Parents asked to share experiences on children’s makeup use as Yle investigates trends in Finland

Beauty and skincare are increasingly appealing to younger audiences, even when they may not be age-appropriate. Many young people take cues from social media beauty influencers, friends, or siblings. The affordability and accessibility of makeup and skincare products entice this demographic.

Some retailers are capitalizing on social media trends, using labels that highlight popular products currently trending on platforms like TikTok.

Yle, the Finnish media organization, is conducting a story on children’s makeup use. They invite parents to share their experiences and discussions with their children regarding when to start wearing makeup. Parents are asked about whether children can independently decide when to begin using makeup and whether any rules have been established around cosmetics use.

Responses to this online survey will be handled solely by the journalists involved in the piece, ensuring confidentiality and that individual data will not be shared with third parties. Identifiable responses may be published online, on radio, or television, but consent will be required for any personal identification.

The survey queries include questions about the age at which a child started using makeup, the nature of conversations surrounding it (optional), and where the child’s makeup is purchased. Parents can choose up to three sources from options including pharmacies, health stores, discount chains, cosmetic shops, supermarkets, clothing stores, the parent’s makeup bag, or online.

It also inquires about who decides and pays for the child’s cosmetics, whether the parent has intervened in a child’s purchase of unnecessary items, such as anti-aging products, and how the situation was addressed. Personal identification details are required and treated confidentially, with potential follow-ups by Yle for verification purposes.