Think you’re old enough to wear makeup, but the parentals aren’t down with it? What’s wrong with a little eye shadow … and liner and lipstick and foundation? When it comes to makeup, a little goes a long way. Prove to your parents that you know how to apply cosmetics -- subtly.

Start With a Little Gloss
The trick is to ease your parents into the idea of their little girl wearing makeup, and lip gloss is a good starting point. It’s light and it looks natural while adding a shimmery glow. Go for a clear gloss or something with a hint of sheer color. If you have a fair complexion, try pink or peach. For olive skin, choose mocha or honey. Dark skin looks awesome in nudes or bronzes.

A Bag Over Your Head Is Not an Option
At your age, you don’t need foundation to even out skin tone. But your parents should be OK with your using a concealer to cover the occasional zit. Here’s how: First, gently apply astringent to the blemish with a cotton ball -- don’t pick! Next, dab on concealer in a shade that’s close to your natural skin color and blend it by lightly brushing outward. Let it dry before setting it with a cotton swab dipped in loose face powder.

Practice a Little Makeover Madness!
Flip through magazines for tasteful daytime looks and have a makeover party with your friends. When doing makeovers with friends, use clean applicators and brushes to avoid passing around bacteria. To apply eye shadow and lipstick, you can use a disposable cotton swab. Some drugstores even sell disposable mascara wands. Or you can give individual tubes of mascara as party favors, which even come in purples and emeralds.

Step It up for Special Occasions Only
You might be able to convince your parents to let you get more creative with the makeup when dressing up for dances and parties. For now, stick to eye shadow. Brush a medium shade from your lash line up to the eyelid crease. Blend a deeper shade from the crease to slightly above it -- but not up to your brows. Celebrate the season with shades that sparkle!

When it comes to body issues, it seems every girl wants what she doesn’t have. Whatever you’ve got, it’s all femininely fab. So work with it!

 “I’m completely flat-chested and hate it”
There’s a shot your chest isn’t finished developing yet. But what’s wrong with being small-breasted? No sagging. You often can go (gasp!) braless. And there are all kinds of cute tops that look phenomenal on little boobies. Boobs are awesome no matter what their shape or size. Don’t think so? Tell that to Keira Knightley, Kate Hudson and Selma Blair -- all hotties with itty-bitties.

 “I think my butt is the size of a continent!”
Again, size doesn’t matter. As long as you’re fit -- and wearing clothes with a proper fit -- embrace the beauty of your booty. You’re probably self-conscious about something nobody else notices. If, on the other hand, you are truly overweight, rather than bod-bashing, make healthy lifestyle changes. Eat more veggies and less fat-filled food, and vow to keep active.

 “All my friends have their periods, but I don’t. Am I normal?”
The average age for a first period is 12, but girls can start menstruating as young as 8 and as old as 15. Usually, menstruation comes about two years after your breasts begin to bud. If you’re mid-teen and haven’t gotten it, speak to a doc. Otherwise, look for signs it’s on its way: cramps, breakouts, sore breasts. Or maybe your only warning will be a sudden moist feeling between your legs. Be prepared by keeping an emergency kit in your backpack with clean undies, maxi pads and panty liners.

“I’m sprouting hair in places I don’t care to mention”
You mean, your underarms and pubic area? Maybe your upper lip? Yeah, that happens during puberty. What you want to do about it is a personal choice. Some girls wear their body hair proudly. Others prefer fur-free. If you don’t like the fuzz, you can remove it by shaving (not the lip or arms!) or waxing, or make it less noticeable with bleaching. Here’s a thought: Talk to your mom, aunt or older sister about your hairy situation.

Forget yesteryear’s “whatever” attitude. Today’s teens care about what’s going on in the world. We’ve done our homework, and what we learned is that, sure, kids worry about which jeans to wear, who’s crushing on whom and next weekend’s big game. But the issues that really weigh on your mind add up to some pretty hefty stuff. Check it out.…

You Love Mama Earth
Teenagers worldwide are acutely aware of global issues, particularly those affecting our environment. In a recent study, a whopping 72 percent of teens surveyed understand that global warming is a serious problem. Still, 58 percent of teens don’t consider themselves “environmentalists.” Even so, another study of kids from 13 different countries reveals an “activist attitude,” and the No. 1 viewpoint, held by six of ten global teens is this: “I would fight for a cause I believe in.” So what’s stopping you? We all share one planet -- let’s do what we can to protect her.

You Want Good Grades
You might say, “Ugh,” when it’s time to get up for school in the a.m., but education remains important to most teens. A 2008 Australian study showed that more young adults are finishing high school and seeking college -- and making the grade gives teens around the world the most pressure. In the United States, one in three teens sees science and technology as the most important subjects in school for preparing themselves to deal with the global economy, and 38 percent wish their schools had more up-to-date technology. Topping the list of future expectations for eight out of thirteen global teens? Being rich, financially secure or better off than their parents.

You’re Sick of Bullies
Spending an average of 11 hours a week online, teens are “superconnectors,” constantly engaged in a virtual world. A creative outlet, yes, but cyberspace also provides a platform for kids to pick on each other. Sixteen percent of U.S. teens report having been victims of cyberbullying. Whether it’s derogatory postings, e-mail rumors or IM harassing, online bullying is seen as a greater threat than traditional bullying by nearly one-third of teens. One study shows the primary online perpetrators and victims are girls: A third of girls report being bullied, compared to 10 percent of boys; 17 percent of girls say they had bullied others, while 10 percent of boys admit to it. And researchers believe these numbers are even higher, as many incidents go unreported.

You Have Mixed Feelings
In the 1990s, teens were optimistic about their world. But by 2006, this took a turn as personal safety became a major worry, with 62 percent of kids concerned about terrorism and war, and only 14 percent of global teens confident that the world is becoming a better place. Overall, though, 21^st-century teenagers remain positive -- a passionate and determined generation of young people who believe in themselves and their abilities. Willing to tackle difficult problems, today’s savvy teens recognize the important role technology plays in the future. And in their worldwide social networks, equality abounds with an increased intrapersonal and global understanding. Peace out!

Nothing rocks the halls of school like a new girl. For the first few days after her arrival, your mind is buzzing with possibility. Who will she sit with at lunch? Will she be popular? Where’d she come from? Well, the new transfer doesn’t have to be a mystery. Let us clear this up for you: She’s lonely and lost -- and she could use a friend. Here’s how to make it happen.

Work up Your Nerve
Yeah, yeah, easier said than done. Seriously, striking up a convo can be stress-producing, what with all the potential awkward silences. But here’s the thing: The new girl is like a bug (bear with us here). Even though you’re a bit freaked out, that bug is way more scared of you. Same goes for the newbie. So if you keep it in that perspective, approaching her should be a cinch. (No swatting!)

Say Something Already!
The initial chat just needs to be ice-breaking, not groundbreaking. The subject matter doesn’t have to be anything particularly memorable or exciting, so don’t sweat it. Start with the basics: “Hey, what’s your name?” “Where are you from, (insert name you just learned)?” “Wow, how do you like it here so far?” End it with an invite to join you for lunch, if she needs a place to sit. Then leave it at that for now.

The Follow-through
Truth is, she maybe won’t remember your name the next time you talk. C’mon! She’s meeting tons of new people every day and has a lot to absorb. That means you reach out again, re-introduce yourself, and this time, delve a little deeper. Ask her about her old life -- because she probably really misses it and would love to talk about it. Then fill her in on some not-so-scandalous, need-to-know school gossip. It’ll make her feel like less of an outsider.

Round up the Posse
Now that the two of you are on the ins with each other, introduce the new gal to your crew in a chill no-pressure zone. Invite the girls over for a spa night or catch a High School Musical alum’s latest movie release. Even if they don’t become instant besties, giving your circle a chance to get to know your new friend can fend off pesky jealousy issues that might crop up when there’s a new girl in town.

Let Her Mingle
Warning: She might get along great with your friends and wind up really hitting it off with one or two or a few. If that happens, you need to give those buds your blessings. Friendships don’t divide; they multiply. So if she gets tighter with a BFF than with you, so be it. Give yourself snaps because if it weren’t for you, the girl might be wandering around solo, still wondering how to get from homeroom to science lab. You’re fab!

Instead of freaking out about going back to school, be back-to-school cool. Give your brain a rest for now -- we’ve done the thinking for you.

1. Fashion Showdown! Break into your closet and figure out what fits from last year and what doesn’t, what’s still in style and what so isn’t. Put keepers away and pile the rest in a box for charity (or your little cousin).

2. Shop Till Ya Plop Hit the stores for new clothes (or uniforms, if your school requires ’em). Keep in mind what items you got rid of. If last year’s pants are too short but shirts fit … you get the picture.

3. Supply and Demand Pick up basic school supplies (notebooks, pens, erasers) for your first day, then round it out once you have a complete list from your teacher.

4. Compute This! Get your study spot all tidied up. If you have a home computer, be sure it has the right software updates and upgrades. If you don’t have one, get familiar with computer usage policies at the local library or your school’s computer lab.

5. What’s up, Doc? OK, shots are no fun. But it’s embarrassing to be turned away on your first day because your immunization records aren’t current. Ask your parents to be sure you have all the physical exams and vaccinations your school requires.

6. The Extracurriculars Planning on any after-school activities? Think about what sports or clubs you want to take on and consider dumping those that created too much stress last year.

7. The Route Most Traveled If you walk to school or the bus stop with friends, arrange a place to meet up in the a.m.

8. Be Prepared Whether or not you’re already menstruating, put together an emergency pack for your locker or backpack with tampons, pads and a fresh pair of undies.

9. Lunches and Munches Buying a cafeteria lunch? Have your money or tix ready. Packing? Hit the supermarket for your fave foods. While you’re at it, pick up stuff for quick breakfasts and after-school snacks.

10. A Little Alarming! Snoozing all summer can get you out of sync, so go to bed at a decent hour and force yourself to get up earlier. That way you won’t be so groggy when time comes for the real deal.