Makeup is a risky affair for teens

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If you’ve got the looks, flaunt it, is a mantra many teens swear by. A recent study by Assocham reveals that over 95 per cent teens in the city splurge on cosmetics worth `4,000-5,000 per month. With a wide choice in skincare products, colour cosmetics, no wonder one is spoilt for choice.
Interestingly, city youngsters love their brands and have no qualms about spending big bucks!
Seventeen year-old Vasundhara Singh Bhati can’t do without her mascara. Having worked in the style team for a high-end magazine recently, she says her mom now seeks her advise on makeup. “I worked as a part of a style team and have learnt some amazing things. I love buying cosmetics and love to buy what looks attractive on the outside. Whether it’s different colour eye pencils, non-smudge proof kajal, eye shadow in exciting colours. I love highlighting my eyes, but my mom doesn’t like me applying too much makeup,” she says.
Vasundhara adds that though there’s pressure to avoid makeup in school, she doesn’t feel the need to please anyone. “Some of my friends apply kajal in school which isn’t permitted, but they say their moms don’t let them leave home without applying it.”
Sixteen year-old Jessica Mokha discovered her love for cosmetics two years ago. “If I like something, I pick it up, I don’t think too much. The maximum I’ve spent at one go is `6,000. I love buying different shades of liners, nail paints, eye palette and lip balms.”
Interestingly, Jessica doesn’t consider herself too young to experiment with makeup. She says, “If you know how to apply makeup, and can carry yourself what’s the harm? But, it’s essential to go for branded stuff.”
However, does extensive use of makeup harm young skin? What possible harm can cosmetics do? Makeup expert Meenakshi Dutt believes, “Teens must learn to take good care of their skin. They should invest in a sunscreen, moisturiser and exfoliater. They can surely use gloss, coloured liners and kajal, but must avoid base, blushers and foundation. I’ve seen that girls don’t look after their skin, and certainly must learn to remove the makeup at all times. Cosmetics can be used with time, but they must also know that excessive makeup makes them look mature.”
Dr Monika Rajpal, consultant dermatologist with Apollo Noida agrees with Meenakshi. She says, “Today, children are very brand conscious. Many may not be aware that acne comes up with excessive use of makeup. A teenager’s skin has a natural glow, but I guess they give into peer pressure.”