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
Kayla says
Could the Aztec green clay be used in place of French green clay? I use it all the time for facials.
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hey Kayla!
I’m really not sure. My only question would be if it would harden if it got wet? Maybe it’s worth a try in a small amount…
Christine
Raissa Melo says
I am brazilian, and this made me feel so curious and ready to try, the main problem I think is to find those products down here.
Do you know if we could substitute them for other brands? Or it might work only for the ones above?
Thanks a lot for the help and congrats for your posts!
God bless you!
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi!
You could absolutely sub other brands, and maybe even some of the products. Check the comments, a few people have tried other things.
Best of luck!
Christine
Hannah says
Honestly, I use baby powder on my face because it absorbs the excess oil from my skin. Works like a charm. Apply it after foundation and you’ll be set (no pun intended) also I put it on my lids before an eyeshadow primer so that my eyeshadow won’t crease. The oiliest part of your body is your eyelids.
Kaely says
I would say to be careful using conventional baby powder because of the Talc and the risk it poses for lung cancer and other issues when inhaled. If you are using a non-talc baby powder it’s most likely made mostly of cornstarch as well!
Helene says
Just a little tip, buy the ingredients on iHerb.com, much cheaper!
Tobasco says
I am definitely going to give this a try. I love to treat myself to fancy makeup but if it works I am all for it! “They” also say that green neutralizes red, and since I am a little bit splotchy I am curious to see if this helps. Thanks!
Nicole says
the only issue with this recipe is that cornstarch is know to help breed bacteria so if you have bad acne or problem skin (like i do) as the cornstarch gets older you’re going to notice your acne getting worse. my dermatologist told me to just use straight up fragrance free baby powder. the travel size lasts me almost a year and it only costs about a dollar. it might not be “100% all natural” but it doesn’t have the dyes that make most people break out
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
That’s a really great tip Nicole!
Thanks for sharing!!
Christine
Tara says
Where in the world can I find French green clay (grocery, organic shop?) Asap!? Also, what do these products do for the make up? Is it possible to have a bad reaction?
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi Tara, Look in the makeup or haircare areas of a Whole Foods store, that’s where you can find it fast.
:)
Melissa ♥ says
Wow i love this post, but im from colombia and i dont know what is exactly GREEN CLAY. u use that on the foods? or…….
thank u so much!!
and may u have one post about liquid foundation makeup??? ♥
THANK U AGAIN!!!
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hey!
It’s not really for foods that I know of….but could be wrong I guess. You would typically find it at an organic, or whole foods, or herbal type store. Does Amazon.com offer international shipping to you? You could use the links at the end of the post to order:)
Victoria says
is the regular cocoa from the store? i just was not sure….
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hey Victoria! Yup…it’s from the store, regular stuff…also good in brownies;)
Mistie says
Awesome! Can not wait to try this. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Becky says
I just tried it and I love it!! I have red skin and this really helps to tone it down. I would definitely recommend this!
Stephanie says
I love this idea! Can you use bentonite clay instead?
Mona says
Hi, I found this on Pinterest and when I saw it was so easy and I had the ingredients already I’m about to make it! My cornstarch is not organic though :( . I’m also wondering if there is any specific reason to use cornstarch and not white clay?
Mona says
I just made it and while I think it does tone down redness a bit, it doesn’t have as good coverage as my store-bought corrector powder (which I am running out of). I would like to be able to hide my acne, and this isn’t doing that. I’d really like to switch to something all-natural, and if I can make it myself that’s even better, but it will have to be better than this. I’m wondering if I can mix it with some oils perhaps I can make something more like a pressed powder… but I’ve never made makeup before so I don’t know if it will work… anyone have any idea?
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hi Mona! It’s definitely a translucent powder, which maybe isn’t what you’re looking for, as they don’t offer tons of coverage. I do find that using a tinted moisturizer underneath gives more coverage. Also, as I have used it, my skin has really cleared up, because I’m not gunking my face up with chemicals.
Best of luck:)
Christine
Carolyn Hoelzle says
I’ve been using just plain cornstarch or baby powder for 40+ years. Works great.
Anna says
Great idea! Super easy. Would it be possible to use Bentonite green clay instead of French green clay?
Jess says
What organic moisturizer do you use? Can’t wait to try this!!
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi Jess! It’s a Physicians Formula product. I got it at CVS for a very reasonable price. It’s with the other Physicians Formula makeup, not over with Berts Bees or other organic products.
:)
Niila says
I made this yesterday, just smaller amount (about half of 50g container). I had cornsatch and baking cocoa already, as I like to bake, and I got green clay for 3,5€/50g. Make-up powder can easily cost 25€ here, so I can say that this was a great deal. Thank you!
Niila says
My apologies, I meant 50 _ml_ container. And cornstarch. I must have been reeeeally tired when I wrote this :’D
Ashley says
Is it suppose to be a greenish gray color? I made mine with a European clay instead
Vita says
When making the powder mine was also green/gray color. It works though.
Cori says
Hi! My son has Celiacs so I have to be conscientious of everything in our home. This seems to be the best way for me to ensure that I remain gluten free to assure there is no cross-contamination. My question is how important is the “organic” part of this recipe to its success? I have Hershey’s 100% Cacao Natural Unsweetened, the only ingredient is Cacao and I have Argo 100% pure Corn Starch, only ingredient is cornstarch… If I purchase Green Clay, will this be successful if the other ingredients are not Organic? Thank you!
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hey!
I think you should be fine:)
Sophia says
Is there an alternative to the green clay? I don’t want to have to go out anx buy things.
Judith says
Both the Hershey’s and the Argo are “organic”, since they are 100% pure and have no additives. Check the labels to make sure they were not produced with machinery that makes anything else. That has to be listed on the label if it is. Then you are safest.
Kate says
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 necessesarily listed on the ingredient list. Go organic for your health and the health of the planet!
Jeanine says
A whole lot of food allergies COME from eating GMO foods which are grown with lots of chemical weed killers and fertilizers. I would *strongly* recommend that you purge your kitchen of all Non-organic items. I had chronic IBS and wheat intolerance until I switched to a 100% organic kitchen. Nothing beats good health.
Angie says
I don’t wan to burst anyone’s bubble about trying this recipe for makeup….but I tried this 2 months ago. MY FACE BROKE OUT LIKE I WAS A TEENAGER AGAIN. It DID NOT work for me at all.
Judith says
The green clay will really draw out impurities in your skin. If you use for two weeks it may actually clear your skin up and make it feel better. Good luck.
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Thanks Judith! I agree the green clay has helped me!
I’m so sorry Angie! I have problems with some makeups and cleansers also.
Christine
jj says
Looks cool. How does it fare in the heat? Also re Physicians Formula – it’s got talc in it which is not very healthy to breathe. Am looking for a good bronzer that doesn’t have parabens or talc – any leads – list em!
Kay says
Hi JJ I have something that may work for you, email me. kcscrubs@hotmail.com
shaleice says
I’ve heard of a diy bronzer before that uses cocoa powder, cinnamon and cornstarch.
Just adjust the cocoa and cinnamon to get the color youre after. I’m sure if you googled it you’d find it. :) good luck!
sarah says
Uhh. Total pore clogged. What about when you sweat? Or get rain in your face? Im sticking with premade makeup ThanK’s
urpdurp says
I’m going to try this with tapioca starch @~~@ hope it works.
Rebecca Lee says
Christine, thanks for sharing this DIY !! why we have to add in Green Clay powder ? It is a bit hard for me to buy it in Penang, Malaysia !! I think I will use tapioca flour instead as it is plentiful in Asia and it is a cooling powder to all skin too !!
By the way, if any of you get heat rashes, grate some cucumber, get the juice and mix with some tapioca flour and apply it onto the rash, it will cool it and cure it soon !! I used to use it on my kids and relatives kids !!
virginia Jarvis says
Being part NA (Mohawk/Cherokee)3/4 N Euro. I use potato starch. raw potato juice or thin slice potato put on sunburn relives the pain and also for the eyes for flash burn. I cannot tolerate commercial soap on my face. Just plain cold water. sometimes warm with salt to dry my oily skin.
Kim says
I can’t get the ingredients shipped to me where I live thru Amazon!! Is there another website I can order from??
Courtney Lea says
So, I have crazy skin (oily here, dry there, mildly possessed over here, etc…) and a severe cocoa allergy. Do you think this would work with carob powder?
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hey!
I found that this isn’t over-drying but does absorb oil, so it may work as is, just without the cocoa. Not sure about the carob powder…
Maybe worth a try:)
Beth says
I love baked foundations! I’m going to try putting in some vitamin e oil and maybe lavender oil and try to bake it! :) thank you for the recipe!
angela says
Please let me know how the baked make-up works for you. I would like to try it. adhbnme@yahoo.com
Kerala says
What? Baked makeup? Did you do it? How did you do it? Did it work?
I am super interested. Can you tell? haha
Abby says
I just made some of this and added a little nutmeg and cinninomon to it and it added some natural looking browzing… I love the way it feels, like there is nothing there and with my super senisitive skin, this is not itching or burning or making my face all red.
Thanks so much for sharing this..i’ve been looking for something simple for a long time.
Abbs
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
So happy! Thank you!
Cressi says
This recipe was posted by link on Facebook and I couldn’t be more grateful! I have so many issues with sensitive skin and reactions to commercial products and their chemicals, especially the preservatives and silicones in all face powder. I used this recipe with green clay $6.99 for 16 ounces and arrowroot powder also $6.99 for 16 ounces at Whole Foods. I mixed it in equal parts and put it in a commercial loose powder container that I sanitized. I applied with a soft, clean makeup brush and it is WONDERFUL. I am already pale with red hair and it wasn’t to white, dry or chalky looking. I have been using it for a few days and my blemishes and eczema are clearing up and far less noticeable. Thank you again for posting this recipe!
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hooray!!!!!!!
Tiffany says
Thank you so much for this great tutorial. I cannot wait to make some of this makeup for myself!! I have included this on my blog at http://www.doomestic.com for useful sites! Thanks so much!
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Thanks Tiffany!
kate says
would this work with bentonite clay powder?
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi Kate!
I’m really not sure, sorry:( But maybe someone else will help us out…
donia says
Yes, bentonite clay will work!
McKensie Schaefer says
I have an olive skin-tone. Would the list of ingredients listed above, be the best for me as well? Or do you have another suggestion?
Christine-GreatOakCr (@greatoakcircle) says
Hi!
I would look over the comments for some tips, maybe try darkening it a little with the coca or cinnamon. But overall, this is a translucent powder more than a traditional colored powder, so it may seem white when you put it on, but that should fade and blend in.
thanks!
Michelle says
Hi,
Hoping someone can help me out.
I need to make a natural white (or close to white) powder in place of the traditional red tilak dot women wear in India.
They wear red kumkum powder:
1 part tumeric
1 part slaked like/hydrated lime/calcium hydroxide
A little water.
It makes a red powder that can be applied to the forehead and lasts a long time.
So I need to make a natural white equivalent of that basically – any natural ingredients allowed.
Any ideas?
Thanks!!!
donia says
Perhaps rice flour or powder?
Lynda Baile says
I just bought the French green clay ,arrowroot powder and Dutch cocoa . I bought just enough to fill a spice bottle to the top .
Donna says
Hi Christine – is cornstarch the same as cornflour?
Christine says
Hi Donna!
In the US, they aren’t the same, possibly another story in Europe where things are called differently. I think the only difference is the addition of gluten, so it’s possible that you could get the same results with this makeup, but I’m not for sure on that.
Thanks!
Christine
Marie says
What the Americans call corn starch is know as corn flour in the UK, (the stuff used to thicken sauces rec). I understand what is known as corn flour in the US is known as polenta in the UK.
Marie, Scotland
Laura says
I can’t wait to make this. I was wondering how would you make it for African American Skin? Without the cornstarch?
Christine says
Hi Laura!
I tested this on my bi-racial child that 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 me. So I would do corn starch, I would just start in a very small batch and see if you need to adjust the measures. And as I said, give it a few minutes to soak in.
Let me know how it turns out!
Christine
Rose says
Tried it this exact way for one batch and LOVED it. The second time I made it I added
Moroccan Red Clay Powder. More of a reddish brown tint then the first time. Love it
both ways. Thanks for this great recipe!!
Mary Sanchez says
I am so going to try this. I am very picky about my makeup and have sensitive acne prone skin. Can’t wait to try!
Do you mind if I share on my blog and link back to here?
Susan Snodgrass says
My problem: at 55 and postmenopausal I still have oily skin. My chin breaks out, nowhere else. I’ve tried all sorts of things but it still does and I look really stupid, being my age with zits on my chin. Anyone have any ideas to combat this?
paulag says
Jojoba oil is excellent to rub onto problem skin. Awesome stuff. Clears acne, and balances oily skin.
donia says
I would suggest rice flour, it’s very absorbing and good at minimizing large pores. Best of luck to you!
Jewel Pittman says
For any skin problem from acne to rosacea, wash your face, then put baking soda all over
the wet face, followed by a cotton ball soaked with hyroxide and let it bubble a while and
rinse with water. It works wonderfully for me for rosacea and breakouts and for teen
breakouts.
Becky says
what is hydroxide? did you perhaps mean peroxide?
Anon says
or perhaps hydrogen peroxide?
donia says
Thanks for this site, excellent ideas! I have been using rice flour and rice water as toner, mask, and finishing powder, and I’m thrilled with the results. For toner, just soak a small amount of rice in water, allow to sit, then drain off the water (it will be milky in colour), apply water to face as a toner. It’s very soothing and leaves a matte finish. For mask, mix rice flour with the rice water until you have a pancake-like consistency. Apply to face, leave for 20 minutes, remove. Softens, minimizes pores and creates a matte finish. Messy but worth it! Finally, I rub a small amount of rice flour on my skin to create a matte finish and it makes pores almost invisible. And when your SO kisses your face, you can feel confident you aren’t poisoning them with chemicals lol.
donia says
*I meant pancake batter consistency:)
lillian green says
I followed this link from pinteres. Thanks for the info. btw… Puritan’s Pride has organic things also. Vitamins, essential oils, etc. They get high kudos from Consumer’s Report. Been using them for years. Always have great BOGO sales.
mariam says
I’m in my late 60s and have dry skin. Should i leave out the clay and use something else?
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hi Mariam!
The products aren’t drying, they are oil absorbing. So if the oil isn’t there, it just won’t have anything to absorb. Does that make sense?
Thanks so much! Have a great one!
Christine
Mary Jones says
Tried this… Looked awful after an hour. Had to avoid bright lights or daylight with this. I have slightly oily skin, that usually responds great to mineral makeup. Every pore, and every wrinkle were just amplified. Too bad.
Brandi S says
Can you use powdered benotonite clay instead? It’s what I have on hand.
Christen says
Any suggestions of what to add to give this a yellow undertone?
Thanks!
Kathy says
Made this for my teenage daughter & myself. Works great. Thanks :)
Deanna says
The ingredients you have 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.
Ashley says
Sounds great, however my biggest dilemma with store and DIY products is my food allergies. I’m allergic to both corn and rice. It’s in everything, not just what I eat. Any suggestions for a substitute for the cornstarch?
Christine-GreatOakCircle says
Hey Ashley!
I know this seems like work, but I think people have suggested things in the comments, it may be worth a scan.
Thanks!
Christine
scarsremoval says
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tons of useful data, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.
Alma says
I found this one Pinterest a few weeks ago and I’m excited to try this makeup for my daughter and myself. I may have to make it two different ways (not sure yet) I have oily skin with know acne but my daughter has acne and combination of skin. But I’m so excited to make a batch up for us and if my oldest daughter want’s to try this I will give her some of my baby daughter’s since there skin is a combination of oily & dry and both have acne. I hope I make it right. I almost before I seen the site made me some loose powder (my daughter took mine to her dad’s) I was going to use coca & corn starch I didn’t know to add the French Green clay. I was needing some bad but I went out with out make up :'( now I know how to make my own. Does any one know how to make liquid make up?