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Homemade Eye Shadow and Blush

Posted by Kelly Makeup, Natural Beauty 84 comments
Simple Life Mom Shop - Homemade Organic Skin Care Products
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Homemade eye shadow and blush, or any homemade makeup can save you a TON of money.  It’s more healthy for you, and it can be fun to make your own.  I found the items I needed in my pantry, local vitamin store, or online.

Homemade Eye Shadow and Blush from Simple Life Mom

Anything that you use on your skin should be tested first; especially anything you use on your face.  As you know, the face on your skin can be a lot more sensitive than other parts of your body.

Test the ingredients on the inside of your wrist to see if you react, then try a small spot on your face.

I grew up in an area where Mica was everywhere!  I used to collect varying colors of it….and as a kid, couldn’t figure out why I would break out in an itchy rash….so you never know.

Homemade Eye Shadow

This is probably the easiest thing to duplicate in the line of mineral or natural makeup.  It’s so easy that I wonder why I never thought of it before!

Mix shades that you like and store them in 1 oz containers.  Use a small brush instead of your fingers so that you do not spread bacteria, and keep track of your favorite mixes so you can replicate them later.

Homemade Eye Shadow and Blush with Labels - get rid of all the toxins and use natural makeup

Colors

Browns

Use cocoa powder.  Combine it with arrowroot powder (or organic cornstarch) to make it lighter.

Greens

Use Green clay or Spirulina combined with arrowroot powder for different shades.

Black/Grey

Use Activated Charcoal mixed with arrowroot powder.

Orange

Combine saffron and beetroot juice for a paste. You can also use turmeric, but be aware that it can stain the skin.

Other Options

Clays

Many clays make beautiful makeup choices. Try Kaolin White Clay, Moroccon Red Clay, Rose clay, Rhassoul Clay, or Bentonite Clay.

Micas

Micas are beautiful for added glitter and sparkle.  Choose micas that are all natural and do not have extra dyes. That removes most of the benefit of making your own natural and healthy makeup.

Homemade Blush

Use the powders below combined with one another.  Add arrowroot powder to lighten colors.

Browns

Use Cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to create beautiful brown and cream tones.

Reds

Use beet root powder, hibiscus powder, and rose clay for varying pink tones

Purples

Alkanet is my favorite for purple. Mix it with rose clay to soften and lighten the color.

Oranges/Orange-Reds

Use saffron. You can also combine saffron with beet root powder.

Be sure to check out Homemade Lipstick, Mascara, Foundation, and Eyeliner.

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84 comments

About Kelly

Kelly is the author of number one best seller The Natural Soap Making Book for Beginners and Easy Soap Making. She's also written multiple ebooks on herbal remedies and natural bath and body DIYs.Her journey toward better health has inspired her to make things in and around the home from scratch, start a homestead, and become more resourceful when it comes to health and home.She shares her recipes and DIYs here on Simple Life Mom and has a shop where she sells products for those who would rather buy than make (SimpleLifeMom.com/shop).

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84 comments

Leave your reply.
  • pekochan216
    · Reply

    December 12, 2012 at 2:27 PM

    Wow these all look so great I want to try them. I was just wondering, is it safe to put all of those ingredients near your eyes?

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      December 12, 2012 at 7:54 PM

      It’s safer than all the chemicals that people normally put near (or in) their eyes. Like I said, try the ingredients on your skin first (inside of wrist is sensitive). I have never heard of anyone having problems, except with mica..which surprisingly I can use around my eyes, but not anywhere else on my body.

      • pekochan216
        · Reply

        December 12, 2012 at 8:35 PM

        Thanks for the great information!

  • simplelifemom
    · Reply

    Author
    December 12, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    I hope you enjoy 🙂

  • camparigirl
    · Reply

    December 14, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Whilst I make some body products out of my pantry, it had never occurred to me to make my own make-up. Thanks for the tip!

  • Rachel
    · Reply

    February 20, 2013 at 2:47 AM

    Has anyone found a good one for foundation?

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      February 20, 2013 at 1:57 PM

      There are a number of good recipes for foundation. I’ll go ahead and post those. Thanks for the interest.

  • livelovelaughnaturally
    · Reply

    February 20, 2013 at 4:21 AM

    I use Bare Minerals loose foundation. Do you think I could mix something with arrowroot powder to replace that as well? Thanks for all the great ideas!

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      February 20, 2013 at 1:58 PM

      You definitely can. I have a few recipes for foundation that I will go ahead and post.

      • livelovelaughnaturally
        · Reply

        February 20, 2013 at 5:35 PM

        Thank you so much! Could you please reply and let me know when you’ve posted these….I’m really excited to try it!

        • simplelifemom
          · Reply

          Author
          February 21, 2013 at 1:25 AM

          Definitely 🙂

        • simplelifemom
          · Reply

          Author
          February 21, 2013 at 8:29 PM

          New Foundation recipes posted 🙂

  • livelovelaughnaturally
    · Reply

    February 21, 2013 at 10:49 PM

    Thank you so much! I know what I’ll be making tomorrow!!

  • Eerial
    · Reply

    February 25, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Do you know how to make purple for eyeshadow and eyeliner?

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      February 25, 2013 at 11:38 PM

      Good question. A few ideas: dried purple sage crumbles into a fine soft powder, but would give you more of a gray/purple color, rather than purple. Though you could mix that with dried beet to help bring the purple out. Other dried purple flowers would work good as long as your can create a powder with them. Mica is an option, though you need to watch where you get it from and where a mask when mixing. You could also use natural food coloring made from fruit or veggie juice. I’m sure you could find some at natural food stores or online. This would make a paste that you can press into a compact and use a brush to apply.

  • rachel
    · Reply

    July 3, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    do you think i could use golden seal for eyeshadow or eyeliner? or would that irritate my eyes? i have a lot of golden seal in my medicine cabinet and it never gets gone!

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      July 3, 2013 at 4:11 PM

      Golden seal is an herb with good medicinal properties. Since your skin is an absorbing organ, keep that in mind with what you try. Golden seal is used for many things, including eye infections and is supposed to be good for your skin. Personally, I would use it, but I would try it on the inside of of my wrist to see if there is a reaction, then a cheek, and finally around the eye. Again, I haven’t used it and that’s just my personal opinion, but I think it’s a great idea.

  • scentastic
    · Reply

    August 12, 2013 at 2:25 AM

    This is great, but do you think you could put up more colors for eye shadow? Thanks!

  • scentastic
    · Reply

    August 12, 2013 at 2:27 AM

    Oh, and also, is there another way to make grey and black without activated charcoal?

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      August 26, 2013 at 6:47 PM

      An easy way to get multiple colors is using clays. You just have to watch what other ingredients they have added to the clays for marketing and which ones your skin may be sensitive to. Basically, think of what you have around the house and try these powders, etc. on a small semi sensitive area (your wrist) and see how you react or like it.

  • Stephanie
    · Reply

    September 5, 2013 at 3:27 AM

    Where can I find mica and activate charcoal? Craft stores? Natural grocery stores? Lastly, do any of the mixtures go bad or expire?

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      September 5, 2013 at 9:43 PM

      You may be able to find them in a natural foods store that has a vitamin/mineral section. Vitamin stores will often have the activated charcoal. Both can be bought online.
      I am not an expert so look into this for yourself as well, but since these are not being used for medicinal purposes, I would not worry about any expiration date. Make small quantities of makeup at a time and keep your larger ingredient containers sealed and sterile. Old mixed makeup should be thrown away because bacteria from many uses can grow or build up over time, just as with conventional makeup.
      I hope this helps.

  • Rachel M
    · Reply

    October 18, 2013 at 4:37 PM

    This is fabulous – just what I needed, thanks so much!!

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      October 18, 2013 at 7:56 PM

      That’s why I put it up there! I’m glad I could help.

  • Saphira
    · Reply

    November 12, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    How do you make blue eyeshadow?

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      November 12, 2013 at 11:40 AM

      You can use blue mica.

      • Estee
        · Reply

        April 13, 2015 at 12:47 AM

        What if I am allergic to mica? What other alternative is there?

        • Kelly
          · Reply

          Author
          April 13, 2015 at 7:25 AM

          I give lot a of alternatives in my article. Check it out above.

  • Ardel
    · Reply

    April 29, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    Wow, I was just sitting thinking how I could make my own make up and went on your website- thank you so much for sharing!!I would also like to know where to purchase mica and activate charcoal? Craft stores? Natural grocery stores?Do any of the mixtures go bad or expire?

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      April 29, 2014 at 3:15 PM

      I haven’t had anything go bad. The more oils you use, like olive, sweet almond, etc., the more you may have oxidation. That is why I recommend using vitamin e oil or rosemary essential oil when using those oils.
      You can buy activated charcoal in vitamin stores (in capsule form). This is the finest that you will find. Other sources may have it more course where you will need to use a mortar and pestal before using in a soap or makeup recipe (but it’s cheaper).

  • jamie
    · Reply

    November 10, 2014 at 10:02 PM

    How do you get the colors to stick to your eyelids? I’ve tried using some of the ingredients mentioned and they just rub right off and don’t have much pigment.

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      November 11, 2014 at 7:40 AM

      Which ones were you having difficulties with? I love to use the cocoa, or a combination of cocoa and cinnamon and it goes on beautifully. I think, just as well as the store bought colors I would buy. Make sure your face is clean and dry.

  • Donna
    · Reply

    December 9, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    I’ve tried making my own eye shadows and it always rubs off. Any suggestions?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      December 9, 2014 at 8:35 PM

      hhhmm, two ideas. Make sure you’re oil free before putting the eye shadow on (so make sure your oils are fully absorbed first). Add a neutral powder before the color to absorb any excess oil. You can slightly wet your eye shadow as well to help set it. Let it dry well before doing anything else with your eyes. Hope that helps.

  • Emma
    · Reply

    February 11, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    Is there a way to make these into pressed eyeshadows safely?
    I don’t like the idea of using rubbing alcohol and that seems to be the only way.
    I would like to know your opinion on it though.

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      February 11, 2015 at 9:07 PM

      Hi Emma,
      You can use an oil like sweet almond or apricot oil. Just add a drop or two at a time until it’s just damp enough to press.

  • Annie
    · Reply

    April 1, 2015 at 12:59 PM

    Thank you for all your tips. I will try to make my own makeup now. Love it!

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      April 1, 2015 at 3:24 PM

      That’s great Annie. Let me know if you have any questions.

  • Mi
    · Reply

    June 24, 2015 at 7:28 AM

    Hi Kelly.I”m from Vietnam and i have a question ,can i use kaolin for white eye shadow and how can i make rose eye shadow?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      June 24, 2015 at 8:11 AM

      Yes, you can use kaolin clay. For rose, I would use the kaolin clay again, and mix in some hibiscus or beet root powder until you get the color you desire. Have fun!

  • Mi
    · Reply

    June 24, 2015 at 10:51 PM

    Thank you Kelly,and what can i use for yellow eye shadow ?and how long can i keep its for all reciepes?

  • K.D.
    · Reply

    January 31, 2016 at 12:32 AM

    I would love to make a pure white eye shadow. Is this possible?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      January 31, 2016 at 7:48 AM

      Try white kaolin clay. Some clays are very white and they are all natural.

  • Debbie
    · Reply

    March 14, 2016 at 6:33 PM

    How do you get the blush to stay on. I mixed arrowroot powder with beet root powder and it all ended up in my hairline!!! The same for the eyeshadow I made with spirulina and arrowroot powder. Any hints would be appreciated.

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      May 24, 2016 at 4:34 PM

      Debbie, I make sure my skin is moisturized really well and I apply with my fingers instead of a brush (using a brush if necessary for extra blending).It stays in place.

  • Alexandra
    · Reply

    May 24, 2016 at 10:11 AM

    Hey! I found recipes for home made make up on other sites on the internet and here I saw a strange thing: Nothing is mentioned about shea butter or other oily ingredients to mix the powders with… do you just put these powders on your eyelids and that’s all? Or have I missed something?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      May 24, 2016 at 4:32 PM

      You haven’t missed anything. We try to keep things simple. These are ingredients you can use to make color combinations of you choice in loose powder form. Apply with a brush or clean finger. They combine with the moisture already on your skin and stay wonderfully.

  • BJ Crouse
    · Reply

    June 11, 2016 at 8:23 PM

    This is so interesting….is this how people long ago made their beauty products, do you think?
    I have a couple questions, Kelly. What do you use for mascara? If you do have a mascara, how do you clean it off the eye area without getting the cleansing agent in the eyes? I’ve noticed some of your other recipes for facial cleansers, and wonder about getting these products close to or in the eyes. Thanks!

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      June 11, 2016 at 10:36 PM

      I do have a mascara recipe. One I love is this one: https://simplelifemom.com/2016/03/06/homemade-mascara-recipe/
      I like to use oils to remove makeup, but good ol soap and water works really well. Just don’t get in the eye like you wouldn’t when normally washing.

  • Sabina
    · Reply

    October 8, 2017 at 3:18 PM

    I love the visual; this is great for anyone with cosmetic allergies

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      October 8, 2017 at 7:57 PM

      Thank you Sabina 🙂

  • Vickie
    · Reply

    March 30, 2019 at 10:24 AM

    How would u maKe it metallic with some glitter

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      March 30, 2019 at 4:20 PM

      You can use one of the colors above that you prefer and add a very fine mica to it to add shimmer.

  • Christina
    · Reply

    December 13, 2019 at 5:09 AM

    Thank you these are all so great. Where can I buy clay?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      December 20, 2019 at 8:00 PM

      You can find rose clay on a number of sites. Here’s one – https://amzn.to/2Z9pW0c

  • Renee
    · Reply

    December 30, 2019 at 4:27 PM

    Do you have any issues with beetroot powder being too grainy? I tried using just straight beetroot powder but it doesn’t stay on my skin well.

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      January 3, 2020 at 1:40 PM

      Some brands are definitely more grainy than others.

  • Kels
    · Reply

    December 30, 2019 at 7:13 PM

    Hello, fabulous recipes! May I ask how to achieve a more powdered eyeshadow? Mine is too creamy ?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      January 4, 2020 at 4:46 PM

      I’m only use powders made from scratch or bought from trusted sources so there is no creaminess to them. If I’m misunderstanding your question, please feel free to explain more.

  • Ailis McGrory
    · Reply

    June 26, 2020 at 10:49 PM

    This is so simple yet I never though of it. Great idea! Make-up is so expensive and plus this way you have so many more colour shades because you can mix the different powders. I’m so excited to try this! I’m going to my third party since Covid this Tuesday and my crush will be there so this is perfect! Thanks!

  • Monica Louis
    · Reply

    May 25, 2021 at 11:43 AM

    I really enjoy these receipts but I am from Egypt so where can I get the clays, mica and or others?
    Thanks

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      June 1, 2021 at 8:15 AM

      I am not sure. You may have to get them online.

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