Watching your little one mimic your morning routine is adorable, but the aftermath? Not so much. Real lipstick on the white carpet or rashes from cheap chemicals can turn playtime into a nightmare quickly.
We spent hours sorting through countless play products to bring you only the best makeup sets for kids. We searched for products that are safe for sensitive skin, less messy than mom’s stash, and feature compacts that actually appeal to little ones.
Save your time trying to sort through the junk, and check out our reviews of the sweetest makeup sets for your little diva.
- Easily washable
- Extensively safety tested
- Meets FDA requirements
- Sturdy and eco-friendly material
- Cosmetic case included
- Soft brush bristles
What Age Is the Right Age?
When my little girl asked for her first makeup set, it sparked a long debate with the family. There really isn’t a right or wrong answer. “Playing makeup” often means more than just applying color to cheeks and lips.
Pretend play helps your child develop fine and gross motor skills. It also promotes creativity, cognitive development, and social skills when a co-artist joins the party.
Offering a makeup set to a preschooler can be nerve-wracking. Alternatives, such as “pretend” makeup sets made of foam or plastic, allow all the fun without the mess of pigments.
As your child grows, she might look for a more mature set. This is a great opportunity to teach her how to pick healthy, appropriate cosmetics.
Knowing how to read cosmetic labels and identify harmful ingredients is a skill she will carry for a lifetime. Plus, showing your child how to apply makeup for a classy look creates a special bond. Good habits start young.
What to Look For
While shopping for your child’s makeup set, consider how it will be used and what is included. Here are the main factors to keep in mind:
Washable Makeup
Have you ever struggled to remove waterproof mascara? That is not something you want to use on your child’s sensitive skin.
Look for “water-soluble” formulas. After the fun is over, a simple soap and warm water rinse should wash off whatever makeup your little one has used. You want to avoid waking up to eyeliner smeared all over her pillowcase.
Non-Toxic Ingredients
Children’s skin is extremely delicate, so non-toxic cosmetics are non-negotiable.
Many harsh additives are found in adult cosmetic products (1). Chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates are known irritants and should be avoided (2).
Don’t be tricked by marketing claims of “natural” or “organic,” as these terms are often unregulated. Instead, look for the “CPC” certification (Children’s Product Certificate), which ensures the product complies with CPSC safety standards (3).
Always test a small amount of product on your child’s arm before full application to check for allergic reactions.
Safe Materials
Most makeup play sets are made of plastic. Unfortunately, not all plastics are created equal. Studies have shown that bisphenol A (BPA) might play a role in hormonal disruption (4).
Reliable companies use BPA-free plastic for their cases and accessories to keep your child safe. If you have toddlers at home, ensure the pieces are large enough to not pose a choking hazard.
Product Reviews
Here are 7 great kids’ makeup sets ranging from mess-free pretend kits to real washable palettes.
Glamour Girl Pretend Play Makeup Set
For the Fashionistas
For some little girls, a makeup set is all about the accessories and the “coolness” factor rather than actually painting their faces.
The fashionable design of this set appeals to every little diva. The brand has left no stone unturned, ensuring everything is pink, even the color of the makeup brush bristles.
Created by a mom and her girls, this company knows what parents want. The makeup itself is made of textured foam, so it is 100% mess-free. It looks real in the pan, but nothing transfers to the skin.
This set includes 13 pieces, including eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, a mirror, two nail polishes, and even a bronzer.
Pros
- No pigments or liquids, so zero mess.
- Includes a wide variety of tools to experiment with.
- Created by women and girls.
- Comes with a matching case for easy storage.
Cons
- Lipsticks and brushes can be fragile.
Our Ratings
Beverly Hills My First Princess Cosmetic Beauty Set
Looks Real but Totally Pretend
This popular kid-friendly makeup set is designed for preschoolers ages 3 and up. Although it looks incredibly realistic, the makeup is an optical illusion. Nothing actually comes out of the components, so you won’t have to worry about stained carpets or allergic reactions.
This ultra-compact set allows your little princess to carry her makeup kit wherever she goes. It contains an eyeshadow palette, pretend lip gloss, and blush, but it also has real brushes for an authentic tactile experience.
An included mirror lets her view her “results,” and all the items come packed in a neat carrying case to keep things organized.
Pros
- Compact size perfect for travel.
- Encourages safe, creative play without the cleanup.
- High-quality plastic materials.
- Totally mess-free.
Cons
- Older children may lose interest once they realize it is fake.
Our Ratings
Joyin Toy All-in-one Girls Makeup Set
Real Makeup for Real Beginners
Moms want what’s best for their children, which usually means what is safest. This makeup set has undergone extensive toxicity tests to ensure every component is safe for your kid to apply to their skin.
Unlike many cheap makeup sets, this meets FDA requirements, reducing the worry about skin rashes.
The design incorporates excitement in every aspect. The exterior features cute characters like an owl, a puppy, cupcakes, and a kitten. Even the lip balms are packaged in emoji-shaped tubes.
A colorful shimmer powder, lip gloss, eyeshadows, and more will keep your little one entertained and feeling glitzed up.
Pros
- Easily washable with water.
- Kit has passed extensive safety tests.
- Pink powder puffs add a fun sensory element.
- Figurines double as toys after the makeup is gone.
Cons
- No carrying case included, so pieces get lost easily.
Our Ratings
BR Glamur Girl Makeup Kit
Jumbo Set for Tweens
This makeup set is ideal for tweens who have outgrown their pretend plastic collections. It fits most purses, so your girl can easily transport it to sleepovers. Its dual openings (top and front) allow easy access to a large variety of eyeshadows.
It comes with more mature and diversified shades. From green, blue, and pink to earth tones, this set is made to match most skin tones and eye colors.
Six built-in lip glosses complete the look, and the included mirror makes application easy on the go.
Pros
- Huge range of eyeshadow shades.
- Travel-friendly size fits in pockets or bags.
- Convenient built-in mirror.
- Includes multiple lip gloss options.
Cons
- Real life colors may vary from online images.
- Darker shades can be harder to wash off.
Our Ratings
Make It Up My First Makeup Set
Makeup Set for a Princess
Is your little girl obsessed with pink and glitter? This princess set is the one to beat.
This bright fuchsia makeup kit is packed with colorful blushes, lip colors, and glittery eyeshadows. It opens from the top and swings out from the sides, revealing even more bright and pastel colors.
The front mirror looks like a vanity setup. For safety, it is designed to be scratch-resistant and unbreakable. Non-toxic materials are used throughout, and the manufacturer guarantees a full refund if any skin irritation occurs.
Pros
- Fun, expandable drawer design.
- Wide variety of products and colors.
- Safe, unbreakable mirror included.
Cons
- Applicator brushes are flimsy.
Our Ratings
Petite Girls Play Cosmetics Set
Colors to Share for Party Fun
This colorful makeup set is a sweet option for your little girl’s next birthday. The palette contains real makeup, with multiple colors of eye shadow, blush, lip gloss, and lipstick. It even has shimmery body glitter and two applicators.
The compact swings open into four compartments and folds back into a heart-shaped, jeweled case. It is easy to close and slip into a pocket or purse after the makeover is finished.
This all-inclusive kit is impressive enough to be a standalone gift.
Pros
- Cute heart-shaped design.
- Includes body glitter for extra sparkle.
- Compact case is easy to carry.
Cons
- Pigment is very pale (though this means less mess).
Our Ratings
Meland Pretend Makeup Kit
Eco-Friendly Makeup Set
Are you looking for a safe and environmentally friendly makeup kit? This pretend play kit contains no real makeup, so there is zero risk of skin irritation or stains.
The pieces are made of smooth rubberwood, non-toxic lacquers, paints, and dyes. Even the glue is formaldehyde-free, and the packaging uses 70% recycled material.
It is designed to promote creativity and imagination. The set features wooden nail polish, lipstick, imaginary eyeshadow and powder palettes, a comb, and even a mirror. Everything fits in a cute unicorn bag to store away after playtime.
Pros
- Durable, eco-friendly wood construction.
- Realistic mirrored compacts.
- Includes a unicorn cosmetic storage bag.
- Soft brush bristles are gentle on skin.
Cons
- Lipstick and nail polish lids are loose.
Our Ratings
FAQs
When Should I Let My Daughter Play With Makeup?
The right age to let your daughter play with makeup varies depending on family values and the child’s maturity. Many parents allow children to explore “play” makeup at home around age 5 or 6. However, wearing makeup outside the home is often reserved for pre-teen or teenage years.
How Does Makeup Affect Self-Esteem?
Makeup can impact self-esteem in different ways. For some, it boosts confidence and creativity. For others, it might create dependency if used to mask insecurities. Parents should emphasize that makeup is a fun, optional accessory rather than a requirement for beauty.
What Age Can You Wear Makeup to School?
School policies and parental discretion dictate when a child can wear makeup to school. Elementary schools often ban it, while middle and high schools may allow light application. Always check the student handbook before sending your child to school with a full face of glam.
What Eyeshadow Is Best for Kids?
The best eyeshadow for kids is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and water-soluble. Look for brands like Glamour Girl or Meland that specialize in child safety. Avoid adult makeup palettes, which often contain higher pigment loads and preservatives that irritate young skin.
Is It Safe for Kids to Wear Lipstick?
It is safe for kids to wear lipstick if it is formulated for children. Ensure it is non-toxic, lead-free, and easy to wipe off. Since kids often lick their lips, ingredients matter more here than with other cosmetics. Supervision is recommended to prevent ingestion.
How Do I Remove Makeup Stains From Clothes?
To remove makeup stains from clothes, act fast. For oil-based makeup, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the spot and gently rub it in before rinsing with warm water. For powder stains, shake off the excess and use a stain remover spray before washing the garment as usual.
