15 Beauty Gifts for Tweens That Are Low-Key Cool

This Gen-Alpha beauty brand would definitely score you some cool points. It launched about a month ago and already has the internet buzzing. (For context, over 80,000 people showed up to a pop-up, so yeah it should be on your radar.) While the Fresh Starter Set is currently sold out, you can still get your hands on their top-selling moisturizer. The gentle formula has hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which promises lasting hydration, softer skin and an even complexion. 

Believe it or not, fragrance is huge with the 9-to-12-year-old crowd. There are a few brands they love, but one that’s all over Reddit and other platforms is Glossier. The You Eau de Parfum is on the top of their wishlist. It has warm notes of pink pepper, iris, ambrette and ambrox, which Editorial Assistant Courtney Mason previously shared in a review is “unique, inviting and overall a great fragrance to sport for any occasion.” 

PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint is eyeing this hair chalk styling set for her daughter. If your tween is itching to color their hair, this gentle alternative is great for experimenting and easily removing with water. The set comes with four bright shades—green, blue, pink and purple—to sport a signature hue or mix-and-match for a whimsical combo. They’ll also find stylish accessories like a heart and star hair clips, along with adhesive gems to take their colorful look up a notch. 

The nail brand behind “The Mani System,” has developed a line specifically for kids and tweens. These press-ons are great stocking stuffers and come in 19 snazzy designs like the “Iconic French” above that features a neutral base and the classic white tip. No glue is needed, so they can apply it just like a sticker and easily pop them off. It lasts about seven days and offers a variety sizes in the box for a comfy fit. 

Quint also recommends temporary tattoos and I came across these mini temps that’s all about putting a smile on your face. It features cute designs like a smiley face, hearts and flowers. There are also positive affirmations like “Shine bright” and “Happiness.” It’s easy to apply with just water and can last up to two weeks. Plus, it’s non-toxic, waterproof and cruelty-free. 

If it’s good enough for Taylor Swift, it’s good enough for your trendy tween. These face patches will let them rock sparkling freckles for the day. All they need to do is peel it off, apply it directly on their skin and gently press a damp towel on top for about 60 seconds for the final result. It lasts all day, water-resistant *and* comes in a variety of fun colors. 

Evereden is another Gen-Alpha beauty brand that offers a wide range of skincare and haircare products for tweens. Their most popular product? The tinted lip oil. It has a nourishing oil blend of cherry, peach and cranberry to lock in moisture and protect lips against environmental stressors. It’s unique shape also makes it easy to clip on their bags to swipe on the go. As one happy customer writes, “[I] got it as a gift for my niece and she loves it! [It’s] such a cute and convenient packaging for her. Also a great color for kids. She was so excited about it and started using it right away!” 

Freelancer Emma Singer’s daughter explained to her why this blush stain is a *must* for tweens. The hybrid product adds a pop of color to your cheeks or lips without being too much. Formulated with collagen, aloe and sea water, it’s refreshing and cooling on the skin. While you can just pop one in their stocking, the brand has a gift set that includes full-sizes of all six shades. Plus, a jelly clear case to travel with. 

Acne can start as young as 7-years-old, so getting them started on how to treat them is the way to go. Starface is a great option as it’s helpful *and* stinkin’ cute. This gift set has 32 star patches that contain hydrocolloid, a material known to absorb fluid from a pesky pimple, as well as salicylic acid to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. You’ll also find their Star Balm to soothe and moisturize chapped lips and a fluffy pouch for them to put their new skincare faves in.  

If they’re ready to start their skincare routine, this brand is great for tweens and teens alike. This trial kit has everything they need to stick to a regimen, from a cream cleanser to hydrating moisturizer. All the products have hyaluronic acid, ceramides, green tea extract, lavender water and avocado oil to moisturize, soothe and refresh skin. 

Sol De Janeiro continues to be a hit with younger folks—and I can definitely see the appeal. The gift set has their best-selling fragrances, including the viral sensation Cheriosa 62, which has notes of salted caramel, vanilla and pistachio. They’ll spritz some on the second they unwrap the gift and once you get a whiff you might just want to buy one for yourself.

You don’t have to decide on one brand when this gift set exists. Sephora curated 11 fan-favorite haircare products into one kit including Amika, Gisou and Dae. While there are mostly mini samples, it does include a full-size of Living Proof’s Dry Shampoo. Overall, it offers a great selection that they can test and update their current styling routine.

There’s no need to drop $$$ on a curling iron. If your little sis wants bouncy curls for picture day, consider surprising her with this heatless hair styling set. The curl headband has been all over TikTok with its impressive before and after videos of flowing, voluminous hair. Made of satin material, it reduces breakage and minimizes frizz. Aside from the curling rod, they’ll also find scrunchies, a claw clip and one roller (great for fixing up their bangs). 

In the midst of labubus and lip balms, Touchland has been a hot ticket item for middle schoolers. This hand sanitizer has been seen on every backpack (and purses)—someone even telling me the kids are swapping them like Pokémon cards. So what’s the popularity? Well for one, they don’t look like your average clinical hand sanitizer. It has some style to it, coming in different colors that can surely match any outfit. Then it’s the scent. Each one has a distinct fragrance that smells great, while killing germs and bacteria at the same time. This set comes with eight scents: berry, watermelon, lavender, coconut and mango notes. They’ll spend time changing it up every morning and make it even cooler by adding a trendy case (may I suggest this Hello Kitty one?).

When in doubt just buy them a gift card to their favorite retailer and let them pick out their own products. It’s not the most personalized gift but it cuts out the awkwardness of getting them a gift they don’t like. Just add a sweet note and give them up to $250—then spend some time doing an IRL (or virtual) shopping spree with them.