I often get asked about natural makeup options, and finding good alternatives was a challenge for me too. Back in college, I had a huge collection of makeup that I barely used. While there are some great natural products you can buy, the most affordable and straightforward way is to make your own. You might already have the ingredients in your kitchen!
Taking care of your skin before applying makeup is just as crucial as the makeup itself, and there are excellent natural skincare options. I love the oil cleansing method, which uses natural oils to leave your skin soft and smooth. I usually do this at night and wash my face with raw honey in the morning if needed. You can also try a natural sugar scrub or baking soda for microdermabrasion to keep your skin looking youthful.
With the right skincare routine, your skin will be naturally healthy, and you might not even need makeup most of the time. I often skip it, but when I do wear makeup, here are the recipes I use:
Homemade Foundation: A friend suggested using cocoa powder as a natural bronzer, which led me to experiment with natural foundation. I mix arrowroot powder and zinc oxide (or cornstarch) with cocoa powder and cinnamon until I get a shade that matches my skin. I store it in a jar and apply it with a brush. Adding gold mica powder gives it a smoother texture and a radiant look.
Note: If you prefer, you can use just arrowroot powder, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. This makes a natural foundation but doesn’t last as long as one with zinc oxide and mica. I feel safe using zinc oxide, but if you don’t, stick to the arrowroot version. Creating homemade makeup is more art than science, so adjust the ingredients to get the coverage and color you want.
Pre-made Options: If DIY isn’t your thing, there are some good natural brands. Jane Iredale offers excellent mineral powder, liquid foundation, and more.
Homemade Blush and Bronzer: Similar to the foundation, you can make blush and bronzer with arrowroot, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. For a pink tone, try powdered beetroot or hibiscus flowers. Store in a makeup container.
Commercial Blush Options: I recommend Aubrey Organic Silken Blush or Jane Iredale blushes.
Homemade Eye Makeup: Be cautious with products near your eyes. I mix cocoa powder, spirulina, and arrowroot for eye shadow. For eyeliner, I use cocoa powder with coconut oil or activated charcoal with shea butter. Store in an old container and apply with a brush.
Commercial Eye Makeup Options: Jane Iredale has natural eyeliner options.
Homemade Mascara: I don’t wear mascara often, but when I do, I mix aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and activated charcoal. You can store it in an old mascara container and apply with a clean brush.
Commercial Mascara Options: I like Organic Wear and Jane Iredale.
Instead of buying makeup removers, try natural options you already have at home. I’m convinced that what you put into your body is as important as what you put on it for skin health. I used to have bad acne, but after changing my diet and supplements, my skin cleared up. The right supplements made a big difference for me.
Have you ever made your own makeup? What’s the hardest natural product for you to find? Let me know!
