Nowadays, teens know just about everything regarding creating the perfect makeup look, thanks to TikTok. The app displays video after video with product reviews, makeup tutorials, hacks, and more, which means they’ve probably been asking you to buy their favorite TikTok-famous beauty products for them to duplicate the looks at home.
Best Makeup Brands for Teens, at a Glance
Best Drugstore: CoverGirl
Best Affordable:e.l.f. Cosmetics
Best New Brand:Gen See
Best Cult-Fave:Glossier
Most Fun:Milk Makeup
Best K Beauty:Kaja
Best Brow Products: Anastasia Beverly Hills
Truthfully, diving headfirst into the world of makeup with your teen can be quite daunting (and expensive) for parents. Thankfully, many of the makeup brands that are popular on the app are both budget-friendly and age-appropriate, making the transition into this new stage as seamless as possible. And, chances are they’ll find a way to save up and buy the makeup they want, so at least this way, you can have a say in what (and how much) makeup they begin using.
With all the options available now, it can be a bit overwhelming heading into a store to purchase makeup or skincare for the first time with your teen. There are brands that’ve been around for years — and that you yourself probably used as a teen – along with newly launched brands like Gen See. However, there’s no need to worry: we did the legwork for you and narrowed it down to the TikTok-approved makeup brands that both you and your teen will adore.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
While it’s not necessarily new or made just for teens, Anastasia Beverly Hills will always be a staple for incredible brow products. It’s a tried-and-true pick for anyone who wants products that are worth every penny—and it’s a favorite of teens everywhere. Snag their Clear Brow Gel Eyebrow Setter, Brow Wiz, or Dip Brow to give your teen all the essentials they’ll need to create brows that wow.
Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup has a ton of multi-use products that are perfect for minimalist looks or quick-fixes. One product that’s taking off on social media is the new Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint. It’s a phenomnal skin tint that gives a natural glow that stays on all day. It also feels nice and cool when applied on the skin.
Gen See
The eco-conscious Gen Z demands it, and the hot new makeup brand Gen See delivers. Every single product, from its mascaras to its sparkly metallic iquid eyeshadow, is vegan and cruelty free. Plus, it’s tested by dermatologists and designed to be gentle with skin of all kinds. Mixed Media Metallic Liquid eyeshadow even has antioxidants.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
No doubt, e.l.f. Cosmetics is one of the most beloved drugstore brands out there for teens (and adults!). Not only are their products actually good, with many having gone viral, they’re super affordable as well. Take for instance, the Liquid Poreless Putty Primer. It creates a smooth, flawless canvas to apply makeup on for just $10.
Glossier
Founded by Millennials, startup-turned-smash hit Glossier has made a major splash with Gen Z, and its Balm Dotcom lip balm, which comes in myriad flavors including the new (and viral) black cherry, has become a cult favorite. Like all the brand’s products, it’s vegan, clean and cruelty-free. It nourishes lips naturally and keeps them that way for hours.
Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez is one of your teen’s (and probably yours too) favorite makeup brand. It offers offers products that will instantly become your go-tos — like this liquid blush — due to their incredible formulas, beautiful, accessible packaging, and wide selection of shades.
Kaja
Chances are your teen has raved on and on about Kaja’s super popular heart-shaped blush or eyeliner stamp, but the K-beauty brand has tons of other fun makeup products, too. The best part? Every product is super user-friendly, making it perfect for first-time makeup users.
CoverGirl
When it comes to drugstore brands, it doesn’t get any more iconic than CoverGirl. The brand, which has had numerous A-list celeb ambassadors throughout the years, has a lip gloss that’s gotten a ton of attention on social media. The Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss comes in the cutest pink packaging and a variety of “delicious flavors” and scents. It contains ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep lips moisturized, and it’s also made to be non-sticky and lightweight.
Kosas
If your teenager wants to dive into a full makeup routine, have them browse through Kosas’ products. There are so many good finds including the Revealer Concealer, which is formulated to be gentle on the skin and helps to smooth imperfections — without a heavy finish. They also released a new bronzey version of their popular skin tint: the DreamBeam SPF 40.
Fenty Beauty
Rihanna’s makeup brand, Fenty Beauty, is nothing short of perfection, so prepare for your teen to fall in love with every single product they try. You can’t go wrong with any of their makeup products, but the new Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick is the way to go. They come in all the classic shades like the original Gloss Bomb lipgloss just in a moistruizing stick version.
ColourPop
Hands down, your teen will be obsessed with ColourPop’s lineup at Ulta. There’s no shortage of color when it comes to the eyeshadow palettes that they can wear to school or out with friends.
Petite ‘n Pretty
Teens just starting out with makeup need no-mess options that they can easily apply. Luckily, there is Petite ‘n Pretty, the makeup brand with young tweens and teens in mind to get them started. The is such an easy to use palette that your teen can use to contour, brighten, and whatever else they desire.
Maybelline
Your makeup-loving teen will think you’re the coolest after you snag them some of the products they’ve been seeing all over their For You page. The products are all super affordable and can be easily bought at your local drugstore, which is a win-win for everyone. Start with the very viral Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara.
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