Achieve a Flawless Bronze: DIY Bronzer for a Healthy Glow

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Achieving a beautiful sun-kissed look just got easier with this simple DIY bronzer recipe. With just a few natural ingredients, you can add a subtle golden contour to your face and elevate your beauty routine.

A small glass jar filled with DIY makeup powder with a makeup brush set beside it on a floral piece of material.

It’s no secret I’m a big fan of DIY makeup. Partly because I enjoy making my own products, but I am also very particular about the ingredients I put onto my skin.

So, to get what I want, I generally have to make my own, which I love to do, so it’s a win-win!

It’s great having total control over the ingredients so I can customize the tint to match my skin tone perfectly, so it’s a no-brainer.

This delicious-smelling bronzer is the last step in my makeup routine before finishing off with my makeup setting spray. It’s so fun getting to use my own handmade beauty products, and I think you’ll love it, too.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this bronzer

With just a few simple and natural ingredients, you can feel good about applying this product to your skin.
It looks good and smells good, too. Cocoa and cinnamon give this bronzer a delightful and warm aroma.
This recipe is so easy to make. Simply mix everything together in a small container and apply to desired areas for a natural-looking glow.

How to make DIY bronzer

Ingredients

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
2 teaspoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1. In a small container, add the arrowroot powder, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.

A woman using a wooden spoon to add cocoa powder, cinnamon, and arrowroot powder to a small glass container.

Step 2. Mix the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.

Pro tip: Adjust the amounts to match your skin type and the desired color hue you want. Everyone is different, and there is no one size fits all when it comes to bronzer.

A woman using a wooden stick to mix together ingredients for DIY bronzer in a small glass container.

Step 3. Use a bronzer brush to apply the bronzer to desired areas. I like to brush it on my cheeks to define my cheekbones and on my nose, forehead, and temples for a sun-kissed glow.

Dabbing the bronzer brush into the makeup container.

A woman using a bronzer brush to apply bronzer to her forehead.

How to apply homemade bronzer

Bronzer is the last makeup product you should apply. Before beginning the bronzer application, start with your foundation and concealer.

Dip your clean bronzer brush into the powder and give it a light tap on the edge of your container to remove any excess product.

Then, begin applying the bronzer to your cheekbone, starting near the top of your ear and blending back and forth along the cheek to give a contoured look.

Apply more bronzer to the area around your hairline, working the brush along spots that would naturally be hit by the sun. I like to stay above the top half of my forehead and certainly avoid the eyes.

Blend some more into your temples and along your jawline.

Finish off by blending down the neck below your ears and softening any harsh lines with a circular motion.

Tips

Always apply bronzer after your foundation and concealer have set.
Avoid getting the bronzer too close to your eyes. You want to keep your eyes looking bright. For extra help hiding dark circles under the eyes, try my DIY concealer.
Bronzer comes in many different shades and consistencies based on skin type. You’ll need to experiment with the amounts of each ingredient to get the perfect customized combination for your skin tone and type.

DIY bronzer in a glass jar with a bronzer brush on a white marble vanity.

FAQ & Storage

What are the best ingredients for bronzer?

A combination of arrowroot powder, cocoa powder, and cinnamon is perfect for mixing together a simple DIY bronzer that will give your skin a natural sun-kissed golden glow.

How dark should my bronzer be?

You should go no more than two shades darker than your skin tone. The more cocoa you add, the darker the bronzer will be, so apply a little and test the bronzer before adding in extra cocoa.

Can I use bronzer instead of foundation?

You can use bronzer alone instead of foundation, but bronzer aims to create a tanned look, while foundation usually provides an even, uniform skin tone.

How do I store bronzer?

Store this powdered bronzer in an airtight container for up to one year.

Touching on the makeup for a second

As you can see, this is a powdered bronzer recipe. If you would prefer a liquid bronzer, I would suggest trying my tinted moisturizer recipe as an alternative.

While it is not technically a bronzer, it can be used as one. Plus, it will keep your skin moisturized!

So, if you are looking for an easy-to-make and cost-effective bronzer, this recipe is for you!

Additionally, if you made this recipe and loved it, I would love for you to come back and leave a review below!

Check out my favorite makeup recipes.

DIY Bronzer

Laura Ascher

5 from 1 vote

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Project Type Makeup

Category Bath & Beauty

Prep Time 3

Active Time 5

Total Time 8

Yield 1 jar

Equipment

▢
Storage container

Ingredients

▢ 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
▢ 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
▢ ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

In a small container, add the arrowroot powder, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
Mix the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.
Use a bronzer brush to apply the bronzer to desired areas. I like to brush it on my cheeks to define my cheekbones and on my nose, temples, and forehead for a sun-kissed glow.
Secure container with a lid and store in a dry location.

Video

Notes

I’ve included step-by-step images in the post above for visual guidance. If you would rather watch, check out the complete step-by-step video tutorial!

To adjust the ingredients to match your skin tone:

Add more arrowroot powder to make it lighter.
Add more cocoa powder for a darker shade.

Allow your foundation and concealer to set before applying bronzer.

After dipping your brush into the bronzer, give the brush a light tap or a gentle blow to remove any excess product.

Bronzer should be applied in areas that would naturally be hit by sunlight. The goal is to give your skin a glowing and sun-kissed appearance.

Keep away from eyes and mouth.

Store in an airtight container for up to one year.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was and mention us on Instagram @ouroilyhouse

This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.