Getting creative is one of the best ways for children to express themselves.
As kids grow up though, the interests they had as younger children can start to change. If you know a child who loves the creative arts (or who simply can't be kept out of their parent's makeup bag!), getting them their own makeup kit could be a welcome gift idea.
While makeup sets for kids can be a controversial topic, if you feel that your tween could benefit from the opportunity to get artistic in this way, we've selected some of the best makeup sets that are perfect for both play and creative experimentation.
We have included both 'real' makeup, as well as the best makeup sets designed just for kids, to suit every budget and need.
All the kids' makeup sets on this list are great, but this is our top pick based on its range of pastel colours and its cute case design.
1. Claire's Floral Paris 48 Piece Makeup Set
For kids who want the look of an 'real' makeup kit, this floral set from Claire's fits the bill perfectly. With dozens of eyeshadows, lip products and more all included in a cute fold-out case, this makeup set mimics those used by adults and makeup artists, without actually containing highly pigmented 'grown-up' makeup.
The pretty pastel colours are natural enough to create simple makeup looks to play around with, using light eyeshadow and lip gloss, without making any drastic changes.
Main Features
Price: £22
Fold-out design
Contains a mirror, 5 applicators, 2 lip gloss wands, 1 highlighter, 2 blushes, and 36 eyeshadows
Similar palettes with different colour schemes available
Sometimes you just need a little bit of glitter to brighten up your day. This simple yet effective glitter palette is created for kids to play with, and is a great little gift for any tween who likes creative activities.
It's also available in lots of different colour options, so kids can pick and choose the one they like best.
It's not strictly a makeup set, but we had to include this brilliant nail art kit that comes with all the trimmings. Great for birthday parties, sleepovers, or just for giving their friends and family a lovely manicure, the GirlZone kit is sure to keep tweens occupied for hours.
Unlike normal nail polish, the chemicals involved are all non toxic, so it's safe for kids and beginners to experiment with.
Main Features
Price: £9.99
Includes 3 nail polish pens, a top coat polish, toe separators, and 8 sheets of unicorn themed nail art stickers
4. Shimmer And Sparkle InstaGlam All -In-One Beauty Compact
This compact palette comes with all the necessities of a fabulous makeup kit, but in a compact and budget friendly form. The nifty fold-out makeup trays, filled with lots of eyeshadow and lip colours, provide endless possibilities for play.
The colours are fairly muted and unlikely to show up much on the skin, and the mini brushes allow for tweens to apply to themselves and their friends.
Main Features
Price: £10
Fold out trays
Includes a mirror, 1 lip gloss, 2 blushes, 15 eyeshadows and 15 lip colours
If your tween is becoming a teen and they are really gaining an interest in creative makeup, Juvia's Place has a selection of great, high-quality palettes that really pack a punch. The Zulu palette contains some seriously fun coloured eyeshadows, that will make any makeup look that little bit more artistic.
Whether you are looking for a thoughtful gift or to help your teen start building a collection, this gorgeous palette is a great place to start.
Main Features
Price: £19.50
Contains 9 eyeshadows, of which 6 are matte and 3 metallic
Other colour options available
Please note that this product contains real makeup and does not have an age guide
6. Revolution X Pride Express Myself Face Paint Palette
Forget looking for the best kids makeup set, what about the best face paint set? The Revolution X Pride Paint Palette bridges the gap between makeup and face paint.
With eight bright and bold rainbow shades, kids and parents alike can have a ball creating fun looks and expressing themselves! And, for an added bonus, with the launch of this collection Revolution donated £25,000 to the Human Dignity Trust, which helps defend the rights of LGBT people all across the world.
Main Features
Price: £8
Includes 8 shades of face paint
Vegan and cruelty free
Please note that this product contains real makeup and does not have an age guide
The '80s are calling! Whether it's for a fancy dress look or creative play, this neon-themed kit will definitely catch your eye.
It contains a little bit of everything, including neon creams, a mini glitter palette, nail polishes and lipstick. If you've been searching for makeup sets for kids who simply want to play, the Kesho kit could be the answer.
Perfect for celebrations, parties, or perhaps even an at-home disco, kids will have a great time with this pretend makeup face paint kit.
Main Features
Price: £11
Comes with 2 neon creams, a mini face glitter palette and applicator, two neon nail polishes and a lipstick
Not to be confused with Crayola crayons, this makeup palette is a fun twist on Crayola's usual colourful creations. The palette itself is bright and fun, including a mirror and a little mixing palette.
Intended as lip colours, these products are creamy enough to apply again and again for hours of creative experimentation. An unusual collectible gift, this product is suitable for tweens and teens.
Main Features
Price: £22
Includes 10 lip shades
Mixing palette and mirror included
Vegan friendly
Please note that this product contains real makeup and does not have an age guide
9. The Color Institute Making Up is Even Easier Make-up Set
A great option for mini makeup artists who like to pack up and carry their 'kit', this brilliant makeup set has everything a tween could need to get creative. While this isn't quite pretend makeup and is marketed towards adults, the price, design and colour scheme make it perfect for beginners.
If you're looking for something that looks like a professional makeup artist's kit but at a fraction of the price, you can't go wrong with this set.
Main Features
Price: £19.99
Hard shell carry case
Includes 2 shimmer pots, a mirror, a blush brush, 2 sponge applicators, 2 lip brush applicators, 4 nail polishes, 4 blushes, 2 eyeliner pencils, 24 eyeshadows, 4 lipsticks and 2 lip glosses
1 year manufacturer's guarantee
Please note that this product contains real makeup and does not have an age guide
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages.
If you liked our suggestions for the best kids' makeup sets for creative play then why not take a look at our list of the best diverse dolls, or for something different take a look at our round up of the best hand sanitisers to keep your family safe.
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Diploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media
Sarah HallamDiploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media
With a Diploma in Education specializing in Fine Arts (Painting) and a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media from the University of Arts London, Sarah previously was a London-based teacher who brought her passion for art and culture to the classroom. Her creative endeavors include painting classes and experimenting with new recipes. She draws inspiration from the world around her and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others while sipping a cup of tea.
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