Beauty isn’t only skin deep. It comes from the inside and out! It’s worth investigating most beauty products considering the abysmal lack of regulations in the US concerning ingredients. I use ewg.org/skindeep to find information on specific chemicals used. For those of us who have sensitive skin, are on a tight budget, or both, sometimes we’re limited in our options. Below are some easy recipes for making your own beauty products. Remember, they have a more limited shelf-life than their counterparts that often use harsh preservatives.

Natural Foundation
Base: 

2 TBSP zinc oxide (can sub arrowroot, but it does have less coverage)

1 TBSP arrowroot powder (optional)

For oily skin: 1 tsp of translucent mica powder 

For color shade: add the below slowly and test on the inner arm to find your shade.

1 tsp gold mica dust

½ - 1 tsp natural clay powder (white, green, or grey, depending on your preferences)

Up to 1 tsp finely ground cocoa powder (for the desired color)

Directions: mix all ingredients together. Store in a small glass jar with a lid. 

Natural Bronzer/Blush

Use the natural foundation base to start. Add more cocoa powder and cinnamon to get a darker shade or ginger for a lighter one. For blush, you can add dried beetroot powder, dried hibiscus, madder root, or pink mica powder to get the shade you’re looking for. 

Natural Eye Liner

½ oz of coconut oil

½ oz of shea butter

½ tsp of activated charcoal (for black) or cocoa powder (for brown)

Mix all of the above ingredients and store them in an old eye shadow container or similar. Apply with a slightly damp brush. 

Natural Eye Shadow

Base:

¼ tsp arrowroot powder

½ tsp bentonite clay (optional)

Colors:

Rose - ½ tsp rose clay

Green - ¾ tsp spirulina powder

Cocoa - ½ tsp cocoa powder
Gold - ¾ tsp turmeric powder

Shimmer: 1 pinch of mica powder

Directions: mix all ingredients, place in an empty eyeshadow tray, and store in a cool, dry place. 

Natural Mascara

¼ tsp black mineral powder (you can use activated charcoal, it just won’t be as full or thick) or cocoa powder for brown 

¼ tsp bentonite clay
⅛ tsp vegetable glycerin

¼ Aloe vera gel

Directions: mix all ingredients in a small bowl until completely smooth. Add more aloe vera gel if needed to get a smooth consistency. Scoop into a medicine jar. Use a mascara brush to dip and apply as normal. Remove with a washcloth, warm water, or olive oil as a natural eye makeup remover.