Skincare for Tweens: Why I Traded Sephora Runs for a Skincare Bar
A mom, a perfumer and a skincare formulator on the Sephora craze, what young skin really needs, and how my daughters inspired the most personal party we offer.
By Cheryl Gleason · Founder, Perfumer & Skincare Formulator
It started with a shopping bag
If you have a tween or teen at home, you probably know the scene. A trip to Sephora, a basket full of serums, and a checkout total that makes you catch your breath. When it comes to skincare for tweens, the pressure to keep up is very real.
For me, the moment came when I found hyaluronic acid serums, retinoids and retinols in my daughter’s bathroom. These are powerful ingredients, and they were built for a very different face than hers.
As a skincare and cosmetic formulator, I knew exactly what those jars were designed to do. Most of them target the concerns of women in their 30s and 40s. My daughter had beautiful, hydrated, young skin. She simply didn’t need them.
“After many trips negotiating over Drunk Elephant serums, I finally took matters into my own hands.”Cheryl Gleason, Founder
The Sephora craze really did have me worried. We were spending an inordinate amount of money, and the obsession with certain brands was something I had never seen before.
I wanted my girls to want to take care of their skin. I just didn’t want it to come at the expense of their health or my wallet.
What young skin actually needs
Young skin is still developing. Strong actives — ingredients made to change the skin, like retinoids and exfoliating acids — were created with adult skin in mind. We simply don’t know enough about what years of these ingredients do to young skin, and most kids and tweens don’t need them at all.
What they do need is a routine. Three simple steps, done consistently, build habits that last a lifetime.
Cleanse
A gentle cleanser to wash away the day without stripping the skin.
Tone
A soft, soothing toner to refresh and balance.
Moisturize
A nourishing moisturizer to keep skin soft and protected.
A note for parents: if your child has a specific skin concern, like persistent acne or eczema, a board-certified dermatologist is the best place to start. The American Academy of Dermatology can help you find one near you.
Formulated in our New Lenox lab
So I made them a skincare routine of their own
With my background in skincare and cosmetic formulation, I went into my lab and created a simple regimen made from natural, nourishing ingredients — nothing harsh, nothing they didn’t need.
Then came the fun part. My daughters added their own oils, butters and extracts based on their perceived skin types. They chose, they blended, and they made it theirs.
“It wasn’t nearly as exciting as a Sephora trip. But they loved making something that was truly their own.”Cheryl Gleason
I was able to keep harsher, stronger ingredients away from them, and gently talk them out of using adult products on skin that was already healthy and glowing.
Facial Moisturizer
Vitamin E, vitamin A, coconut oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil and glycerin.
Body Butter
Argan, shea and mango butters with jojoba oil and vitamin E.
Body Scrub
Brown sugar, coffee and sea salt for soft, smooth skin.
Lip Balm
Beeswax and all-natural ingredients to keep lips soft.
Less waste, more care
Better for their skin, and for your budget
Adult serums are expensive, and half-used bottles pile up fast when the next trend arrives. A simple, personalized routine means fewer products, less waste and no more negotiating at the checkout counter.
“I want them to take care of their skin — just not at the expense of their health or my wallet.”Cheryl Gleason
Introducing the Glitters & Grace Skincare Bar
What started at home is now one of our favorite experiences. The Glitters & Grace Skincare Bar gives young girls and teens the chance to work with some of those “grown-up” ingredients, safely and with guidance.
Guests customize their own skincare routine and go home with a regimen they actually follow. It may not be a shiny new jar from the mall, but it is elegant, fun, creative and educational.
Our bar brings about 40 oils, butters and extracts to the table, including:
About 40 ingredients to explore
A very important note on retinoids
Retinoids are available at our adult skincare bars for guests ages 21 and over only. They are never offered to kids or teens, and they are not intended for use during pregnancy.
From 9-year-olds to boardroom VIPs
The Skincare Bar works beautifully for a 9-year-old who needs a gentle redirect from the Sephora craze, and just as well for executives who appreciate a truly personal gift.
Birthday parties
A spa party that teaches healthy habits. Kids build an age-appropriate routine and take home skincare they made themselves.
Kids & teen parties →
Sweet 16s and sleepovers
A grown-up experience with real guidance, so teens feel sophisticated while caring for their skin the right way.
Sweet 16 ideas →
Corporate, bridal and VIP
A unique, extremely personal gift for client events, bridal showers and VIP evenings, fully staffed and styled.
Corporate skincare bar →
Hers to keep, and reorder
A regimen she can reorder
Every guest leaves with a skincare routine made just for them. And when the jar runs low, it can be reordered from Glitters & Grace.
Yes, kids can reorder too. That means your daughter has her own regimen to follow, made with ingredients you can feel good about.
“I want girls to fall in love with caring for their skin — in a way that is healthy, age-appropriate and truly theirs.”Cheryl Gleason
Skincare Bar pricing for kids and teens
Pricing is based on an average party of 6 to 8 guests, with a $475 event minimum. See our full guide to kids party cost in Chicago.
DIY Skincare Bar
Facial moisturizer, body butter, sugar scrub and lotion for every guest.
The Kids Spa Duo
Mini facials by a licensed esthetician plus the full skincare bar.
The Beauty Trio
Perfume, lip gloss, facial moisturizer and lotion.
Give them skincare they’ll love, and you’ll trust
Tell us your date, the ages of your guests and roughly how many are coming. We’ll send an itemized proposal within two business days.
Skincare for tweens: common questions
Do tweens really need a skincare routine?
A simple routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing is a wonderful habit to start young. Most tweens don’t need strong actives like retinoids or exfoliating acids, which were made for adult skin.
What ingredients do you keep away from kids?
We keep harsher, stronger ingredients like retinoids away from kids and teens. Young guests choose from gentle oils, butters and extracts, guided by skincare cards made for their age.
Can adults use retinoids at the Skincare Bar?
Yes, retinoids are available for guests ages 21 and over. They are not intended for use during pregnancy.
Can my child reorder her skincare?
Yes. Every guest’s skincare can be reordered from Glitters & Grace, including kids.
Do you bring the Skincare Bar to Milwaukee and Indianapolis?
Yes. We serve Chicagoland, greater Milwaukee and the Indianapolis metro with no travel fees.
Cheryl Gleason
Owner, Perfumer & Creative Director, Glitters & Grace
perfume@glittersandgrace.com · 815.418.6740
