Mothers have been fretting over their teenage daughter’s ever-increasing cosmetic use and the threat it plays on their skin since cosmetics were invented. Now they can breathe easier for even teens can use cosmetics that are safe, effective, and made especially for them. Parents and teens should decide together what appropriate make-up is for their age. One option that you can offer parents as their daughter’s begin to wear make-up is a Skin Care and Make-up Primer Consultation. As a professional, it is your job to teach teens techniques that are age appropriate. Keep in mind it is usually a good idea to consult with the mother before meeting with the teen so the two of you have the same goal in mind. Along with technique, you will want to instruct teens on how to care for their cosmetics, skin, and eyebrows. Teenagers should opt for a natural look and use light application of make-up since their skin is still young and beautiful. Soft and subtle are the key words teens should keep in mind when applying make-up. Colors that work best are ones that are closest to their natural skin tone or add just a bit of color to their face such as shades of pink, coral, and neutrals. Here are a few steps that any teenage girl can use to transform into a blooming beauty in a flash. Choose your sunscreen wisely! Many teens have acne and/or oily skin. As weather heats up, some sunscreens can be too heavy on the skin and make it feel greasy. For young skin, choose an oil-free sunscreen or a lightweight one with titanium dioxide. You can also try a mineral foundation with an SPF rating. There are many to choose from so be sure to look for an SPF 20 or higher. Zinc oxide can help to heal acneic skin. If choosing a mineral foundation, make certain the one you select has listed titanium in the top two to three ingredients. Anything less will not be as effective. Staying Power Make sure your look stays put in sticky weather! Apply a light dusting of mineral powder over the lashes up to the brows. Line and define eyes with an eyeliner pencil and follow over it with an eye shadow in the same tone or a little deeper. Or, just for fun, try a liquid liner in a bright color and play up those baby blues! Be sure and keep your line as close to the top of the lashes as possible. The Sun Kissed Look Looking for a UV-free way to get that suntanned look? Lightly dust bronzer on the forehead, cheekbones, chin, and chest to get that healthy glow of summer. Luscious Lips Dress those lips up in pink! And if pink is not your color, cheat a little. Choose a soft peach with a pink undertone. Keep the lips subtle, especially if you are playing up the eyes. If you use a lip liner, choose one that is the same color or a shade lighter than your lipstick this will give the appearance of a more natural look. Layer on gloss for a subtle sheen. You’re Blushing Apply blush to the apple of the cheeks and keep it understated. Keep the tones in a soft pink, peach, or neutral tone. Keep It Simple When helping teens select the right colors, try and group color according to skin tones. Too many choices can be overwhelming. Keep in mind that teens are figuring out who they are and what they like. Experimenting with make-up colors is part of the teen genre, but professional guidance can give a teen the confidence she needs to look her best. Mary Van, the owner and founder of Mineralogie, a leading mineral make-up company, has been a make-up artist for over 20 years. She has worked freelance, along with owning her own spa, but now concentrates solely on her cosmetic line. She attributes her success to creating products that work, and are on the cutting edge. Working with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and LeAnn Rimes keeps her always creating new products as trends keep changing. For further information, go to www.mineralogie.biz, or see her latest teen line at www.crushminerals.com. Eileen Perkins - Aesthetician & Co-Founder of CRUSH mineralsWant to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.