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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!

Homemade eyeshadow palette with multiple colors.
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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

DIY eyeshadow in palette.

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

Colorful homemade eyeshadow in eyeshadow container.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.

Ingredients

Supplies

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

Eyeshadow on white and tan checker towel with white brushes by it.

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?

4.43 from 7 votes

Homemade Eyeshadow

Prep: 5 minutes
Active: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
This homemade natural eyeshadow works amazingly well and is easy to make!

Equipment

  • Empty eyeshadow palette (for pressed eyeshadow)
  • Small containers with lid (for powdered eyeshadow)
  • 1/4 measuring teaspoon
  • 1/16 measuring teaspoon
  • Dropper or pipette
  • Toothpick
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Ingredients 

  • ¼ teaspoon Arrowroot powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Bentonite clay, or preferred clay of choice
  • teaspoon Mica powder
  • 3 drops Sweet Almond oil, (optional, see step 5-6)
  • 1/16 teaspoon Alcohol, (optional, see steps 5-6)

Instructions 

  • For multiple colors, set out desired number of small mixing or dipping bowls.
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon each of arrowroot powder and bentonite clay into each bowl.
  • Stir in 1/8 of a teaspoon of desired color with a toothpick.
  • If making powdered eyeshadow, transfer to small airtight container.
  • 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.
  • Transfer eyeshadow to your empty eyeshadow tray and press down firmly with a coin or back of a spoon.
  • Allow to dry overnight before use.
Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #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.

About Laura

Welcome to Our Oily House, I’m so glad you’re here! Explore DIY cleaners, homemade soaps, skincare and hair care recipes, fragrance-free solutions, and sustainable laundry tips for a naturally inspired home.

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4.43 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. Laura says:

    5 stars
    Love this eyeshadow!

  2. Anastasia Hutchins says:

    Hello!! I am thrilled to have found this! Thank you so much for sharing this with everyone! I have a massive collection of makeup and a ridiculous number of palettes and singles, liquid shadow… you name it lol! I have wanted to create my own multichrome shadows for a long time now just for myself. I am desperate to find great pigments and where to purchase them? If you have any ideas please please let me know. Brands are exceptionally tight and gatekeep when it comes to where one may purchase amazing mica pigments for this type of shadow. My best friend and I have been searching because we want to do this as a creative outlet. I’m not trying to be a business owner. I am willing to pay the price for good mica etc. pigments. I just need help from someone to find the suppliers.
    If you have been able to read this THANK YOU for your valuable time! It’s greatly appreciated!
    I hope this request and thank you finds you healthy, happy and enjoying the artistic dance with your most loved colors!
    Thank you,
    Anastasia

    1. Allie says:

      I use madmicas.com

  3. Carrie says:

    Can witch hazel be used instead of alcohol?

  4. Debbie Hakkesteeg says:

    I like learning how to make things that is non-toxic since I have Cancer. Thank so much for showing how to do this.

    Thanks
    Debbie H.

    1. Laura says:

      You’re welcome! I am so glad you are taking a natural approach!

  5. S Sharada says:

    When u mention alcohol in a recipe especially eye shadow which kind of alcohol are we supposed to use? Kindly guide as my skin is extremely sensitive 🙏🏻

    1. Laura says:

      I use rubbing alcohol.

      1. S Sharada says:

        Okie Thank you <3

  6. Ava says:

    I am very interested in trying this. I have had an eczema like reaction that occasionally flares up on my eyelids. Recently it has been more pervasive than usual, so much so that I have been avoiding eye shadow on all together. I am looking forward to trying this, thank You so much for sharing!

  7. khads says:

    can we use this recepie for commercial purposes