John Lewis cancels make up masterclass aimed at 12-year-olds, amid backlash over 'wrong and worrying' event
John Lewis has cancelled a 'back-to-school' make-up masterclass aimed at 12-year-olds after charities and parents called it "wrong and worrying".
The event advertised itself as being aimed at girls aged 12 and up and said they could "learn how to make the best of [their] skin and brows before the new term.
A parent, Clare Harvey, said the event was "encouraging girls to break school rules as most have no make-up policy", and another customer, Hayley Webb, added that "12-year-olds shouldn't be encouraged to wear make-up".
Charities were also concerned.
Young Women's Trust media manager Bex Bailey said: “At school and work young women and girls are too often judged on appearance not ability.
"Young Women's Trust research shows that 30 per cent of young women - nearly a third - say they have been treated differently at work or when looking for work because of their appearance.
“If we are ever going to achieve gender equality we have to focus on the talents and skills young women can contribute, not on a prescriptive beauty ideal."
Ella Smilie, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Fawcett Society added : "It's what's in girls' heads that counts, not what's on their faces. As our kids go back to school, John Lewis and MAC are sending a wrong and worrying message. Like Fawcett, parents will be justifiably angry that companies are adding to the pressure their children are under to conform to gender-stereotypes around appearances, instead of focusing on their education."
A John Lewis spokesperson said: "This was an isolated event organised at a local M·A·C counter. As a brand M·A·C does not market to anyone under 16 so this event should not have been arranged. It has been cancelled and we are very sorry for any upset caused.
"We're looking into how it happened to make sure that this type of event doesn't take place again. "
