Over the years, I’ve experimented with several natural makeup options. While I’ve shared some simple eye makeup recipes before, this guide dives into making your own natural eyeshadow at home in various shades.
These recipes use ingredients like herbs, clay, and even some food items. If you want a touch of shimmer, adding mica can help. I’ve focused on a few common pigments, but you can experiment to create your own unique shades. Just be sure to grind everything finely for the best results.
I often include mica in products like lotion bars and tinted moisturizers because it adds a nice sparkle, thanks to its natural, light-catching mineral structure. It doesn’t really change the color, so if you don’t have any, it’s okay to skip it.
Another typical ingredient in eyeshadows is ultramarines. Originally made from lapis lazuli, this pigment has been around for centuries. However, due to potential heavy metal content in natural versions, most cosmetics today use synthetic ultramarines derived from clay and sodium carbonate. While plant-based colors aren’t as bright as synthetic ones, I prefer them for their skin-friendliness.
Many mainstream beauty products include ingredients I avoid, and some brands test on animals. Harsh chemicals in many eyeshadows can cause irritation and other issues over time, according to allergist Dr. Purvi Parikh. Making your own eyeshadow can be a simple alternative to store-bought palettes.
Though spices like cinnamon and ginger smell great, their essential oils can be irritating. You might find cinnamon in baking recipes or face masks, but it’s not something I’d use in eyeshadow!
We often accidentally touch our eyes, and since eyelids are delicate, special care is necessary. While a pumpkin spice eyeshadow sounds fun, it’s not worth risking discomfort.
I don’t add oils or essential oils to my DIY eyeshadow since they can make the mixture clumpy. Instead, I recommend applying a thin layer of a fast-absorbing carrier oil to the eyelids before applying the eyeshadow powder. This helps the eyeshadow last longer without getting greasy.
Essential oils work well in other products like deodorants and lotions, but not for eyeshadow. Even in small amounts, these oils near the eyes can cause irritation.
Creating homemade makeup is both an art and a science. While I usually measure makeup recipes loosely, this eyeshadow recipe requires a bit more precision. Feel free to experiment with different colors until you find what you like.
If you lack time to make your own, there are natural eyeshadow options available from brands like Toups Organics. What are your favorite natural eyeshadow colors? Do you make other homemade eye makeup? Share your thoughts with us!
