gift guide: self care for tweens + teens

IT’S NEVER too early [or too late] to adopt solid self care and hygiene rituals. It’s just SO important at every age + stage to spend a minute each day taking care of yourself, body + soul, whatever that may mean for you. And we can totally inspire our tweens and teens to get into the habit, too, with the ‘right’ tools for the job. Just about everyone, even the most rumpled of the bunch, can appreciate being spoiled once in a while with some solid pampering. If you have a reluctant adopter of ‘extra’ personal hygiene, like face-washing, just start with something super simple that won’t overwhelm them with 17 steps [like Doré]. And If you already have a full diva on your hands, there are lots of options for taking that self-care love to the next level.

THERE ARE a lot of categories wrapped up in ‘self care’ and I’ve covered a bunch of them below for all kinds of kids, but I have a quick PSA about the skincare and makeup aspects specifically, so bear with me… There is sooo much out there being marketed to teens right now and your kids may try to convince you otherwise, but the plain truth is that simple is best when it comes to skincare. There’s a bunch of research emerging about teens’ vulnerable developing skin and the active ingredients designed for much more mature faces [think retinols, certain oils and harsh acids…]. The gist is that they not only don’t need them, but they can actually be pretty harmful to their delicate skin barrier and can cause the exact problems they’re trying to avoid, like inflammation, acne, redness and irritation and it can be very difficult to repair. So keeping ingredients clean and simple [which does not need to mean basic] is best, especially if you have a kid with sensitive or acne-prone skin. There are lots of brands making really gorgeous, beautifully packaged products that have just a few [or one] ingredients that feel luxe and give fancy vibes, but are safe and effective for teen skin.

ALL OF THE lines I’m sharing with you here are super clean [though within a brand, some products can vary a bit and could include a few less pristine ingredients]. If you’re curious about what’s in these or any other products or want to be absolutely certain about specific ingredients, I encourage you to use the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. It’s super helpful and can be pretty eye-opening. I have decided with my own products to aim for the very best option I can 90% of the time and let the rest go [kind of like an 80/20 with food, but I apply it to my skincare]. You’ll obvs have to decide what’s best for you and your family. Hopefully this guide will give you one less thing to worry about with your teen and maybe even give you some street cred for being in the know about cool stuff. You’re very welcome.

AND IN my book, ‘self care’ encompasses so much from skincare to exercise to hydration to sleep. I could do entire posts on each one of those categories, but I’ve included a little of everything to get you started. So if skincare, makeup and grooming isn’t your teen’s thing, you can skip right ahead to the Tools section to find lots of other ways for them to take good care of themselves [or scroll and shop for skincare for yourself, no judgement here].

HERE ARE lots of awesome ideas, all broken down by category so you can shop Skincare / Makeup + Nails / Body + Hair / Beauty + Grooming + Wellness Tools and Dopp Kits + Makeup Bags. You can jump to individual categories or do a happy scroll to see ALL the awesome stuff. Pick one or two for a sweet gift or stocking stuffer OR bundle a few into a dopp kit for a really great gift. And check out my full BIG Teen Clean Beauty Collection and the Gift Guide for Tweens + Teens for LOTS more ideas. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Skincare for Teens

+ I love Tower28 for so many things, but they are absolutely brilliant for teens [or anyone] with super sensitive or reactive skin. They’re the first skincare line to follow the ingredient list set out by the National Eczema Association and take sensitive skin VERY seriously. My son has been using the SOS Rescue Spray for a few years now and it’s so awesome for keeping skin balanced and happy. They now have a whole SOS 3-Step Skincare Set that’s a perfect solution for anyone who wants a simple, super effective, gentle routine. + $64

+ Doré is sexy French beauty in the simplest, most approachable package. They set out to develop the ‘white t-shirt of skincare’ so you can spend less time getting ready and more time living your life and it’s perfection. Le Set includes the gorgeous Le Cleanser, La Micellaire, La Creme and Le Baume [a do-it-all salve] for the perfect no-fuss, super clean, super effective full routine AND at a great price. Oui Oui Oui. + $88

+ Herbivore is a super clean brand that relies on the power of nature for their line of skin and body care and they have a collection of clear skin essentials that could be perfect for teens. Many of their products are EWG Verified, meaning they’re as clean as it gets. Plus their products are super colorful and pretty and relatively affordable. +

+ Cocokind is another fantastic clean beauty line perfect for teens [or anyone]. They have a wide range of products, a handful of which are also endorsed by the National Eczema Association, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. You can shop their site by concern, including blemish-prone, sensitive and dry. Single-ingredient products like their Rosewater Facial Toner are perfect for teens, it’s simple but def not basic. And it’s super reasonably priced, which is awesome. +

+ Three Ships is another awesome super clean line. Almost all of their products are EWG Verified, meaning they adhere to the strictest standards for safety, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring. It can be unfussy if necessary or super luxe for skincare mavens and it’s relatively affordable. Their Brighter Days Eye Masks are super popular right now and, I will say, they’re actually awesome. +

+ Indie Lee is a clean beauty brand with several effective options for targeting your skin’s particular needs, including their Clarity line for acne and blemishes. Plus it’s just pretty. They also have lovely body wash that would make your teen feel super special. +

+ Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes are perfect for after sweaty practices, on the road or for teens who can’t be bothered to wash their face in the sink. Just swipe one of these handy 4-in-1 wipes and you’re set for cleansing, exfoliating, soothing and hydrating. Done and done. + from $6.50

+ Help your teens keep that gorgeous fresh skin for as long as possible with Tower28’s FaceGuard SPF Sunscreen. It’s designed for sensitive skin, so won’t sting or burn and can be worn under makeup. They’ll thank you later, promise. + $32

+ This One Love Organics Cleansing Sponge is gentle, but exfoliating and will last up to 3 months if used properly. Plus it’s just cute. + $10

+ These ESW Beauty Raw Juice Cleanse Masks will make your teen feel super pampered and fresh, plus there’s no yucky stuff and they're totally compostable.  There are a bunch of yummy ‘flavors’ to choose from. + from $4.99

+ Starface Hydro Stars aren't just adorable [they so are], they’re also super effective for nurturing pesky breakouts. I love that they’ve become a source of personal expression as well as a handy tool to heal blemishes. I personally LOVE the Hydro Star + Salicylic Acid Patches, they’re actual magic, and the little travel case is super handy. + from $6.99

+ If colorful stars just isn’t your thing, stick with the OG neutral Hero Mighty Patches. They magically treat those inevitable blemishes in a subtle, nearly invisible way. You know, low key. + from $6.99

+ Poppy & Pout Lip Balm is awesome. It’s super hydrating and comes in 10 subtle, natural scents. it’s made in Idaho with 5 ingredients and poured into a cardboard tube that’s totally recyclable. I’ve gifted a BUNCH of these beauties and everyone loves them [and I do]. + $9.95

Makeup + Nails

+ Saie is a gorgeous clean beauty brand that combines sophistication with accessibility. They have a perfectly tailored collection that satisfies real makeup girlies with more than just the basics. My very chic niece loves their Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Illuminating Serum and their Dew Blush. I also love their Glossybounch Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil. It’s a great source for essentials you can feel good about and their color selection is designed for a wide range of skin tones. +

+ RMS is another beautiful line of organic cosmetics. I love the Lip2Cheek, a beautiful 2-in-1 that you can swipe on lips or cheeks. They leave you with a really pretty glow. Their Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow and Legendary Lip Oil are also great choices for teens [or anyone else]. +

+ Kosas set out to make ‘clean makeup for skincare freaks’ and they do it with great results and very cool style. I LOVE their Wet Oil Lip Gloss, it hydrates, soothes + softens with a touch of gorgeous color so you can glow on the outside like you do on the inside. My niece loves the Brow Pop Eyebrow Pencil and their Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer is super popular. +

+ Tower28’s makeup is ‘cleaner’ than most [not quite as clean as their skincare] and a super cool brand made specially for sensitive skin. They have a whole range of great ‘basic’ makeup products and an Essentials Set, which is such a fun way to try all of their best sellers. I have gifted their LipSofites and ShineOn Lip Jelly to lots of teens and it’s always a hit. I personally LOVE their MakeWaves Mascara and SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen, too. Plus it just looks cute. +

+ Lily Lolo is a British company that makes squeaky clean mineral cosmetics. I love their Lip Gloss that comes in 8 really delicate, pretty colors. It’s perfect for just about any age. It’s filled with Vitamin E and organic jojoba to keep lips happy and it doesn’t have a taste or smell and isn’t sticky. Sometimes simple is just better. + $16

+ Gen See is a clean, sustainable, inclusive brand that aims to bring a smile to your face with their commitment and their fun color palette. They have a nice selection of makeup basics and I really like their Clean Sheen Cheek + Lip, it’s lightweight, blendable and pretty. It’s a really nice option for anyone, but especially teens who are happy with a more minimalist makeup routine. +

+ If you have a tween [or li’l sis] who’s not quite ready for full-on makeup, check out Yawn. They make the cutest little line of skincare, nail polish and ‘makeup’ that’s super duper clean and doesn’t show much. it’s adorable. + from $18

+ If you have an aspiring nail tech on your hands but aren’t psyched about the super toxic chemicals that come with it, Dazzle Dry is your new bestie. It has the quick-drying, long-lasting effect of a gel without the harmful ingredients, making it a perfect choice for, well, just about everyone. It comes in a ton of pretty colors and the Mini Starter Kit includes everything you need for a full nail care system, so you can test it all out. +

Body + Hair

+ Whether you have a newbie or practiced shaver, Billie Razors are SUPER cute, award-winning and refillable to reduce waste. I love mine. Billie also has a line of clean beauty essentials like Shave Cream, Dry-Bye Body Lotion, Wax Kits and Sudsy Body Wash. + $35

+ When your tween or teen starts noticing some facial fuzz and is ready to start their life-long shaving journey, the Philips OneBlade Shaving System is perfect. It’s totally waterproof, so can be used wet or dry, even in the shower. It’s fully rechargeable and has a special anti-friction blade to keep them safe while they perfect their technique. My son loves his. + $30

+ Herbivore’s Cocoa Rose Body Polish is one of my favorites. It has a distinct, but not overpowering scent and leaves your skin super smooth. They have several other ‘flavors’ that are awesome, too, and make perfect holiday gifts or stocking stuffers for your ‘everything shower’ girls. + from $24

+ Dabble & Dollop makes natural, adorable bath stuff for kids, but there’s nothing babyish about their Mini Bath Bombs. They’re super fresh and yummy smelling, super moisturizing and they don’t have any weird chemicals or dyes in them. Perfect for a mid-week chill. + $14.99

+ Miles Deodorant is formulated just for teens in 3 scents inspired by nature; Fresh, Clean and Rugged. They all sound really nice and it has no yucky stuff in it. + $9.99

+ Ursa Major’s Hoppin’ Fresh and Forest Fix Deodorants are aluminum and baking soda-free with a fresh scent that won’t overpower the guy next to you in math. It doesn’t get much cleaner or simpler than Ursa Major. + $20

+ Salt & Stone Deodorant has taken over the internet and in this case I think it’s for good reason, I really love it. The scents are unique and beautiful and can be totally unisex. My personal favorite is Basil & Neroli, which is bright and not too floral. They also have a Mini Deodorant Discovery Set that features five li’l sticks so you can try out different scents and use them for travel. + $20

+ Summary Deodorant is made for Free People and it’s a nice option, especiialy for sensitive skin. It’s not terribly fragrant and is powered by super clean ingredients like butterfly pea flower and witch hazel, but is free of allll the yucky stuff, including baking soda. They also make a Travel size, which is a great way to test it out. + $18

+ My boys both use Native Deodorant and it works great. The scents are all lovely and subtle and you can’t smell them from across the room. There’s no aluminum, talc, phalates or parabens, so you can feel good about them slathering their pitties with it each day. + $15

+ If you have to drag around and use hand sani all day, you might as well make it super cute. Touchland’s Hydrating Hand Sanitizer is adorable and comes in 3 fruity scents, so you don’t smell like the doctor’s office. + $30 for 3

+ Whether you have a reluctant flosser or a full-on aspiring hygienist, Cocofloss has the best, cutest clean refillable floss in tons of fun flavors [plus it’s an awesome woman-owned company]. I love their Cocobrush, too.+ from $10

+ If you have a teen who wants a signature scent, but you don’t want them wallowing in a cloud of Axe Body Spray, check out Abbott. They have a gorgeous line of squeaky clean unisex scents inspired by nature and they are bright and fresh and balanced. We ordered the Exploration Set and both boys found a favorite. Some more ‘masculine’ and some more ‘feminine,’ but they’re all really nice. And the ones they didn’t love I use as room spray when we’re traveling, so nothing gets wasted. + from $31

+ Perfume is for sure one of the ‘dirtiest’ parts of the beauty industry, but there are very cool cleaner and some super clean brands emerging all of the time that are just as gorgeous and ‘sexy’ as mainstream brands. Credo Beauty has an awesome selection of clean perfumes from brands like Henry Rose, Mason Louis Marie and DedCool. They have a lot of discovery sets available, which is a really great way to find your perfect scent [I use the rejected ones as room spray when traveling]. It might take a bit of trial and error, but it’s def worth it to find a scent that your teen loves AND that you can feel good about them wearing and inhaling everyday. +

+ My guys love Boulder-based Alpine Provisions’ grooming products. They’re organic, cruelty-free, vegan, plastic-free and sustainably produced. And the fantastic scents are bright and fresh and just a touch masculine in the best natural way. + from $8

+ Acure is proof that haircare doesn’t need a bunch of nasty chemicals to be effective and that clean beauty doesnt’ mean expensive. Their line of shampoos + conditioners works really well and comes in lots of options depending on your hair type and needs. And it’s super reasonable. + $9.99

+ My boys love this BYRD Texturizing Surfspray for styling styling and it smells yum. BYRD Hairdo Products are free of [almost] all the major yuck, so you can feel good about that daily giant mist cloud in the bathroom. + $15.99

+ Claw Clips are totally back and Anthropologie has a massive collection of sets in different sizes, shapes and colors. So cute. + from $18

+ Smooth that unruly mane with the OG brush made for pain-free detangling. The Wet Original Detangler Brush comes in a zillion colors and prints. + $12.99

+ Pretty soft curls while you sleep? Yes, please. With a Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set, you can double your beauty sleep impact and wake up with bouncy tresses in the morning. + $12.99

+ Whether your goal is to keep things SUPER simple or save the planet, HiBar Solid Shampoo + Conditioner has your back. It’s plastic-free, gross chemical-free and totally fuss-free. And they make a version that’s fragrance-free, too. + $20

Beauty + Grooming + Wellness Tools

+ Washing your face is just more fun when you have a SUPER cool towel to dry off with. Geometry Luxe Hand Towels and Washcloth Sets are quick-drying, soft and won't get all stinky when they’re left balled up. They come in a zillion prints to strike anyone's fancy. They're awesome for travel or sweaty practices, too. Use Darcie15 for 15% off your Geometry order.+ from $16

+ This li’l Solawave Bye Acne Blue + Red Light Treatment is awesome. It’s designed to treat specific single blemishes and fade acne marks, so you hold it directly over your spot for 3 minutes to zap it. The blue light kills bacteria and the red light reduces inflammation. I think it’s pretty darn effective and is totally medicine-free. + $69

+ The Omnilux Blemish Eraser uses the same technology. but covers a larger area and you pop it onto your face and leave it there for 10 minutes at a time. It might be a perfect solution if their breakouts tend to be a bit more regular or more scattered and spread out. + $95

+ If you have a teen that really struggles with acne, you might want to consider an Omnilux Clear Mask. It’s a blue and red light therapy mask specifically designed to target active acne, inflammation and acne scarring. It’s an investment for sure, but the cost of individual treatments add up so quickly and they can use this forever. At least that’s how I justified buying my standard Omnilux and I’ve never looked back, it’s worth every penny. Plus they get 10 minutes a day to just chill with this beauty on, which is pretty valuable in itself. + $395

+ Keep the water from dripping down your sleeves and all over your hair while you do your ‘routine’ with a super soft and cute Bubble Spa Headband and Wristbands. They come as a set in a zillion colors. + $9.99

+ Skip the wasteful single-use cotton pads and rock these cute handmade Marley’s Monsters Reusable Facial Pads instead. They come with their own little mesh laundry bag, so you just pop them in the washing machine. + from $10

+ If you have a serious skincare maven on your hands, they’re probably asking you for one of these for their treasures. The Cooluli Mini Fridge is super compact, cute and can be powered in 3 different ways for max convenience. + $69.99

+ Help relieve tension and tightness and foster muscle recovery with a Theragun Mini. It’s quiet and powerful and super portable for on-the-road games, matches or races. It comes in 3 pretty colors, too. + $199

+ Athletes and health-conscious teens might love this Nike Recharge Shaker Bottle to mix their protein shakes or electrolyte water. The mixer bit inside helps powders mix more thoroughly and it just looks cool. You can also pop it into the dishwasher, which might be great when they forget it in their locker for a few days. + $24

+ These Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kits are all the rage right now. They’re adorable little bags filled with 17 ‘essentials’ like hair ties, dental floss, earring backs and stain remover. They’re super cute gifts or stocking stuffers and your teen can go confidently into the world knowing they’re prepared for ‘anything.’ + $23

+ Dry your hair while you carry on with your routine with Dock & Bay’s Turban Hair Towel. It’s a super absorbent turban made with 100% recycled materials and comes in like 40 colors. + $21.99

+ A super soft Plush Hot Water Bottle can be really soothing when you’re feeling crampy or blah. The cozy cover comes in 8 different colors. + $12

+ Whether you’re crampy, sore or just want a warm hug, Heatable Huggable Heating Pads are cute and effective. Just pop it in the microwave and set it where it hurts. They come in lots of styles from avocados to llamas to pizza, too. Now that feels better. + from $17

+ Nodpod Weighted Sleep Masks are super soft and block the light, but add the benefit of gentle pressure, too, ‘like a hug for your head.' ’They’re perfect for just taking a sec and for headaches. Plus, they’re unscented and come in a bunch of cute colors. They also make Nodpod Body, a wee weighted blanket, perfect for travel. + $34

+ Hello cutest gift ever. This Pinch Provisions Super Spa Set is luxe and just plain fun. It includes an ice roller, silk sleep mask, gua sha, exfoliating mitt, hair clips, shower steamer, scalp massager and silk scrunchie. Sleepover and relaxation goals MET and exceeded. + $36

+ Inspire both calming deep sleep AND some princess vibes on the side with this Kitsch Satin Sleep Set that includes a pillowcase, eye mask and scrunchie. + $36

+ I’m calling for a mic drop on this Bowie-inspired Lightning Eye Mask. I mean, you can’t feel anything but super cool in this thing. This Etsy shop has some other amazing styles, too. Like this Game Control one. + $21

+ I love this deck of Morning Mantras designed just for teens. They have messages of empowerment, positivity, confidence, strength and love; things like ‘I hear the drama. I see the drama. I fire up my jetpack and blast away from the drama.’ A little daily reminder that you’re empowered is about the sweetest gift and the illustrations are just super adorable. + $11.95

+ There’s no better way to take care of yourself than by keeping safe. Birdie is a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. It’s designed to be cute, compact and lightweight so it can be easily stashed on a keychain, water bottle, belt loop or bag. + $29.95

+ Beauty Blender makeup sponges are super popular. They’re designed to absorb minimal amounts of product so it gets on your face instead of inside the sponge. And they come in like a million pretty colors. + $20

Dopp Kits + Makeup Bags

+ See LOTS more in a whole BIG collection of Dopp Kits + Makeup Bags +

+ Bring your style along on trips, to practice or sleepovers with a pretty Lululemon City Essentials Pouch. It’s water repellent, has an interior zip pocket and one on the outside for extras. + $38

+ You can bring it ALL with you in a chic Parallelle Traveller. It comes in 3 sizes depending on what kind of maven you have and lots of pretty colors. It would make a really special gift for your serious skincare and makeup lovers. +from $78

+ I gave each of my boys one of these Carhartt Travel Kits. It’s perfect for someone who wants to just chuck everything in there and go. It’s simple, but useful and cool. It’s water resistant both inside and out, easy to clean and comes in 4 colors, including classic black or Legacy Brown. + $19.99

+ Keep all essentials tidy for travel or home in this rad, durable nylon Topo Designs Dopp Kit. The triangular shape keeps it upright, plus it just looks cool. See a bunch more rad dopp kits here. + $34

+ This The North Face Base Camp Voyager Toiletry Kit is the perfect size for a teen who ‘needs’ some extras, but not the whole medicine cabinet. It’s durable and has several compartments for organization, comes in two cool colors and looks rad, so a total winner. + $40

+ Keep all of that awesome self care tamed at home or on-the-go with endlessly useful and reusable Stasher Bags. They have a size for almost every need and just launched a Quart size that’s TSA-friendly for travel. I use mine EVERY day for something. + from $7.99

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