Every 15-16 year old girl wants to experiment with her looks. It is normal. It is also normal for mothers to feel anxious about this change. The best thing to do is to choose your battles. You may cringe at the thought of eye shadow on your 13-year-old, but, if you compromise on temporary cosmetics you'll be successful at putting a stop to more drastic changes, like permanent tattoos.
Be open
Listen to your daughter's ideas. She'll be more sensitive than ever because you're talking about her appearance. A green streak in her black hair might seem outrageous, but if you tell her that, she may not talk to you about her next new idea. Buy your daughter makeup that you find acceptable. Lipstick washes off so it's a good place to start. Most girls will see right away that red lipstick looks terrible on them, so let her try out all the colours she wants, and then offer to buy her something sheer - a light pastel or lip-gloss.
Focus on skin care
Talk to your daughter about overall beauty; she should focus all her energies on her skincare. Teach her to cleanse, moisturise and use sunscreen.
Allow for temporary solutions
If she insists on getting a tattoo done, ask her to try a faux-tattoo. A rubber stamp in a design that you like and an ink pad of waterproof mascara can give her an instant, non-permanent tattoo.
Or 'fake' piercings
If your daughter wants the look of multiple earrings, use clip-ons. For simulated navel or nose jewellery, you can affiX a rhinestone or lightweight charm to skin with eyelash / surgical adhesive.
A real tattoo
Ask her to do some research on permanent tattoos. Statistics show most people regret getting them. Let her talk to women who have tattoos. Also, tell her that getting a tattoo would be like wearing her pink top or the same pair of black shoes every day of her life. That might put her off!
Know when to give in
Adolescence is an intense period for discovering who you are. Your daughter needs some space. It's important for you to keep a perspective. If she wants to colour her hair or try an unusual haircut, let her. Her hair will always grow back.
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