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Elevate your makeup game by learning how to make this easy DIY liquid foundation at home!
This lotion-based foundation is great for all skin types, plus you can customize the tint to match your skin perfectly for a flawless, radiant finish.
This post stems from multiple requests Iโve had to make a DIY liquid foundation.
I can tell you this – that Iโm blown away by how amazing this simple recipe is, and I canโt speak enough about its flattering effects on my skin!
It saves tons of money on expensive store-bought foundations by utilizing your current lotion-based skin moisturizer, meaning you can customize the foundation shade to match your skin.
Plus, you can do that without wasting time browsing store shelves for that โperfect foundation match,โ which, letโs face it, is often non-existent.
I even have been using this instead of my DIY concealer and have been quite pleased.
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How to make a liquid foundation
You will need the following:
- 1 x tablespoon of your favorite lotion (face lotion or homemade pump lotion works best)
- A pinch of cocoa powder
Instructions:
Step one: Place a tablespoon of your preferred face lotion in a small container or bowl.
Step two: Add the tiniest amount of cocoa powder to the lotion, a pinch at a time, and stir it in with a spoon or even a little coffee stirrer until itโs mixed completely.
Step three: Try the foundation out on your skin. Take a dab of the lotion onto your finger and rub it on your skin to check the color of the tint. If you need a darker shade, add more cocoa powder bit by bit, being careful not to add too much in one go.
How to use liquid foundation
The key to a flawless finish when it comes to foundation is to blend it well.
To start with, take a fingertip amount of the liquid foundation and dab it onto your cheeks, forehead, and chin.
Then, rub it in, taking care to blend it evenly. If youโd like more coverage, simply repeat the process until youโre happy.
Tips
- I started out with a really tiny pinch of cocoa powder, barely enough to see, and for good reason. You can always add more cocoa powder, but you canโt remove it once itโs added. So, build up slowly and test the tint on your skin as you go.
- This recipe works great with homemade lotions but not so much with butter or body balms like my DIY tallow body balms, as the textures are too thick for the cocoa powder to mix in with.
- Be prepared for trial and error while youโre getting to grips with the recipe. There is no way of knowing the tint without testing it as you make the foundation.
- If, for whatever reason, you find the tint is too dark, you can mix a small amount of that with your standard skin lotion to lighten it. Nothing gets wasted – thatโs my motto!
How to find the right shade for your skin
In this section, Iโll explain how I made my own version of DIY foundation liquid to match my skin to give you a reference point.
Of course, your skin tone will differ, so the best way to get a good match is to test the foundation during the making process.
I created my foundation using a pinch of cocoa powder to start with, then ยผ of a teaspoon, then an eighth of a teaspoon, and then a final pinch at the end, and those quantities match my skin great and give me the coverage Iโm after.
Letโs talk more about coverage.
When it comes to making your foundation with lotion, the biggest piece of advice Iโve got is to be intentional.
What I mean is, when youโre making a foundation, consider the coverage youโd like, too.
Do you like wearing a lot of foundation (as in a thick layer?) or prefer a lighter, more translucent look?
Itโs definitely a personal choice, but that choice affects the shade of foundation you want to achieve.
Consider this: the thicker the foundation layer on your skin, the lighter youโll want your tint to be. This is because the tint gradually darkens if you use more foundation.
Interesting points
- Many women love liquid foundations over and above the powdered foundations. Thatโs because they tend to work better on dry and sensitive skin types.
- I tried making this recipe with an oxide powder (brown oxide), but it didnโt mix into the lotion, ending up clumpy and useless.
- This is a mega cost-effective liquid foundation recipe. Just think! The cost of a tub of cocoa powder is low, and a touch of skin lotion costs very little, too…
- Iโve seen numerous posts about this DIY foundation method on social media – it must be the new trend!
Storage options
This DIY liquid foundation should store nicely in an air-tight container with the lid on for up to 6 months, but just be mindful of the shelf life of the face lotion youโre using as well.
Fragrance options
As this is a face product, Iโd recommend leaving the fragrance options for things like DIY perfume mists, homemade body sprays, or solid perfumes.
FAQs
Can you make a foundation with lotion?
Yes, you certainly can!
Tinting your own face lotion is the perfect way to create a foundation that matches your skin.
How do you make tinted body moisturizer?
You could use the recipe in this post if you like to make a tinted body moisturizer. As I said, lotions work best as they mix well with the cocoa powder. Remember to use a face lotion rather than a body lotion for best results.
Is foundation the same as a tinted moisturizer?
No, itโs not. A tinted moisturizer offers lighter coverage and is more about the moisturization effect, whereas a foundation is heavier and covers the skin in a veil of color.
On the other hand, a foundation is a makeup product compared to a tinted moisturizer, which is a skincare product (with a color tint.)
Summary
I truly love the results of this DIY liquid foundation. Iโve used it regularly since I made it, and it lasts throughout the day, rarely smudging, and my skin stays healthy too.
Itโs such an easy recipe this one, and the process of adding cocoa powder to get the right match is remarkably therapeutic and joyful.
Thereโs something special about finding the perfect skin match for foundation, right?!
If you try out this recipe and love it like I do, consider leaving a review below!
More beauty products:
- How to make natural highlighter
- Homemade natural lip liner
- Simple primer recipe
- How to make an all-natural blush cream
- How to make a bronzer for any skin tone
- Simple mineral makeup recipe
DIY liquid foundation
Equipment
- Storage container
- A wooden stirrer
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of your favorite lotion, face lotion works best, in my opinion
- A pinch of cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add the tablespoon of your favorite lotion to a small container or bowl.ย
- Add the tiniest amount of cocoa powder to the lotion, a pinch at a time, and stir it in with a spoon or stirrer.
- Try it out! Take a dab of the lotion onto your finger and rub it on your skin to check the color of the tint. If you need a darker shade, add more cocoa powder bit by bit, being careful not to add too much in one go.
I tried this but the color doesnt stay on face like regular foundation
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So would a DIY face cream from your blog work? thanks laura!
You will just want to make sure it’s a runny consistency.
Love this recipe! Can you use Cocoa and Cacoa interchangeably???
Hm, I would think that would be fine! Let me know how it works out!
Hi Laura!
What an amazing website! This my first time exploring it! Can’t wait to try some of your DIY recipes! Quick question about this one…do you have any suggestions about face lotions that may work best? (ex. name brands, should it be a moisturizer, facial cream, have SPF, etc.
Many thanks!
I made it using a pump lotion. Basically, as long as its ‘runny’ enough to mix in the coloring, it should work.
What is your favorite face lotion? Do you have a recipe?