Homemade Foundation Powder made with all-natural ingredients. I've been using this homemade foundation powder for years and love it!!

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?

Homemade Foundation Powder made with all-natural ingredients. I've been using this homemade foundation powder for years and love it!!

Homemade Foundation Powder made with all-natural ingredients. I've been using this homemade foundation powder for years and love it!!

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.

Homemade Foundation Powder made with all-natural ingredients. I've been using this homemade foundation powder for years and love it!!

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 made with all-natural ingredients. I've been using this homemade foundation powder for years and love it!!

Homemade Foundation Powder Make-Up
4.72 from 69 votes

Homemade Foundation Powder

An easy homemade foundation powder made with simple kitchen ingredients. Customize this face powder based on your skin. 
Kristin Marr
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty
Servings 6 ounces

Ingredients

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:

Video

Notes

My original recipe called for adding a few drops of vitamin E oil and lavender oil. Since this post was originally published, I've decided to remove these ingredients to keep this DIY budget-friendly. If you'd like to add a scent, feel free to add a few drops of your favorite skin-friendly essential oil. If you want to add a few drops of vitamin E oil as well, you're welcome to do so. 
Bentonite clay is very detoxifying and absorbs excess oils on the skin. If you have sensitive or mature skin, kaolin clay is the best option. 
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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.

Homemade Foundation Powder made with all-natural ingredients. I've been using this homemade foundation powder for years and love it!!

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.

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438 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    IN LOVE! I made and tried this one hour ago and it was well beyond my expectations. I read all the reviews and sort of “customized” it based on some of the reviews. I used half the amount of cocoa powder (medium skin), added skin-safe zinc, and 1/4 tsp vegetable glycerine and my own skin-safe EO’s to your recipe. My nutmeg was a bit gritty and the coffee grinder did not help so I used my trusty mortar and pestle. Perfect! I used my skin serum (part of my morning routine) and applied my new powder foundation with a buki brush.It works just as well, if not better, than the name-brand, guaranteed-break-out mineral powder foundation that I normally use! Thank you, Kristin!

  2. Is there a substitute for cocoa powder? I’ve made something similar last year and had to discard it because I couldn’t stand smelling the cocoa all day. And I love chocolate, so it doesn’t make sense. It is what it is.

    1. Hey Amy, You could try cacao powder, but it’s going to have the same chocolate scent. Unfortunately, I can’t think of anything besides cocoa/cacao that would provide the right shade to create a foundation.

  3. Hi! I was so excited to try this, i went straight to my kitchen and started mixing. It was so easy and didn’t take me long to find a good color. The only problem I had was the powder going everywhere! What ingredient makes it kind of stick together so that I can put it on without making a mess? Or, does arrowroot work better than starch? ( I only used cornstarch until I can go get some arrowroot powder). Or should I use more vitamin e oil?

    Thank you!!!! 🙂

    1. Hey Miranda, The powder should be a loose powder, so there’s a bit more of a messy factor versus a compact foundation powder. I haven’t found a way to make it stick together. Using a small foundation brush, or tapping the brush on the lid of the container before applying it to your face might help cut down the messiness.

  4. hi. This looks really interesting! 🙂 I wonder what it would be like when I sweat though? (I live in tropical country, and it can get really hot!) Do you have any thoughts on that. Thanks.

  5. Just happened to buy bentonite clay today, and I am so glad I stumbled across your blog. I did not have cocoa, cacao, or carob, but did have chaga powder which is EXTREMELY antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a rich dark brown like cocoa. Used Bob’s Red Mill Potato Starch instead of the arrow root. The foundation powder has just enough coverage to soften my complexion and feels weightless on my skin. Thank you for the recipe!

  6. Hey there!
    I am currently in the process of making this powder. I wanted to know if you had any experience or opinions on if certain spices irritate skin including: cayenne pepper, tumeric, cumin? I would like to try to match my skin tone with these spices.

    1. Hey Miki, I don’t have much experience with adding spices, other than the ones listed in the recipe. I recommend being very careful with hot spices, like cayenne pepper. They could/would burn your skin.

  7. Going to try this recipe. It’s funny, from the picture it looks like it would go on dark but your skin is fair. Can you explain why it looks dark but goes on fair? I have yellow undertones so I think I’m going to try adding some turmeric to match my skin as most foundations are too peachy or pink for me.

    1. Hey Anna, I agree, it does look really dark in the photo. The powder isn’t heavy, so that may explain the reason why it works for me despite how dark it looks in the photo. The powder is easy to adjust based on your complexion. You’ll probably only need a very small amount of turmeric since it can stain. I would love to hear how that goes. Enjoy!!

  8. Im really excited to have a go at making this….I don’t tolerate the smell of lavender however, is there another essential oil you suggest I use in its place or could i skip it completely 🙂

  9. I don’t know if you’ve had this question before, but what about those of us with “mature” skin. Will this settle into wrinkles? I use a colored moisturizer as my foundation and it works well, but it’s REALLY expensive! Thanks for any info…

    1. Hey Dawn, I’ve found that as my skin matures :), I like to use a liquid foundation under this powder. That’s just a personal preference, but I’ve found that helps smooth out my skin and reduces any potential settling that may occur from just using a powder. I’ve used Pacifica liquid foundation in the past, and I’ve loved it. Right now, I’m using the Skin Tint from Beauty Counter. It’s by far the best liquid foundation I’ve used, and then I use this foundation powder over the top. http://www.beautycounter.com/tint-skin-complexion-coverage.html

  10. 5 stars
    I made this for me which I normally use med beige( i have med skin). The recipe was perfect for my skin tone. One other friend of mine also tried and she loved it she has light skin.

  11. I have a question. I want to make it for my friend whi has super light to pale skin. She tried this recipe that I made for her. Was too dark. Which ingredient that I can possibly cut in half or add to the recipe for super light skin? Pls help. Thanks

  12. Hi Kristin,

    I am on day two of drying a light dusting on my face to make sure my skin is ok with it. So far so good (feels a bit odd putting cocoa on my face). It feels very light and gives a nice light coverage. I was just wondering if it was safe to put over my eyelids or under my eyes – I have quite dark areas around my eyes. Or would it be safer to get a concealer for that area?
    Thanks

    Anna

    1. Hey Anna, I use a concealer (from Pacifica) under my eyes or any dark spots (I had pigmentation issues with my second pregnancy) and then use the powder over the top. I would avoid getting the powder directly in your eyes, but if you close your eyelids when applying the powder over the concealer, I think you should be okay (that’s what I do).

  13. Hi Kristin, I love this recipe! However, I notice that my pores look bigger when I use the powder. Any suggestions? Thank you!

    1. Hey Katja, I have two suggestions that may help:

      1/ Use a moisturizer before applying the foundation powder, then apply the powder and use a cosmetic sponge or clean fingers to press the powder into your skin (for lack of a better phrase). The foundation brush may be applying a thin layer over the skin, causing the pores to look large.

      2/ If the issue persists, use a more natural concealer or liquid foundation over the problem areas, followed by the foundation powder.

  14. I have concerns over the cocoa powder as sugars feed the bacteria that cause pimples. Can you suggest an alternative for that one ingredient?

    Just an FYI; when using essential oils, always spot test for possible allergic reactions. I know someone that breaks out in hives from lavender oil.

    1. Hey Dianne, Real cocoa powder doesn’t contain any sugars (other than what may naturally occur)–look for unsweetened cocoa powder in the baking section. Alternatives would be cacao powder or carob powder.

      Great essential oil tip!

  15. What a great website you have here! It started me on researching and learning for myself how to incorporate a more natural and healthy skin regiment ! One of the things that I added was a vegetable glycerin to your powder to help with a little more coverage so far so good and I also learned that not make is good for a more medium toned skin color ! Keep sharing you’re awesome creations !

  16. 5 stars
    Thank you for giving us the courage to try our own powder – and thank you for a great recipe! We adjusted the recipe only slightly for color and because I was able to find non-gmo cornstarch. Our teenage daughter LOVES the cocoa scent, loves the way it looks and that it lasts all day – longer than the expensive product she had been using!!

    1. Hey Emgee, After much research, I feel very comfortable using bentonite clay. I wouldn’t recommend purposely inhaling large amounts of the clay (or any product–even cocoa powder). Bentonite clay is often consumed internally by some people looking to detox. Here’s a good article: http://draxe.com/10-bentonite-clay-benefits-uses/. You can leave it out, however, the powder just won’t be the same. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the deodorant :)!