TONING SIDES

Dear Jellybean,

Okay, well. I'm a normal girl in 8th grade, but I don't wear any make up except lip gloss and cover up. I want to wear mascara and eyeliner and eye shadow, but I don't know how to ask my mom! Any advice?
-Makeupwannabe

Dear Makeupwannabe,

First, the obvious question: Do you need more makeup than you're already wearing? Lip gloss and cover up can do just fine for a fresh-faced eighth grader. In fact, too much makeup can make you look even younger (instead of older and more mature), because it can make you look like a kid who got into mom's makeup drawer.

For day, you probably don't need to use anything more than you've been using. But if you want to dress up more for night-time occasions, like parties or school dances, a little mascara, liner and/or shadow can look good. It's all about knowing what colors work well on your particular skin tone, and how to apply the makeup so it enhances your look, instead of overwhelming it. (In other words, less is usually more when it comes to cosmetics).

So, how to ask your mom? You could flip through a magazine with her, and point out looks that you like. Or hang out in her room when she's putting on makeup for a night out, and ask her to show you what she's doing. It's okay to tell your mom that you're interested in learning about makeup application. And if you flatter her and say you just want to look as pretty as her, it just might get you a free lesson.