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.
