Kid-friendly makeup even nervous moms can feel good about

I give up. My daughters like the idea of makeup as part of their dress-up routine. Uncle! Still, I insist on two things: it's not for wearing to school, and it needs to be kid-friendly makeup, as in all-natural, with no harmful stuff. So…

Kid-friendly makeup even nervous moms can feel good about
I give up. My daughters like the idea of makeup as part of their dress-up routine. Uncle! Still, I insist on two things: it's not for wearing to school, and it needs to be kid-friendly makeup, as in all-natural, with no harmful stuff. So I love a company putting together little organic cosmetic gift sets filled with just that. The Eco Princess kid-friendly makeup set is filled with all-natural and organic mineral makeup that's free of sulfates, parabens, and other toxins (all of which I should probably be avoiding myself). While it doesn't have as much as I was hoping for in that little bag (our "let's play makeup, Mommy!" time was shorter than expected) what is in there will make your kiddo pretty happy. You get two mineral eye shadows and a blush, a shimmery lip balm made from beeswax and natural oils, and a water-based nail polish that, at least in my press sample, was mercifully pale. I found the nail polish comes off pretty easy with a little scrubbing and water, and unless you're using a makeup base, the mineral shadows will wear off fairly quickly--which isn't a bad thing. This really is for young kids playing dress-up, and not for 12 year-olds starting to go out with eyeshadow smeared out to their temples. (Or was that just me?) My only teeny complaint is the whole princess theme. Sometimes my girls are putting on makeup so they can feel like butterflies or tightrope walkers in the circus, you know? And while it's great to pick your fabric for the pouch, I'd love if you could pick the makeup colors too--I'm not sure how such light colors will look on darker skin tones. In any case, it's a sweet gift that will make your little girl feel very, very grownup. Whether or not you're ready for it. -Liz Find the Eco Princess kid-friendly makeup set online at Organic Beauty Now

More in KidsView all picks →

shannon hale princess in black book and author

Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.

Explore Build-a-Bear

Some Not-So-Spooky Fun this Halloween

How can Build-A-Bear be used for Halloween costumes? Let kids create a spooky Build-A-Bear sidekick to incorporate into their costume, which can help the costume be enjoyed beyond Halloween.

Quick! It's your chance to snag those beauty tools you've always wanted at a great price

Quick! It's your chance to snag those beauty tools you've always wanted at a great price

Sometimes the fastest way to upgrade your beauty routine isn't another serum or lipstick—it's a better tool . From styling your hair to streamlining your morning routine, the right beauty appliance can save time and make getting ready fe…