Little Girls and "Red" Lipstick

Photo Credit: instyle.com

Hot Topic! Yesterday InStyle magazine posted via Facebook: Do or don't: Let your child wear lipstick -- next to an image (left) of celebrity starlet, Suri Cruise. Several Facebook users LIKED InStyle's status, which is not exactly a clear indication of whether or not they are for or opposed to little girls wearing lipstick (people  L O V E to abuse that like button). Anyways, just as many folks actually commented on the status; I seen a lot of "Donts" and "Dislikes." And, there were a few individuals that thought the lipstick-wearing was not a big deal -- and considered it as harmless "dress up." Interesting.

Moreover, InStyle posted a pic caption underneath Suri's picture via its website that read, "Every girl needs the perfect red lipstick!" So, what's the message? In any event, I brought up the "little girls/lipstick" controversy last year, because I knew the convo would continue.  

Are They Too Young?

Photo Credit: Zimbio

Hot Topic! I was browsing through photos and stopped and starred at the one above: Is Suri Cruise wearing lipstick? Because I know the red smear ain't Kool-Aide.

So check this out, and feel free to challenge me on what I am about to express: It is one thing for a young girl to "play dress up" around the house, but to incorporate getting her makeup done before she goes out in public -- is unsettling (no, disturbing.) The featured photo coupled with People magazine's latest cover story "Gone Too Far?" which discusses the Toddlers & Tiaras controversy makes me wanna punch something. 

Photo Credit: nikkistyle

Following are some thought-provoking 'research' questions as it relates to over beautifying young innocent girls: Are some parents going too far with beautification? Is it a form of negative exploitation? Are parents (and the general public) unintentionally defining beauty as having to cake-on makeup? What are the potential psychological implications of girls (younger than 11 years old) believing that beauty must correlate with wearing heavy amounts of makeup, red lipstick, gluing on false eyelashes, waxing body parts, and sewing-in hair extensions? 

Frankly, what constitutes "beautiful" or "cute" in the eyes of the media/general public is ridiculously out of whack, and the ignorance pushes my hot button. Look at the toddler on the right. I can't...

There's so much more to say! What do you think? Email your thoughts to nikki@nikkistyle.net, or @ reply me on Twitter. I just know this conversation will continue...