I love makeup!
In fact, I find makeup to be pretty magical!
I can wake up in the morning, gulp graciously sip down my lemon water, coffee, green juice, eat breakfast, and dab a little makeup on and suddenly I go from “Who is that woman?” to “Wow! Who is that woman?”
Okay, maybe I’m not stopping traffic, but for a mom of two little kids, makeup somehow possesses the magical powers to make me feel “put together.” I can go from frumpy to polished, ready to hit the playground and looking half-way decent while doing so.
Who pays attention to the multiple stains from morning breakfast splattered on my shirt, the 5 dirty wipes stuffed in my pocket about to fall out, and the hair that hasn’t been washed in two days, when I have makeup on?
At least that’s what I am telling myself…please don’t burst my mommy bubble!
I love makeup, but I have a problem.
Makeup does NOT love me.
I have seriously sensitive skin.
The moment any foreign substance comes in contact with my skin, it attacks! Leaving behind some serious battle scars. In my late teen years I began to battle break outs here and there. I believe this was largely due to my poor diet and the amount of chemical-ridden “beauty” products I used. My face would always react poorly and I would turn to more chemicals which promised to help “beautify” my skin.
Real food has certainly helped my skin! The past few years I have seen huge improvements in the condition of my face in particular.
About 6 months ago (update as of September 2014: I’ve been making homemade products for two years), I decided food wasn’t enough and so I ventured down the world of “natural” beauty products: soaps, deodorant, and toothpaste.
I’m talking real, natural products.
I scoured the aisles in stores and was greatly disappointed to find all the “natural” products (Aveeno, Burt’s Bees, even Arbonne) were far from real ingredients. Since the skin absorbs anything that is placed on it within a mere 26 seconds, I wanted my products to contain ingredients I would feel safe floating around in my bloodstream. I wanted products made from ingredients I could eat.
I finally found what I was looking for. I use a local line of products which contain food-grade organic ingredients for soap, lip balm, and toothpaste. I purchase Primal Pit Paste for deodorant. Even after searching and searching I couldn’t find makeup products which suited my new requirements. Why not make my own?
My first concoction was homemade foundation powder makeup. I have fallen in love with this homemade mineral-like foundation powder. I have tweaked it a bit over the past few months, adding a few ingredients. I love the coverage this makeup gives me without drying my skin or leaving me looking like a pan of bacon grease at the end of the day. Homemade foundation powder is made with ingredients that are be safe to eat. In fact, many of these ingredients you may already be using in your real food kitchen.
Want more good news? This makeup is super inexpensive to make.
To think I used to pay $30 for a container of toxic makeup! The initial cost of purchasing ingredients may be pricey, but these products will last through dozens of batches of homemade foundation powder makeup and can be used in the kitchen, too. The true cost is significantly less expensive than many toxic makeup options.
Homemade Foundation Powder
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup arrowroot flour starch similar to corn starch (a thickening agent), but without the GMOs.
- 2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp bentonite clay or kaolin clay (very gentle), or French green clay
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and a non-metallic bowl (Bentonite clay should not come in contact with metal). The amount you use of each ingredient will greatly depend on your skin complexion.
- Mix all your ingredients in the bowl, starting with the arrowroot as your base. Add each ingredient, adding the cocoa powder slowly, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired shade. Whisk together.
- Test the color by placing a small amount on your face (or arm) with your finger or a brush. It may take a little tweaking the first time to make the perfect shade for your complexion.
To Use:
- Store your foundation powder in a small container and use a dry sponge or brush to apply. I use a liquid foundation (2017 Update: Here's a list of my favorite store-bought natural makeup products.) under this foundation powder. You can also use this foundation powder without a liquid foundation for light coverage.
Video
Notes
Store your foundation powder in a small container and use a dry sponge or brush to apply. I use a liquid foundation under this foundation powder on days when I want more coverage. You can also use this foundation powder without a liquid foundation for a lighter coverage.
Now you’re ready to face the day, Mom.
And I think making your own homemade foundation powder makeup might even give you a bit of bragging rights at the playground today.
Q & A
Q: What kind of coverage does this provide?
A: This foundation powder will provide a light to moderate coverage. If you’re looking for heavy coverage, this powder isn’t for you, at least not as a solo makeup product. If you’re looking for heavier coverage (without the makeup looking heavy), I recommend using a liquid foundation underneath this powder foundation. My current favorite brand is Ilia. I use their True Skin Serum Foundation under my powder. I recently shared everything you’ll find in my (natural) makeup bag, here. You can also use this foundation powder without a liquid foundation for a lighter coverage.
Q: This doesn’t stick to my face. Help!
A: I guarantee I’ve made countless jars of the powder (around one jar a month), and I haven’t ever had this issue. Truthfully, I’m not sure why a few people have sticking issues. Listed above in the ingredients are the actual brands I use to make this powder. I’d recommend buying ingredients that are high quality and very fine. Since I’m not in your kitchen (or bathroom) making this with you, I simply don’t know why the powder didn’t stick. I’d recommend wiping your face with a damp cloth to see if any powder stuck to your face. It may be that you are experiencing the difference between heavy, cake-like, store-bought powder and homemade, light powder. A few other questions to ask: did you wash your face and then apply this powder? Did you moisturize before applying this powder (this is my recommendation)? What kind of application tool did you use-powder brush, finger, washcloth? (I recommend a powder brush.) It shouldn’t roll-off your face, there should be stick. You can find my video tutorial for making homemade foundation powder, here.
Q: Does the cinnamon irritate your skin?
A: No, it doesn’t. This recipe calls for very little cinnamon compared to the main ingredients. The ratio is very low. Cinnamon can cause skin irritation, if you are worried, leave it out, or test a small amount. I would not suggest applying cinnamon directly to your face without a mixture like this foundation. Cinnamon is actually beneficial for your skin and helps heal, particularly with blackheads. I feel more comfortable applying a small amount of cinnamon found in this powder than the chemicals in store-bought powder.
Q: If I don’t like it, did I waste my money?
A: No, you didn’t. I personally love this foundation powder. I literally use it daily and know many other readers and friends who do as well. I’ve bought countless foundation powders over the years and thrown many away. Talk about a waste of money! Everyone has different tastes. If you don’t like this powder, I’m not hurt, it’s just a difference in taste. Here’s the great news–when you buy powder and don’t like it at the store, you’ve lost $10-30. Ouch! When you buy the ingredients for this powder, you’ve gained kitchen and bathroom ingredients. The cocoa and arrowroot can be used in the kitchen. Arrowroot is basically corn starch without the GMOs. The clay makes a fantastic mask! Add a little with water and apply to the face. Your skin will thank you. The spices are common cooking spices.
Q: Can I skip the clay?
A: I don’t recommend skipping the clay. You can still make a great foundation without it, but if you are looking for corrective issues, like redness or mild acne to be resolved, the clay is needed. French clay or kaolin clay are also good choices.
Q: I want to turn this powder into a liquid foundation, can I just add coconut oil?
A: I’ve experimented with liquifying this recipe with zero success! Adding a liquid like coconut oil just darkens the cocoa and you end up with a nice edible chocolate. Freeze it and you’ll have a chocolate bar. I recommend purchasing a liquid foundation from a natural brand. My favorite brand is Ilia. I use their True Skin Serum Foundation under my powder.
Q: I love your recipe so much I want to feature it on my blog. Can I do that?
A. So glad you like the powder and I’m honored you’d like to feature Live Simply’s recipe on your blog. The content here at Live Simply is copyrighted so we don’t allow duplication. If you’d like to use a picture with a link back (recipe needs to stay here at Live Simply), please contact me here and we can talk. I love a good blogger shout-out and am happy to work with you so the recipe is properly featured with credit. Of course, feel free to share across social media or mention the recipe in a blog post with a link back.
Thanks Kristin! 🙂
Hi Kristin! Happy Tuesday! 🙂 Sorry to be a pain but I have one more question….I tried this on the weekend and I really like it but I find i’m not getting a lot of coverage…could it be the missing Bentonite clay? I upped the arrow root though to compensate. What do you think I did wrong? or maybe that’s just how it’s supposed to look…I have a couple of light freckles but they won’t hide with the foundation so I ended up putting concealer…let me know…thanks!
Hi Nuccia, The powder will provide a moderate coverage. If you are used to a heavy coverage, you may want to use an organic concealer underneath. Extra arrowroot powder may actually provide even less coverage. The clay definitely does help.
Hi Kristin! I’m making this shortly and have 2 questions: 1) I was only able to find liquid bentonite clay..is that ok? Also 2) I hear that powder foundations accentuate fine lines….do you find it does that? Don’t want it make me look older…thanks!!
Hi Nuccia, I don’t think the liquid will work. You really need the powder. The powder won’t accentuate fine lines anymore than a make-up would. I haven’t had any problems with fine lines.
Thanks Kristin! I will definitely try it and let you know….I nifty little trick I learned is to add ‘turmeric’ and that is huge for yellow undertones….i’ll definitely play with it and let you know. you have an awesome blog…truly enjoy it!
Hi Kristin! I’m new to your blog and absolutely loving it! I was just diagnosed with celiac disease several months ago and looking for the most natural makeup and skin care products as much as possible. I will definitely give this a try! I have yellow undertones and wonder if this will be fine….I think so! I have to be careful of that vitamin E as that may contain gluten but I think I would try to replace it with Rosehip Oil…thoughts? Hope you get a chance to visit my blog…if this works nicely I will do a video post and credit your site for sure! Thanks again….my site is: http://www.hotblogsforwomen.com
Hi Nuccia, Welcome! Glad you found Live Simply. The make-up should work well for your skin tone. You will probably need to play around the amounts of each ingredient to get it just right, but that’s the beauty of this recipe. Rosehip sounds wonderful. You could also try tea tree oil as it provides the healing and soothing properties for the skin. Looking forward to hearing how it turns out for you. I popped over to your blog. It looks wonderful. I’ll spend some time exploring over there :).
Omg!! I love your recipe!!! I am 18 and ever since I was really little, I have always been about using all natural, home made products. Funny thing, when I was about 9 or 10 I remember seeing all these young girls wear makeup in my school (yeah crazy right?!!)so I would MAKE my own! I would mix cacao (no not a typo!) powder (which my mother purchased at Whole Foods) and cinnamon and wear that as a foundation. I also would open powdered cranberry capsules (which my dad got from work; he is a manager of Penn Herb Ltd.) and use that as a blush. For eyeliner and mascara, I would use charcoal capsules and water (using the screwy thing dislodged from an old Lip Smackers chap stick tube to apply both). I still use my homemade foundation recipe BUT yours is so much more sophisticated and probably works a lot better so I am definitely going to try it asap! Thanks!!!
That’s awesome. You were a very smart teen, going down the natural route to skincare. I really wish I had cared for my skin back in my teens. Can’t wait to hear what you think of the powder. I just love it and use it nearly daily.
* I did not read all the comments so if this is a repeat I apologize.
A note on the cinnamon, that you should test what you are using on the back of your hand to make sure it does not burn. Not all cinnamons are created equal. The oils can cause really painful welts/burns even for people who are not allergic or have sensitive skin. We did an all natural spa night and had to stop using the cinnamon for that reason. It may not affect anyone at all in such a small amount, but having experienced it, better safe than sorry.
In fact, it probably would be a good idea to test all the ingredients out on your hand before you mix it up. Then if you react to something you know what to omit.
Thanks for sharing. As with any product you’d place on your skin, testing it out is always best.
You mentioned the clay can’t come in contact with metal. What about piercings once the foundation is complete? Most are stainless steel or silver. I wouldn’t want a reaction. Is there something that can be used instead that could come in contact with piercings?
Dawn, I’m not really sure about piercings as I’ve never had personal experience. Basically, the clay just doesn’t work as it should once it comes in contact with metal. I don’t believe it will cause a reaction, just won’t work (from a chemistry point of view) on the skin as it would without the metal contact. That said, I’ve had a bit touch earrings (while applying) and I’ve never had a reaction on my skin.
Do you mean cocoa powder like the kind you cook with? I know that sounds silly but I just want to make sure! Thanks!!!! LOVE this idea!
Hi Jamie, You will want unsweetened cocoa powder just like you use in the kitchen to bake with.
I am very excited to try this DIY Foundation. I have been getting more interested in natural beauty products, and as I have such sensitive skin, I thought this would be a great starter. I received an adorable vintage Hello Kitty jar for Christmas, and I was wondering if I would be able to store the powder in that? I am asking in reference to your note that Bentonite Clay should not come in contact with metal. Do you mean ALL times, even when stored, because it is a glass jar with a metal lid. Thanks!
Bentonite shouldn’t come into contact with metal at all, even, metal storage containers.
Hello! I wanted to know if there was another alternative for the coccoa powder as I do not think I will be able to acquire some any time soon. Thanks for the wonderful recipe~
Hi Tenshi, Cocoa powder (or cacao or carob powder) is essential in this recipe. Sorry. It provides the flesh color.
Hi Kristen,
thanks for this recipe, I have all my ingreds and want to make, how did you whisk if the clay can not come into contact w metal? All my tools to mix are metal
thank you for your reply
Hey Stephanie, The clay shouldn’t come in contact with anything metal, so if you can use a plastic or wood spoon or fork that would be best.
thank you Kristen! I have plenty of wooden utensils!
Perfect 🙂 Happy mixing.
i’ve tried a recipe similar to this where they used french green clay powder instead of the bentonite clay. do you know if it makes a difference as to which clay?
Hi Sharon, Bentonite Clay and French Green Clay can pretty much be used interchangeably as they both serve the same purpose.
This looks fantastic! Out of curiosity, what purpose does the cinnamon serve? (I’m dangerously allergic and wondering if I could skip it.) Thanks so much for the great recipe. 😀
The cinnamon brings a rich warmth to the color of the foundation. You could leave it out and still make a great foundation powder.
Great! Thanks, Kristin. 🙂
Hi, I’m allergic to Vitamin E, do you know if I could substitute maybe olive oil or coconut oil in this recipe? Thanks, Julie
Hi Julie, I’d recommend Tea Tree Oil. It acts very much like Vitamin E, but won’t cause an allergic reaction.
I really love the idea of an all natural makeup as I’ve found more and more how sensitive my skin is, I have a yellow undertone to my skin and was wondering if there’s something that could be added to accomplish this or will adjusting the amount of cocoa powder /cinnamon do this for me?
Hey livi, I wonder if a bit of turmeric powder could be added for a yellow undertone?
Hi! By the way, I already have all the ingredients needed for this. I have a daughter, she is 4 months old now. Are all the ingredients safety even if you are breastfeeding? Thank you soo much!!!
Hi Vanessa, Glad you found the ingredients. Yes, this make-up is 100% safe when nursing.
Hallo, what do you mean by the arrowroot that is is similar to corn starch…used as a thickening agent in cooking without the GMOs? Thanks a lot..
Yes, it’s like corn starch. A thickening agent without the GMOs.
Hi! Thanks for the reply! Do you have topic about how to treat when you lost too much hair? My baby is almost 4 months old now and after giving birth I lost hair but it is around 1 weeks from now on since I lost. I read that it is normal after giving birth but still it bothers me.. I have red acne scars on my cheek. How do you treat it? God bless you!
Can I buy all of the ingredients in Supermarket here in Germany? Is the homemade blush on looks good when you have very red cheeks because of the acne before? Because I have red scars in my cheeks from acne..
I’m not sure if you can find all the ingredients in Germany. I’ve never looked in another country for these ingredients. It provides a moderate amount of coverage similar to a mineral powder.
You can find everything in Germany! I live here. For the (calcium) benthonite/montmorillinite clay – I would suggest getting Luvo’s “Heilerde” 2 – that’s exactly what it is, and it’s for external use (there’s also Heilerde 1 by Luvo’s but that’s for gastrointestinal upset). But I think you need to buy this in a Naturkostladen or Bioladen – I’ve never found it in a regular supermarket. Instead of vitamin E, I use tea trea essential oil. You’d probably need to look for this and the lavender essential oil in a Naturkostladen as well. Everything else of course you can find in a regular supermarket in Germany.
Oh also the arrowroot powder – you can’t find that in a regular supermarket in Germany, but also a Bioladen (Pfeilwurzmehl).
A question about the powder – for women of colour, is it just a matter of using the cocoa powder as a base instead of the arrowroot powder? Or simply adding more cocoa powder in general?
Hi! I really find your idea helpful! By the way, is this homemade powder good in covering Rosacea? Because I have lots from cheeks. Lots of redness in my cheeks from my old pimples it leaves scars there.. Does the powder stays the whole day? I am interested to do it!
I have found the powder to last all day.