Our kids love to imitate us. They love to feel like a grown up, and to feel included in our activities. Makeup being a big one of them. They watch us get ready in the mirror, put colours and shiny stuff on our faces – who can blame them for wanting to join in on the fun?
But did you know that play makeup actually has its benefits for young children?
Imaginary and creativity play
Even adults love to get creative and play with makeup. Why would our kids be any different? They love to dress up, make art, and play pretend – with makeup, they can do all three at the same time. Whether it’s pretend makeup or you give them some of yours to try, you’ll be able to see just how immersed they get in the activity and really let their imagination take over.
Individuality
Every kid has their own style (just like adults), and makeup lets them express that. Whether you have a pink-obsessed, princess loving girly, or one who prefers superheroes over fairies – play makeup gives them free reign over how they decide to play with it, and they’ll always surprise you with what they come up with.
Family Bonding Time
Most little kids want to be like mummy or daddy when they grow up. They watch what we do, and putting on makeup and will often want to have their turn too (whether we like it or not). But play makeup is a great way to bond with our little ones, whether it's painting daddy's nails (don't worry, at No Nasties Kids that is either 100% pretend or 100% wash off!), dress-ups with their siblings or some fun time with nana.
Fine motor skills and hand eye coordination
Have you ever tried to do winged eyeliner? If so, you know exactly how much concentration and hand-eye coordination is involved. Using play makeup is a great opportunity for your littles to work on their fine motor skills. Between holding the brushes, and using a mascara wand, painting their nails – all of these build their coordination skills and get them concentrating.
Pretend play makeup is a great addition to any kid’s playroom, especially for littles who may not be ready for real play makeup. It will keep them out of your makeup collection (hopefully), and give them hours of creative and imaginary play where they can immerse themselves in a world of their own, while building skills at the same time.
