There are many companies making natural, non-toxic makeup, but if you want to take a shot at making your own DIY natural foundation, here is a recipe for you. You are going to have to play around a bit with the color to match and suit your skin tone but here is what you will need.
Why Make Your Own Natural Foundation?
Most store-bought foundations are full of ingredients you cannot pronounce, like synthetic fragrance, preservatives and fillers. Your skin is your largest organ, and what you put on it every day matters. When you make your own, you know exactly what is in it, you can match your shade perfectly, and it costs a fraction of the price. A small jar will last you for months!
DIY Natural Foundation Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide (Can use arrowroot powder instead if desired, but it will not offer quite as much coverage)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon gold mica dust
- 1/2 – 1 tsp of desired natural clay powder (optional) I used a pinch of White cosmetic clay, Fuller’s Earth Clay and French green clay
- up to 1 teaspoon finely ground cocoa powder OR bronze mica powder (or both) to get desired color
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of translucent mica powder can help for really oily skin
Instructions
Mix all ingredients until you have the desired color and coverage.
Why these ingredients?
Zinc oxide will give coverage and matte finish. Colored mica powders, natural clays and cocoa powder will give color. Start slowly and add as needed, testing on inner-arm as you go to find your shade.
Store in a small glass jar with a lid
Options: If you prefer, just arrowroot powder (or white cosmetic clay), cocoa powder, and (optional) cinnamon powder can be used. This will create a great and completely natural/edible foundation but it will not stay as long as a powder containing zinc oxide and mica. I personally feel safe using zinc oxide on my skin (non-nano and uncoated) but if you don’t, just stick to the arrowroot version. Original recipe here.
To make the switch and cut toxins out of your life in other areas, see the Make The Switch Page.
To get some tips and advice on applying makeup, here is a great website with a great step by step for a natural look: Creating a Natural Everyday Makeup Look
Tips for Finding Your Shade
- Start light. It is much easier to add more color than to take it away. Add cocoa or bronze mica a pinch at a time.
- Test in natural light. Swatch it on your jawline or inner arm and look at it near a window, not under a bathroom light.
- Warm or cool? If your skin has golden undertones, add a little more gold mica. If it has pink undertones, a tiny pinch of cinnamon can help.
- Make a small batch first. Once you find your perfect mix, write down the amounts so you can make a bigger jar next time.
How to Apply Your DIY Natural Foundation
Start with clean, moisturized skin. Swirl a kabuki or fluffy powder brush in the jar, tap off the extra, and buff it onto your face in small circles. Build up coverage slowly where you need it. A light mist of rose water afterward helps it melt into your skin for a more natural finish.
SHOP
- Nano Zinc Powder
- Arrowroot Powder
- Gold Mica Dust
- Cocoa Powder
- Clay
- Translucent Mica Powder
