Kylie Jenner Looks Back on Teen Years
Kylie Jenner has been in the public eye for nearly her entire life. From her early days on Keeping Up with the Kardashians to becoming a global trendsetter and business mogul, she’s seen it all. Now 28, Kylie is looking back on her teenage years with reflection and honesty, offering insight into growing up in the spotlight.
In a recent Instagram Close Friends Only conversation with Charli xcx, Kylie shared how she navigated fame as a teen and how she views her younger self today.
Keep reading to discover Kylie Jenner’s candid reflections on growing up in the spotlight, how she handled teenage fame, and what lessons she’s learned along the way.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Kylie was only 10 years old when Keeping Up with the Kardashians first aired in 2007. Being the youngest in the Kardashian-Jenner household, she grew up alongside her older sisters Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé, as well as her mom Kris Jenner, brother Rob Kardashian, and her dad Caitlyn Jenner.
Reflecting on her early years, Kylie admitted she didn’t fully grasp the influence she had as a teenager. “I didn’t even really know at the time how much power I held — or trends I was setting,” she said.
Her rise to influence coincided with her teenage years, a period when she unknowingly shaped internet culture and set trends that millions followed. Despite the pressure and constant public attention, Kylie said she approaches her younger self with compassion. “Being in the public eye so young, I think I look back, and I have so much grace for myself,” she explained.
Learning to Give Herself Grace
Kylie’s teenage years were full of trial and error, but she doesn’t judge herself for it. Instead, she focuses on self-compassion. “I just try to be easy on myself and not expect this 16-year-old or 17-year-old to know all the right things to say — or do,” Kylie shared. “I wasn’t holding back, I definitely — nothing was intentional. I was just being myself.”
It’s a mindset, she says helps her deal with fame and public scrutiny even now. Growing up under a microscope isn’t easy, but Kylie has learned to acknowledge her mistakes while celebrating her achievements.
From Trendsetter to Business Mogul
Kylie’s influence extended far beyond reality TV. Her trendsetting reputation skyrocketed when she launched Kylie Cosmetics in 2015, cementing her status as a beauty icon. She also embraced playful trends in her teen years, like colorful hair-dyeing and bold makeup choices.
Looking back, Kylie admits those days are behind her. “I probably would never wear lash extensions and thick eyebrows. There are just certain trends that I’ve grown out of,” she told Elle in 2024. While she cherishes the “King Kylie” era, she recognizes that some trends simply don’t fit her now.
Stepping into Acting: The Moment
Kylie also recently made her acting debut in the A24 film The Moment. In a conversation with Charli xcx, she revealed how she landed her cameo role in the film. “We were actually on a flight together, and you were telling me about this project,” she said, speaking to the director Aidan Zamiri. “And I believe in you [Zamiri] so much and you [Charli] so much and I presented the idea, I think.”
Charli recalled the conversation, saying, “You were like, ‘Put me in the film!’ ” Kylie agreed, adding, “That’s basically what I said. I was like, ‘Well, if you want me, I’ll be there.’ ”
In the movie, Kylie plays a fictionalized version of herself. Charli shared that filming with Kylie was effortless and fun. “Because it really was so easy and effortless and she really, like, played with it, did her thing,” she said.
Reflecting on Teenage Fame
For Kylie, looking back on her teenage years is about perspective. She didn’t fully realize the impact she had at the time, and she certainly didn’t anticipate how her choices would influence fans worldwide.
Now a mom of two, Kylie is more reflective and compassionate toward herself than ever. “I just try to be easy on myself,” she said, emphasizing that young Kylie was simply figuring things out. This approach shows a maturity that only comes from living a highly public life from such a young age.
A Legacy Beyond Trends
While Kylie’s teenage trends and viral moments are part of her legacy, she’s also focused on growth and evolution. From colorful hair to beauty launches to acting, she continues to reinvent herself while staying true to her authentic self.
Her message is clear: it’s okay to make mistakes and grow from them. The younger Kylie may not have known the power she held, but the adult Kylie knows the importance of grace, self-compassion, and learning along the way.
Kylie Jenner’s journey from a 10-year-old reality star to a 28-year-old mogul and mom is a testament to resilience and self-reflection. By embracing her past and being kind to herself, she’s setting an example for anyone growing up in the public eye—or just navigating the challenges of life.
Summary:
- Kylie Jenner reflects on growing up in the public eye and shaping internet culture from her teenage years.
- She says she didn’t fully realize the influence she had as a teen: “I didn’t even really know at the time how much power I held — or trends I was setting.”
- Kylie emphasizes self-compassion and grace toward her younger self: “I just try to be easy on myself and not expect this 16-year-old or 17-year-old to know all the right things to say — or do.”
- Her trendsetting included Kylie Cosmetics and the playful “King Kylie” era with bold hair and makeup choices.
- Kylie made her acting debut in A24’s The Moment, playing a fictionalized version of herself.
- Charli xcx described filming with Kylie as effortless and fun.
- Kylie acknowledges she’s grown out of some teenage trends but values her past experiences.
- As a mom of two, she highlights the importance of reflection, self-growth, and learning from her teenage years.
