In a world where 11- and 12-year-olds are asking for multi-step skincare routines, it’s safe to say that beauty has become a central part of adolescence (lookin’ at you, Sephora tweens!). But beyond the bottles and brands, there’s something deeper going on: For many teens, beauty routines are about more than just looking good. They’re about feeling good, feeling in control — and figuring out who they are.

A new report from BCG and Women’s Wear Daily sheds light on teens’ relationship with beauty. The study surveyed more than 1,200 teens ages 13 to 18 across the U.S., along with 1,200 of their parents. In addition, another 700 Gen X and Millennial adults were polled to reflect on their own teenage experiences and provide insight into how beauty culture has evolved. The result is a fascinating portrait of today’s teen beauty shopper: informed, expressive, and surprisingly sophisticated.

Jenny B. Fine, Editor in Chief of WWD’s Beauty Inc., tells SheKnows, “What truly stands out in this research is how deeply engaged teen girls and boys are across all areas of beauty. Today’s teens are not just exploring — they’re shaping the category, with a surprising command of brands from CeraVe to Chanel and E.l.f. to Ariana Grande. Whether it’s skincare, fragrance, or makeup, their choices reflect both sophistication and range.”

And those choices are happening earlier than ever. According to the study, the average age for teens to begin skincare is now 12; for makeup, it’s 13; and for fragrance, just 11. This trend spans across gender lines, with both boys and girls becoming active beauty consumers at a younger age. Teen boys, in particular, are driving a surprising trend: 60 percent of them choose prestige fragrances over mass options, compared to just 25 percent of girls. (Their favorite brands? Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Dior, Chanel, and Creed.) In a SheKnows survey of boys ages 13 to 19 conducted in summer 2024, nearly half — just over 46 percent — said they spritz on cologne every day, while only a small fraction (7 percent) reported wearing it rarely or not at all.

So what’s behind this early and growing interest in beauty?

For many kids, beauty routines serve as a small pocket of consistency in a chaotic world. Applying skincare before bed or choosing a signature scent before school can feel grounding. It’s a way to care for themselves when so much else feels out of their control. And in an age where online personas are curated as carefully as real-life ones, beauty becomes another tool for teens to express their identity.

Dr. Charlotte Markey, Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University and author of The Body Image Book series, tells SheKnows, “Sometimes grooming and beauty rituals are adaptive appearance investments – they are relatively low cost (financially, time, in terms of risk) and enjoyable.” (On the other hand, she explains, maladaptive appearance investments are costly in terms of time, money, the mental space they occupy, and the risks involved.)

According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, NY-based neuropsychologist and Director of Comprehend the Mind, “Beauty rituals can serve as a meaningful outlet for teens to express their individuality, creativity, and even a sense of control during a stage of life that often feels uncertain. For some adolescents, applying makeup, styling their hair, or curating their skincare routine can offer a calming way to check in with themselves emotionally. These rituals can also help kids develop a sense of identity that’s rooted in self-care rather than appearance alone.” When parents approach these routines with curiosity rather than criticism, Dr. Hafeez tells SheKnows, they help normalize beauty as a personal and expressive practice— not a standard to be met.

Parents might assume it’s all about appearances, but for many teens, that moisturizer or perfume bottle represents something more personal. The ritual of applying skincare can feel soothing. The choice of a particular fragrance might reflect how they want to be perceived. Beauty becomes a language; one that speaks volumes about who they are … or who they’re trying to be.

Still, there can be a tipping point when interest in beauty becomes a source of more stress than empowerment.

Dr. Markey tells SheKnows that there may be a problem “when it detracts from other areas of a young person’s life — other areas that may be more conducive to developing self-esteem, like playing a sport, acting in a play, learning to play an instrument.”

Dr. Hafeez advises parents to watch for specific signs: “An interest in appearance becomes concerning when it starts to feel like a requirement rather than a choice, when a teen believes they need to look a certain way to be accepted, liked, or even feel okay about themselves,” she says. As an example, Dr. Hafeez notes, your teen might start to avoid social situations without makeup, obsess over perceived flaws, or experience intense anxiety about how they’re perceived. “In that case, it may be a sign that their self-worth is becoming too entangled with their appearance. Another red flag is when beauty routines shift from being enjoyable to feeling compulsive or driven by comparison, especially on social media. That’s when the focus has moved away from self-expression and into self-judgment.”

Dr. Markey cautions that rigidity can also be problematic — if your teen can’t let go and have fun for fear they’ll somehow mess up their looks, parents should take note. “Teens and tweens — and adults! — should be able to enjoy themselves without being so worried about their appearance that they are uncomfortable, afraid to get dirty (ever), etc,” she says.

The best safeguard to keep a healthy interest from sliding into an unhealthy preoccupation? Parents — we’re the first line of defense, folks. Beauty Inc‘s Fine notes the key role we can play in supporting healthy attitudes: “For parents, the takeaway is clear — beauty is a meaningful part of how teens express identity and care for themselves,” she says. “And while social platforms play a role, 44 percent of teens say they turn to their parents first. That opens the door for parents to engage in more thoughtful, supportive conversations around beauty and self-image.”

But how do we actually have those thoughtful conversations — and perhaps most importantly, how do we help them develop an internal sense of worth in a culture that puts so much emphasis on appearance?

“It’s important that kids learn that perfection is an illusion. No person is perfect. We aren’t perfect as adults, and they shouldn’t strive for perfection,” advises Dr. Markey.

Beyond that, the experts offered more helpful strategies parents can adopt.

Ask, don’t assume.

If your teen is suddenly into skincare or fragrance, ask them what they like about it. Their answers might surprise you. “Parents can start by asking open-ended questions that invite their child to share what they enjoy about their beauty routines, what feels fun, what makes them feel confident, what they like experimenting with,” says Dr. Hafeez. And as a bonus: “This frames beauty as a choice, not a necessity.”

Model balance — and critical thinking.

Kids absorb our attitudes about beauty and body image. Talking openly about your own routines (and your own insecurities) can help normalize imperfection. “Modeling some ‘in-between’ is probably the most effective thing we can do,” notes Dr. Markey.

And when it comes to what they see on social media, says Dr. Hafeez, pointing out unrealistic beauty standards and discussing how images are curated or altered can plant seeds of critical thinking.

Use the right language.

Dr. Hafeez suggests using language that centers on how something feels rather than how it looks. “For example, saying, ‘That color is really flattering’ or ‘You look like you’re having a great time today’ focuses on self-expression,” she says. “Sharing your routines as part of self-care can make the conversation feel mutual rather than corrective. Most importantly, remind them that who they are is always more important than how they look.”

Set age-appropriate boundaries.

It’s okay to say no to certain products or ingredients if they’re not age-appropriate — just be ready to explain why. “Social media can expose teenagers and young kids to products that might not be right for their skin type,” dermatologist-trained esthetician Shani Darden of Shani Darden Facial Studio previously told SheKnows. “It’s so important to do the research on the brands and products they’re interested in.”

Encourage intention.

If they want a new product because “everyone on TikTok has it,” explore whether they truly want it or just feel pressure to fit in.

Keep communication open.

The goal isn’t to discourage their interest in beauty — it’s to help them engage with it in a way that feels empowering, not performative.

Teen beauty habits may look different now than they did a generation ago, but the motivations behind them are often the same: the desire to fit in, stand out, and feel good in their own skin. As parents, recognizing the emotional undercurrent behind those habits can help us show up in more supportive, informed, and connected ways — but it should all start with letting our kids know they are so much more than their looks, as Dr. Hafeez reminds us: “When the family culture celebrates individuality, humor, and emotional honesty,” she says, “it becomes easier for kids to feel grounded in their worth.”

Even the pickiest teens will approve of these TikTok-viral makeup brands.

Teen slang has always been its own wild little ecosystem, but today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha wordplay is evolving at warp speed, thanks to the internet’s hyper-powered influence. If you need proof, look no further than this gem we dug up from the SheKnows archives — a roundup of teen slang from 2018 which, these days, practically reads like an ancient manuscript (“Whatever you do, don’t go sliding into your teen’s DM. Bible, that’s a cringy AF way to try to figure out WTF your kid is talking about”). … LOL

TikTok trends, meme culture, gaming lingo, and group chat inside jokes all collide to create a slang stew that’s equal parts hilarious and head-scratching. And while it might feel like these kids are just inventing words to keep us on our toes (or out of the loop entirely), this language actually says a lot about how they connect, express themselves, and shape culture.

This glossary isn’t meant to make you cool (that ship sailed when you said “cool” unironically). But it will help you decode your teen’s cryptic comments, avoid embarrassing missteps (nobody says “cringy” or “sus” any more!), and maybe even share a chuckle with your kid instead of getting the dreaded side-eye.

Bookmark it, revisit it, refresh it. Like teen slang itself, this list is a living, breathing thing that we’ll be updating regularly — because we’re here to keep you (okay, and ourselves) up to speed … or at least slightly less confused.

Let’s be honest: some Hello Kitty collabs are just nostalgia bait in cute packaging. But every once in a while, a product actually delivers on the “aww” factor and the performance — and according to savvy beauty shoppers, Wet n Wild’s Hello Kitty Glitter Lip Oil in Purrfect is one of those rare finds.

The lip oil, which comes in 20 glittery shades, might look like something plucked from a tween’s stocking — but don’t let the cutesy exterior fool you. According to one fan who meant to gift it, “Confession: I initially ordered this as a gift for a ‘tween but kept it for myself because it’s excellent!” The shade “Warm Apple Pie” lives up to its name with a sheer rose finish and just a hint of sparkle — “there’s no actual glitter on your lips,” the same reviewer clarified. “It gives a nice, healthy glow.”

The glow-up isn’t just visual. Thanks to a blend of ten hydrating oils (yes, ten), this formula packs serious moisture — no layering required. One shopper raved, “I live in an area with cold winters and this is very moisturizing — I can use it on its own without needing to layer over lip balm.” Another added, “It goes on easily and leaves my lips feeling hydrated.”

Hello Kitty Glitter Lip Oil in Purrfect

Buy Now $6 $6

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Don’t expect tacky, glitter glue texture either. Fans of the shimmery lip oil say it’s “only slightly sticky” and “feels very comfortable and moisturizing.” The shimmer? Surprisingly elegant. “The glitter is cute and fine enough that it doesn’t feel like sand on your lips,” said one fan who called the whole thing “a stellar stocking stuffer.”

Whether you’re buying for a glitter-loving tween, a nostalgic millennial, or just yourself (no judgment here), this cruelty-free lip oil hits the sweet spot. “It’s just great lip oil (or lip gloss) with a hint of color,” one shopper wrote. “I’d happily stock up.”

Bottom line? Hello Kitty might be the hook, but the hydration and glow are what keep people coming back. If you’re looking for a small but sweet gift for a tween or teen, why not give a tube or two of Wet N Wild’s Hello Kitty Glitter Lip Oil in Purrfect a try? You might “accidentally” keep one for yourself, too.

Read more on which MAC Lipsticks were used on set of TV and movies you love.

Tweens are notorious for craving a wardrobe refresh every other week, so why not earn “parent of the year” and indulge them in a quick pick-me-up in the form of some shopping? And what better place to start than with a tween dress refresh? Whether the two of you are looking for something new to wear to a birthday party, a special occasion, or the beginning of the school year, there are so many retailers that sell tween-approved dresses at affordable prices. 

Best Places to Buy Tween Dresses, at a Glance

Best Overall: Nordstrom
Best Places for Formal Tween Dresses: Nordstrom Rack
Best Places for Comfortable Tween Dresses: Target
Best Places for Affordable Tween Dresses: Walmart
Best Places for Comfortable Tween Dresses With the Most Options: Amazon
Best Places for Athletic Tween Dresses: Athleta
Best Places for Trendy Tween Dresses: Abercrombie Kids
Best Places for Edgy Tween Dresses: Zara Kids
Best Places for Tween Statement Dresses: H&M
Best Places for Everyday Tween Dresses: Gap Kids
Best for Splurge Tween Dresses: Dillard’s

You don’t need us to tell you that shopping for tweens is a never-ending adventure, particularly when their preferred styles and sizes seem to change with every season. But the dresses at our favorite retailers hit all the right notes, so she’s bound to find one that aligns with her personal style and self-expression while remaining age-appropriate.

Whether she wants a new collection of classroom looks, plans on slaying at the next birthday party she’s invited to or needs to feel chic and confident at the school dance, there’s something at these stores that will strike the perfect balance of stylish and affordable. Many of these retailers use ethical, eco-friendly manufacturing practices and carry inventory in a wide range of styles, sizes, cuts and colors.

Keep reading to see our top shops and the tween dresses we think are at the head of the class.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Nordstrom is a SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, easily making any mom a little sappy. Whether you just welcomed a new baby or you have older kids, recalling your favorite memories will always be a cherished gift. One of the most common memories mothers share is how their daughters would always crawl in their laps while getting ready or turning the corner to find a mini version of themselves in their lipstick cabinet. And even when they turn into tweens and teens, sharing a makeup routine with mom is something both will never forget.

My daughter Henley will be ten this summer, and I still remember when she was four, looking for her to find her hiding in the room with my favorite discontinued Tom Ford lipstick in “All Mine,” smeared across her American Girl Doll‘s face. I’m sure you can imagine the shriek I initially let out. Now that she’s old enough to swipe my favorite products from my bathroom to get ready for school and cheerleading competitions, we now enjoy getting ready together.

This Mother’s Day, our team of mothers and beauty enthusiasts discovered the beauty products moms and teens love. Whether using the same product lineup or just formulas that parents feel safe learning their kiddos use, we compiled a comprehensive list of the most popular items. We even talked with other real-life moms to learn what they’re doing in their everyday lives.

Keep reading to see the beauty products moms, teens, and tweens use in their everyday routines — from hero makeup products to effective skincare picks.

Best Mascaras

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Benefit Bad Gal Bang! Mascara

$29

Buy Now at target

$29

Buy Now at Nordstrom

“Benefit Bad Gal Bang! Mascara is our favorite,” shares Malia Crespo. The mascara is smudge-proof, water-resistant, and volumizing. It offers up to 36 hours of intense volume without weighing lashes down. The Benefit include provitamin B5, which fuels the thickness of each hair for a bold and defined look.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

$9

Buy Now at target

$12

Buy Now at ulta

As someone with sensitive eyes that constantly itch, Covergirl’s LashBlast Volume Mascara has been a staple in my makeup bag. I love that it immediately plumps lashes with only two coats; no curling the lashes needed! I even stocked my almost 10-year-old up with mascara for her to wear to cheer and dance — it stays put for those never-ending competition days!

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Babe Lash Essential Serum

$29

Buy Now at revolve

$49

Buy Now at target

According to Tess Fetter, mom of two teenage girls, the Babe Lash Essential Serum is a beauty staple in her home. It’s an effective solution for enhancing short, brittle lashes. The serum is packed with biotin and amino acids to help eyelashes look fuller and healthier. It comes with a precise applicator that delivers a precise product layer with every swipe. With consistent use, the serum helps to improve the lash line and retention.

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Best Foundations

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation

$69

Buy Now at sephora

I’m 99.9% sure that almost every woman (and teen) loves this foundation. Although a splurge for teens, it’s the one foundation that universally flatters all skin — from sensitive to mature. The bestselling Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation is a weightless formula that offers a medium cover that doesn’t melt off the refer for up to 24 hours. Plus, it leaves a glowy finish behind.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Saie Slip Tint with Mineral Zinc SPF 35

$36

Buy Now at sephora

$36

Buy Now at saie beauty

Although not a foundation, the Saie Slip Tint is an excellent lightweight product to have on hand. I love how it glides onto my skin and leaves a natural finish with just enough coverage. Instead of leaving my skin with a cakey finish, my complexion looks radiant and dewy. I’ve also used a small amount of my tween, which made her feel so special for her daddy/daughter dance.

The ingredients are gentle and have a soothing list of licorice, jojoba esters, and pansy flowers, which brighten and moisten. The tint also has SPF 35 for added protection.

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Best Bronzing Drops

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops

$39

Buy Now at ulta

$39

Buy Now at amazon

I keep multiple backups on the D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops just in case I run out; they’re just that good. I love that these drops instantly melt into the skin and offer a boozy wash without spending hours in the sun. My daughter likes to wear the drops, too (sparingly), since she’s a summer-loving girl who loves glowing skin. I don’t mind her using it since the formula is filled with soothing ingredients like cocoa extract packed with antioxidants, a Matrixyl 3000 peptide blend for a youthful glow, and chronocyclin, which contains vitamin D. The combination of ingredients mimics the benefits of vitamin D and defends against pollution and environmental stressors.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops

$12

Buy Now at target

And when you don’t want your broke bestie stealing your bronzing drops, you can get them their own that work just as well, for a fraction of the cost. The e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops go on smoothly and add a kissed glow that lasts all day. Better yet, you can also use it on the body.

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Best Moisturizers

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

La Roche Posay Toleriane Face Moisturizer SPF 30

$24

Buy Now at target

$25

Buy Now at amazon

I’ve been using this moisturizer for years! I appreciate that it doesn’t break my acne-prone skin out or leave a greasy finish behind. It also includes SPF 30 in it, so your skin soaks up additional protection against harmful rays in case you don’t feel like applying a separate formula. Recently, my daughter Henley has been using the moisturizer too, and it makes me rest easy since La Roche Posay crafts each product with science-backed, dermatologist-approved formulas. The moisturizer features the La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin for all-day hydration for up to 48 hours.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

e.l.f. Fragrance-Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream

$14

Buy Now at ulta

$13

Buy Now at target

e.l.f. is known for its incredibly affordable and gentle care products that are effective for all skin types. This $13 cream is the perfect option if your teens need a moisturizer. The formula delivers all-day hydration and brightens and evens skin tone. It’s crafted with hyaluronic acid, which locks moisture into the skin and leaves it plump. Niacinamide, peptides, squalene, and vitamin B also improve the skin’s tone, balance, and elasticity.

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Best Cleansers

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

$39

Buy Now at youth to the people

$39

Buy Now at nordstrom

Teens and tweens are reaching for this popular cleanser from Youth to the People. The face wash is powered by superfood ingredients like kale, spinach, and green tea, which “prevents buildup in pores, removes makeup, and balances pH without drying or stripping,” per the brand.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

CeraVe Daily Face Wash

$17

Buy Now at cvs

$15

Buy Now at target

A common concern amongst mothers is that skincare might be too harsh on their teen and tween’s skin. That’s why so many parents (like myself) feel comfortable letting their kiddos use the CeraVe Daily Face Wash. The wash features a tried and true formula that helps remove sweat, makeup, and excess oils from other skin to prevent breakouts. It’s developed with dermatologists and includes no fragrances or micro beads.

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Best Perfumes

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Bum Bum Hair & Body Perfume Mist

$38

Buy Now at ulta

$38

Buy Now at sephora

Nearly every mother and daughter duo SheKnows spoke to, said they all couldn’t get enough of the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Bum Bum Hair & Body Perfume Mist. The sprays are similar to what millennial moms would race to Victoria’s Secret for. Now today’s teens have stocked piled their collection with the delicious Brazilian-inspired scents.

My daughter likes to display hers on her vanity and uses a few spritzes when she prepares for her day. I like that she is building her own collection — it helps give them a self-care routine and also helps them be conscious about personal hygiene.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

PHLUR Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

$38

Buy Now at nordstrom

$38

Buy Now at amazon

It’s hard to scroll through TikTok without landing on a video talking about how glorious this vanilla scent from PHLUR is. It boasts hints of vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, and jasmine that creates a “creamy” scent that is also multidimensional.  

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Best Lip Products

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Bubble Tell All Juicy Secret Berry Lip Balm

$9

Buy Now at ulta

$9

Buy Now at bubble

Can you ever really have too many lip products in your bag? The answer is “no,” according to teens and tweens. “I stole this Bubble Lip Balm from my mom,” Henley Nordeck says. “I like that it clips onto my backpack so I don’t lose it.”

Moms also appreciate that it’s crafted with gentle ingredients like chicory root extract, a plant-derived glucosamine to plump and smooth lips. There are also moringa oil esters for exceptional hydration and Acacia flower wax to give the balm a soft texture.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

$18

Buy Now AT RHODE

I’ve spotted several cool girls (moms included) applying the Peptide Lip from Rhode, and it’s no secret why: It provides a buildable color that glides across the lips for a hydrated, glossy finish. It also adds a subtle plumpness.

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Best Brow Pencils

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil

$26

Buy Now at nordstrom

$26

Buy Now at sephora

Fetter also says she and her girls “love” the Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil. The pencil defines brows for a natural, full look. It goes on smoothly and blends easily, thanks to the eight shades it’s offered in. The spoolie brush also helps tame any unruly hairs that fall out of place.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Merit Beauty Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil

$24

Buy Now at merit beauty

$24

Buy Now at sephora

My daughter is still too young to wear a brow pencil every day, but for cheer competitions, I grab my Merit Beauty Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil to enhance her brows. The pencil creates soft strokes, which are gentle on the skin. It also works to create a natural-looking fullness and definition. It offers a gel formula that stays put despite sweat and outfit changes.

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Best Blushes

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush

$30

Buy Now at nordstrom

$30

Buy Now at ulta

The Fetter girls all reach for this powder blush from MAC Cosmetics. The classic formula instantly adds a flush appearance without being too bold. It is formulated by makeup professionals and is packed with vitamin E, which helps the pigment lay evenly and consistently on the skin.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

Pixi by Petra On-the-Glow Blush

$18

Buy Now at target

$18

Buy Now at ulta

Moms of teens approve of (and also use) this multi-use stick, which provides the best color payoff for the cheeks and lips. The blush is packed with hydrating botanicals and fruit extracts to hydrate the skin. It takes just one sweep of the product to create a natural glow that blends effortlessly. Plus, there’s no mess!

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Best Highlighters

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

ColourPop Liquid Highlighter

$12

Buy Now at target

$12

Buy Now at colourpop

The ColourPop Liquid Highlighter is a favorite for Mandy Paxton and her teen and tween daughters. This liquid highlighter comes with an easy-to-use wand, which delivers the perfect silky smooth texture to the skin. The highlighter leaves an intense pigment payoff, including light-reflecting pearls illuminating the skin.

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BEAUTY PRODUCTS MOMS & TEENS LOVE 2025

MCoBeauty Highlight & Glow Beauty Wand

$15

Buy Now at target

$10 $14 29% off

Buy Now at walmart

Paxton also says that a few favorite brands in her home include “Colourpop, Elf, NYX, and McoBeauty for makeup, and Bubble and Byoma for skin care. They are affordable and have many dupes for their high-end counterparts.”

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Before you go, check out our slideshow below: 

Related story Netflix’s Adolescence Shatters the Myth of the Emotionless Boy — So Why Are We Still Teaching It?

So, What Is the “Good Boy” Trend?

At face value, it’s pretty simple: one kid tells another to do something — hand them a pencil, pick something up, answer a question — and when the other kid complies, they respond with an overly-dramatic “Good boy!” in the same sing-song tone you might use with a dog who just learned to sit.

Sometimes it’s “Good girl!” or sometimes it’s accompanied by a slow clap or a fake-patronizing smile. Either way, it’s not exactly praise — it’s mockery wrapped in fake sweetness. And while it started as a joke on TikTok, it’s made its way into middle school hallways and high school classrooms in a big way.

Where Did This Trend Come From?

Like most trends from this age group, it’s born from the internet. TikTok videos featuring people sarcastically praising others — including authority figures — with a smug “Good boy!” took off months ago. (Reportedly, it all started with this video where someone asks a police officer for his name and badge number, then says “Good boy!” when he gives it to them.) The point is to flip the power dynamic and act like the one giving the command has all the control.

Kids, of course, ran with it. Because what could be more fun when you’re 13 than making your friend (or even your teacher) feel like you’re the one in charge?

Why It’s Showing Up in Schools

Teachers on Reddit and TikTok are increasingly reporting that students are using the phrase in class — especially when another student follows the rules. One kid does what the teacher says, and another chimes in with, “Good boy,” dripping in sarcasm. Cue the laughter, the eye rolls, and probably a stern look from the front of the room.

And while it seems like harmless teasing, it’s not always received that way. For kids who are more sensitive or socially anxious, being called “Good boy” in front of their classmates can feel humiliating. For teachers, it disrupts the classroom and walks a fine line between sass and outright disrespect.

So, is it problematic? Not necessarily — but it can be. In some cases, the phrase carries vaguely uncomfortable connotations (you know what I mean, parents), especially if it’s repeated or used in certain tones. What starts out as a goofy trend can tiptoe into territory that’s not appropriate for school settings.

Plus, it reinforces this idea that showing respect or following directions is somehow embarrassing — and that’s definitely not the kind of message we want kids to internalize.

Reactions to the “Good Boy” Trend

In probably the best-ever example of “not everyone takes things the same way,” the reactions to this trend — from teachers, parents, and students alike — are wildly mixed.

“This trend left TikTok and is now everywhere — and students will say it for anything,” middle school teacher and content creator Philip Lindsay said on TikTok. “This one’s weird because it feels weird and it feels really condescending and disrespectful … so I don’t know what to do with it.”

“‘Good boy’ makes me wanna hurl. I have a visceral reaction to it,” said one commenter on the video.

Another popular teacher-slash-TikToker, Mr. Vương, also made a video about the “good boy” trend. “In their little fifth grade minds, they just know that if you give a request or ask somebody to do something, and they do it, you follow up with this phrase. Without any thoughts to the context of everything,” he said. “I didn’t want to make it a big deal and then blow things out of proportion. At the same time, that phrase is really demeaning and condescending.”

But for every opinion that it’s bad, there seems to be another that it’s … well, nothing. “It’s not that deep,” one comment said, while another echoed, “Not that serious!”

My own kids, in 7th, 10th, and 11th grade, respectively, all report hearing it at school on a regular basis — and there was a common thread of annoyance (“It’s literally just used to piss people off,” one of them told me).

What Should Parents Do?

If you’re hearing “Good boy!” or “Good girl!” tossed around at home or see it in your kid’s texts or TikToks, it might be worth a quick conversation. Not a lecture, not a ban — just a “Hey, I’ve noticed this trend going around. Can you tell me what you think about it?”

This gives your kid a chance to share what it means to them — and it gives you the opportunity to gently point out how something that’s funny in one context might not feel great in another.

Because at the end of the day, kids aren’t trying to be cruel. They’re just parroting what they see online, testing boundaries, and trying to make each other laugh. Our job is to help them understand the bigger picture … and maybe get them to tone it down a notch when they start sounding like a dog trainer in the middle of math class.

No matter how old your kids are growing, they’ll never outgrow the love of getting fun surprises on Easter morning. But when they reach tween and teen status, it gets more difficult to fill their baskets with things they’ll really like and use. There are a lot of things they’re “too old” for, but that doesn’t mean they should have to miss out on the Easter morning fun, whether they believe in the Bunny or not.

These Easter basket stuffers for tweens and teens strike a perfect balance: they’ll appeal to your big kid’s playful side, but they’re not appallingly babyish. From the squeezy simplicity of an old-fashioned egg full of Silly Putty, to a delicious DIY cookie decorating kit, to the pick you can never go wrong with — a gift card — we’ve put together a roundup of stuff that your tween or teen will actually be glad to find in their Easter basket.

Researchers at the University of South Florida surveyed more than 1500 kids ages 11 to 13 in Florida, in a study that will inform an upcoming 25-year national study tracking digital media use in young people into adulthood. The Life in Media Survey found that children with smartphones did better on nearly every measure of wellbeing assessed than kids without. For example, tweens with smartphones reported meeting up with friends more frequently during the week than kids who have no phone or who share a phone with someone else. The cell phone-toting kids were also less likely to report feeling depressed or being cyberbullied.

Even more surprisingly: kids who had a smartphone or tablet were more likely to say they felt good about themselves. Yay phones for helping with self-esteem!

“We went into this study expecting to find what many researchers, teachers and other observers assume: smartphone ownership is harmful to children. Not only was that not the case, most of the time we found the opposite – that owning a smartphone was associated with positive outcomes,” said Justin D. Martin, lead researcher on the project and the Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair in Media Ethics and Press Policy as USF, said in a press release.

The report, which noted that kids in wealthier homes were less likely to have a smartphone than those from low-income homes, did find that certain cell phone behaviors were linked to worse outcomes in tweens. Most notably, how often the kids post online. “More than any other single measure, the act of publicly posting or sharing images online was associated with adverse outcomes,” the study found.

Kids who post often online were more likely to report having moderate or severe symptoms of depression, as well as severe symptoms of anxiety, compared to kids who don’t post publicly. At the same time, the kids who said they didn’t post on social media, also reported getting more than nine hours of sleep on school nights while those who posted didn’t get that much sleep. So, it makes you wonder how much posting impacts anxiety and depression levels or if it truly just goes down to getting enough shut-eye — something that phones, admittedly, distract kids and adults from doing.

Other interesting facts from the study include the statistic that 72% of 11-year-olds had their own cell phone, and more than 99% of participants use at least one kind of electronic device, either theirs or someone else’s. On average, the 11-year-olds reported getting a smartphone at 8-and-a-half-years-old.

Cyberbullying was also linked to depression and anger; however, it was the kids without smartphones who were more likely to be cyberbullied — just one more reason why cell phones might be good in tweens and teens.

Wendy Rote, USF associate professor of psychology, commented on the study in a press release.  “Our findings indicate that the effects of smartphone ownership are complex,” Rote said. “It’s what kids do with cell phones and challenges in regulating their device use, rather than merely owning a smartphone, that may cause difficulties or inversely benefit their lives.”

Earlier this month, Common Sense Media released a report on the digital habits of kids ages 9-8. They found that by 2 years old, 40% of children have their own tablet, and by age 8, nearly 1 in 4 kids have their own cell phone. Despite the prevalence of technology, 75-80% of parents in the report expressed concerns about social media and its potential effects on mental health. Maybe this new research will help parents feel more at-ease about their kids having their own smart phones and tablets!

Monitoring your child’s social media activity and phone use is critical to ensure that your child is safe online. But with a few simple rules — don’t let your child have their phone at night, limit how much they can publicly post, encourage plenty of sleep — getting your 11-, 12-, and 13-year-old children a cell phone might actually be a good thing.

The miniseries, centered on the case of a 13-year-old accused murderer named Jamie, promised to pull no punches — and it definitely delivered on that promise. By the time I reached the show’s conclusion, I sat on the edge of my bed, staring into the void, wondering what I might have been missing. The show’s message was as clear as day: There’s a whole hidden side to our kids that we might not even know, a side that could be way more dangerous than we ever imagined.

Related story Yes, Netflix's Adolescence Is a True Story

I tried to watch Adolescence with a kind of detached curiosity, but as the story unfolded, something inside me shifted, and I felt less like a casual observer and more like, well, a parent. I began to see my pieces of my own boys in Jamie, in his world. I felt exactly the same as, I suspect, every other parent who watches the show: surely he couldn’t have done something so horrific … right? I mean, he’s just a kid. His room looks like my boys’ rooms (I bet he has wrappers under his bed, too). His reaction when the police burst into his house was to call for his dad, wide-eyed and panicked, and he was scared enough to wet himself, for god’s sake. Whose kid wouldn’t react like that to such a situation?

Jamie was from an unproblematic family. Like my family. We aren’t perfect by any means, but we’re normal. Boringly, unremarkably normal. Sure, he said his dad had lost his temper a few times, but that is — to at least some extent — relatable to the vast majority of parents. (If you haven’t ever reached the end of your tether and lost it on your kid, please tell me your secrets). As a fan of true crime, I listen to my favorite podcasts as they do a deep-dive into the murderer’s childhood experiences, often revealing some sort of tumultuous upbringing, if not outright depravity, that they were exposed to in their formative years: a reason for their unimaginable actions. But this was not the case for Jamie, just like it isn’t the case for my kids.

I’m close with my boys. I like to think I know them intimately — their daily routines, their favorite snacks, their friends, their jokes, and the little things that make them nervous or excited. I know I was sure I had a good grip on who they were, at least when we were together. But as Adolescence dug deeper into the darker corners of the internet, that sinking feeling dug deeper into my chest. The show drove home a harsh truth: there’s an entire world behind the screen that I barely understand — and what’s worse, as I get older and technology accelerates faster, it’s almost like I can feel the rift of my ignorance widening no matter how valiantly I attempt to keep up.

I started questioning the countless hours I’ve spent at school drop-offs, sports events, and after-school activities, confident that I was involved in every aspect of their lives. But how often had I really sat down and talked with them about what they were doing online? How much did I know about the digital spaces where they let their true selves — or sometimes a completely different version of themselves — shine through? It hit me hard: Despite knowing all the little details of their day-to-day lives, I’m nearly a stranger to the people they are online.

It was terrifying — and more than a little shameful. I always thought I was a vigilant parent, someone who understood my children inside and out. But here I was, realizing that knowing my kids in the physical and emotional sense was only part of the picture. In today’s world, our kids live two lives: one we see at home and one online. And the digital world, with all its memes, hashtags, and fleeting trends, could be just as influential — if not more so — than the world we navigate together. So why haven’t I been leading them through those online spaces with the same level of guidance I give them “IRL”?

Adolescence left me with a deep sense of responsibility (and a heaping helping of mom guilt). Watching Jamie, a kid lost in a maze of online signals and misunderstood messages, made me wonder how much of my own children’s digital lives I actually understand. Technology is everywhere in our house — but despite this constant presence, the world where my boys truly live online remains largely a mystery to me. (Except the games they play, and that’s mostly because of the constant barrage of asks for V-Bucks and Robux.) They speak a language of quick texts, curated images, and online banter that I’m just not fluent in. The show was a humbling reminder that the world I thought I knew was far more complicated than I’d naively assumed. It felt like I’d been wearing blinders, so certain of my understanding that I didn’t even realize I was missing a crucial part of who they were becoming. Or maybe deep down I knew, but buried those fears in the optimistic belief that most parents share: “My kid would never.”

This wake-up call wasn’t just about feeling inadequate — it was about realizing that parenting today demands a new kind of awareness. Knowing our kids now means more than tracking their schedules or monitoring their moods. It means really looking into the virtual spaces where they express themselves, where they build identities that might be totally different from the ones they show us at home. And while these online identities can be a source of creativity and connection, they also come with risks.

As I sat on the edge of my bed after watching the show, I found myself in a state of quiet reflection. I thought about how my love for my kids had always been like a shield, protecting them from the harsher parts of life. But now, in the digital age, that shield needs to be stronger, more flexible. It needs to account for a realm where influences are constant and where the rules change faster than I can keep up. I realized that if any of us are to truly know our kids, we have to bridge the gap between the tangible moments we share and the intangible world they inhabit online.

So what do we do? I guess it starts by having honest conversations with our kids — not just the usual check-ins about school or friends, but real talks about what they do online. Asking them about the memes they laugh at, the games they play, and the communities they’re a part of. Listening — not to judge, but to understand.

It’s a journey that’s as uncertain as it is necessary, with a very big learning curve. And if Adolescence taught me anything, it’s that being a good parent in this day and age means being willing to admit that you don’t have all the answers. It means being curious and vigilant, even when it feels a bit uncomfortable. It means recognizing that the digital world isn’t separate from our family life but a part of it. And it means committing to evolve, to learn, and to connect with our kids on every level.

I know I’m not alone in this struggle. Many of us are caught between the old ways of parenting and the new digital realities our kids — and, by extension, we as parents — face. We’re all trying to balance our instincts with a need to understand a world that’s moving faster than we ever imagined. And while it can be scary (and, OK, embarrassing) to admit that we might not know our kids as well as we thought, it’s also an opportunity to grow closer by embracing this shared challenge.

Knowing our kids today means familiarizing ourselves with every part of who they are: both the version of them we see in our living rooms and the one they present online. It means accepting that the digital world is a vibrant and complex part of their identity, one that requires our attention and understanding just as much as every other part does.

Adolescence may have left me with more questions than answers, but it also ignited a determination to do better — to understand my boys in every sense of the word. I know their routines, their jokes, and their moods, but now I realize just how much I have to learn about the digital parts of them that have been hidden away for too long. It’s a scary thought, realizing that knowing our children is no longer limited to just the moments we share in person. But it’s also an invitation — to ask questions, to listen with an open heart, and to grow alongside our kids as they navigate a world that is both familiar and entirely new.

Once children stop being little kids and enter the tween and teen years, inviting the entire class to a bounce house to celebrate birthdays is no longer an option. However, even surly teenagers deserve to be celebrated. There are still plenty of special ways teens can mark another trip around the sun with their friends. Even very big kids can find ways to have fun on their birthdays with their besties. 

Escape Room

Playtime is a serious affair for kids, no matter how big they are. Candy Land may be a thing of the past, but older kids still like games. Head to the nearest escape room and watch as they try to get their way out of a jam. Or for under $15, get an at-home escape room kit like Exit that comes in themes like The Abandoned Cabin and Lord of the Rings. Whether or not you help is up to you!

Big Screen Scene

Whether your t(w)een is a scream queen or rom-com fanatic, movies are always a hit — and there is no shortage of options for every budget. Drop older teens off at the theater with a few friends and money for popcorn. If your budget is a little higher, arrange for a private showing for a gaggle of t(w)eens. For those who want to stay closer to home there are also a few options. Stream the latest flick on your biggest screen television or go big and get a projector. All you need is a blank wall or white sheet. To make a movie at home extra special, head to the back yard and watch a movie under the stars. The one thing all movie parties need? Popcorn and candy. Microwavable bags are adequate, but a cost-effective way to up the ante is to get some gourmet popcorn. Johnson’s has been making popcorn at the Jersey Shore for decades. Have a big tub or party favor sized containers shipped to your door. Or, get a mix of fun flavors in individual bags from Popcornopolis.

Limo Livin’

For about the same price as a traditional party at a trampoline park, parents can rent a limo for their t(w)een’s nearest and dearest friends. While a parent rides up front with the chauffeur, kids can take over the back while they indulge in unlimited soda and candy or just enjoy being driven around town like the VIPs they are. 

Bowling Birthday

For something closer to a traditional birthday party, take your t(w)eens bowling. This is a great option for tweens and teens who want bigger parties – and for parents who aren’t ready to host a house party. Book a couple of lanes and sit back and the kids do their thing, with or without bumpers.

Getting Crafty

Birthdays are a great time to let those DIY skills shine. Choose a craft and let the t(w)eens have at it. Michael’s Crafts has ideas for every budget, interest, and skill level. Or, save yourself some time and get each guest a pre-made craft kit like Big Fat Yarn knitting kits for beginners that include everything they need to make their own creation from start to finish. Each box comes with enough supplies for multiple projects. As a bonus, since guests are making something to take home, there is no need to worry about party favors. 

Living Room Spa Day

Tweens and teens are at the perfect age to truly appreciate a little pampering. Head to the drug store to get some face masks, whip up a sugar scrub, and grab some nail polish. Gather a few partygoers, stream some relaxing music, and treat the birthday kid and their friends to a day of pampering in the living room. Gen-Z favorite Miss A has facial tools like jade rollers for under $2.00 each. For an extra treat, make some tea sandwiches. If your budget is bigger, take the birthday honoree and a couple of friends to a salon for mani/pedis.

Nailed It

Challenge kids to bake something amazing. This can be as simple or complicated as the guest of honor and their supervising grown-up can handle. Bake a cake for each t(w)een and hand them over for each to decorate. Or, grab an all-in-one baking kit — there are several great options depending on interest and skill level. The Cookie Cups has kits for making everything from cookies to cinnamon buns. A great option is their Royal Cocoa Bomb making kit that allows each party guest to make, and decorate, their own cocoa bomb that explodes in warm milk. Bake Eat Love is another option, with kits for macarons and eclairs that work well for parties. Because no one is too old for cake pops, another fun option is KidStir’s unicorn cake pop kits. A plus to this type of party is that snacks are taken care of!   

Superb Sleepover

Sleepovers never go out of style. Teens and tweens can gather their nearest and dearest friends for a full night of revelry. Order in some pizza, break out the best board games, stream the latest teen flicks, and tell the kids to try to not to be too loud after 11:00 pm (then wear your earplugs and try to get some sleep). Any of the other ideas for tween- and teen-friendly parties can easily be extended into a sleepover that’s “extra”; a fun option to make a sleepover a little more personalized is to get the t(w)eens matching pajamas or robes.  

Art Night

If your kid and their pals aren’t really into crafts, but are still artsy, you can have a cute art night — based on the popular “paint and sip” parties with wine, only without the alcohol. These adorable mini canvases are the perfect activity to have everyone bonding, having fun, and more!

Inflatable Night Club

Lots of party planning companies are now doing something super cool: bringing a night club to your kids! If your kid wants to have fun dancing but you wanna make sure they’re safe, you can rent an inflatable night club full of lights, disco balls, and more! It’s a grown-up bounce house! And you can add a cute touch with neon accessories for a neon party.

Arcade Night

Arcade night is such a cute way to help your little gamers celebrate. You can have a night where they all play games on whatever consoles they have, or brought over. Just make sure to bring the snacks! You can also put on video game movies in the background if they all have handheld devices.

Karaoke

Karaoke is a classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for teens or tweens, this is such a cute way to get everyone moving and grooving!

Sure, tweens and teens can be increasingly hard to please the older they get, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just takes some creativity … and a little willingness to fade into the background, like a cool parent, while they take the party into their own hands.

These celeb parents know how to throw an epic birthday bash!