
If you have a beauty-loving tween you need to shop for this holiday season (like my 9-year-old niece), we've compiled a list of our affordable, fun, and tween-friendly faves. From skincare to bath products and makeup made for tweens, these are our top picks, perfect for sensitive young skin and guaranteed to be a hit!
Skincare Essentials
You are never too young to start good skincare habits. And for tweens, less is more. Think cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Bubble skincare is a great place to start, as these products are gentle, fragrance-free, and suitable for all skin types.
Fresh Start Gel Cleanser ($16): This PHA-based cleanser is a game-changer for young skin. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are gentle exfoliators that help clear away dirt and oil without irritating delicate skin. The formula also includes spearmint and aloe to soothe, while red algae helps balance oil production.
Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer ($16): A daily dose of hydration that nourishes without feeling heavy. It's packed with skin-loving ingredients like aloe and avocado oil, plus a botanical extract that promotes a healthy glow—ideal for cold winter months.
Solar Mate Mineral SPF 40 ($19): We know sunscreen is a must, and this mineral SPF blends effortlessly with no white cast (yes, even under makeup!). With antioxidant-packed raspberry seed extract and blue-light protection, it's great for tweens glued to their screens.
Bath Time Bliss: Cute Festive Sets
What tween doesn't love bath products? From bath gels to moisturizing body lotions in scents like berry, vanilla, and peppermint, a bath set is an affordable way to make self-care extra fun.
Ulta Beauty Put a Bow on It Set ($20): This gift-ready collection features bath essentials with a vanilla scent to pamper your tween.
JoyBright 12 Days of Bath Advent Calendar ($22): Countdown to Christmas with a bath-time surprise behind every door. Think fun bath bombs, body washes, and more! Each day reveals a new treat to keep them excited about staying clean and cozy all season.
Tween-friendly Makeup Must Haves
When it comes to tween makeup, it's all about safe colors and age-appropriate formulas. One brand we feel that doesn't get talked about enough is Petite 'n Pretty. Designed to foster a lifelong love of beauty, Petite' n Pretty products offer young beauty creatives a positive first step into makeup and skincare. Every product is dermatologically, ophthalmologically, and pediatrician-approved, making them safe for kids ages nine and up.
Two of our favorites include:
Petite 'n Pretty At First Glow Makeup Starter Kit ($36): This beginner-friendly kit includes everything a tween could want—blush, highlighter, and even a mascara made specifically for young lashes.
Sparkly Ever After Tween Makeup Set ($36): A fun all-in-one set that offers shimmery eyeshadows and a soft lip gloss—great for school events or weekend fun.
In addition to our Petite' n Pretty picks, here are two more makeup products we feel tweens will also love:
Essence Cosmetics Extreme Shine Volume Lip Gloss Set ($15): A trio of non-sticky glosses that deliver maximum shine. They're a great way for tweens to experiment without feeling overdone.
Polite Society You Better Not Pout Kit ($24): Polite Society is a clean beauty brand, and this playful lip set gives just the right pop of color—nothing too bold, just enough to make lips feel special and to keep them hydrated.
On-the-Go Backpack Essentials
Tweens are always on the go, so portable beauty products make great gift ideas. These are perfect for tossing in their backpacks.
TonyMoly Squishmallows 2-Piece Hand and Lip Set ($16): These adorable sets feature Squishmallow designs, making them as cute as they are practical. Keep hands soft and lips glossy all day long!
Touchland Power Mist Limited Edition 5-Pack ($45): Hand sanitizers, but make them fun! These scented mists are the perfect blend of practicality and cuteness. They're great for keeping hands clean without the sticky feel of traditional sanitizers. With five in a pack, you can break them up as stocking stuffers or stock up for the school year.
Explore our curated collection of tween-friendly beauty products! These selections are not just gifts; they allow tweens to explore makeup and express themselves through fun beauty items created specifically for them. Whether they're perfecting a skincare routine or experimenting with shimmer and gloss, introducing them to positive beauty experiences will help them feel special and valued.