Playing makeup artist is a fun and creative way for 7-year-olds to explore colors, express themselves, and develop fine motor skills. Whether your child is pretending to run their own beauty salon, practicing makeup on dolls, or getting ready for a pretend fashion show, there are endless ways to make the experience safe, exciting, and age-appropriate.
In this guide, we’ll explore imaginative makeup play ideas that encourage creativity, confidence, and bonding time while keeping it non-toxic and kid-friendly.
What to Expect in This Blog Post
💄 Playing makeup artist is a fun and creative way for 7-year-olds to explore colors, imagination, and storytelling. In this blog, you'll find:
🎨 Setting Up a Mini Beauty Salon
✔ How to create a home salon station with a mirror, chair, and fun props
✔ Simple ways to make it organized and engaging
💡 Fun Makeup Games to Try
✔ Color Match Challenge – Match makeup to outfits or themes
✔ Role Swap Game – Let your child be the artist, and you be the client
✔ Face Painting Geography – Fun designs while learning about different cultures
🌿 Choosing Safe & Kid-Friendly Products
✔ Why adult makeup isn't safe for kids
✔ Best non-toxic brands to use
✔ How to do a quick patch test for sensitive skin
📸 Capturing the Fun with Photo Sessions
✔ Set up a mini photo booth to show off their creativity
✔ Build a scrapbook of their favorite looks
🧼 Easy Cleanup Tips for Busy Moms
✔ Use washable makeup for quick removal
✔ Keep wipes and face wash handy
✔ Teach kids to organize their beauty kit after playtime
🧠 Encouraging Creativity & Learning
✔ How makeup play improves fine motor skills
✔ How it helps develop problem-solving and confidence
✔ Why role-playing boosts social and emotional growth
✨ Conclusion: Making Makeup Play Fun & Meaningful
✔ How to support your child’s creativity without stress
✔ Turning playtime into lasting memories
🚀 Ready to create a fun, safe, and engaging makeup play experience for your child? Let’s dive in!
Introduction: The Benefits of Creative Play with Makeup
As a mom, finding activities that are both fun and beneficial for your child's development can be a real game-changer. Playing makeup artist isn't just a delightful way to spend time together; it's a fantastic opportunity for your 7-year-old to explore creativity, learn about aesthetics, and develop fine motor skills. This blog will guide you through setting up a mini beauty salon right at home, choosing safe products, and turning simple playtime into an educational experience. By incorporating these playful practices, you're not only bonding with your child but also enhancing their cognitive and social abilities.
Creative play, such as playing makeup artist, offers numerous developmental benefits for children. Engaging in such activities can boost self-esteem and social skills by allowing them to express their thoughts through artistic endeavors (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018). For 7-year-olds, whose fine motor skills are blossoming, handling makeup tools like brushes and applicators can refine their dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, making decisions on colors and styles enhances decision-making abilities and fosters a sense of independence. For moms, this activity provides a perfect setting to discuss topics like self-image and the importance of inner beauty, making it a deeply valuable experience.
Why Makeup Play is Great for Kids
Many parents wonder if playing with makeup is appropriate for young kids. The truth is, makeup play is about creativity, not beauty standards. When approached as an artistic activity, it can help children:
✔ Improve fine motor skills – Applying makeup with small brushes and sponges builds hand-eye coordination.
✔ Encourage self-expression – Kids can experiment with different looks and colors to express their personalities.
✔ Boost confidence & creativity – Pretend play allows them to imagine new roles, tell stories, and create fun characters.
✔ Strengthen parent-child bonding – Makeup play can be a fun shared experience between parents and kids.
As long as you’re using safe, non-toxic products, makeup play can be a fun and engaging way for kids to explore their creativity.
Fun Ways for a 7-Year-Old to Play Makeup Artist
Ready to transform your child into the ultimate pretend makeup artist? Here are some fun and interactive ways to play.
1️⃣ Set Up a "Makeup Salon" at Home
Turn your playroom or bathroom into a mini beauty salon with a mirror, makeup brushes, and a pretend appointment book. Your child can:
- Take turns being the makeup artist and the client (siblings and friends make great "customers"!).
- Create themed makeup looks—princess, mermaid, fairy, or even fun animal face designs.
- Give pretend "makeovers" to dolls or stuffed animals to practice their skills.
🎭 Pro tip: Use kid-friendly play makeup or non-toxic face paints to make it safe and easy to clean.
Setting Up Your Home Beauty Salon: Tips and Tricks
Creating a home beauty salon can be as easy or elaborate as you like, depending on space and resources. Start with a small table and a comfortable chair as your "salon station." A bright, adjustable lamp can mimic the feel of a real salon and help your child see their work clearly. Organize safe, child-friendly makeup and tools on a clean tray for easy access. If possible, include a large mirror to give the setup a true salon vibe.
For an added touch, create a fun name for your child’s salon and maybe even a sign, enhancing the realism and excitement of the experience. This setup not only provides a dedicated space for your activities but also helps in keeping everything organized, making it easier to manage for busy moms.
Once your mini salon is ready, it's time to dive into fun and interactive ways to play makeup artist!
2️⃣ Play "Makeup Challenge" Games
Makeup games add an extra level of fun to pretend play. Try these creative challenges:
✔ Blindfolded Makeup Challenge – Let your child apply makeup blindfolded and see how silly and creative their designs turn out!
✔ Color Challenge – Pick a random color theme (pink, blue, rainbow) and let them create a full look using only those shades.
✔ Timed Makeup Challenge – Set a 2-minute timer and challenge them to create a complete look before time runs out.
These activities boost creativity and confidence while making pretend play more exciting!
Other Simple Makeup Games to Play
Start with a game of "Color Match," where you and your child try to create makeup looks that match outfits or pictures. This game encourages color recognition and artistic thinking. Another fun activity is the "Role Swap" game, where you let your child be the makeup artist and you become the client. This role reversal can be a delightful and empowering experience for your child.
For a more educational twist, try "Face Painting Geography," where you paint flags or cultural symbols from different countries on each other's faces, blending learning with play. Not only does this introduce your child to different cultures, but it also strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Always supervise closely to ensure safe and appropriate use of makeup tools.
Playing makeup artist isn't just fun; it's a fertile opportunity for learning and creativity. This activity can enhance fine motor skills as your child learns to handle brushes and applicators with precision (National Institutes of Health, 2020). It also boosts cognitive development through color recognition and decision-making, fostering a sense of aesthetic appreciation early on. Creativity flourishes as they experiment with different looks, which can lead to improved problem-solving skills as they figure out how to achieve certain effects. Additionally, role-playing as a makeup artist can enhance your child’s social and emotional development, teaching them empathy and social cues as they "consult" with their "clients" (Child Development Institute, 2022).
Encourage them by asking open-ended questions about their choices, which promotes critical thinking and language skills.
3️⃣ Recreate Cartoon or Fantasy Looks
If your child loves cartoons, fairytales, or fantasy characters, let them recreate their favorite looks!
💜 Disney princess-inspired makeup (soft pastels, glitter, and shimmer).
🧜♀️ Mermaid makeup (blue, green, and pearly tones with sparkly bio-glitter).
🦄 Unicorn fantasy look (rainbow colors and magical shimmer).
🖌 Face paint fun (butterfly, kitty cat, or superhero designs).
Encourage them to experiment with color and have fun with different styles!
4️⃣ DIY "Makeup Artist Kit" for Pretend Play
Give your child their very own play makeup artist kit filled with safe and age-appropriate products. Include:
✔ Non-toxic play makeup (water-based or natural formulas).
✔ Soft makeup brushes & sponges (kid-friendly and easy to clean).
✔ A small handheld mirror so they can admire their work.
✔ Play beauty stickers (fake makeup designs for easy, mess-free fun).
✔ Face paints or tinted lip balms for colorful, washable creativity.
💡 Tip: If you prefer a DIY approach, you can create homemade play makeup using simple kitchen ingredients like coconut oil and natural pigments!
5️⃣ Host a "Runway Show" or Photoshoot
Once your child has perfected their pretend makeup skills, let them showcase their work!
📸 Set up a mini photoshoot with a fun backdrop and props.
💃 Do a mini fashion runway where they can walk and pose.
👭 Invite friends for a “makeup party” where they each try different looks.
This helps build confidence and creativity while turning playtime into a full experience!
Tips for Keeping Makeup Play Safe for Kids
While playing with makeup is fun and educational, it’s important to keep it safe for delicate young skin. Here’s how:
✔ Use non-toxic, kid-friendly makeup – Avoid adult formulas with harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, or fragrances.
✔ Always wash hands & faces after play – Even clean beauty products should be removed properly.
✔ Supervise young children – Ensure they don’t ingest or rub products into their eyes.
✔ Store makeup properly – Keep brushes, sponges, and containers clean to prevent bacteria buildup.
Safe and Skin-Friendly Products for Children
Choosing the right products is crucial for ensuring your child's safety during these playful activities. Opt for hypoallergenic, non-toxic products designed specifically for children (FDA, 2021). Brands like No Nasties and Eco Glam Girl offer ranges that are safe for young, sensitive skin. Avoid products meant for adults as they may contain harmful chemicals and allergens.
Before using a new product, always perform a patch test on a small area of your child’s skin to check for any adverse reactions. Remember, the goal is to have fun without compromising on safety.
Capture the Fun: Making Memories with Photo Sessions
What better way to preserve the joy of your child’s creative play than with a photo session? This not only captures their proud moments but also boosts their confidence as they see themselves through your appreciative eyes.
📸 Set up a simple "photo booth" area with good lighting and a neutral background.
💃 Let your child choose their favorite makeup looks to showcase, and perhaps even their favorite costumes that match their makeup.
📖 Afterward, create a scrapbook together with these photos, which makes for a precious keepsake and a moment to bond further.
These photos are not just memories; they're a testament to your child's growing creativity and confidence (Journal of Child Psychology, 2021).
Cleanup Made Easy: Quick Tips for Busy Moms
After a delightful session of makeup play, the inevitable cleanup remains. However, this doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
✔ Use washable, non-toxic makeup kits designed specifically for children, which can be easily removed from skin and fabrics with just soap and water.
✔ Keep a stack of wet wipes handy to remove the majority of the makeup, followed by a gentle face wash suitable for your child’s sensitive skin.
✔ Lay down a washable mat or old towels before playtime to protect surfaces and make cleanup a breeze.
✔ Encourage your child to help clean up—this teaches responsibility and organization skills (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021).
By keeping cleanup simple and manageable, you can enjoy the fun without stressing over the mess.
Final Thoughts: Encouraging Creative Play Through Makeup
Through the playful art of makeup, your child explores a world of colors, textures, and imaginative storytelling that enhances various developmental skills—from motor coordination to emotional intelligence. As a busy mom, facilitating this creative playtime might seem overwhelming, but with easy cleanup strategies and the right tools, you can make these activities both fun and manageable.
Each moment of play is not only an opportunity for growth but also a chance to create lasting memories. By actively participating and capturing these moments, you're providing a nurturing environment that values creativity and self-expression. So, grab that makeup kit, set the stage for some imaginative play, and enjoy watching your little makeup artist shine, knowing you're supporting their development in profound ways.
Encourage creative, toxin-free play with our guide: The Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Play for Kids, where you'll find eco-friendly dress-up ideas, DIY play makeup, and safe role-playing alternatives.
