A little pretend makeup can be so cute on a little girl. But if that makeup leaves stains on her clothes or rashes on her skin, it’s not so cute anymore.
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 young kids, less messy and costly than mom’s makeup, won’t stain faces or clothes, and have colors and compacts that will appeal to little ones.
Save your time trying to sort through all the junk products out there, 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
Product Reviews
Here are 7 great kids’ makeup sets to consider.
Glamour Girl Pretend Play Makeup Set
For the Fashionistas
For some little girls, a pretend makeup set might entail much more than applying makeup. They could consider the “coolness” factor an essential part of the game.
The fashionable design of this set should make every little fashionista happy.
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’s what. The makeup itself is made of foam, so it’s not actually messy makeup — it’s all pretend.
This fashionable set includes 13 pieces, including eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, a mirror, two nail polishes, and even a bronzer.
Pros
- No harmful ingredients are included.
- A variety of products to experiment with.
- Made by women and girls, it’s “girl power” all the way.
- Comes with a matching case for easy and cool transportation.
Cons
- Lipsticks and brushes seem to break easily.
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 real, the makeup isn’t. It’s an optical illusion. Nothing actually comes out of the components, so you won’t have to worry about a potential allergic reaction.
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 makeup experience.
An included mirror will let her view her “results,” and all the items come packed in a neat carrying case.
Pros
- Compact size.
- Encourages safe, creative play.
- Materials are of high quality.
- Mess-free.
Cons
- Some children lose interest once they realize it’s fake.
Our Ratings
Joyin Toy All-in-one Girls Makeup Set
Real Makeup for Real Beginners
Moms want what’s best for their children and also what’s healthiest. This makeup set has undergone extensive toxicity tests to ensure every component is safe for your kid.
Unlike many other makeup sets, it meets the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, so you shouldn’t have to worry about skin rashes.
The company made sure to incorporate excitement in every aspect of the design. This cute makeup set from the exterior comprises an owl, a puppy, cupcakes, and a kitten. The lip balms are even packaged in emoji-shaped tubes.
A colorful shimmer powder, lip gloss, eyeshadows, and more should keep your little one entertained and feeling all glitzed up.
Pros
- Easily washable.
- This kit has gone through extensive safety tests.
- The pink powder puffs are too cute.
- Your child can still play with the figurines when makeup time is over.
Cons
- No carrying case included, so the small pieces could be easily lost.
Our Ratings
BR Glamur Girl Makeup Kit
Jumbo Set for Tweens
This makeup set is ideal for tweens or upcoming teenagers who have outgrown their pretend makeup collection. It fits most purses; your little girl can easily transport it anywhere. Its dual openings—from top to front—allow easy access to the large variety of eyeshadows.
It comes with more mature and diversified shades. From green, blue, and pink to brownish and yellow shades, this set is made to match most skin tones and eye colors.
Six built-in lip glosses should complete your girl’s classy look. Traveling? The included mirror can help with that.
Pros
- Comes with a wide range of eyeshadow shades.
- Travel size, easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
- Built-in mirror.
- Lip gloss included.
Cons
- Colors vary from the images.
- Some shades aren’t easy to wash off.
Our Ratings
Make It Up My First Makeup Set
Makeup Set for a Princess
Is your little girl all about pink and glitter? This princess set could be one to consider.
This bright fuschia makeup kit has lots of colorful blushes, lip colors, and glittery eyeshadows. It opens from the top and also from each side, where you can find more bright and pastel colors.
The front mirror looks like a demoiselle set-up, and for your child’s safety, it’s designed to be non-scratchable and unbreakable. Non-toxic materials are used, and the manufacturer guarantees a full refund in case skin irritation occurs.
Pros
- Fun, expandable design.
- A wide variety of products to choose from.
- Safe mirror included.
Cons
- The applicator brushes could be of better quality.
Our Ratings
Petite Girls Play Cosmetics Set
Colors to Share for Party Fun
This colorful makeup set could be a sweet option for your little girl’s next birthday. The palette contains real makeup, with multiple colors of eye shadow, blush, lipgloss, 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, so it’s easy to close and slip in your pocket or purse after the fun is over.
This all-inclusive kit will impress most little girls.
Pros
- Cute design made to impress.
- Multiple shades.
- Cute, compact case design.
Cons
- The colors are very pale.
Our Ratings
Meland Pretend Makeup Kit
Eco-Friendly Makeup Set
Are you looking for a safe and environmentally-friendly makeup kit for your child to play with? This pretend play kit doesn’t contain real makeup, so there’s no risk of skin irritation.
The pieces are made of rubberwood, non-toxic lacquers, paints, and dyes. The formaldehyde-free glue is safe, and the packaging is made from 70% recycled material.
It’s designed to promote creativity and imagination. The set features nail polish, lipstick, imaginary eyeshadow and powder palettes, a comb, and even a mirror. Two bristled brushes complete the set. Everything fits in a cute unicorn bag to store away after playtime is over.
Pros
- Mirrored compacts.
- Sturdy and eco-friendly material.
- Unicorn cosmetic case included.
- The soft brush bristles are safe to use.
Cons
- The lipstick and nail polish lids fall off easily.
Our Ratings
What Age Is the Right Age?
When my little girl asked for her first makeup set, I opened a long, animated debate with the family. Like many other passionate family debates, there really isn’t a right or wrong answer. “Playing makeup,” however, might include a bit more than simply applying color on your kid’s cheeks and lips.
Pretend play can help your child develop fine and gross motor skills. It also promotes creativity, cognitive development, and even social skills when a co-artist joins the party.
Offering a makeup set to a preschooler can understandably be nerve-wracking. Alternatives — such as “pretend” makeup sets — allow all the fun without the mess of real makeup.
As your child grows up, she might be looking for a more mature makeup set. This could be an opportunity to teach your kid how to pick a healthy and appropriate makeup selection.
Knowing how to read cosmetic labels and identify harmful ingredients might be something your child will carry for her lifetime. Showing your child how to apply makeup for a classy look also creates a special bond. Don’t we say that 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. Needless to say, there are a wide variety of options.
Washable Makeup
Have you ever had trouble taking off your waterproof mascara? This might not be something you’d want to use on your child’s sensitive skin.
After the fun is over, a simple soap and water rinse should wash off whatever makeup your little one has used. No waking up with eyeliner all over her face from the night before.
Non-Toxic
Children’s skin is extremely delicate, and using non-toxic cosmetics should be one of the first considerations.
Today, many harsh additives are found in our cosmetic products (1). Chemicals such as sulfates and phthalates are known to be, at the very least, irritants and are best avoided (2).
Don’t be tricked by the marketing claims of “natural” or “organic” either, as the product might not be safer than regular makeup. Instead, look for the “CPC” certification, given by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), ensuring safe use for kids (3).
Along the same lines, “eco-friendly” or “green” product claims don’t always mean they’re safer; reading product labels carefully is essential.
To learn more about the chemicals that can potentially end up in your child’s makeup set, check out this video:
Materials
Most makeup play sets are made of plastic materials. Unfortunately, not all plastics are created equal. Studies have shown that bisphenol A (BPA) might play a role in kids’ hormonal disruption (4).
Luckily, the best makeup sets for kids are made by reliable companies. Sets are made with BPA-free plastic to keep you worry-free while keeping your child safe. It is also important to ensure the pieces are not too small if you have little ones at home.
FAQs
When Should I Let My Daughter Play With Makeup?
The right age to let your daughter play with makeup varies depending on individual family values and the child’s interests.
Many parents allow their children to explore makeup at home as part of dress-up play from a young age (around 5-6 years old). However, wearing makeup outside the home often comes later, during pre-teen or teenage years.
How Does Makeup Affect Self-Esteem?
Makeup can affect self-esteem in various ways. For some, it boosts confidence and self-expression. For others, especially if used to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, it might contribute to dependency or lower self-esteem.
Parents should foster a healthy understanding of beauty and self-image, emphasizing that makeup should be fun and optional, not a necessity.
What Age Can You Wear Makeup to School?
The age at which you can wear makeup to school depends on the school’s policy and parental discretion. Some schools have specific rules or bans, especially for younger students. Parents often allow light, age-appropriate makeup in middle or high school, but this varies widely.
What Eyeshadow is Best For Kids?
The best eyeshadow for kids is typically hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and washable, designed specifically for children’s sensitive skin.
Look for brands that make child-friendly makeup with safe ingredients, like Glamour Girl and Meyland. Avoid adult makeup, which might contain harsher chemicals and allergens.
Is it Safe For Kids to Wear Lipstick?
It can be safe for kids to wear lipstick if it’s specifically formulated for children — non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and easily washable. Avoid adult lipsticks, which may contain harmful chemicals or lead. Always supervise young children to ensure they don’t ingest any makeup.
