PEOPLE! I am so super duper excited about this post. Why? Because I get to tell you all about how to make chemical-free makeup. It is really easy to make and costs much less than store-bought products. AND! AND! AND! Did I mention it is all chemical-free?!
Why do I care about chemical-free? Well, skin is our largest organ. Everything that we put on our skin is then absorbed into our bodies. Do you have any idea what kind of nasty chemicals are used in commercial makeup? NASTY, I tell you. Many commercial lipsticks contain lead. Lead! Coal tar is frequently used in cosmetics as a colorant. Triclosan is an antibacterial that is added to kill bacteria in personal care products and makeups (to preserve shelf-life). Mercury. Arsenic. Phthalates. These ingredients are toxins that are known to cause cancer, neurological damage, and to disrupt immune function. And these are just a few of the hundreds of chemicals that are found in makeup and personal care products like soap, body washes, and toothpastes.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), women use an average of 12 personal care products per day (men use an average of 6). If you’re not yet convinced that this is really a big deal, consider all the other environmental toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis. At some point our bodies take notice and health problems begin. Check out the EWG’s cosmetics database. You can search for products to see how they’ve been rated for safety. You may be surprised that products you think are safe actually aren’t.
There are a small but increasing number of truly natural and organic cosmetic products on the market. If you’re not interested in DIY consider shopping for makeup at a health food store. Most large natural foods stores have at least a small section of cosmetics, deodorants, etc. Be prepared though, they can be pricey.
And I’m cheap. I’d rather spend my money elsewhere than pay through the teeth for organic cosmetics and personal care products. So I’ve starting making my own. Here’s a link to my homemade deodorant recipe. Remineralizing toothpaste recipe coming soon.
Okay, let’s get started. There are only a few ingredients involved here, and you probably have most of them on hand already!
Blush
Ingredient: Beet Powder
That’s all you need. Beet powder is just dehydrated beets that have been ground into a fine powder. I bought my beet powder here. You can also thinly slice fresh beets, and dry them in your oven at the lowest temperature your oven will allow and then grind them in a food processor.
Bronzer
Ingredients: cinnamon
mica (optional)
If you want a little added shine/sparkle add the mica. There are a lot of sources online, including Amazon. Just make sure you get it from a good source and that it is cosmetic quality.
Loose Powder
Ingredients: Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
cocoa powder (optional)
cinnamon (optional)
beet powder (optional)
For a translucent loose powder simply use cornstarch or arrowroot powder. For a loose powder that matches your skin add the optional ingredients to the translucent powder until you achieve the perfect tint.
Lip Stain
Ingredients: fresh beet
olive or coconut oil
Cut a fresh beet into small chunks and add to a food processor. Process with a little bit of oil until smooth. Strain. *If you use coconut oil, make sure to melt the oil first and make sure the beet is room temperature so the cold doesn’t harden the coconut oil.
Eyeliner
Ingredients: activated charcoal (can be found at drugstores or health food stores, usually in capsules)
beet powder
cocoa powder
spirulina powder (can be found at health food stores)
saline
pure aloe vera (make sure it has no additives or colors)
Depending upon what color you like, these ingredients are all options. I have green eyes, so I like to use a plum-colored eye liner. All I did was empty an activated charcoal capsule and mixed it with a bit of beet powder and it was perfect.
Once you have the color you want, stir in some saline a little bit at a time. Once it is thin enough to be thoroughly combined, add a small squirt of pure aloe vera and mix. Use a pencil thin brush to apply. I use a craft paint brush I got for a few cents (the kind you would get from a craft store).
Mascara
Ingredients: activated charcoal
saline
pure aloe vera
Use the same process as with the eyeliner. You can store it in a jar and use an old (clean) mascara wand or toothbrush. I emptied out and washed an old mascara tube and put the mascara in with a toothpick.
Now go forth and be beautiful!
Oh my gosh YAY!
I’ve been looking for a blush and bronzer DIY recipe that didn’t have all sorts in it. My last one was arrowroot powder based, and it did not STICK to my skin at all. Sad face. Thanks for posting these. I make most of my own wash, shampoo, lotions….but am having a hard time with good, homemade cosmetics. Excited to try this!
Wow! Does this eyeliner really stay put? Thanks! Sharing on my fan pgae.
Yes! It actually works better than the store bought eyeliner I used to use!
Where would you find saline?
Saline can be found at any grocery store. Just look where you would find eye drops (it’s the same thing as contact solution).
I would LOVE to try these – I’m curious about shelf life for each of these?
Where exactly would you find saline? just a saline solution at the pharmacy?
Yes, exactly.
These are some great ideas!
You can also use cocoa powder for bronzer- the color is gorgeous and matte, and doesn’t irritate my skin like the cinnamon does.
Thank you for the inspiration!