All Natural DIY Foundation

Making your own all-natural DIY foundation is easier than you think! By making the switch, you will save time, money and cut down on harmful ingredients found in beauty products.

Foundation can be made with just a few ingredients, most of which can be found right in your pantry.

Cinnamon, cocoa powder, or arrowroot powder can be used to make the perfect skin color match in your homemade face powder. 

I started making my own DIY face wash and homemade face moisturizers years ago to cut down on toxins entering my body.

Over the years, I have learned how to make my own natural deodorant recipe without baking soda, homemade hand soaps, and dry shampoo.

Making my own make-up has always been on the to-do list, and though I mastered DIY lip balm and lip gloss, I never thought of making my own foundation.

After a few attempts, I found a recipe that works well for my skin and covers up skin blemishes. As usual, it was much easier than I expected. I wish I would have started making it sooner. 

I may even go as far as saying this is one of my favorite skincare products I’ve made yet. Well, at least my favorite natural makeup recipe!

PIN IT FOR LATER 

HOMEMADE FOUNDATION RECIPE

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INGREDIENTS 

• 1 tablespoon base (arrowroot powder or cornstarch) 
• 1 tablespoon organic cocoa powder 
• 1/8 teaspoon of color as needed 
• 5-10 drops of oil (essential oil, vitamin E oil, or carrier oil) 
• Storage container 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix your base and cocoa powder in a small mixing bowl. 
2. Add in a small amount of color to match your skin tone. (color list below)
3. Rub a small amount of powder on the hand or wrist to test the color. Add more color as needed. 
4. Add in 5-10 drops of oil of choice until the desired texture is reached. (More info on this below!) 
5. Transfer to an airtight container.

HOW TO APPLY POWDER FOUNDATION

It is always best to start with a clean and moisturized face before applying your makeup.

1. Begin by washing your face, then pat dry and apply a primer, or use my DIY primer. 
2. If using a homemade concealer, apply it under the eyes and to the area of concern. 
3. Now, it is time to apply your foundation. Using a large makeup brush, dab it lightly into the powder foundation. Tap the brush against the container to get the extra powder off if needed.
4. Apply the foundation to the t zone and under the eyes. 
5. Using a circular motion, apply the foundation to the cheeks. 
6. Add more foundation as needed and blend into the cheekbones and the rest of the face.
7. Follow up with a homemade setting spray or DIY setting powder to keep the foundation on all day.

DIY foundation powder or liquid?

Powder foundation can be better for the skin, especially if you have oily skin or sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, a liquid foundation recipe may be a better option for you.

What kind of foundation is going to give me the best coverage?

The powdered foundation is best for light coverage, while your liquid foundation will provide a more full coverage, almost like a concealer.

It really comes down to your skin type and what you are going for.

This homemade foundation powder is great for minor blemishes or for blending the skin, while a liquid foundation is best for hiding fine lines and dark spots.

What makes the base?

For the base of this DIY foundation, you can use arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Both of these can be used as a starch thickener and have a similar texture.

If you have any sensitivity to corn, you will want to use arrowroot powder. It is best to use non-GMO organic cornstarch to make this foundation as natural as possible. 

Both powders are white, leaving you with a blank canvas to get started. Next, we will add in the color to match your skin tone. 

Matching your color

Spices and herb powders can be used to make the perfect foundation shades to match skin tone. You may need to play around with this part for a little while to find the perfect color for you.

Always start with less and add more as you test it. If you get too much color or the mixture gets too dark for your skin tone, add more arrowroot powder or cornstarch to lighten it up. 

• Nutmeg: light brown 
• Cocoa Powder: light to medium brown (this is my favorite powder) 
• Clove: dark reddish-brown 
• Cinnamon: for warm skin tones
• Bentonite clay: for cool skin tones

HOW TO MAKE THE FOUNDATION STICK BETTER 

You can add in a small amount of essential oil, carrier oil, or vitamin E oil to change the texture of the foundation.

The amount you add in will depend on how much powder you use. Since everyone’s skin tone is so different, it is hard to determine the amount of powder your foundation will have compared to mine. 

Start with 5-10 drops of oil, stir well, and test the foundation on your wrist or hand. Add more until the desired texture is reached.

Adding in oil can help the foundation to last longer on the face and give it extra benefits for the skin.

Pro tip: Be sure to avoid citrus essential oils as they are photosensitive and could cause skin sensitivities if used in direct sunlight. 

Note: I’ve had people ask about using coconut oil for the carrier oil, and to that, I would suggest using fractionated coconut oil only, not regular coconut oil.

Tips

• Do not use shea butter or cocoa butter in place of the carrier oil. Those butters are solid and will cause clumping in the final product.

• Prep your skin ahead of time. Start with a clean, moisturized face, and consider using a primer specifically designed for powdered foundation.

• Apply powder sparingly. A little goes a long way with powdered foundation, and adding a thick layer can make your face look cakey and overdone.

• Blend well. Using short, circular motions, blend the powdered foundation into your skin to create a seamless finish.

• Remember to always remove your makeup products at the end of the day to allow your skin to breathe and repair itself.

• Use iron oxides as an alternative to the coloring options listed above.

See the 3 items I never leave home without

• DIY blush cream
• Homemade eyeshadow
• DIY lip gloss

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE HOMEMADE FOUNDATION? 

It is best to store your foundation in an airtight container. You can use a small glass jar with a lid or purchase an empty powder foundation container online.

It is best to have a container with a wide mouth lid to make it easy to get your foundation out even when it is almost gone.

You also want to make sure the container is large enough to fit your makeup brush into it. 

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF THIS FOUNDATION?

If stored in an airtight container, your foundation can last up to one year. 

HOW MUCH DOES DIY FOUNDATION COST?

Like I said earlier, making your own makeup will save you so much money! You can make enough foundation to last you a month for less than 50 cents. That’s right, less than 50 cents for a month’s worth of makeup! 

Once you start making your skincare products, you will quickly realize how much money you can save. 

Key Takeaways

This powder foundation recipe is perfect for many skin types and is so simple to make. 

Just pick the right shade for your skin, and you have a recipe as good as any store-bought foundation.

​If you made it and loved it, I would love for you to leave a review below!

See more of my favorite DIYs

• How to make Eyeliner
• Homemade Dry Shampoo Spray
• Homemade All-Natural Shampoo
• Homemade Matte Lipstick
• Peel-off Face Mask
• Makeup Brush Cleaner