Went to the Sephora on 67th and 3rd over the weekend and saw a bunch of little girls having a birthday party there. They couldn’t have been more than 9, but they were all made up - well, like hookers.

I found this profoundly disturbing. I mean, sure I played with makeup at that age. I remember in the 3rd grade going to Jennifer Harris’ house after school and piling on the lip gloss while Blondie played in the background, and of course playing with all of my mother’s stuff (foundation, blush, silver blue eyeliner - hey, it was the ’80s).

But something about seeing the little girls in public with that much makeup on, plus their little belly shirts and low rise jeans and ugg boots - calling all pedophiles! On top of that, each had a Sephora goody bag with a gift card in a little Sephora compact. Ah, vanity. Good to start ‘em when they’re young.

In my day for birthday parties, it was roller skating, bowling, swimming, and even chocolate making. I don’t think any of our mothers would have allowed us full reign in some makeup store that I can barely afford even now. Then again, that was NJ and this is the Upper East Side.