My teen is obsessed with Sephora. I've learned to love it, too, for a reason that has nothing to do with makeup.

The author (right) said that leaning into her daughter's love for Sephora visits has helped them remain close. Courtesy of Courtney Johnson.

"Can we go to Sephora ?" my daughter asks, with her rather flawless teen reflection in the mirror standing on a blush-stained rug. Excited that she asked me into her room, I think, "Sephora again?"

With no room for more makeup around her cluttered sink, I question the need for any more beauty products. At the same time, my daughter is asking to spend time with me. "Pick up the towel off the floor and pull up your Oliva {Rodrigo} playlist," I say, smiling as I walk out the door.…