Homemade Eyeshadow

Make your own homemade eyeshadow that is both safe and long-lasting with this simple recipe. With a few all-natural ingredients, you can make a toxic-free eyeshadow that really works!

I love making my own makeup. First off, making my own ensures me that I am using all-natural ingredients that I know will not be harmful to my skin or overall wellness.

Second, making your own makeup is very cost-effective and so easy to do. Foundation was the first makeup post I wrote, and I have received tons of great feedback since.

It took me several trial runs to perfect that recipe, as well as most makeup recipes since.

Figuring out the perfect measurements to find what works best for my skin may have taken some time, but since then, I have mastered facial toner, eyeliner, and mascara.

Now it is time to share my favorite eyeshadow recipe!

How Eyeshadow is Made

Eyeshadow can come as a powder or be pressed. Pressed eyeshadow is the most popular of the two options.

To make pressed eyeshadow, you need a base filler and a binding agent. The two are then pressed into a small container or small pan.

A color pigment is used to color the eyeshadow and make different shades. Mica powder or natural clays are among the most common natural coloring agents for eyeshadow.

Eyeshadow Ingredients

What do I need to make my own eyeshadow?

• Powder base
• Binding Agent (for pressed eyeshadow only)
• Color Pigment

The binding agent is optional because it is only needed if you want to make a pressed eyeshadow. If you prefer a powdered eyeshadow, you will only need the powder base and color pigment.

Powder Base

For the base of the eyeshadow, you can use arrowroot powder, clay, or a combination of the two. For my recipe, I am using arrowroot powder and clay. You can use bentonite clay, Brazilian clay, or pink or rose clay.

Binding Agent

For the binding agent, use a small amount of alcohol and a carrier oil. I am using sweet almond oil, but you could also use fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, or apricot seed oil.

Color Pigment

For the color pigment, you can use mica powders, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or clay. Mica powder can be used to produce a variety of colors as well as add shimmer to your eyeshadow.

Mica powder will also work to color homemade lipstick, lip liner, and a number of other makeups.

If you prefer a more natural color, you may want to stick to cocoa powder or clays.

How to Make Eyeshadow at Home

To make your own eyeshadow, you will need a very small container or metal tins. If you are making a powder eyeshadow, you will need to have a container with an airtight lid to avoid spilling.

Actual empty eyeshadow palettes can be found everywhere online relatively cheap. And, if you decide on making a pressed eyeshadow, a coin works perfectly for pressing the powder into the container.

Homemade Eyeshadow Recipe

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Ingredients

• Arrowroot powder
• Bentonite clay (or clay of choice)
• Mica powder and/or cocoa powder (depending on the color you want to make)
• Sweet Almond oil
• Alcohol

Supplies

• Empty eyeshadow palette (for pressed eyeshadow)
• Small container with lid (for powdered eyeshadow)
• Small measuring spoon (I use a 1/4 teaspoon.)
• Dropper or pipette
• Toothpick

Instructions

1. For multiple colors, set out the desired number of small mixing or dipping bowls.
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon each of arrowroot powder and bentonite clay into each bowl.
3. Stir in 1/8 of a teaspoon of the desired color with a toothpick.
4. If making powdered eyeshadow, transfer it to a small airtight container.
5. If making pressed eyeshadow, add 3 drops of sweet almond oil and 1/16 teaspoon of alcohol to each bowl and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer eyeshadow to your empty eyeshadow tray and press down firmly with a coin or the back of a spoon.
7. Allow to dry overnight before use.

Recipe notes:

The mica powder listed above includes 24 different colors to suit a variety of color schemes.

Add more color pigment to achieve the desired color. If too much color was added, simply add more arrowroot powder.

Finding the Right Color

The best part about making your own makeup is that you can customize your own color and make it exactly how you want it. This part can be fun, but also a little tricky.

Be patient and have fun with this part! After a bit of experimenting, you will find the perfect color for your eyeshadow.

color tips

To stick with neutral colors such as various shades of brown and tan, simply use bentonite clay as the base and adjust the color with cinnamon and cocoa powder.

My top 5 favorite color schemes

• Brown: 1/8 teaspoon cocoa powder
• Golden Brown: 1/16 teaspoon cocoa powder and 1/16 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pale Pink: 1/8 teaspoon rose clay
• Mustard yellow: 1/16 teaspoon yellow clay and just a pinch of red mica powder
• Bright colors: 1/8 teaspoon arrowroot powder and 1/16 mica powder of choice (more or less depending on preference)

How to Apply Eyeshadow

To apply your eyeshadow, you will need an eyeshadow applicator, or you can use your finger. However, using your finger will be harder, especially if you want to get fancy and apply multiple colors.

Start by adding a base eyeshadow to the lid.

Add darker colors closer to the crease of the eye and fade to lighter colors.

If desired, to make eyes pop, add a darker color around the rim or an eyeliner.

I like to follow up with a setting spray or powder to keep everything in place and help it last all day.

How to Store Homemade Eyeshadow

If stored properly, your eyeshadow will last for years. Be sure to keep your eyeshadow in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.

If making pressed eyeshadow, close the palette when you are not using it to keep dust and debris out.

When applying eyeshadow, use a clean brush (learn how to clean a makeup brush here) or applicator to help extend the shelf life of your eyeshadow.

I hope you enjoyed this simple makeup recipe. If you are into DIYing, may I suggest this homemade concealer recipe or natural primer recipe next?