If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom who loves beauty, it’s that the way kids light up when they play with makeup is absolutely priceless. For kids, makeup isn’t just about sparkles or colors—it’s about exploring their imaginations, expressing themselves, and having a blast. Whether they’re pretending to be a fabulous rockstar or an adventurous superhero, play makeup is the kind of magic that lets their creativity run wild. But not all play makeup is created equal, and as parents, we want to make sure anything our little ones use is safe, non-toxic, and gentle on their sensitive skin. That’s why I’ve pulled together a list of my favorite play makeup products to keep your kids entertained and their imaginations soaring. Before we jump into my top picks, though, I want to share why I love encouraging my little ones to experiment with makeup.

How Play Makeup Fuels Creativity

For kids, makeup is more than just pretend play—it opens the door to creative expression. When they paint their faces with glitter or try bold lipstick shades (even if it ends up on their forehead), they learn to experiment with colors and textures, boosting their artistic instincts. Makeup lets them dream up stories, characters, and scenarios.

When I give my daughter her play makeup kit, I never know who I’m going to meet that day. Will it be a princess getting ready for a royal ball? A fierce warrior with painted stripes across her cheeks? Or maybe even a clown perfecting her comedy act? Watching her create these personas is such a joy.

Best of all, play makeup for kids can be gender-neutral. Boys love to play adventurers or fantastical characters just as much as girls enjoy swiping on some sparkle. The key is to encourage all kids to see makeup as a fun tool for creativity, not a serious measuring stick of beauty.

What to Look for in Play Makeup

When choosing play makeup, safety is always number one. Young children love to test everything (sometimes by sticking it in their mouth—yikes!), so it’s crucial to choose products designed for kids. This is what to look out for:

  • Non-toxic Ingredients: Always check that it’s free of harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates.
  • Hypoallergenic: Gentle formulas minimize the risk of irritation on sensitive skin.
  • Washable: You want products that are easy to remove with soap and water or a baby wipe—because we all know how “creative” kids can get!
  • Durability: It’s got to be sturdy! Flimsy packaging won’t last long with eager little hands.

Now, onto the fun part—my favorite play makeup picks!

Best Play Makeup Kits for Kids

Each of these options has everything your little artist needs to turn into a makeup maestro—all while ensuring your peace of mind.

  1. Townley Girl Disney Princess Makeup Vanity Set
    1. If your child adores Disney princesses, this kit is a dream come true. It includes lip gloss, nail polish, and even press-on nails—all housed in the cutest princess vanity case. The products are water-based, non-toxic, and incredibly easy to use. It’s perfect for little ones who love adding a dash of royalty to their dress-up games.
  2. Make It Up! Glamour Girl Pretend Play Makeup Set
    1. This one is my top pick for ultra-realistic play. The entire set, including brushes, eye shadow, and lipsticks, looks just like mom’s makeup, but here’s the kicker—everything is fake! No actual makeup means zero mess but all the fun. Your child can practice blending shadows or swiping on lipstick without worrying about staining their skin (or the furniture).
  3. Le Petit Kids Makeup Kit
    1. Designed for slightly older kids, this set includes real but kid-safe makeup that comes in stunning colors and textures. Think vibrant blush, glittery eyeshadow, and nutrient-rich lip balm. Moms like me will love that everything is cruelty-free and created with kiddos in mind. Plus, the adorable packaging is a bonus!
  4. Snails Kids Washable Nail Polish Set
    1. If your child is all about those tiny details, try introducing them to child-safe nail polish! Snails has a gorgeous range of colors that are water-based and peelable, so you can skip the remover. My daughter loves creating custom nail designs for herself—and pretty soon, for me, too.
  5. Pinkleaf Organic Kids Makeup Kit
    1. For parents who want an all-natural option, this one’s a gem! Everything in this set—lipsticks, cheek shimmers, and brushes—is organic and made with food-grade ingredients. It’s especially great for kids with sensitive skin. And honestly, I think some of these shades are so cute I’ve been tempted to try them for myself!

Tips for Encouraging Creative Play

Once you’ve got the right play makeup, it’s time to spark your child’s imagination. Here’s how to make it even more fun and engaging:

  • Set Up a “Beauty Salon” Station: Lay out the play makeup with a mirror, brushes, and fun props. You can take turns being the customer or the stylist!
  • Create Themed Challenges: Host mini “makeover” competitions where they have to create special characters like woodland fairies, brave knights, or even fantastical aliens.
  • Add Costumes: Combine makeup time with dress-up sessions to bring their creations to life. Pull out those sparkly tiaras or capes—they’ll love it!
  • Join in the Fun: You’re never too old to play! Sit with your child and experiment together. Trust me—the giggles and bonding moments are so worth it.

Why It’s Worth It

Encouraging kids to play with makeup isn’t just about keeping them busy (though, hey, that’s a nice perk!). It’s about giving them a safe space to express themselves and explore who they are—or who they want to be. Makeup is just paint to them. It gives them the freedom to imagine, to be messy, and to confidently show off their creations.

Watching my kids’ creativity unfold when they experiment with makeup is truly a special joy. Whether it’s glitter-covered chaos or perfectly applied lipstick (on their chin anyway), these moments of play are memories I know I’m going to treasure.

Why not give it a shot? Hand them a brush, sit back, and watch as they create their next masterpiece—on themselves, on you, or anything that stays put long enough. It’s the kind of fun you’ll never regret saying yes to!