Too Much?

In society today, makeup has become a fundamental part of females’ lives especially in the United States. Unlike its previous generation users it is not only frequently worn by adults but also by teenagers and even young children.  The age for cosmetics users has significantly decreased from previous years causing a common debate over whether there should be an age restriction of makeup users.

Makeup has become very popular with youths. Teenagers with makeup are considered as normal and common. Its popular usage is influenced by the television and other entertainment and media sources. “Toddlers and Tiaras”, a pageant television show, displays toddlers and other youths with an insanely great amount of makeup along with extravagant costumes and spray tans; the show has received numerous negative critics, yet is still watched by many. In a way, makeup has led to a loss of innocence in young users. Makeup is used to enhance and beautify a person’s appearance. That usually causes its young users to appear older. High school students with makeup on can easily be mistaken as adults in their twenties, while middle school users can look like a high school student or an adult. Makeup is considered as an “adult thing”. Therefore youths who already look older with cosmetics sometimes also attempt to become more mature to match their personality with their appearance. Makeup erases its young users’ childish appearance and aura in addition to the vitality found in children.

Despite the countless arguments against children to use cosmetics, I personally do not mind young children using makeup. However I do not believe children should wear heavy makeup like in “Toddlers and Tiaras”. Nor do I believe that children should use cosmetics on a day to day basis. Children should only wear makeup for performances or other special occasions. Makeup has become a common thing of society.