. It is a special kind of mom, a stage mama, who takes it to the next level by entering her children into the world of pageants. The bouffant hairdos, expensive gowns, spray tans, and makeup kits are all part of the up-do that will turn her child into a star. And while many mommies are quick to judge these families for participating in the hoopla, there are clearly enough people to keep the industry ticking. Love it or hate it, TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras has a loyal viewership. And now there's a coffee table book on the market titled High Glitz. In it author Susan Anderson captures the transformation of child to beauty queen. It may make some stomachs turn while it provides inspiration to others. Will the text be like the show - a train wreck you just can't turn away from? Tell us below!

Timeless Sibling Themes For Halloween: Varsity

LilSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:00:27 -0700

Give me an H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N! What's that spell? A couple of cheerleaders and a quarterback dressed up and ready to trick-or-treat. I bet John Moynahan and his impending sibling would cause quite a stir in these costumes! While the pom-pom girl ensemble can easily be made by pinning a felt letter on a pullover, stitching together a skirt and tying some fuzzy balls on sneakers. And a tot can be transformed into a footballer by sewing stuffed pantyhose "muscles" into a jersey, smearing a lil black makeup under his or her eyes and topping their noggin with a helmet, it takes even less time to find the outfits online. If you have a newborn, consider dotting two broken lines down a brown onesie or buying a football bunting. But, make sure no one tosses the pigskin!

What's cuter than one child in a costume? His or her sibling in complementary ones! After shuffling through some old albums, I came across photos of timeless attire for fellow parents to use as inspiration - no trip to the fabric store or thimble required! Check out themes for tots here!

Six “Makeup” Tips For Your Lil Beauty

LilSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 06:00:42 -0700

Girls will be girls. Whether you feel fine letting your daughter indulge in a mani-pedi from time to time or would rather her keep her young skin fresh and product-free, at some point you may have to just give in. Maybe it's Miley, maybe she's watched you apply mascara and lipstick before a dinner date, or maybe girly girls just love gloss. Most of us try to keep the cosmetic rituals out of our children's daily routine (well, unless you are a pageant parent), but there are ways to let them indulge the urge without overdoing. Check out these sensible suggestions for healthy, no-mess ways to help your budding beautician experiment with the idea of makeup.

View Slideshow ›

Kaia Gerber: Mini Makeup Artist?

LilSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaya looks to be a chip off the supermodel block.

The 6-year-old was camera ready when the family went out for dinner at Nobu restaurant in Malibu.

While dad Rande Gerber and big brother, Presley, 8, seemed less enthused by the shutterbugs, Kaya gave good face with her rosy cheeks, defined eyes and matte lips.

It looks like the lil girl had been playing in mommy's makeup.

What's your take on young kids using cosmetics?

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