Make-up brand MAC has been criticised by parents after organising a “back-to-school” masterclass aimed at 12 year olds.
The event was deleted after a backlash on social media, with many saying it was “inappropriate” and that children of that age “shouldn't be encouraged to wear make-up.”
It had been scheduled to take place at the brand’s concession in John Lewis at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent, but has since been cancelled.
Teacher Verity Sharp tweeted: “Though an isolated incident at one @jlandpartners @MACcosmetics counter, this messaging is insidious and harmful.
“As a teacher, I see the consequences of this societal attitude in the young females I teach, and it is damaging.”
One commenter said: “I saw this and did think it was marketed wrongly!
“So much pressure for teens/tweens these days and MAC/John Lewis are basically marketing this as a back to school make over!!
“Make up at school shouldn’t be needed but having a teenage daughter myself I obviously know it is worn, but I see many girls caked in it going into school, as well as false eyelashes/nails and fake tan.
“I thought school was about learning not a qualifying for some sort of beauty pageant.
“Maybe I’m old fashioned but I certainly don’t think “children” should be going to school with their brows done.”
Another added: “Children wearing makeup ages them in my opinion. Why a child thinks makeup improves how they look is sad, they don’t need it.”
In a statement, John Lewis said: “This was an isolated event organised at a local MAC counter.
“As a brand MAC does not market to anyone under 16 so this event should not have been arranged. It has been cancelled and we are very sorry for any upset caused.
“We’re looking into how it happened to make sure that this type of event doesn’t take place again.”
Bluewater and MAC have been contacted for a comment.
