Should teenage girls wear makeup?

I try to read a variety of media, and while the Times and Financial Times are mainstays, I also read the Guardian regularly, and from time to time reactivate a free trial of the Telegraph. In the latter, I recently read Annabel Jones' 'Should teenage girls wear makeup? I think it's fine - and here's why' - and I tend to agree with her.

I started playing with makeup in the pre-teen years: when I was 11 or 12.

Puberty is starting younger and younger - I started my periods a month after my twelfth birthday and developed acne at the age of 10. This is also now happening to even younger girls, due to environmental factors such as diet. So if you do have acne, it's natural that your self-confidence would feel dented - and even though I do see the argument of letting the skin get some air (and even as an adult ensure I have at least two makeup-free days a week), I also think a bit of concealer does more good than harm (especially if, like I was, you are also bullied). This is one of the first points made by the Telegraph's beauty editor also.

I would probably just go for a lighter mineral concealer, rather than the cheap stick foundations and concealers that I used to slather on, which were quite thick and cakey. ELF does good affordable ones that will cover blemishes while allowing skin to breathe.

I also used to love messing around with nail varnishes with my cousin, and would argue that such experiences are good for bonding - though this is also an argument for cheap clothes and nail polishes, as well as plenty of nail varnish remover, as chances are it will go everywhere! I didn't have a particular favourite brand, but used to go for the classics that pervade the aisles at Boots and Superdrug - Maybelline, 17, and so on. I was mainly about the colours, rather than brands, and especially all about the glitter, for which Barry M is a good choice. It also teaches you about science - namely, not to use nail varnish remover to clean up accidentally spilled nail polish from the top of a plastic TV casing...

Experimenting with eyeshadows - especially pink glittery ones - was another favourite pursuit, and as well as being just plain fun, helps you to see what colours suit you so that you can develop a sophisticated style long-term. I wouldn't be so keen on pink glittery eyeshadows now, but would go for dark purples, blues, browns, metallics or even greens to highlight my grey eyes.

This argument is even more persuasive when it comes to foundation. While young skin doesn't specifically need it, there are plenty of lighter foundations available, as well as tinted moisturisers, and even BB creams, which didn't exist when I was an adolescent but are a great option for teen skin, not just for breathability but also their other functions (such as SPF). I wouldn't recommend cheaper options in this case - even now, I'd say investing in the base is everything so as to not damage your skin. Furthermore, more expensive brands tend to have a wider range of shades available, meaning you have a greater chance of a good-looking result. It's perhaps more important and higher-stakes than you might think to get this right at a young-ish age - I went for my first job interview when I was 15, and who wants to go with a massive tide mark along the jaw line because the shade isn't right? It's a good lesson for young people too: if you want to wear makeup, then look professional. While quite a few of the cheaper high street brands have upped their game since I was trying out foundations for the first time, most still have their 'palest' shade pitched either too dark or too orange - so I would recommend trading up. Try Lily Lolo for mineral foundations that are kind to acneic skin.

Even though I started wearing makeup at a young age, I'm forever grateful to my (otherwise strict!) parents for their laissez-faire attitudes regarding this. Annabel Jones mentions in her article about picking your battles and not restricting the amount or type of makeup your teen wears - and I tend to agree, as doing the opposite would only breed resentment. It's something your teen has to work out for themselves - and, as I have mentioned above, in their own time (and plenty of it).

As she also mentions, good skincare routines and products are vital too. Steer clear of the cheap and artificial as far as possible - brands like Lush, Zao, Couleur Caramel, and Lamazuna are environmentally friendly too. Conversely, don't be afraid to seek prescription products if really needed for teen skin conditions.

Annabel Jones' most important comment though, is that makeup is about enhancing - not disguising - who you really are. And that, for teenage girls who may be feeling more insecure by the day, is crucial.

Spa Technologies SPF45 Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"This silky-smooth Tinted Moisturiser protects delicate skin with fortified Antioxidants and reflects the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 45. It is formulated with the added benefit of Mineral Makeup creating a flawless base and even skin tone."

--Packaging--
This convenient pump-action bottle is decorated with a double band of metallic blue, which helps to give the brand a clear identity. Blue is also an unusual packaging colour in the world of foundation and the glass bottle means that you can always see how much you have left - a definite bonus.

--Application--
After washing your face, apply over primer to commence your makeup routine. Add concealer and powder as necessary to complete your base before proceeding to other makeup.

--Appearance--
Is pale upon emerging from the bottle, but on the face provides no coverage whatsoever.

--Scent--
The cucumber extract comes through strongly, which is unusual and not at all unpleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and creamy without weighing the skin down. It also doesn't add white streaks to your face like conventional sunscreen. In that respect it's the best sunscreen I've ever used, whether commercial or natural - it's like using a luxurious face cream rather than the traditional, medicinal 'creaming up' process before going into the sun.

--Effects on the skin--
Given the raft of natural antioxidant and sun-protecting ingredients present in this cream, I have no doubt that you could expect anti-ageing effects over time and that you would avoid sun damage as well. However, as a tinted moisturiser it does not fulfil the brief due to the non-existent coverage. However, I acknowledge that I have acneic skin, and so that this may not be suitable for my needs.

--Value for money--
If I were looking for a tinted moisturiser that offered me coverage as well as protection I would be sorely disappointed to pay £35 for this as it does not keep its promise of creating a "flawless base". However, it's the best sunscreen I've ever used - perfect for the delicate skin on the face, and natural too, with a beautiful consistency, that without doubt protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Price-wise it competes well with other brands offering natural sunscreen such as BareMinerals, as well as luxury brands such as Obagi and Kiehl's. For this reason, I would definitely shell out my hard-earned for it.

perfect partners
Spot Mask Treatment, £35
Restore Kit, £80

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15

RRP: £21/40ml

# of shades available: 3

--What does the promo say?--

"The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range."

--Packaging--

The dark blue shiny tube is a big departure from the matte pastel colours that we usually see Liz Earle's products packaged in, and yet somehow it still seems to fit well with the brand. The lid is easy to open when you need it (it just twists), and closes securely when you don't. I didn't receive these, as I was able to request the shade I wanted from the PR department, but for every first order of this product from the website, you also get a mini sample of each shade available: this enables you to test them out to see if you've got your shade choice right the first time, and, if you haven't, to return the full size product unopened. This means the full size tube can be sold on to someone else, avoiding the eventuality of sending perfectly good unused product to landfill. Nice manoeuvre.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website states: "Apply a little Sheer Skin Tint onto forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, then blend with fingertips over your face." All fairly simple stuff. You can of course, also use other products under or over the Sheer Skin Tint, such as primer, concealer or powder.

--Appearance--

A shiny, stiff cream that gives a dewy finish on the skin. The colour match was not bad at all, but maybe I was just lucky - with only 3 shades available, not everyone will be. However, as this is Liz Earle's first foray into colour, I suppose they can be forgiven (for now).

--Coverage--

Not great at all, even with the use of a heavy-duty concealer. However, I appreciate that most of Liz Earle's target audience won't be buying this for coverage purposes.

--Scent--

There are complaints online about the smell of the product, stating that it smelt overwhelmingly of potatoes. While this is detectable, it is only there in trace amounts; the overall earthiness is not unpleasant, and, to me, far from offputting.

--Texture and consistency--

This was really my biggest bugbear. I found that while the product sat okay on the skin once applied, in the fingers it was far too sticky for my liking. I much prefer the creamier consistency offered by other tinted moisturisers that I've tried, such as the one made by Arbonne.

--Longevity--

No better or worse than other products that I've tried - but by this stage it would have taken something stellar to redeem the product in my eyes.

--Value for money--

I sadly can't say that I would pay the requisite £21 for this product. Perhaps it works for some people, but for me the consistency and lack of coverage really killed it. Even in general, though, I'd say the price is a bit too high: £21 for 40ml also buys you tinted moisturisers from Dermalogica and MAC, which I could understand others going for over this for sheer efficacy alone. Casting the net more widely, for your same £21 you get 50ml of product from Elizabeth Arden, Stila and Benefit - all of whom have proven their expertise and popularity in the field of cosmetics. Overall a disappointing product from Liz Earle which does not meet their usually high standards.

Arbonne Sheer Finish Tinted Moisturiser with SPF15

RRP: £24/30ml
# of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"Tinted moisturiser delivers sun protection and natural-looking coverage while restoring and maintaining optimal moisture balance."

--Packaging--
The slate-grey packaging is perfectly in line with the rest of Arbonne's cosmetic range. The screw-top lid travels well, closing securely when you want it to and opening easily when you need it.

--Application--
Apply onto clean dry face, after a primer if desired. Then go out and enjoy the sun! Simple.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture and consistency--
A little bit runny perhaps, but it's overall quite a controllable product that presents no problems in this regard. Feels very light on the skin.

--Appearance--
Excellent quality coverage. A matte and natural look is provided with little or no effort. Personally, I wouldn't bother buying the foundation given that the quality of this is so high, especially for those of us needing extra coverage.

--Longevity--
Again, extremely good; lasts all day. Does not get greasy or slide off your face.

--Value for money--
What's not to like? The price is maybe a bit high but you're getting such a high-quality product for the money that not only allows your skin the space it needs to breathe but also gives it sun protection and a 'finished' look in instants. On a par with Clarins and Lancôme in terms of price, and probably exceeds them in quality, but delivers an individual, away-from-the-high-street quality that these brands do not.

perfect partners
Bronzer, £19
Sheer Pressed Powder, £25
Sheer Glow Highlighter, £29

Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £22.50/50ml
# of shades available: 4

--What does the promo say?--
"This tinted moisturising lotion enhances skin with a hint of healthy-looking colour. Plus, like all DayWear Plus formulas it actively shields skin to help prevent lines before they appear — so your skin looks smoother and healthier, longer. Contains anti-oxidants (red tea, grape seed, vitamins C & E, white birch extract, eukarion), SPF 15, and Estée Lauder's Tri-Lipid Blend for extra moisture."

--Packaging--
Bearing the trademark gold Estée Lauder logo with matching long gold lid, you feel like you're buying into a luxury brand from the start. Beautiful aqua colour bottle to fit right in with summer.

--Application--
A pea-sized blob is enough for your whole face. After cleansing and moisturising, rub onto skin, making sure you blend in evenly at the edges.

--Appearance--
A creamy, stiff lotion that looks luxurious and lump-free. On the face, it provides extra colour in a very natural way, with a dewy finish that really wakes up skin. Sadly, though, it provides little or no coverage, so make sure you have your usual concealer at the ready.

--Scent--
I can't say that the cucumber scent that they promise was really detectable; however, before reading that this was supposed to be present, I'd have said it was scent-free. Take from that what you will...

--Texture/consistency--
Really excellent - blends in easily, is completely smooth, doesn't clog pores or feel heavy...lovely. What more could you want?

--Longevity--
Lasts pretty much all day. Again, though, this doesn't mean much for people with blemishes.

--Value for money--
This is starting to be a bit steeply priced for a tinted moisturiser; however, you need to use less at a time than with cheaper brands, so perhaps it ends up being worth it in the end. Inclusion of all those anti-oxidants and the SPF is encouraging, and this would be good for any girl or woman's skin during summer time. If you want a nice present for someone with a summer birthday, you can't really fail with this.

perfect partners
Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher, £49 for 50ml
DayWear Plus Antioxidant Creme SPF15, £30 (available for both dry and normal/combination skin)
DayWear Plus Multi-Protection Antioxidant Lotion SPF 15, £32 (available for both oily and normal skin)
DayWear Plus Base SPF30, £29

Avon Personal Match Barely There Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £7 for 30ml
no. of shades available: 3 (light, medium, and medium deep)

--What does the promo say?--
"No ordinary tinted moisturiser. It starts out colourless then magically adapts to your skin tone as the encapsulated colour beads blend onto skin. Contains exclusive Personal Match technology to match over 98% of skin tones."

--Packaging--
It looks suspiciously slim, in a 'is there REALLY 30ml in there?' way, and the nozzle is quite slim too, which helps with controlled application. The plastic squeezy tube is flesh-coloured, and the lid is black, to match the simplistic black lettering on the front of the tube. A nice, sophisticated-looking thing.

--Application--
Just untwist the lid and you're away. The consistency of the tinted moisturiser, combined with the tapered applicator nozzle, allows just the right amount to be dispensed, minimising wastage. Apply to the face after concealer using your fingers or a brush.

--Consistency--
Wonderfully creamy without being too rich. It's fabulously light on the skin.

--Appearance--
The tinted moisturiser itself is actually white, and tiny skin-coloured particles can be seen dotted around in it. When applied to the face, it stays white for a few seconds before gradually adapting to the skintone, and it does excellent work: I was really impressed with the flawless look that it gave to even my troubled skin, and while the number of shades available seems initially really poor, it adapts so well that there's really no need to worry.

--Coverage--
Really excellent. Obviously not as heavy as a normal foundation, but I found that it was certainly more than adequate even on less than perfect skin.

--How does your face feel?--
Moisturised, but not overloaded, although of course it doesn't have the effect of a more intensive moisturiser.

--Longevity--
Also great. No complaints here. You may have to reapply once if you want to carry this from day to night, but that's it.

--Value for money--
Given that it's the same price as other high street products (or even cheaper!), there's not really much to argue about. It's a really high-quality, impressive product suitable for all skin types.

perfect partner
Personal Match Smooth Mineral Makeup, £7 for 15g

Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturising Cream

RRP: £4.95 for 75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Is NIVEA VISAGE YOUNG be beautiful! Tinted Moisturiser the right product for me?
* yes, if you have normal or combination young skin
* yes, if you want beautifully radiant skin without using make-up
How does it work?
* the oil-free formula provides your skin with instant moisture & is quickly absorbed
* skin refining tinted pigments adapt to your natural skin tone and visibly beautify your complexion without
clogging pores
* the special texture leaves your skin feeling noticeably softer & smoother
* an UVA/UVB filter system helps protect from the sun’s radiation
The result:
Your complexion looks naturally radiant and even. Your skin feels fresh and soft."

--Packaging--
Ordinary plastic squeezy tube which stands on its end. The tube design is quite bright and cheerful, using a white, blue and orange colour scheme. The distinctly feminine flowery design scheme is offset by the chunky blue and silver Nivea Visage logo. All very nice to look at.

--Application--
Just squeeze out and apply to clean dry skin.

--Appearance--
The moisturiser is worryingly dark, but even on pale skin it adapts cleverly to your skintone. On the skin, it looks muddy. Be careful to rub out any streaks too, so that it doesn't look like fake tan gone wrong.

--How does your face feel?--
Moisturised, but no more so than any other moisturiser.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy without being too thick, and it's not too runny. It's quite matte as well and looks more like a foundation than a traditional moisturiser.

--Coverage--
Not great. As with most of these things, fine if you have clear skin already, but if not then it doesn't have too many advantages for you.

--Longevity--
Not great either - it seems to slide off quite quickly.

--Value for money--
While it's got a low price tag, you have to apply an awful lot each time to see any effects, and you have to keep reapplying it too. Plus, if you don't have clear skin to begin with it's simply a wasted buy.