Everything a Beauty Writer Lets Her Teen Buy at Sephora
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I’ve been a beauty editor and writer for 24 years, but I’ve never spent so much time in Sephora as I have since my oldest daughter, Aubrey, became a teenager. Now 15, I’ve watched her taste in beauty evolve over the last couple of years. She’s traded herSol de Janeiro body mistsin (my 8-year-old happily inherited them) for the more sophisticatedJo Maloneand has gone from glitter sheet masks toRhode Eye Patches.
As a beauty writer, I probably have a different perspective on her love for beauty products than other moms. For one, it’s common ground, and if you’ve ever had a teen (or been a teen), you know how important that is to find. We bond over the latest launches, and I get to flex my skin-care knowledge (that she really does listen to). It’s also a safe thrill. Beauty products aren’t a gateway drug. Plus she takes really good care of her skin — fromcleansing nightlyto applyingsunscreen daily.
Still, there’s the obvious (drunk) elephant in the room: cost. I’ll buy products for birthdays and holidays, and will occasionally restock a within-reason everyday staple (loveInkey Listfor those). Otherwise, I encourage saving gift cards and babysitting money to fund her obsession.
I’ll also shop the store with her and talk her out of at least some of the thingsshe has to havebecause they’re not age-appropriate or just too expensive.
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The best sunscreen is the one she’ll wear every day. So when Aubrey has an interest in a particular sunscreen (Supergoop!is another favorite brand), I will buy it to encourage smart sun behavior. This multitasking K-beauty product contains moisturizing ceramides, antioxidant protection via green tea, and broad-spectrum sun protection for a reasonable price. Win!
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At 15 with clear skin, she doesn’t needfoundation, but I understand the desire to get a more even tone. This is also a sneaky way to get in mineral-based sun protection. (Are you sensing a theme here?)
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As I mentioned, I love this brand for its high-performing products at inexpensive price points. This cleansing balm has hydrating oat-kernel oil and soothing colloidal oatmeal to gently melt away makeup and sunscreen. Aubrey uses this to remove makeup and follows with a regular cleanser.
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Does sheneeda $42 serum? Of course not, but if she’s going to wear one, I do approve of this one that containspowerhouse ingredient niacinamide, which helps regulate sebum production and brightens skin, plus hyaluronic acid for hydration. “It makes my skin look glowy and more alive,” says Aubrey.
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I joke that she likesJosie Maran’s Whipped Argan Oil Body Butterbecause I used it on my stomach while pregnant with her. I love a brand that sells refills — less waste and less money. So I say yes to this one.
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I love a cheek highlight, too, but she has a drawer of highlighting products. So while this luminous opal one is lovely, I told her to hold off until she runs out of her current stash.
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When Aubrey was 12 and first getting into skin care, I overheard her on the phone with a friend saying, “My mom saidpeptideswon’t hurt us, but we don’t need them.” I guess she forgot. Plus she already has theMerit Serum— and only one face — so she can hold off on this one for now.
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This is a great nonaerosol dry-shampoo powder, albeit a costly one. But we have no shortage ofdry-shampoo productsat home right now, so this can sit on the shelves a bit longer.
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I, too, am swayed by a beautiful palette. This blush compact from YSL is so chic, but my daughter has plenty of blushes in both powder and cream form to play with at home. It’s a fun purchase to buy with a gift card when she has one to use.
Good taste, but not for a teen
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“Ooh, I want a red-light mask,” she said. This one also has InstaChill cooling technology to tighten skin. The blue-light feature can be helpful for breakouts, but a 15-year-old doesn’t need to tighten sagging skin or promote collagen with red light, especially for $350.
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Mom is a fan of this brand and this moisturizer, but Mom is a grown-up who earns a living. It’s a great lightweight moisturizer, but the price tag is a bit out of budget for a teen.
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I tested this one whenwriting about spicules, tiny needle-like structures that create microchannels in skin so topical ingredients can absorb better. This two-step mask has a spicule serum and then the collagen mask. I liked it, but spicules feel prickly and in some cases uncomfortable. I don’t think her delicate teen skin needs them. The deeply hydrating mask is fine, but she can findone from Biodancewithout peptides and spicules.
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