This DIY setting powder can help your makeup stay on longer, prevent foundation from rubbing off and reduce shine. Making your own setting powder is easy, cost-effective, and made with natural ingredients.
What is Setting Powder?
The setting powder does exactly what the name says; it “sets” makeup or holds it in place. Using a setting powder will help different makeups like DIY blush cream last throughout the whole day.
Setting powder can be translucent, or it can have a slight color that matches your skin tone.
Setting powder comes as a loose or packed powder. You can also find setting sprays that spray a light mist on the skin after applying foundation.
How to Make Face Powder
Making your own face powder is easier than you may think. I started making my own homemade powder foundation about a year ago, and I love it. Adding a setting powder can help it last longer and absorb excess oil.
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To make the setting powder, you will need:
- Arrowroot powder
- Cocoa powder (optional)
- Lavender essential oil
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a white fine powder that is used as a thickening agent. It is similar to cornstarch and is often used in gluten-free recipes. Arrowroot is a tropical tuber native to Indonesia.
It has a silky texture and is all-natural. Arrowroot is used in my homemade eyeshadow and diy bronzer and is the perfect ingredient for setting powder because it absorbs oil and leaves a matte finish.
Cocoa Powder
A small amount of cocoa powder can be added to the arrowroot powder to tint your setting powder. It isn’t necessary, but if you have dark skin, you may want to tint your setting powder.
Add a pinch of cocoa powder at a time until desired color has been achieved. Just know, setting powder doesn’t have to match your skin tone; this is up to personal preference.
Believe it or not, cocoa powder has some great benefits for the skin. The properties of cocoa powder can help clear skin, soften, and detoxify.
Lavender Essential Oil
Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your setting spray will add extra benefits to your skin and give off a floral aroma. Lavender essential oil is steam distilled from lavender buds.
Lavender can be used to soothe skin, clear skin imperfections, and cleanse the skin.
DIY Setting Powder
Making setting powder doesn’t require an exact recipe as it can change depending on your skin tone.
For example, you can use plain arrowroot powder for setting powder, or you can add in cocoa powder to match your skin tone.
Ingredients
- 1/8 cup arrowroot powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder (adjust based on desired skin tone)
- 1-2 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Add the arrowroot powder to a small airtight container.
- Mix in cooca powder until you reach desired color.
- Add lavender essential oil, and mix in well
Recipe Notes:
Add in just a pinch of cocoa powder at a time until you reach the desired color.
Store the setting powder in a glass, airtight container for up to 6 months.
How to Use DIY Setting Powder
Setting powder should be applied to the face only after the foundation has been applied. Think of it as the last step in your makeup routine.
If you use a DIY face primer, apply it now and then dab on your foundation.
Finally, dip a clean makeup brush into the powder and apply over the t-zone or area of skin that gets oily.
It is best to press or dab the makeup brush into the skin rather than brush it. Brushing the setting powder can move the fountain or make it streak.
Why Use Setting Powder?
Setting powder will absorb excess oils and give the skin a matte finish. It can help reduce the sticky feeling that foundation can leave on the skin.
Setting powder will make your makeup last longer and stay in place better.
It can brighten the skin and reduce discoloration on the face and under the eyes. It is best to apply setting powder after concealer or foundation is applied.
Setting Powder VS Setting Spray
As mentioned above, you can find both setting powders and setting sprays. Both are similar and are used to set your makeup and keep it in place longer.
The main difference between the two is how they are applied. Setting powder is applied with a makeup brush by pressing it into the skin.
Whereas the spray comes in a spray bottle and is lightly misted over the face.
Setting powder is used to absorb oils, and setting spray is used to give a softer look with less texture.
Setting spray can be used to keep all your makeup in place, including homemade lipstick, eye makeup, and homemade mascara. The powder is only used for foundation.
Can I Use Cornstratch for Setting Powder?
Cornstarch is similar to arrowroot powder and will have similar effects as a setting powder.
However, cornstarch found in beauty products is much different than regular cornstarch you would find at the grocery store.
Arrowroot powder is the better option for skincare needs.
PIN IT FOR LATER
DIY Setting Powder
Equipment
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- ⅛ cup arrowroot powder
- ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1-2 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Add the arrowroot powder to a small, glass airtight container.
- Stir in a pinch of cocoa powder at a time until desired color is reached.
- Add in lavender essential oil and stir well.
CaSondra Short says
In the ingredients list it says cocoa powder, in the directions it says coconut oil. Which one? I assume it’s supposed to be cocoa powder.
Laura says
Correct, cocoa powder.
Lena says
Can I use cornstarch instead of the arrowroot powder? Thanks so much for all the recipes!!
Laura says
It should have a similar effect!
Bella says
Hello,
I’m a bit confused as to when I apply that setting powder. Do I apply it before or after the foundation?
Thanks ☺️
Laura says
I do it before.