In honour of the UN’s International Day of the Girl 2018, we went to Blenheim High School in Surrey and handed over control of stylist.co.uk to a team of girls aged 11 to 16.

While we spoke generally to each girl about their passions, one girl – Louise, 15 - boldly stated, “I don’t understand why girls are shamed for wearing make-up. You should be able to wear as much or as little as you want.

“The worst is when boys think I apply make-up for them.”

Sarah, 11, added, “When I apply make-up, I’m doing it for myself. It makes me feel happy and confident. “

So, we asked the girls which beauty products they find themselves turning to time and time again…

Joely, 12

“My mum has a perfume and I really like it because it reminds me of her. I’ve sprayed it on myself twice – once for my dad’s friend’s wedding and again when we went to a festival while on holiday in Sri Lanka. It smells quite flowery.”

Try: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, £43.99, available here

Sarah, 12

“Last night, I used a bath bomb and it was really nice. It was diamond-shaped and had sparkles in it. When I dropped it in the water, it made my bath pink and gold sparkles came out. It made the water was shimmer. When I got out of the tub, I was covered in glitter.”

Try: Mango Bath Bomb, £1.50, available here

Danielle, 16

“I like using mascara. Even if you put on a little bit, you seem more awake and put together. I use the Avene Couvrance High Tolerence Mascara. It’s a sensitive skin brand but they do makeup. My skin is sensitive, but this mascara doesn’t irritate and it gives my lashes volume. Before I apply my mascara, I sometimes use a lash primer. My mum’s Diorshow Maximizer 3D primer helps to make my lashes look longer. To take it off, I use micellar water on a cotton pad.”

Try: Avène Couvrance High Tolerance Mascara, £15, available here

Neerdha, 11

“I like skincare, especially oil-free moisturisers. My older sister uses them and she teaches me what to use when I’m having a bad acne day. My favourite skincare brands are Clean and Clear and Cerave. Sometimes, I use a toner from Boots, if my face is feeling ‘meh’. It contains cucumber to calm your face down. When I wash my face with soap and it goes dry and use products from La Roche Posay.” 

Try: Boots Cucumber Gentle Toner, £1.50, available here. CeraVe Moisturising Cream, £14.50, available here

Scarlett, 11

“Kiko’s Gold Waves Cream Foundation is my favourite. I found my right shade so I don’t have to worry about looking orange. I apply it with a dry pink beautyblender sponge, but only on the weekend when I’m not at school. To take it off, I use the Garnier Micellar Water for sensitive skin, £1.99. It takes everything off.”

Try: Kiko Gold Waves Cream Foundation, £5.60, available here

Mia, 11

“You only have to put on a tiny bit of Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara and it makes your lashes longer straight away. I only put it on my top lashes. I put it on today - you’re allowed to wear mascara to school, as long as it isn’t lots of eyeshadow. This Maybelline mascara makes my lashes look darker and it stays in place for a long time - it even stays on when I’m boxing. To take it off, I have a fluffy towel pink that takes it off with warm water.”

Try: Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara, £8.99, available here

Images: Courtesy of brands