How Do I Choose the Best Kids' Lipstick?

Many little girls enjoy playing with cosmetics, even though they are too young to wear makeup. For these children, kids' lipstick offers an inexpensive way to either experiment with cosmetics or simply pretend to wear it. Some companies sell kids' lipstick that actually does impart a slight color to the lips, while others sell products that look like real cosmetics but do not actually color the skin. If you do decide to purchase a kids' lipstick that a child can actually apply, you will want to make sure that it is easily removed from a child's face and that it is made from ingredients that will not trigger allergies. You may also wish to investigate items sold by regular cosmetic brands, as some tinted lip balms and glosses may be well suited to a child's play.

Out of concern for parents who don't want to risk the staining of clothes, linens, and furniture, some companies have created realistic-looking lipstick tubes and glossy lipstick applicators that children can use in make-believe play. This type of kids' lipstick is not an actual cosmetic, and there is no risk of a child misusing the product to damage household items or clothing. Although this type of kids' lipstick does not offer the satisfaction of actually seeing a facial transformation, for many children simply being able to pretend putting on makeup may be quite enjoyable. Another benefit to make-believe cosmetics is that there is no risk of a child developing an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the product.

If the child wants to work with an actual product, it may be possible to find kids' lipstick that is lightly pigmented so as to not look unnatural on a child's face. For example, a tinted lip gloss or lip balm may work well for this purpose and can have the added benefit of including protective ingredients, such as a sunscreen. Some children also like using clear roll-on or brush-on lip glosses. These products may also be flavored or scented, which can add to a child's enjoyment when using the product.

One significant problem with flavored lip balms and glosses, however, is that the flavoring ingredients can in some cases trigger reactions in both children and adults. In certain cases, the reaction can make problems such as chapped lips even worse. Parents and caretakers should monitor the use of kids' lipstick to make sure that the product is not irritating a child's mouth or skin.