October 29, 2026
If you have a tween or teenager at home, you’ll likely know that beauty is a big deal — much more so than in the analog era. Between TikTok GRWM videos, fragrance hauls, lip gloss collections and the ongoing Sephora kids conversation, today's beauty-curious kids have a very specific idea of what belongs on their bathroom shelf. The tricky part as parents is gently policing the products while also giving them agency to explore the category. Because, as we know, just because a product is viral doesn't mean it's right for young skin. Many of the trending products (think exfoliating acids, retinoids and anti-ageing formulas) are red flags for teen skin, but that doesn't mean they have to miss out on the fun.
Here, we like to keep it simple on the skincare front (just a basic cleanser and moisturiser are fine) and let them play with (safe) beauty instead. Here’s our round up of the best buys for the tweens and teens in your life.
1. The Lip Gloss They'll Want to Collect
There's a reason lip products have become a beauty bag staple for Gen Alpha and beyond. They're fun, easy to use and are an easy beauty entry point that’s age appropriate — without committing to a full makeup routine. For a sweet introduction, Blossom Mango Roll-On Lip Gloss, $13 is a playful option that tastes like mango, but also looks cute in the handbag. Prefer something more understated? If they want to explore colour, a tinted lip balm is a great way to go. Try Blossom Incandescent Lip Gloss, $14.95 for a pop of pink, and a dose of shimmer.
2. A First Fragrance — Without the Designer Price Tag
The fragrance category is booming, and it’s driven largely by teens, which tracks, every teen wants a special fragrance to make them feel grown up. Rather than starting with an expensive designer scent, introduce them to the world of fragrance via Demeter Fragrance Library single note Cologne Sprays, $36.95. Demeter's approachable fragrance range makes exploring different scent personalities feel less intimidating, whether they're drawn to fresh, fruity or sweeter notes. Here’s where to start: Sunshine, is bright, clean and warm, Birthday Cake is for the sweet gourmand lovers (legit like fresh baked birthday cake with buttercream icing), while Daisy is a light, fresh floral.
4. The non-boring lip gloss
If there's one beauty product that deserves a permanent spot in a school bag, it's lip balm. And thankfully, the options have moved well beyond the basic, unscented chapstick we used to carry around. Bring one of these, 100% natural food-grade ingredient lip balms home from Crazy Rumors and you’ll no longer be a regular mum… you’ll be a cool mum.
Crazy Rumors Apple Cake Lip Balm, $8.50 tastes like apple crumble (for real), Classic Cola has Coke vibes (but is far better for your teeth), while Strawberry Candy is a classic.
5. Their First Proper Deodorant
It's perhaps not the most exciting item on a beauty wish list, but a good deodorant is one of those everyday essentials that becomes increasingly important during the tween and teen years (and it will make them feel grown up).
Noosa Basics Coconut + Lime Natural Deodorant Stick, $18.50 is a fresh-smelling option for their daily routine, with a scent that feels a little more grown up.
6. A face Mask Moment
A face mask is a fun way to take part in a beauty ritual without it becoming a full-blown routine. Kaolin clay, which is the main ingredient in The Cottage Greenhouse Kaolin Clay Face Mask, $24.95 is renowned for drawing out impurities without drying the skin, so perfect for teen skin.
The Takeaway: Let them have fun and explore. It's easy to roll our eyes at the latest beauty obsession, particularly when it arrives courtesy of a TikTok trend. But curiosity about colour, scent and self-expression is hardly new, and with all-natural,non toxic ingredients, there is a way to explore this, without compromising their skin.
Shop our full range of natural tween and teen appropriate beauty products here.
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