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SCMP Reporter

Dear Toni
I'm 15 and a huge fan of YP's beauty column. I'm really into beauty products and cosmetics, but my parents say I'm too young to wear makeup. My friends have already started to wear lipgloss and blush, and I think a natural makeup look at the weekends is totally acceptable. 
But my parents still treat me like a six-year-old. They don't like it when I wear short skirts or tank tops and they won't even let me wear contact lenses at the weekend. Do I have wait until I'm 26 to do all that?
Want to be glam
Dear Bobbi B
It's great to hear you enjoy reading the beauty page. We try to ensure there's something nearly everyone will find useful or interesting - and yes, sometimes even the guys.
With such an interest in makeup, I understand your frustration with your parents. You're not the first - and you definitely won't be the last - teen to feel her parents are treating her like a baby when she feels ready to grow up.
Without wanting to take sides, let's just consider your parents' point of view: you may be 15, but you're still their child, and still in their care. They want to do everything in their power to look after you and ensure no harm ever comes to you.
There are so many stories in the news of young people being abducted, abused, and so on, your parents no doubt want to delay your adulthood - and independence - for as long as they can so they can be responsible for your safety. Wearing makeup is something adult women do, so don't blame them for wanting to keep you as their 'little girl' as long as they can.
On the other hand, wearing a little eyeshadow for a special occasion is highly unlikely to catapult anyone into the world of adult responsibilities and dangers. Nor is it likely to instantly turn you into a totally different person who engages in unsafe 'aspiring adult' behaviour like underage drinking - I'm sure that's something else your parents are worried about.
But you can prove that you are mature enough to know where limits on 'nearly adult' behaviour lie. Have a chat with them and ask if you can wear light makeup when you go with them to a family dinner. Promise you won't go overboard - wear a little blush and eyeshadow and a subtle lipgloss at the most. You could even ask your mum to help you pick the colours.
If they say no, remember they're saying it out of love. They might feel differently when you turn 16. And just think: you have the whole of your adult life to wear makeup. There will come a point when you actually need it to cover flaws and wrinkles, and to try and look younger, so enjoy your naturally youthful skin while you can!



ask toni & josh