Many parents are asking that question as Walmart is poised to introduce a brand new line of cosmetics for preteen girls called Geogirl.
The products are designed for 8 to 12-year-olds.
Tweens spend roughly $24 million each year on beauty products. The top sellers are lip gloss, eye shadow and mascara.
"I feel its part of hygiene. I do all of these types of things myself, and I think they're better off starting young," one mother said.
"The use of make-up in some way can be addictive, and what these children would be addicted to is the pursuit of perfection, the superficial, skin-deep, I'm only as good as I look," said Dr. Henry A. Paul, an adolescent psychiatrist. "But in the long run, it can lead to an erosion of self-esteem in a child because they'll begin to think of themselves only as beautiful kids."
Walmart insists the make-up will be marketed to parents.
The company says the cosmetics line was developed to give parents a healthier, age-appropriate option for tween girls.
