How to Make a Kid's Makeup Desk

Makeup Table

Play time is an important time in a child's life, encouraging kids to make believe and dream. To help your little girl with her playtime, set up a makeup desk or table, complete with everything she needs to turn into a beautiful movie star princess. A kid's makeup desk doesn't have to be an antique vanity table, but with a little effort, it can be something that your little girl will love.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's tarp (optional) Plastic shower liner Small table or desk Box with a lid (optional) Chair or stool Plastic table cloth Free-standing mirror Makeup Makeup brushes and applicators Makeup sponges Headband and other hair items Makeup remover Tissues Hairstylist drape Trash basket 70% or higher alcohol in a spray bottle

Instructions

1. Select a table or desk for the makeup desk, along with a chair or bench. Both should be the right height for the child to reach the table without having to kneel on the chair. If the table or desk doesn't have a drawer, a box with a lid-either a shoe box or plastic box-can be used to store the makeup and applicators.

2. Lay a new painter's tarp on the floor where the makeup desk will be placed. Tape a shower liner to the wall behind where the desk will be. This will protect the floor and wall from spills and stains

3. Set the desk or table on top of the painter's tarp and against the shower liner. Spread the plastic table cloth on top; you might need to trim it in order to open the desk drawer. Set the chair or stool in front of the table and the trash can beside it.

4. Place the freestanding mirror on top of the desk. This can be a simple makeup mirror, or a lighted one found at a secondhand store or garage sale. Store the makeup and makeup sponges in the drawer or box. Brushes can be stored with the makeup, or they can be kept in a cup on top of the desk. A headband will keep your child's hair out of her eyes when she's applying makeup and other hair items that will complete her beautiful look. A box of tissues and a hairstylist's drape will help keep your child clean.

5. Buy new makeup for your child; old makeup can contain germs that can be spread. Teach your child to apply makeup on a clean face, using a clean sponge, brushes and applicators and not to share her makeup. Dispose of sponges after use. When she is finished, show her how to remove the makeup and wash any residual makeup off her face. Wash brushes and applicators with hot soapy water and lay them on a tissue to air dry. Spritz the makeup with 70% alcohol after several uses to sanitize it.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the 70% alcohol out of the reach of children.