Planning a birthday party for a teen girl can feel like a big task—she’s growing up, finding her own style, and wants a celebration that feels both mature and fun. A “Makeup & Manis” themed birthday party hits all the right notes: it’s trendy, interactive, perfect for selfies, and lets guests feel pampered while bonding over beauty.
Whether it’s for a 13th, Sweet 16, or just a glam girls’ day in, this guide will help you throw a birthday bash full of sparkle, style, and unforgettable memories.
Step 1: Send Out Glam-Inspired Invitations
Get the beauty buzz started early with fun and fabulous invitations. You can go digital or send printed invites that look like makeup palettes, nail polish bottles, or VIP spa passes.
Include wording like:
- “You’re Invited to [Name]’s Makeup & Manis Party!”
- “Polish Up & Glow Up – Let’s Celebrate in Style!”
- “Lips, Lashes, and Laughter – Join the Glam Squad!”
Make sure to include the party date, time, location, and a note about the theme: “Wear something comfy & cute – we’ll be pampering in style!”
Step 2: Create a Chic Beauty Bar Setup
Transform your party space into a mini salon-meets-beauty-lounge. You don’t need a professional studio—just some thoughtful décor and setup.
Color Palette:
Think soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, mint, or go bold with hot pink, gold, and black.
Key Decor Ideas:
- Beauty Bar Signs: Use framed signs that say “Glam Station,” “Polish Palace,” or “Lipstick Lounge.”
- Mirrors & Lights: Set up small makeup mirrors and use string lights or LED vanity-style bulbs for that salon feel.
- Balloon Garlands: Match your theme colors with pastel or metallic balloons shaped like lipsticks, hearts, or stars.
- Table Runners & Confetti: Lay out sparkly runners with scattered rose petals or makeup-themed confetti.
Don’t forget soft lounge seating with throw pillows where guests can relax post-makeover.
Step 3: Organize Beauty Stations
This party is all about hands-on fun, so create different pampering zones where guests can rotate through activities.
Makeup Station:
- Stock with eyeshadow palettes, highlighters, blush, lip glosses, and makeup wipes.
- Use disposable applicators or provide each guest with their own mini brush set.
- Optional: Invite a local makeup artist to give tutorials or glam makeovers.
Mani Station:
- Offer a variety of nail polish colors, nail stickers, rhinestones, and top coats.
- Provide bowls for soaking hands, mini towels, cuticle sticks, and emery boards.
- Hire a nail tech for basic manicures, or let guests do each other’s nails with guided steps.
DIY Scrub Bar (Bonus!):
Let guests make their own sugar scrubs or lip balms to take home. Supply:
- Sugar, coconut oil, essential oils, food coloring
- Small jars and cute labels
Step 4: Serve Insta-Worthy Snacks & Mocktails
What’s a pamper party without pretty, Pinterest-worthy treats?
Glam Drinks:
- “Rosé All Day” (sparkling pink lemonade in champagne flutes)
- “Glow-Up Punch” (lemon-lime soda, fruit juice, and sherbet)
- Add edible glitter or fruit garnishes for flair
Sweet Treats:
- Lipstick or nail polish-shaped sugar cookies
- Cupcakes with buttercream “swirls” like makeup brushes
- A birthday cake shaped like a makeup bag or palette
Light Bites:
- Fruit kabobs with chocolate drizzle
- Mini tea sandwiches or pinwheels
- Popcorn in pink-and-gold striped cups
Serve everything on tiered trays, acrylic stands, or mirrors to keep the luxe vibe going.
Step 5: Create a Selfie-Worthy Photo Zone
Every glam party needs a space where guests can pose and show off their new looks.
Photo Booth Setup:
- Use a sequin backdrop or one printed with fun slogans like “#GlamSquad” or “Glow & Go.”
- Set up a ring light or selfie stand for the perfect lighting.
- Props to include: oversized sunglasses, fluffy robes, nail polish bottles, tiaras, makeup brushes.
Encourage guests to share their pics with a custom party hashtag like #GlamWithGrace or #SophieSlays15.
Step 6: Fun Beauty-Themed Games & Activities
In between manis and mocktails, add some extra excitement with beauty-inspired games:
Beauty Bingo:
Make bingo cards with beauty items like “lip gloss,” “eyeliner,” “nail file,” “pink polish,” etc. Use mini lipstick erasers as markers!
Purse Scavenger Hunt:
Create a list of random things people might have in their purses or pockets (lip balm, scrunchie, gum, etc.) and award points for each find.
Blindfold Makeup Challenge:
Pair up guests—one wears a blindfold while the other sits as the “client.” Hilarity guaranteed.
Best Nail Art Contest:
Let guests vote on the most creative nail design of the day and give out a fun prize.
Step 7: Fab Party Favors
Send your glam guests home with beauty loot bags they’ll actually be excited about.
Gift Bag Ideas:
- Mini nail polishes in fun colors
- Sheet masks or under-eye patches
- Lip gloss or tinted lip balm
- Mini perfume samples or body spray
- Hair clips, scrunchies, or cute nail files
Place everything in metallic or pastel gift bags and seal with a sticker that says “Thanks for pampering with me!”
You can also personalize each bag with the guest’s name for a special touch.
Step 8: Set the Mood with a Girl-Power Playlist
Create a playlist that’s upbeat, trendy, and full of girl-power energy. Include artists like:
- Ariana Grande
- Taylor Swift
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Billie Eilish
- Beyoncé
Add in some chill lo-fi beats for the mani station and high-energy tunes for dance breaks or selfies.
Bonus: Make It Personal
- Play a slideshow or video with photos of the birthday girl growing up, styled with music.
- Have her give a mini “thank you” speech before cake time—it makes the day feel extra special.
- Set up a guestbook where friends can write birthday wishes and beauty tips.
