Question for the MUAs - do you sell makeup to kids?

[animecute]

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkishstar Yeah, when I wanted some things when I was a teen, I had to earn it. Actually, I was never rewarded for my straight A's. I instead saved as much lunch money as I could just to buy a few pretty things for myself.

Ditto! And now a days you see people who end up with all B's and their parents are all like "here's your laptop". Like wow...rofl it's so funny to hear my parents complain about those people. Then you get the "back in my day" lecture. =.=

 

[PolyphonicLove]

Quote:

Originally Posted by animecute Aw thanks. lol that actually made me tear up a bit. That girl threw away a couple dollars and a quater! But gosh, even pennies are worth saving in my opinion. It costs money to make the darn pennies. I think they're wonderful in my wallet so when you have to pay tax you don't get all that loose change! Sorry I have to rant, but gosh some other teen girls I have to say piss me off so much. Today a group of girls passed by talking trash about others and swearing like it's so cool. I really hate it. I understand if you swear cause you're in deep pain or something but goodness does anyone have any manners anymore? I'm starting to see this in grade 3s! Gossip's grown so bad in my classes too. "omg she's so muscley" or "her boobs are so big they must be implants" or anything of that sort. HA - I overheard some girls talking trash behind my back (I don't think they noticed I was sitting in front of them) and the worst diss they could come up with is "Her are is soo shiny. What a poser." and I'm just thinking is that the best diss they can come up with?

OMFG, that's horrible. I'd be so pissed to see her throw away good money like that! That's prolly 2 double cheeseburgers at McDonald's, damn it.

And dude, I have seen FIVE YEAR OLDS cuss like they're grown, talking about "bitches n hoez en errybody's momma" like no one's business. I just stare at them and wonder where the hell their parents are. If my little brother was their age and talked like that, Mum would smack him into oblivion!

And teenagers always gossip about others, but its pitiful when people try to talk about you, and they can't even think of anything bad. One girl even said about me one day, "Her eyeliner is pretty...she must think she's SPECIAL or somethin." At least make something up about my weave or something. Think of something juicy!

 

[animecute]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolyphonicLove OMFG, that's horrible. I'd be so pissed to see her throw away good money like that! That's prolly 2 double cheeseburgers at McDonald's, damn it. And dude, I have seen FIVE YEAR OLDS cuss like they're grown, talking about "bitches n hoez en errybody's momma" like no one's business. I just stare at them and wonder where the hell their parents are. If my little brother was their age and talked like that, Mum would smack him into oblivion! And teenagers always gossip about others, but its pitiful when people try to talk about you, and they can't even think of anything bad. One girl even said about me one day, "Her eyeliner is pretty...she must think she's SPECIAL or somethin." At least make something up about my weave or something. Think of something juicy!

It pisses me off when they're always the people who ask for money =.=# arg.

Ya and then when they finally understand the meaning, it's either because "but everyone else does it" or "not it can't me". It really upsets me when it's the parents' fault too. My dad does it a lot and now my brothers are picking it up and I get the blame It's not like I would in front of kids =.=
And it's really sad to see when kids get mad they say stuff lilke "imma kill you" when they don't actually mean it. sometimes it should be taken seriously and sometimes they don't really mean it. =/ But I hate it how it's taken so lightly - death too. I think the blame is how movies and stuff tones down the seriousness but gosh not cool. And heck you see guys on tv doing their thing and hurting others and going out for pizza right after and partying.

Oh my gosh! lmao I know what you mean. espically when you find those girls who talk on the phone for hours like that. It'd be funny if they kept talking to their selves on the phone and played it back and realized how dumb it was. haha XD

 

[fafinette21]

Quote:

Originally Posted by animecute Ditto! And now a days you see people who end up with all B's and their parents are all like "here's your laptop". Like wow...rofl it's so funny to hear my parents complain about those people. Then you get the "back in my day" lecture. =.=

I don't think there is anything wrong with parents buying things for their children as long as their children deserve it. It doesn't necessarily matter what the outcome is as long as they put in the most effort possible. I know a lot of people who would be thrilled to get B's and have had to work hard to get them.

My parents bought me a new computer before I went to university, and the next summer I decided I needed a laptop instead and they bought me that too. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate what they have given me or that they aren't good parents because of it.

To some people I might have it easy because my parents give up a lot to ensure I have all I need but I still work for it. I have a full time job in the summer and give them as much money as possible to help pay for university, and I study hard to get the best grades possible to show them they are not wasting their money.

I know when I become a parent I will do everything to give my children the world, but because of the way my parents raised me, I know I can do it without creating a spoiled monster.

 

[PolyphonicLove]

Fafinette, you aren't lyin about those Bs...I've been bustin my butt for em! I get so close, and bam. A measly C. At least I can say that I tried [but usually that isn't even enough for my parents, they expect As all the time - which is impossible for me]. So I can see what you mean firsthand.

Animecute, my parents tend to curse a lot, and my one year old brother picked up on it and started to say "shit" whenever he didn't get his way, and then he would promptly get a spanking. I had to tell them how THEY were the ones influencing him, and that if THEY stopped the cursing, then in turn, HE wouldn't either. Once they stopped using those words around him, he stopped too. Too bad he's still a little bad ass tho!

In the end, I guess in most cases, a child's behavior is based on the behavior of his parents. ;-;

 

[sharkbytes]

I hate to admit it, but my 5 year old niece is starting to show some baaaad signs. I adore her, but she's spoiled absolutely rotten and she LOVES makeup. To be fair, she's very advanced for a five-year old, and I know a lot of people in my family tend to forget she's so young because she's so advanced. But I still cringe whenever she's allowed to wear eyeshadow and lipstick.


I even feel partly responsible, because she sees my makeup and thinks it's really cool. I wish her mother would stop letting her act like a little adult. Playing dressup is one thing, but actually allowing her to match her makeup to her outfit is quite another. She was wearing Chanel (I KNOW! WTF?!) lip gloss and wouldn't kiss her grandmother because she didn't want to smudge it. My mind is just blown!

 

[sweetbabyblue]

My parents never let me wear make up as a kid (lipsmackers excluded!). Even when I got cheap make up as a gift they would give me disapproving looks if I wanted to play with the eyeshadows.
Now that I'm 19, they let me play with some make up, although I avoid obvious make up when they see me and I certainly don't let them know I bought expensive make up!

My parents taught me to spend my money wisely as a child. When I was little, if I insisted I absolutely HAD to have something like chocolate or a toy, they would say 'Ok here's $2 (or $5 depending on what the item is). Now you can go buy that lolly (or use that and the rest of your money to buy the toy) OR you can keep that money to buy something better.' I would always pocket the money

It really scares me to see all these young girls (12-14) walking around at the shopping centre with heavy black eyeliner and smokey eyes! IMO it's the magazine's fault. Those magazines are packed with articles like 'how to create the perfect smokey eye!' and 'creating a sexy pout' more so than the natural looks.

Despite being 19 (almost 20), I still feel awkward going to buy make up because I look extremely young (I've been mistaken for ages between 12-15 and I'm only 150cm!). MUA's always squint into my face and ask 'how old are you?' then there's the surprised look 'oh! you look so young!'
It's very embarassing for me

 

[MAC_Pixie04]

I avoid it as much as possible, but according to my managers and our corporate execs, they're still considered clients. I don't sit down young girls, I did once, and the girl's mom came back and complained to my manager about us "sexing up" her daughter with designer cosmetics. I felt that she should have been yelling at her sneaky ass daughter for going into Sephora, carrying herself to be much older than she was, and allowing us to put makeup on her.
I was scheduled to take an appointment last weekend, and when the appointment arrived, I naturally assumed it was a woman who brought her child with her. When I started introducing myself and asking the general "What look are you interested in?" chitchat, she sat her daughter in the chair--who was 4, by the way--and draped her and explained to me that she was going to be in a wedding that afternoon and she wanted her to be "photo ready." I paused and told my manager how uncomfortable I felt in the situation and asked if another artist could do the appointment while I covered her zone. We had to fudge the switch to the parent, tell her that there was a mistake on the zone sheet and that I was on lunch or something.
I simply felt sick to my stomach watching that little girl sit in the chair and get ready to have makeup put on her like an adult. And it was clear she had done it before; I occasionally glanced over during the appointment to see what was being done to her, she didn't blink while having her eyes done, she sat perfectly still, didn't touch anything or make any noise.
I know that working in the beauty industry, I'm gonna come across people who expect ridiculous things and there will be times that I have to say no, but I absolutely refuse to put makeup on young children. If tweens come in and want to try things on, I'll give them the tester and show them to the hygiene stations, but I won't put makeup on anybody who I assume to be under 18 unless they have a parent with them who gives me the okay. It just doesn't feel right to me.
I hope that if I have a daughter someday and she's interested in makeup, she'll be willing to let me be there when she has her first consultation or picks out some of her first products, she'll let me help, and I think that's how it should be with all young girls trying on makeup. I didn't get into makeup until I was in college, and I'm so glad I had my mom and sister-in-law to help me as much as they did.

 

[sweetbabyblue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAC_Pixie04 but I won't put makeup on anybody who I assume to be under 18 unless they have a parent with them who gives me the okay. It just doesn't feel right to me.

I understand that, I would feel awkward too, but what about those who look young for their age?
I always get ignored by MUA's because they assume I'm 14 and they brush me aside or act weary around me until they find out my age.
I'm just saying that it's very difficult to draw the line.

 

[lara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetbabyblue I understand that, I would feel awkward too, but what about those who look young for their age?

It's not that common to find someone who looks significantly younger than their age, though. Until the situation arises when someone goes, 'hey, I'm actually 22 but look 14', then I think it's fair for MAC_Pixie04 to continue with what she's doing.

I'm not comfortable with doing significant make-up on anyone younger than 14 or so, and I'll always defer to the parent or guardian that's with them. If and/or when I come across someone who is actually much older than they look, then I'll deal with that when the situation occurs.

 

[User49]

I get some young people come into Mac. Mostly for lipgloss and things like that. They are our future customers and I know when I was 14 I could have REALLY used the advice of a make up professional to sort my idea of a smokey eye out lol! I always try and give them good customer service and reccomend things that will look good on them. Usually they have perfect skin but ask for a heavy foundation. I try to give them the advice that they have goregous skin and could go with a lighter foundation, but if it's what they want it's what they want. Who are we to tell someone they can't have what they want!? :0)

 

[kbentz21]

well.. my daughter just turned 7, and while she's far from a spoiled brat, she's grown up with me being an MA and she's always loved it just as much. In the past few months, she's gone from spending her money (allowance, rewards, etc) on toys to MAC eyeshadows.. lol I think its kinda silly too, but its her money, and I go with her and of course make sure anything she gets is sheer and light, but I can see how people would think its nuts.

 

[KellyBean]

I hate it when girls my age act like that. I'm 15 years old and there is NO REASON for people to be that rude at any age. I have to work for my money. I do occasionally get the odd eyeshadow or something from my mom, but that's extremely rare. I love the ladies at my counter and I'd never try to make their life difficult. When they are sorting out things at the counter, I look at products and wait patiently so they can give me a sterile tester. I cringe when I see girls walking up to the SA's and snapping their fingers, saying, "Hey lady, how much is an eyeshadow?" and scoffing when they find out the price. I mean, quality costs money, and if you're not prepared to pay that much, that's fine, but being rude and waisting people's time is not acceptable.

Story time! I was at the counter, talking to my favorite SA, and it wasn't buzy at all. I had a chance to discuss different collections with her, and pointing out my faves. There were 2 other people at the counter who worked there, who were just doing some organizing or stocking or something. Then this girl, who was probably around 11 or 12, comes up to us (while we're still discussing Colour Forms) and YELLS at the SA, "HEY CAN YOU HELP ME?" What, are the other SA's there just for decoration? I honestly didn't care all that much, because I was deciding between a few different items.

She asks for a makeover to look like Hannah Montana or something and so the MA throws on a paintpot, mascara and lip conditioner. You could barely tell that she was wearing makeup at all but she said "that's way too much, my mom will freak out" and she left.

I feel so bad for the SA's who have to deal with that. The girl could have said "I'm not so sure about ___" or "This looks really good but I just don't have the money" or even a simple "Thanks!"

 

[stargirl01]

I'm still young and i'd never behave like this as it's just soo stupid and you make yourself look bad by doing it!

I can't believe kids would do that! Even though i'm a bit older than the 10-14 age that was said in the first post, I could definately see girls in my class being rude to MA's. Thats just not fair on the Ma's, I know you all are just trying to do your job without stressing out too much on a wingey tween!

You MA's do such a good job and the ones I talk to are always polite and friendly to me- even to the kids I see tapping your shoulders demanding a makeover

 

[MAC_Pixie04]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetbabyblue I understand that, I would feel awkward too, but what about those who look young for their age? I always get ignored by MUA's because they assume I'm 14 and they brush me aside or act weary around me until they find out my age. I'm just saying that it's very difficult to draw the line.

For one, I never blatantly ignore anybody. I don't leave myself as open with tweens and teens as I would with more serious clients because I don't want them to think that I have freetime to put makeup on them. Not just because they often don't purchase, but because they're tricky lol. A lot of Sephora clients are tricky because they know we don't charge for consultations nor do we have a minimum purchase. A quick eye demo turns into a new foundation, which turns into a blush, next thing you know they've been in your chair for 45 minutes and you just got suckered into a full face. This is not just with tweens and teens, but it most frequently occurs in the younger crowd.

I know that there are people who look young for their age, but it's more than just looking young. But it's not just how they look, but typically how they behave, talk, and carry themselves. Yes you'll get the occasional mature teenager, and those I actually don't mind working with, but still won't spend oodles and oodles of time with them or anyone. And before I start a consultation, I make a blanket statement: "Just so you know, if you're under 18, your parent has to be present or come in and give permission before I put any product on you." usually they'll go "Oh okay...nevermind." or "It's okay, I'm over 18." If they're not, and their parent can't come in or isn't with them, I hand them the brushes and walk them through the application--and they're more likely to purchase an item or two once they know how to use them.

It's not that I have a personal thing against young girls, or don't like helping them; I'm not working on commission so if I help someone and they don't purchase, I'm gonna get paid no matter what. I don't like to put heavy makeup on young girls because I don't personally feel that young girls need to be wearing heavy makeup, which is most often what they want to wear because they typically don't know any better. And most young girls don't need any complexion makeup, but they wanna wear it anyway, which creates a world of problems on younger skin, and instead of investing in really good skincare, they just buy more makeup. I was looking at old pictures of me and my skin was spotless when i was in high school because i didn't wear any makeup! Just mascara and lipgloss, and now I'm semi-dependent on some sort of cosmetic everyday.

Ah, I would be a few thousand dollars richer if I hadn't gotten into makeup lol

 

[violet14]

I work at merle norman and many of the customers have been using the products since they were allowed to wear makeup and and have a good skin care regime. They usually will bring their daughters in when they are around 12 or 13 for their first makeup lesson (thats what we call them lessons) we usually tell them the importance of skin care and show them a lipgloss, eye mousse ( really light whipped eye shadow that are sheer in fun colors they can put on with their fingers). So where I am the parents usually understand what we will and will not do, like mascara or tons of blush.

However I have to say I was allowed to wear makeup when I was like 11 or so, my mom is a cosmetologist so she didnt really see an issue with it as long as I knew how to apply it. I also matured at a VERY early age *9* so idk I always felt older than evyerone anyway. I also was not allowed to work during the school year, both of my parents came from HUGE families so they had 2 kids so they could give them things they wanted and needed without pressure on me and my sister to have a job and school, we both turned out just fine. We also got money per grade on our report cards it didn't hurt or turn us into big brats.

 

[sharkbytes]

It's funny, I might be the opposite, but I was never allowed to wear drugstore makeup! My mother was always concerned about quality products, and made sure I had the better stuff. Still, I was pretty much only allowed to use Clinique and Lancome, and a lot of the more adventurous colors/looks weren't permitted until I was 17. But I very much appreciated it, since I learned how to take good care of my skin, which is something I'll have for the rest of my life.

 

[chocolategoddes]

Like a lot of the young girls you all wrote about, I was another makeup crazy kid.
I think the difference between me and them is that I knew my boundaries and what was appropriate.
As much as I begged my mom to allow me to wear glitter eyeshadow like the "cool girls" in elementary school who wore halter tops and were already kissing boys, she told me absolutely not and that I'd have to wait until I was 16.

Back when I was 11, age 16 seemed so far away and I was pretty frustrated.
But that didn't stop me.
My mom would buy me those cheap makeup kits you'd get for 15 bucks at the fleamarket with the poorest-quality brushes and the chalkiest eyeshadows. I'd spend hours in front of the bathroom mirror just playing with it, doing the craziest smokey eyes and the brightest cheeks, with no intention of leaving the house because not only did I look horrible but it was against Mother's rules.

Unlike the cool girls who were constantly reapplying their frosty pink lipsticks on the benches, my friends and I were busy playing in the grass during recess and just being kids.
When I look back at it, I'm glad I wasn't trying to be grown up like the kids on TV and the popular girls who thought I was the nerdy tomboy. I embraced my love of makeup at a young age but I guess I saw it as a way to have fun and create new looks and not a way to be "cool" or grown-up.

I'm still the same now: I love makeup but I don't feel like I need to wear it all the time. I'm still a child at heart.

So, when I see kids who aren't even in middle school wearing MAC lipsticks, eyeshadows, and tons of mascara on a daily basis, I just want to tell them to wait. You'll grow up eventually, just focus on being a kid.

I don't want to stereotype anyone but... the cool girls I remember with tons of makeup back then are now the girls with the dry, bleach blonde hair, fake tans, tight jeans, and caked on makeup. I'm not saying that's a BAD thing, but you can tell those girls care too much about their appearance because that's all they know.
And if a young girl seriously has a passion for makeup, let her expiriment on herself or do her mom, aunts, or sisters' makeup. I just don't think it's right for little girls to be wearing makeup JUST so they can go around saying
"Look at meeee, I'm wearing MAC. I'm better than youuuu!"



WOW! This was a long one.

 

[vocaltest]

This is kind of off topic... but I work in a hairdressers, and over the past few weeks (because of school summer holidays) i've noticed a LOT of young girls having colour done... for example, a lady rung up and i answered, and she said i want to cancel my appointment for my daughter because one of your stylists advised that she is a bit young... so I went to the appointment to cancel it, i asked how old she was, and she said 9, and she was booked in for a whole head of foils! Seriously, 9 years old and wanted a whole head of foils... bleach in particular! I would NEVER let my child have colour done that young! Oh well... if they're younger than 13 the parents have to sign a disclaimer for it.

 

[redambition]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vocaltest This is kind of off topic... but I work in a hairdressers, and over the past few weeks (because of school summer holidays) i've noticed a LOT of young girls having colour done... for example, a lady rung up and i answered, and she said i want to cancel my appointment for my daughter because one of your stylists advised that she is a bit young... so I went to the appointment to cancel it, i asked how old she was, and she said 9, and she was booked in for a whole head of foils! Seriously, 9 years old and wanted a whole head of foils... bleach in particular! I would NEVER let my child have colour done that young! Oh well... if they're younger than 13 the parents have to sign a disclaimer for it.

it's more common than you think. I have often seen kids younger than 10 with coloured/bleached hair.... boys as well as girls.

it looks really, really weird. what are those parents thinking?