Core Skills Analysis
Science
Liannee18 explored the chemical composition of makeup products by researching ingredients and testing them in store and at home. She identified how pigments, emulsifiers, and preservatives interact, linking these observations to concepts of mixtures and reactions. By observing skin reactions, she considered the biological impact of cosmetics on the epidermis. This hands‑on inquiry reinforced her understanding of basic chemistry and human biology.
Mathematics
Liannee18 calculated the cost of each makeup item, compared prices across brands, and allocated a personal budget for her experiments. She measured product quantities, converted milliliters to teaspoons, and recorded the data in a spreadsheet. The activity required her to use ratios to mix pigments accurately and to interpret percentages on ingredient labels. These tasks deepened her competence with proportion, measurement, and data analysis.
English (Language Arts)
Liannee18 researched online tutorials, evaluated the credibility of beauty influencers, and took notes to plan her makeup routine. She wrote reflective journal entries describing each product trial, using descriptive language and correct spelling. By comparing different sources, she practiced summarising information and citing where ideas originated. This process sharpened her critical reading, writing, and communication skills.
Art & Design
Liannee18 experimented with colour blending, texture creation, and visual composition while applying makeup. She considered colour theory principles such as complementary shades and contrast to achieve desired looks. The activity also involved designing a personal aesthetic portfolio, documenting her creations with photographs. Through these artistic decisions, she enhanced her visual literacy and creative expression.
Tips
Encourage Liannee18 to design a small science‑fair poster that explains how makeup ingredients interact with skin chemistry. Have her set a weekly budget spreadsheet to track spending, then graph the data to visualise trends. Assign a reflective blog post where she critiques tutorial sources and writes a persuasive piece on ethical cosmetics. Finally, launch a colour‑mixing workshop where she creates custom palettes using safe pigments, documenting the process in an art journal.
Book Recommendations
- The Chemistry of Beauty: Science Behind the Makeup Bag by Alyssa D. Jones: A teen‑friendly guide that explains the chemistry of cosmetics, from pigments to preservatives, with experiments and real‑world examples.
- Money Smart for Teens: Budgeting, Saving, and Spending by Nicole L. Maddux: Practical advice on managing personal finances, perfect for teens who want to track beauty‑product budgets.
- Color: A Natural History of the Palette by Victoria Finlay: A vivid exploration of colour origins and cultural meanings, inspiring creative use of hues in makeup and art.
Learning Standards
- Science (NCFY3 – Chemistry: understand mixtures, compounds, and their effects on the human body).
- Mathematics (NCMP3 – Number: use ratios, percentages, and basic financial calculations).
- English (NCEL3 – Literacy: evaluate sources, write reflective and persuasive texts).
- Art & Design (NCD3 – Visual Arts: apply colour theory, experiment with media, and produce a portfolio).
Try This Next
- Create a worksheet that lists common makeup ingredients; have Liannee18 classify each as natural or synthetic and note their function.
- Design a quiz with multiple‑choice questions on budgeting ratios, ingredient safety, and colour theory applied to makeup.
- Produce a step‑by‑step illustrated guide where she records measurements for a custom lipstick blend.
- Write a short persuasive essay on choosing cruelty‑free products, citing at least three reputable sources.