Promoting Natural Beauties

Every family with little girls has a make-up mishap story. Many of them are laugh-out-loud real-life riots. It’s the day that “Daddy’s Little Girl Got into Mommy’s Purse” or “Grandma’s Princess Painted Herself Red”. Whatever the title, the tale is the same: curious little fingers want to see what it’s like to get all made up, just like mom, grandma, or an older sister. While it’s usually an amusing (and messy!) experience, it also calls attention to the fact that little girls are interested in the adult world.

The mysterious allure of cosmetics lies not only in their ability to change appearance, but also in the delightful rainbow of colors available. Why go for a dull eyelid when rich sapphire, amethyst, or emerald await? Why settle for a plain pout when you can make a statement with bright peach or fire-engine red? While little girls are interested in the colors, parents are concerned about their children growing up too fast. Plus, families are growing more knowledgeable about the chemicals affecting their bodies. Companies like Kiss Naturals, Little BU, Mini-Play Makeup, and Earth’s Beauty are helping parents and kids find a happy medium.

Kiss Naturals: Letting Kids’ Natural Beauty Shine

Besides making all of its products 100% natural, Kiss Naturals keeps it real in other ways, too. The line of eco- and kid-friendly creative kits hit all the sweet spots: kids not only get real makeup, but also get to create their own individual types. The best-selling DIY Lip Balm kit soothes parents’ age-appropriate concerns, plus each piece is from completely natural components.

Kiss Naturals provides eco-friendly products and promotes a positive message about caring for the environment. “Not only is the box the kit comes in completely recyclable, but we encourage kids to repurpose the box before recycling. The box turns into a customizable shadow box so there is a lot less waste,” explains Mary Pallett of Kiss Naturals.

The Lip Balm kit includes shea butter, safflower oil and beeswax. Bright fragrances like orange and grapefruit entice but won’t overpower. The original kit makes 10 lip balms, but a little starter-pack Mini that makes 5 balms would make a welcome party favor.

Other kits include make-your-own bath fizzies, soap, perfume, and lava lip gloss. Party packs (two complete kits) are available and are ideal for sleepovers or weekends at grandma’s.

All natural do-it-yourself beauty for today’s DIY kids: www.KissNaturals.com

Little BU Nails It

Girls love getting glam nails, but the actual process can be off-putting. Nail polish is known for its strong smell… and the time it takes to dry. Getting nail polish off is a bit of a hassle, too. Little BU has the perfect solution: kid-friendly polish that goes on odor-free, dries in a snap, and is easy to remove. “We’ve created on-trend, fashionable shades that wash off with warm water and soap,” notes founder and industry veteran Patricia Dente Haimes. The non-toxic polish comes in a variety of popular colors, like Little BU’s Alexi (a ruby red polish), Cecilia (princess pink), and Chloe (a delicate mauve).

The Little BU Party Pack builds the foundation for a fun Friday night with the girls. The Little BU Wristlet in an attention-getting silver makes it a snap to tote polish or other little treats. Make it a multi-generational make-over! Grandma, mom, and daughter can spend some quality time together getting glam: Little BU offers a kid’s Mani & Pedi Set, so kids, parents, and grandparents can pamper themselves without the pricey trip to a salon.

Little BU has more great ideas in the pipeline, like its nail art stickers that adhere to its polish, but come off when no longer needed.

For more information, visit www.ILuvLittleBU.com

Keep It Clean with Mini-Play Makeup

Mini-Play Makeup is an idea whose time has finally come: a product that looks like it is real makeup but isn’t. “All of our makeup is handmade and placed in real cosmetic cases. It includes real animal hair brushes that are natural and free of dyes, which adds to the most realistic play makeup experience ever,” says owner Heidi Miller.

The popular mess-free makeup, which looks very real but doesn’t come off onto the skin, was the result of experience. Miller liked that her daughter enjoyed herself during playtime, but wasn’t crazy about the mess. She perfected Mini-Play Makeup over a period of nine months; the result has met with success. Mini-Play Makeup has a world-wide customer base.

Hot sellers include the Mini-Clutch Purse Kit, which come in under $20 retail. It boasts a choice of “eyeshadow” (True Blue, Pinkle, or Mocha), a “blush” (Pink Petals) with a brush, and roller-style “lip gloss” (Cotton Candy, Posie Pink, or Raisin). Playdates are better with no clean up and the Super Deluxe Kit has everything for a make-believe make-up session. It includes over 10 different pieces, like several eyeshadows, blush, a glitter gloss, and nail polish.

Bring Mini-Play Makeup to your shelves: www.miniplaymakeup.com

Earth’s Beauty Puts Best Face Forward

For parents who don’t mind giving their girls a little color, Earth’s Beauty cosmetics are a contender for top billing. Everyone wants to put their best “face” forward, and Earth’s Beauty promotes the idea that it should be an all-natural face. With toxin-free products that are gentle on sensitive skin and environmentally-friendly packaging, the girl who cares about her world no longer needs to worry about the impact of her cosmetics.

Many common products and cosmetics utilize nanoparticles, tiny pieces of larger chemicals that offer a range of characteristics. (One example of nanoparticles that appear in personal products is titanium dioxide, usually found in sunscreen.) While science is still out on all of the effects of nanoparticles, Earth’s Beauty takes a hard line on nanoparticles in its products — absolutely none are used. But it’s not just the integrity of the brand that sells EB cosmetics: the quality and colors are earth-shattering.

EB’s meisha line, targeted towards a younger generation, offers colors that are subtle but still stunning. Smooth cream blushes come in luscious peach and blooming rose. Lip glosses come in pairs, with colors like pink, clear, and peach.

Earth’s Beauty also offers a full line of adult products: www.earthsbeauty.com