19 Must-Have Makeup Products for Teens

Makeup is a great means of self-expression, and that’s especially true when it comes to makeup for teens. Though you may not need—or want—to use a full face of makeup every day, there’s nothing wrong with experimentation. In fact, we encourage it—there’s nothing like a bold statement lip or a cool new eyeliner look to boost your confidence.

Everyday staples like a tinted moisturizer and concealer are great to have in your teenage makeup starter kit, but you may also want to make room for the latest viral TikTok products and drugstore dupes for luxury favorites. Below, we’re sharing the details on 19 products worth adding to your teenage makeup kit, from wear-anywhere mascaras to fun lip glosses and more.

What Makeup Brands Are Good for Teens?

When you’re just beginning to experiment with teenage makeup, a drugstore brand like L’Oréal Paris can be a great entry point. Drugstore makeup products are affordable, easily accessible, and in many cases, perform as well as high-end formulas (but without the hefty price tag). Plus, L’Oréal Paris offers a wide range of makeup products across categories, including viral products and drugstore dupes that teens are sure to appreciate. 

Makeup for Teenagers: 19 Products To Try

Whether you’re building your teenage makeup kit from scratch or are looking to add to your arsenal, keep reading to discover 19 makeup products we love for teens.

1. L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24HR Matte Setter

When shopping for face makeup for tweens and teens, we recommend opting for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores. (This is especially important if you’re prone to acne). It can also be helpful to look for mattifying formulas that cut down on unwanted shine. This primer checks both boxes—and it helps extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours. Use it as the first step in your makeup routine to help reduce excess shine and prep your skin for long-lasting makeup wear. 

2. L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

Some of our favorite makeup for teenage beginners include products that can be usedin multiple ways, such as the viral Lumi Glotion. This luminous formula pulls triple duty as a hydrating moisturizer, luminous primer, and radiant highlighter, adding a natural-looking glow wherever you choose to apply it. You can even use it as a lightweight liquid contour (and—the best part—you don’t need any tools to apply it). If you’re using it as a primer or tinted moisturizer, we suggest selecting a shade that closely matches your natural skin tone. A slightly lighter shade, meanwhile, is best for highlighting, while a deeper hue can help give your face a fresh-from-the-beach bronzed effect (without the risk of sun damage).

3. L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

Makeup for teens doesn’t need to look (or feel heavy). This tinted serum is the perfect addition to any teen’s makeup kit because it offers light coverage and helps brighten the skin without feeling heavy on the skin. We also love that it contains 1% hyaluronic acid and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and smooth. 

To apply the skincare-makeup hybrid, pick up the serum with the dropper, brushing any excess product off inside the bottle. Then, dispense a few drops of the fluid formula into your hands and smooth it onto your face like you would with your favorite facial serum. You can blend it with your fingers or use a damp makeup sponge or foundation brush to blend for a smooth, even finish. 

4. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

If you’re struggling with stubborn breakouts or discoloration and want a bit more coverage, try a medium-coverage foundation. This lightweight formula comes in 47 shades and offers a skin-like finish for a seamless end result. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types and non-comedogenic, so it’s unlikely to exacerbate your acne. 

To use it, shake the bottle, then apply the foundation directly to your face using clean fingers. Next, use a damp makeup sponge to blend the foundation from the center of your face outward. Add more foundation as needed for your desired level of coverage.

5. L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

This radiant-finish concealer is a perfect pick for the teen who might not be ready for a full face of foundation but wants a bit of help camouflaging redness, pimples, or dark circles. True to its name, this serum-like concealer is lightweight and hydrating. Choose from one of 24 skin-like shades and use the doe-foot applicator to brighten and de-puff the under-eye area, spot conceal blemishes, or hide pesky dark spots. 

6. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage

This full-coverage concealer provides a flawless-looking matte finish that lasts all day—and we mean all day. The waterproof formula won’t transfer, fade, or crease (even after your post-school sports practice) and it’s non-greasy, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with unwanted shine. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way: Start by applying a small dot over any imperfections and blending it out with your finger, a makeup sponge, or a brush. From there, you can add another layer, if needed, for additional coverage. 

7. L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush

This buildable liquid blush is ideal for teens looking to embrace the trendy glass skin look. The blendable formula comes in six vibrant shades—three dewy, three glowy—and boasts a weightless feel for a your-skin-but-better effect. Use the doe foot applicator to dot the color of your choice onto your cheeks, then use clean fingertips or a dampened beauty sponge to blend it out for a healthy-looking glow.

8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush

If you ask us, no teenage makeup kit is complete without a bold, bright blush for special occasions—and this powder option is one of our favorites. Like many of the other products in the Infallible line, it’s waterproof, sweatproof, and offers up to 24 hours of wear. Choose your favorite of the four vibrant shades and use a fluffy brush to sweep the pigment onto the apples of your cheeks for a fresh-faced flush.

9. L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette

This eyeshadow palette contains everything you need to create a standout eye makeup look. It’s packed with 12 velvety shadows, including shimmery bronzes, matte nudes, and playful pinks. Each delivers intense color payoff with a blendable formula that glides on effortlessly. If you need some inspiration on using the palette’s brighter hues, check out our article Grab Your Pink Makeup and Try These Stunning Pink Eyeshadow Looks.

10. L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick 

A makeup routine for teens doesn’t need to be complicated—in fact, sometimes it’s the simplest products that make the biggest impact. That’s certainly the case with these easy-to-use shadow sticks, which come in eight ultra-wearable shades, from shimmery bronze to icy silver. Pick your favorite (or favorites) from the bunch and swipe the creamy formula across your lids for a pretty and effortless wash of flattering color. 

11. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

Whether you’re after a sleek cat eye look, or favor a grungy smokey eye, this gel eyeliner is a must-have. The waterproof formula comes in eight shades—four neutrals and four brighter hues—and delivers all-day wear that resists transferring. Use the built-in smudger to blend out the liner to your liking, and enjoy up to 36 hours of wear—no mid-day touch-ups required.

12. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara

Makeup for teens should be fun, and that’s precisely why we love this mascara for the under-18 set. The classic formula thickens and lengthens lashes without clumping or flaking, and it’s available in an array of colorful shades in addition to the standard black and browns. Try swapping your go-to black mascara for the burgundy-tinted option for a colorful eye look that’ll help accentuate your natural eye color.

13. L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara 

If you’re new to mascara and subtle length and volume without a heavy feel, consider trying this ceramide-infused formula. The long-lasting mascara can add up to +5MM of visible length to your lashes, and it doesn’t feel heavy on your eyes. Plus, it’s easy to wash off with water at the end of the day.

14. L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil

There’s nothing like a well-groomed set of arches to frame your face. If your brows are on the thinner side, use this waterproof pencil to help fill in sparse areas, add definition, and shape your brows. The pencil’s ultra-fine tip makes it easy to apply the color in small, hair-like strokes for a natural-looking finish, and it comes in 10 different shades to match a wide range of hair colors.

15. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24HR Wear Brow Mascara

This long-lasting brow mascara is a great time saver for those mornings when you’re running late for the bus. All you have to do is brush the fiber-packed formula through your arches to create the illusion of fuller, thicker-looking brows. It wears for up to 24 hours and comes in seven neutral shades to complement an array of brow colors. If you’re stuck between two hues, we recommend opting for the lighter option for a more natural-looking effect.

16. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Brow Lamination

Eyebrow lamination is trendy, but it’s also pretty pricey. Instead of putting in extra hours at your after-school babysitting gig to afford professional brow lamination, reach for this budget-friendly brow gel. The angled brush allows for a precise application, and the clear gel helps lift and hold brows into place without a sticky or tacky feel. 

17. L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract

When you’re out shopping for back-to-school staples, pick up this balm-lipstick hybrid. A must-have in any teenage makeup kit, the unique formula hydrates and nurtures lips like balm while adding a flattering wash of color like a sheer lipstick. There are 10 flattering shades to choose from—pick your favorite, then swipe it onto bare lips for a pout that feels softer and smoother (both instantly and over time). 

18. L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract

If you prefer your lips to have a glossy finish, we recommend snagging this hydrating lip gloss. The teenage makeup must-have contains hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract and adds sheer color with a non-sticky, high-shine finish. Wear it alone for a subtle lip look or layer it over your favorite lip stain or lipstick for a flattering pop of healthy-looking shine.

19. L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist

Perfecting your makeup routine for teens doesn’t mean much if your products melt off by mid-day. To help keep your makeup in place throughout your school day, finish off your look with this long-lasting setting spray. It has a microfine mist that dries fast and applies evenly, without leaving any droplets on your face that might ruin your makeup. Plus, it boasts a natural-looking finish that’ll leave your skin looking glowy and healthy.

Next Up: How To Do Makeup for Dance, Cheer, and Gymnastics

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris