Hey friends!
I am beyond excited to share my latest DIY find with you, homemade all-natural translucent powder! I heard about this from a friend and thought it was worth a whirl…and it’s amazing. Can you tell I am RAVING about it!?!?! I have super oily skin and this stuff blots the oil right out, stays put all day AND looks and feels totally natural. Perfect right?
PLUS!! It’s SO cheap! I got all these ingredients at Whole Foods for less than $10 and it’s gonna last a lloooonnnnggg time!!
You will need organic cornstarch and French green clay.
You can also tint a little with organic cocoa ( I like it)
Cornstarch is sometimes used in makeup because it offers great oil absorption. It is not a drying agent, it just absorbs what’s there. So if you have dry skin, don’t be afraid It does have a shelf life, so make a note of that (1 year or longer). I’ve read a few places that it could possibly irritate skin or cause acne, but I’ve had no such problems…in fact, my acne is better.
French Green Clay is often used in resorts for facials and spa treatments. It’s pretty great at absorbing dirt, oil and bacteria while being gentle on pores.
I’ve added links to purchase these products at the end of the post:)
In a small bowl combine 1 part cornstarch, 1 part green clay and a bit of cocoa.
1 part in a 1 to 1 recipe depends on how much you are making. If you want a gallon, each part would be 2 quarts. If you want 1 cup, each part would be half a cup. If you are using a spice jar like I did, then about half a jar of each.
Mix together carefully, making sure to fully incorporate any lumps.
I used a spice jar as my makeup container. I prefer this one from Spice Islands because it’s glass with a metal screw on lid. Soak it to remove all the label…and the ground mustard, and let it FULLY dry.
Paint your lid if you want. I did, because it’s cute, and because I don’t want anyone mistaking this for some spice blend I whipped up.
EDIT: The silver paint I used is rubbing off a bit, but Amazon has some makeup containers that might be worth trying…link at the bottom of this post.
~
When everything is dry, funnel or scoop your powder in, and you’re all set!
I add a little to the cap, load my brush, tap excess off and apply. Like all loose powder, it can be a bit dusty, but it brushes right off my clothes. Also, it’s going to look a little green, but once you brush it on the color matches your skin tone.
*tip: I use an organic moisturizer with SPF before putting this on. Most makeup these days has SPF, but this doesn’t…so protect yourself friends!
*tip: If you have darker skin, you may want to add more green clay and cocoa, the cornstarch is the white that’s going to be too light for your skintone.
Have a great day everyone!!
You can purchase all these products through Amazon below. I’m not at all trying to make money off tutorials, I just find this to be an easy way to share and purchase products if you can’t find it local.
Thanks!!
UPDATE 8/16/13
Some updates from your comments are below. I haven’t tried all of these things, nor do I validate the truth of all of them, but I felt it would be good to answer some of the FAQ’s:
1. This color is green!!!??? This makeup DOES look greenish. It might even look a little green on your face for 3 minutes. Then it begins to blend.
2. Alternatives to cornstarch? You might try Bentonite Clay or Arrow Root powder in place of corn starch if you can’t find/have allergies.
3. Do the products need to be organic?
*Just an FYI, on the term “organic”. To be certified organic the corn and cocao to make the powders would have been grown without the use of artificial chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and the like. It would also encompass any chemicals used in the processing of the product, which aren’t necessarily listed on the ingredient list. Go organic for your health and the health of the planet!
*A whole lot of food allergies COME from eating GMO foods which are grown with lots of chemical weed killers and fertilizers.
4. Other ways besides cocoa powder to color? Nutmeg and cinnamon blended to desired shade and used as a bronzer (in the product or on top), or other readers tried Moroccan Red Clay Powder and Brazilian Pink Clay, and carob powder.
5. What if I have dark skin? Remember this is translucent powder, not tinted powder, so it shouldn’t be the color of your skin. Also, I tested this on my bi-racial child who has pretty dark skin. It’s a little white at first, but in a couple minutes it fades into the skin. This is just how it acts on my skin. Try it, and if you’re not happy after a few minutes, add a little more color to darken it.
6. Will this dry out my skin? The products aren’t drying, they are oil absorbing. So if the oil isn’t there, it just won’t have anything to absorb.
7. What about sun protection? The ingredients listed do have naturally occurring SPF. In fact, some would argue that they are a better option than chemically created ingredients because they physically block the uv rays, instead of chemically absorbing them.
8. Can I add sunblock in just to be safe? There are two natural ways to add SPF via zinc oxide powder. If it is 20% of your mixture, it makes SPF 30. So, you can get the powder and mix it with this powder or you can add it to your under layer. I basically just mix coconut oil and the powder — and this is my normal under layer moisturizer. Once it’s soaked in, then I put on my powder.
9. What happens if your face gets wet…does the makeup harden like a mask? Nope, it acts like regular makeup/powder.
10. What about acne? There are loads of comments and tips on treating acne, I’m not going to copy them all here, since this post is about the makeup, but if that’s a problem for you, read on!
Thanks to all the comments, especially those whose tips are copied above! I do hope this makeup works for you! But I also know that if one thing worked for everyone…well…the makeup industry would look a lot different. For me this project is about saving money, and ridding myself of chemicals. If you feel the same, and it’s not working out, then try some alternatives until you get something that works for you! Thanks y’all!
And thanks Laurie for featuring me on Tip Me Tuesday:)
UPDATE 7/15/15
Rachel says
What a great tutorial! I love all natural products — this is certainly one I will try making soon!
greatoakcircle says
Thanks so much Rachel! Have a wonderful day!
Christine says
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I’m going to check out the rest of you blog. Enjoy the day.
Christine says
Thanks! Glad you like it!
Laura Smith says
Wow! So simple!! Thank you sooooo much! I’m starting right away!
Christine says
Enjoy Laura! Thankyou!
Sarah says
How cool! I don’t wear makeup, but I have three daughters that will surely want to someday (all quite young still)… this might be better on their delicate teenaged skin than the storebought stuff, eh?
Thanks so much for sharing.
Christine says
I totally agree, it’s way better and way cheaper;)
Alicia says
Wish I could use this! I’m allergic to chocolate! :( I can’t wear make-up at all anymore. I was hoping to make my own but I guess I’m destined to go without. lol
Megan says
Alicia – If you have lighter skin, perhaps you should try the combination without the powder. If you need the tint, perhaps you could try carob powder, which is a cocoa powder substitute? Experiment! It can be fun!
Christine says
Yes Megan is right on both things. You can totally go without the powder. It may be a little white at first, but 10 minutes later you will be good to go. :) Or try the substitute, and let me know what you think!
Enjoy!
Christine
stacy says
I heard you could also use cinnamon? YOu might want to try that!
Jessica says
Or coffee grounds ground super fine. It brightens and wakes up the skin too.
Debi says
You can also try a little cinnamon for coloring if you can’t use the cocoa. I’ve noticed some cinnamons are more orange than others, so shop around for one that’s more brown.
susie Q says
I am thrilled to find this. Just have to look in a bigger town to order or pick up this stuff (organic) thank you so much for sharing!!!! hugs
Christine says
Hey!
Try http://www.mountainroseherbs.com, I know they sell the green clay. Maybe a deal for cyber Monday?
Thanks for reading!
Christine
susieq says
Funny I was just looking at their sight today in fact for hybiscus leaves. will check out this items. I am about half hour away
Janice says
I understand from what you wrote that the cornstarch absorbs oil and the green clay helps with bacteria and oil. Does this cover imperfections and give skin a smooth look, also? Thank You!
Christine says
Hey Janice!
I have some acne and large pores and I think it does a good job covering both and still looking natural. I’ve gotten better coverage before, but ended up looking CAKED on, which is really no better is it???
I use a lightweight oil free moisturizer also, which helps smooth underneath.
Christine
Barbara Lemke, RN says
For the acne and large pores, you can shrink them and heal acne/irritations/brown spots/wrinkles with essential oil face lotion that you can make. Email for the recipe. healthopts@hotmail.com
Susan Sorquist says
cannot connect to your web maybe you can send recipe to me?
Elizabeth says
I use a single essential oil + aloe gel as a moisturizer but it doesn’t seem to be enough, my skin always ends up feeling tight after a few hours. Does your essential oil face lotion have more ingredients? Thanks!
Belinda says
I use 1 part olive oil and 1 part castor oil. I put about a penny amount on my face every day and it is never dry. You can also put a few drops tea tree oil in it for acne. My face is healthy and glowing!
Susan says
Could you use carob powder instead? I have problems with cocoa…?
Christine says
Hey Susan!
I would give it a go as Karie and Megan suggested. There is so little in the recipe and it’s just to give it a little tint…so it’s worth a try!
Karie says
in another post Megan says “If you need the tint, perhaps you could try carob powder, which is a cocoa powder substitute? Experiment! It can be fun!”
I’d try it if there’s a issue.
Mo says
MountainRose is a great company. I can’t wait to make this recipe! Thank you for sharing. I make all of my toiletries except deodorant & makeup (which I mainly just use powder) She has great quality & prices, but this would be awesome & I’m sure those on my What Works !? FB page will love it, I will link to you once I’ve made it. THANKS for sharing! I almost forgot I wanted to mention Rose Water is a great light moisturizer I use sometimes under & over my powder, when not using my homemade wonder cream.
Christine says
Thanks so much Mo! And thanks for the tip on the Rose Water. I look forward to checking out more of your products:)
Christine
Heather says
Just made some! Ended up adding 1 part cocoa and some shimmer. It looms amazing! Kinda pulls my skin tight at first (from the clay, I’m assuming)though my face looked amazing! Think you for sharing this! x
Christine says
Hooray that’s great news!!!!
Christine
lee says
Do you think it’d work the same using bentonite clay instead of the green clay?
Christine says
Hi Lee!
It seems like you could do it, I’m not really sure if the absorption will be the same as the corn starch, but it’s definitely worth a try with a small batch first:)
Thanks!
Christine
Barbara Lemke, RN says
You don’t want to breathe in bentonite clay as it is harmful to the lungs.
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Thanks Barbara! None of the info I read on it said that would be a problem.
Have a great day!
Christine
Carolyn says
For those with cocoa allergies or issues try nutmeg and cinnamon as substitutes. Th
ese spices also can be added to the original recipe seen here to reach a darker or more bronzed shade.
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Great tips thanks Carolyn!
Kristin says
What if your skin is tan? How do i make it for my color of skin??
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hi Kristin! The chocolate, or as others in the comments have mentioned…nutmeg, cinnamon or carob powder may do the trick, but also this is a translucent powder, not a skin colored powder. I find mine a bit white when I put it on and then it quickly matches into my skin tone. Good luck!
Courtney says
Wow! This is so fantastic! I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing!
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Thanks Courtney!
Kay says
Equal parts cornstarch and clay leaves the finished product green. Yours looks beige. ???
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hi Kay!
It may look a bit beige, but it’s definitely green. It’s even a bit green going on your face until you buff it in with the brush.
Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions:)
Danielle says
Does anyone know a recipe of a base makeup or powder (usually sold advertised with minerals) that does cover up more than this translucent powder? I like all natural products, but they are hard to find. Thanks!
Amália says
this is so weird, i was precisely thinking about making organic make up yesterday, wondering how to go about it and here you are! THANK YOU! making this tonight!
Susan says
The sun is good for you. I don’t use SPF anymore because the sun is the best source of Vit D. This is a really cool idea, though, and good to know that it’s an option.
Thanks!
Julie says
The sun IS good for you, but you only need 15 minutes on your hands and face to get your daily dose of vitamin D. My dad was diagnosed with Melanoma and died 8 months later… I sure wish someone had told him to wear sunscreen more often when he was younger. <3 That said- I just discovered coconut oil works as sunscreen if you don't like buying it and don't "need" it much. I use it as an acne/wrinkle fighting moisturizer on your face underneath this nifty powder! :)
Julie says
on MY face, that is. :) I mean, I’d use it on your face if I could! Sorry- sleepy, teething baby over here…
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
That’s a great tip Julie! Thanks!
And I’m so sorry about your Dad, I lost mine too, and I know that’s so difficult…
Christine
MS says
Yes, the sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D, which is very important for your body, but you only need 10 minutes a day, preferably after consuming dairy. (Helps absorb the Vitamin D better. Please use Sunscreen, since too much does damage the skin, ages….skin cancer…
Heather says
this looks very interesting…but what happens if your face gets wet…does the makeup harden like a mask? thanks!
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hi Heather!
Nope not a bit of hardness, it wears just like any other makeup.
Hope that helps:)
Christine
kayla says
What stores (not online) can I find French green clay?? I live in a small town and I don’t want to pay a lot for just me.
thanks
kayla
greatoakcircle says
Hi!
I purchased mine at Whole Foods. It would be with the makeup and skin care products. Also, Amazon does sell a few different sizes of the green clay, maybe some more searing would produce a smaller quantity to start with. Hope that helps!
Have a great day!
Christine
Carli says
Can you use regular cornstarch??
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hey Carli, I feel sure it would work, but with organic you are getting something with no additives or preservatives. I really like to make/use products that are inexpensive, but also really clean and free of “junk.” I hope that helps, maybe someone else can comment if they know more…
Thanks for visiting!!
Christine
Karen says
I have very dry skin, I use moisturizer daily, night cream also. What do you suggest for dry skin, I don’t need anything that absorbs moisture
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi Karen!
I use lots of oil-free, or oil-control things that really dry my skin up and make it feel tight, and this powder doesn’t do that at all. I don’t think it dries skin up as much as absorbs moisture that is present. I used it on my mom’s dry skin yesterday and then we forgot about watching the results…so maybe that means the results were good…:)
Hope that helps!
Shawn says
Maybe you could mix it with a small amount of lotion and make a sort of liquid foundation. It’s worth a try anyhow.
Andrea Shef says
this is awesome!!! I’ve been looking for something like this! Awesome!
Emily says
Just wanted to say I just tried this with only the cornstarch and cocoa powder, and it worked great! I don’t have any problems with my normally very oily face whenever I use this over my regular foundation:)
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Yay! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lori Morgan says
I only wear powder over blush. Will it stay all day without looking blotchy?
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hey Lori!
Because this is translucent, I have had zero blotchy or runny or streaked problems, even in rain.
Hope that helps!
Christine
Jordan says
I was curious to where you can purchase the green clay. and if i cannot find it, what could i substitute?
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi Jordan!
There’s a link at the bottom of the post for some on Amazon, or you could look locally at Whole Foods. If you can’t find it, I would go without and just use the starch:)
Thanks!
Christine
shani says
Such a great post! I have such sensitive skin and this a real find for me! Thanks! Will be trying this soon!
Emily Rose says
I’m not sure if anyone mentioned this….
if the cornstarch doesn’t work well for your skin you could try using arrowroot powder instead.
Mariana Russo says
I am from mexico what is the french green clay?
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi Mariana!
Check out this link for lots of info…
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/french-green-clay.php
Hope that helps!
Thanks for reading:)
Christine
Kate says
i love things like this but i really do not know where to find french green clay and is there a sub. for it
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi Kate!
There’s a link at the bottom of the post for some on Amazon, or you could look locally at Whole Foods. If you can’t find it, I would go without and just use the starch or sub arrowroot powder.
Thanks!
Christine
twinmum says
Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Brenda says
I really like this information its very interesting how we can help our body to feel better using only natural products…
Marie.S says
Hmmm, Im looking forward to trying this :) Thinking about maybe making a more shimmer bronzer like one too.
Could work :D Have to get down to the Organics product shop asap.
Thanks :)
T. L. says
Can you post a before and after picture of yourself using this homemade makeup?
valerie says
This sounds like a fantastic idea and so affordable! With the cost of everything going up or has gone up, tips like these are priceless. Please continue to share more make-up tips and any natural DIY cleaning products. Blessings.
Merrie says
I’m so gonna try this ! ilike to make new friends also , and I too am a believer!
Kate says
Hi…I am allergic to corn…is there any other item you think could be mixed with this?
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Thanks for stopping by Merrie!
Seems like we are soul sisters;)
Have a great day
Christine
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi!
Some have said to try arrowroot powder instead. It’s not something I have tested, but worth a shot!
Hope that helps!
Christine
toni says
arrowroot?
Linda Maue says
You could try rice flour, I am going to try this too, with a bit of talcum powder. :)
Rosa Martinez-Button says
You can use rice powder: http://powdered-peach.blogspot.com/2011/03/stay-shine-free-this-summer-with-rice.html and there’s no shelf life plus has SPF
Jack says
I used to use baby powder as foundation, because I’m pale as fuck, but mixed with the other ingredients I imagine it would work, though it won’t absorb oil as well as the corn starch.
Linstins says
Hi, I’m allergic to corn too and I use arrowroot flour instead. It works great :)
Bridget says
I use organic arrowroot and it works wonders. My acne prone, oily, sensitive skin is FINALLY under control. ;)
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hey Toni!
Arrowroot is a white powder for baking found probably in the baking section of a whole foods store or maybe the organic part of a reg grocery store. It’s pretty cheap…and also good in grain-free pizza crust;)
Jacquie Bernhardsson says
Do not use talcom powder it is hard on your lungs! Ok for babies bottoms but not your face or do NOT inhale at all when using!
Sandra says
Talc is also linked to various diseases involving reproductive health in women who use it on their bottoms, so I would not say it’s safe for baby’s bottom either. Burt’s Bees makes a nice “baby” powder that is talc free and not just for babies! I use it daily instead of antiperspirant and love the gentle scent. Great post also! Thanks! Love the clear directions and great photos. I will be trying this out…
Di says
If talc/talcum powder shouldn’t be used because it is hard on your lungs, why would you put it on a baby’s bottom? Even worse for a baby’s lungs…
Mary says
If corn starch irritates your skin try arrow root instead.