Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

A decade ago it was common for girls to harmlessly experiment with blue mascara and orange-tinted foundation and no one would bat an eyelid.

But in 2020 with social media at the forefront of every teen’s mind it is harder for young women to experiment with their identity through makeup without fear of a permanent reminder stamped across Snapchat or Instagram.

Beautician Bridie Blackburn was pondering the situation and decided to do help.

The Under 16's makeup classes are aimed at helping young woman learn the basics of makeup and boosting their confidence.

The 29-year-old from Arksey said: “These girls are picked apart by social media and I was thinking about how hard it must be for them.

“Especially with Covid-19, a lot of them will be returning to school and might not have a lot of confidence.”

Bridie has put together makeup classes that are focused around teaching the basics of makeup to under 16’s.

The lessons include tips on skincare, makeup brushes, products, and techniques.

Bridie started the classes as she felt a need to offer help to girls who struggle with social media and image issues.

“I never felt the pressure about makeup that children today do,” Bridie said.“When I was at school there were girls with bright orange faces but now so many young women do their makeup so well they look flawless.”

Bridie attributes this cultural change to the explosion of the beauty world which has been helped by social media influencers.

But she recognises that not every girl will have picked up makeup skills from YouTube and wanted to offer an in-person alternative for any young woman who wants to learn.

“I would have loved someone to show me how to use makeup properly when I was that age,” she said.

Bridie also does lashes and brows as part of her regular beautician business.

“I really hope I can help girls gain confidence in themselves both with and without makeup.”

Bridie runs her beautician business called BB Professional Makeup from her home in Arksey and offers services such as lashes, HD brows, waxing, and makeup.

The one-to-one classes are priced at £50 with additional costs for a small makeup kit.

You can find out more about Bridie’s business on her Facebook page here.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Makeup classes for under 16 Doncaster girls to improve confidence amid social media criticism