Girl Talk magazine marks its 30th anniversary

Wednesday 26 February, 2025

What’s it like to be a girl today? Girl Talk magazine marks its 30th anniversary with an in-depth survey revealing they’d rather be scientists, lawyers or archaeologists than reality TV stars, “being kind” is what makes you beautiful, but 10 per cent of eight-year-olds are using eye cream

Over 1,000 readers of Girl Talk, the UK’s number one primary-age girls’ mag, responded to the survey covering topics including screen time, role models, spending choices, skin care and sustainability.

Girl Talk, the UK’s number one primary-age girls’ magazine, aimed at readers aged 7 to 11-years old, celebrates its 30th anniversary this month following its launch in February 1995. To mark this milestone, the magazine surveyed over 1,000 of its readers to reveal the lifestyle, attitudes and aspirations of girls today.

The survey results released today (Wednesday 26 February) show almost half (49%) of Girl Talk readers currently use skincare/have a skincare routine. Other revealing statistics regarding skincare use from the Girl Talk X 30 survey include:

  • 26% of readers below the age of 8 use skincare, this figure rises to 74% amongst 11+ readers.
  • 10% of eight-year-olds are using an eye cream, rising to 18% of 11+-year-old Girl Talk readers.
  • The most popular products for those who use skincare are moisturisers (83%), cleansers (64%) and facemasks (62%). 14% overall of readers say they use an eye cream.
  • The average Girl Talk reader that uses skincare owns four skincare products at an average cost of £10.25 a product. 25% own six products or more.
  • The majority of Girl Talk readers are bought skincare by a parent/guardian (55%).
  • 81% of parents surveyed think under-18s should be accompanied by an adult if buying a product with active ingredients.
  • 63% of parents surveyed think there should be a minimum age to purchase skincare products.

“Our in-depth Girl Talk x 30 survey shows how dominant skincare is girls’ lives. We were shocked to see how many are using skincare that is aimed at adults and teenagers, and an overwhelming majority of parents say it shouldn’t be sold to unaccompanied children and there should be a minimum age for buying skincare with active ingredients. The last 30 years have seen huge changes, but what has stayed the same is Girl Talk readers’ passion for friends, family, having fun and learning about themselves and the world around them. We’re grateful all the readers and their families who took part in the Girl Talk X 30 survey, and we’re looking forward to the next 30 years.”

Claire Norman, Editor of Girl Talk

Headshot of Girl Talk Editor, Claire Norman, smiling into camera

The survey results reveal “being kind” (68%) and “being happy” (55%) are the top qualities that make someone beautiful according to Girl Talk readers. Over 1 in 3 say someone being healthy (36%) or confident (35%) makes them beautiful.

96% of Girl Talk readers have access to devices, with 3 in 4 having access to an iPad/tablet, whilst 77% of the 11+ have their own mobile phones. On average Girl Talk readers spend 8.5 hours a week online with this figure rising to 11.1 hours amongst 11+ year-olds.
When it comes to streaming services, 97% of Girl Talk readers use/watch streaming and/or catch-up services with the majority watching Netflix (82%) and Disney+ (73%) with BBC iPlayer (48%) third most popular.

86% of Girl Talk readers have an interest in looking after the planet with 59% of readers have a specific environmental concern that they’re worried about. 95% of readers are involved with activities that help the environment with over two thirds of readers using reusable cups/water bottles, donating old clothes, and recycling instead of throwing all rubbish in the bin.
Dream jobs are spread across a wide range of fields: actor (11%), dancer (10%), singer (8%) vet (7%) and teacher (6%) are the top five, whilst aspiring to be a scientist, lawyer and archaeologist as a dream job came ahead of being a reality TV star.

Taylor Swift followed by Ariana Grande were the top female celebrities that Girl Talk readers like the most and most want to be like; and Ant and Dec topped the list of the most liked and most looked up to male celebrities followed by Ed Sheeran.