This photo went viral a couple of days ago:
Yes, that’s a newborn baby. With glitter eye shadow and a nice, ombre lip colour effect.
The recent viral case of an Indonesian makeup artist applying thick, professional-grade makeup on her newborn baby has raised more than just eyebrows. A *before-and-after* photo of the baby, transformed by layers of foundation and eye shadow, quickly drew sharp criticism. But beyond the social media frenzy, this incident taps into a growing cultural phenomenon: children increasingly wearing makeup. Whether it’s watching their parents or being exposed to beauty standards online, kids are becoming more conscious of their appearance. So, what’s driving this trend, and what does it say about our society?
Why Would an Adult Put Makeup on a Baby?
Let’s face it—babies are already cute. They don’t need a contour kit to enhance their chubby cheeks. But in today’s social media-driven world, even newborns aren’t safe from the perfection-seeking lens of Instagram and TikTok. The decision to apply makeup on a baby may seem baffling, but there’s a psychological layer to this madness.
Adults, especially in beauty-centric cultures, are under immense pressure to curate an online identity. Social media rewards those who present a polished, picture-perfect life—and sometimes, even a baby’s natural glow just isn’t enough. For some, this creates a subconscious need to “improve” their child’s appearance, even when it’s unnecessary. It’s an extreme response to the overwhelming demand for validation in the digital age.
Now let’s take a look at the bigger picture.
Children and Makeup: The Influence of Social Media and Parental Imitation
Now, let’s move on from newborns to older children, who are increasingly keen to experiment with makeup. Children are sponges, absorbing everything they see around them—and in a world saturated with beauty tutorials, influencer content, and photo filters, it’s no wonder they want in on the action. If they see mom applying makeup daily, the message is clear: beauty equals approval, and makeup is the key.
Makeup used to be something a child might play with occasionally, but today, many are exposed to full-on makeup routines, believing that beauty can only be achieved through foundation, highlighter, and mascara. But here’s the rub: at what point does this shift from innocent play to a dangerous desire to fit into unrealistic beauty standards?
But some might argue that it’s perfectly fine for children to experiment, explore and satiate their curiosity (because some parents cannot say no to their child, not an uncommon thing these days!)
So let’s throw in some expert insights!
Expert Opinions on Children and Makeup Use
Experts suggest that allowing children to wear makeup can be fine if done in moderation and at the right age. Child psychologist Dr. Emily Harris notes that “a little makeup can be a fun, creative outlet, but it’s essential to set boundaries to prevent dependency on external validation.”
Age Considerations: Many professionals recommend that children under 12 should engage in light, age-appropriate makeup, focusing on play rather than looking polished. At around 12-14, when they become more self-aware, parents might allow more freedom, but it’s crucial to communicate the difference between playful expression and societal pressures.
Tips for Safe Makeup Use
1. Set Clear Boundaries:Discuss with your child what types of makeup are appropriate for different occasions. Casual play at home is fine, but consider limits for public outings.
2. Educate About Ingredients: Teach children about skin safety and the importance of using non-toxic, age-appropriate products to avoid allergic reactions or skin issues.
3. Encourage Creativity Over Appearance: Promote the idea that makeup is a form of self-expression rather than a necessity for beauty.
4. Open Dialogue: Maintain ongoing conversations about beauty standards and the impact of social media, helping them understand that true worth is not defined by appearance.
Now, let’s make it personal.
What Would You Do? Would You Let Your Child Wear Makeup?
Would you let your child wear makeup, and if so, at what age? Is there a difference between letting them play around with makeup at home and allowing them to wear it out in public? How do you balance the innocence of childhood with the growing pressures of beauty culture?
It’s a tough call, one that more parents are having to confront. Let’s be honest—we all want our kids to feel good about themselves. But do we want them to rely on makeup to feel “beautiful”?
As we navigate this digital, beauty-obsessed world, let’s keep asking the hard questions. After all, it’s our responsibility to teach the next generation that their worth goes far beyond the surface. Let’s hope that one day, baby-faced perfection will be enough again—without the highlighter.
Share your thoughts and weigh in: at what age do you think makeup is appropriate, or is it better to steer them clear of it altogether?
