Survey reveals big beauty anxiety for teen girls

Over 30% of teenage girls feel unattractive when they are not wearing make-up, according to a study by fitness and nutrition website, Nuyoo.

Following the release of figures from the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association that reveal an increase in sales of products for the face, eyes and nails, Nuyoo conducted a survey, asking over 800 women aged 18 and over about their attitude to wearing make-up as a teenager.

Key results showed that two thirds of those surveyed started using beauty products between the ages of 13 to 15, with 54% of women surveyed claiming that they used make-up as teenagers because they were self-conscious about their looks.

9% of those surveyed said that they used make-up because they were bullied for their looks, and Nuyoo sought to find out how the women surveyed felt as teenagers when they went out without make-up. The results were: self-conscious (34%), like something is missing (31%), unattractive (31%), I don’t mind (20%), unnoticeable/invisible (14%) and more like myself (11%).

“Wearing make-up can be fun and should be considered a form of art,” comments Sacha Harding, Nuyoo’s lifestyle expert. “Unfortunately, many teenage girls are concerned about how they look and that can take a toll on their self-esteem and perspective on life.

“Parents have the responsibility to teach young girls the power of natural beauty, and exploring options should they feel self-conscious.”