What are some good make-up items for tween-age girls?

My DD loves to shop at Sephora and Ulta. A gift card for either would be great gifts for her. If you want something to open, good quality make up brushes or a flat iron are things she has received in the past. If you want make up, a Naked pallet is a popular item. I started DD with the Naked 2 pallet because the colors are softer.

Beauty Blenders! (or a knock off brand Beauty Blender).

But if you're not wearing foundation, what do you use them for?

Mystie, not sure what your budget is, but I think Melisa Michelle and Carli Bybel are youTube stars or instagrammers or something... I think I'm too old to be their target market but the internet was talking about their product releases before they came out.  Those links are to eyeshadow palettes each one has out at Ulta. 

I got this for my DD for Easter and she likes it ( tho sh is in college not a tween ) www.lipsmacker.com/brand-buddies/disney/tsum-tsum-eeyore-cheer-up-buttercup.html

My DD is 11 and she likes lip gloss and light blush for fancy occasions. She also likes a very soft eyebrow pencil as hers are very light. I helped her find some colors that suit her that aren't super girly. She actually likes some of the Revlon lip glosses, and the eyebrow pencil is by Loreal. She borrows my Benefit blush when she "needs" it. (And just before anyone jumps on me, this is only for a handful of times a year, although she will often wear lip gloss if we go out together.)

From my perspective, the most important beauty advice you can give a teen or tween is to take the best possible care of her skin. My DD has been using this Clinique sonic system for the last year and her skin is gorgeous, meaning that she doesn't need much makeup at all. In fact, when she doesn't use it (the sonic system), I can almost always tell. Can't recommend it highly enough. Hope it's helpful!

Sonic System

This has been my go-to gift for my cousins for the past several years. What they will enjoy will very much depend on their preferences and level of interest. I've known girls that age who were into watching all the YouTube channels and really knew what they wanted. Obviously, some will be clueless.

I 3rd (?) the idea of skincare. And I wouldn't just give a set. I would do something that involved education from a professional. If your budget allows, schedule a visit with the aesthetician at Ulta. Honestly, some of my favorite skincare has been from Mary Kay! And, depending on the representative, they can do a great job of informing the girls about taking proper care of your skin from an early age. My aunt did this for me at about that age, and I already had pretty bad acne. I was so grateful! She even paid for a year's worth of products for me. Obviously, that's not a cheap gift.

If you're set on makeup, I recommend the Real Techniques brushes and sponges. Fairly affordable, and I enjoy the quality. I also agree with watching the Black Friday sales at Sephora and Ulta. Maybe watch a few videos or Instagram channels to get an idea of what the young girls are into these days.