Mum's new 'Pamper Party' business says you're never too young for a makeover

They grow up so fast these days. But far from trying to prolong their childhood, one mum has decided that if young girls want to start wearing make up before they're anywhere near their teens, they should at least be taught how to do it properly.

So she's set up 'Little Beauties' - a party pamper service where primary school kids can learn how to apply a full face of make up, as well as having manicures and pedicures.

 
Kelly Matthews, from Gloucester, has been inundated with requests for parties from family and friends' kids since running her first party last month.
 
Kelly said: "When I was young, I always used to sneak into my mum's room and try on her make up, because I looked up to her and wanted to be pretty like her."

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"I know when I was a little girl, I would have been thrilled if my mum had booked me a pamper party. I can't wait until my eight-month-old daughter (Elsie-May) is old enough to have a pamper party herself.
 
"No one ever taught me how to put make up on, and I think that's something which many girls never get told how to do today.
 
"That's why when you go into town, you often see so many teenagers with their faces plastered in foundation or fake tan, but all they need is a bit of guidance as how to use the products they will use regardless in moderation and properly."

The pamper parties are designed for girls aged seven and above, some of the treatments on offer include, manicures, pedicures, face pack treatments, hair curling and make up lessons.
 
Kelly said: "The feedback I've been getting from the girls and parents is that the parties are fun, surprisingly educational and something different, which is what I set out to achieve."

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The issue of putting make up on children can prove a sticky issue amongst parents, but Kelly says that her parties are all just about having fun.
 
Kelly will provide two main types of parties, those for children aged around seven to 11 and parties for teenagers from the ages of 12 and above.

 
For the younger children's parties, the girls will have the choice to try on sparkly make up and colourful nail varnishes.
 
For the parties aimed at teenagers, the emphasis will be on looking beautiful without using too much make up, and Kelly will tell party guests which make up is bad for your skin, and the better alternatives.

Too young or harmless fun? What do you think of Kelly's pamper party idea? Tell us over on Twitter.