I have used mineral makeup for at least a decade now. When Bare Minerals came out, I was amazed at how well it covered and that it was actually good for my skin. Now, a decade later, I realize how simple it is to make! While I don’t really believe it’s that beneficial to my skin, I do believe it’s simple and free of harmful chemicals that are in other make up foundations.
Mineral make up is excellent for oily skin types and especially for sensitive skin. Mineral makeup is not only gentle, it also covers exceptionally. You can tailor your foundation by how much you apply. Because it’s free of parabens, fragrance, mineral oil and dyes, it doesn’t irritate or clog pores. So, the conclusion is, DIY mineral makeup is a good idea.
This DIY mineral makeup recipe is just as good as a commercial mineral make up if not better. It covers so well and because you can customize your color, it blends perfectly.
Making your own DIY mineral make up is as easy as mixing powders together. It’s that simple. You have the ability to add extra white powder if it’s too dark, or extra brown powder if it’s too light. Yellow and red powder can be added to get the tone just right.
You just need some good lighting and a little patience! So, let me get you started by making a list of what you’ll need!
Ingredients:
Zinc Oxide
This ingredient is a white powder that gives an opaque finish. Zinc oxide provides coverage and a matte finish to your makeup so the more coverage needed; the more zinc oxide should be added. Plus, zinc oxide gives UVA/UVB protection. It also has soothing properties. Find it HERE.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide provides even more sun protection and helps with coverage. There is a possibility that you could choose either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for your recipe, but I haven’t tried it with just one. Find it HERE.
Mica Powder
Mica improves skin feel, slip and aids skin adhesion. It reduces greasiness and is anti caking. Find it HERE.
Iron Oxides
Iron Oxides come in yellow, red and brown. They are how you customize your powder to your exact skin color. They are so highly pigmented that you will quickly find that you only need tiny amounts to make big changes in your make up. Using a mix of yellow, red and brown, the color options are endless.
Iridescent Mica Powder
This ingredient is optional. I used this mica in my DIY cheek highlighter. It’s very glittery. It brightens skin tone. Light reflects off of it which gives a fresh, healthy look! It is different from Sericite Mica. Find it HERE.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin is another optional ingredient. It can be added to help control shine by absorbing oil. It gives your powder a creamy texture. Find it HERE.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can actually be added to your mineral make up to make your powder more beneficial to your skin. Lavender will help calm skin and tea tree can help control bacteria and keep clogs at bay.
DIY Mineral Makeup
- 8 tsp Titanium Dioxide (find it HERE)
- 3 tsp. Mica Powder (find it HERE)
- 4 tsp. Zinc Oxide (find it HERE)
- 1/2-1 tsp Yellow Iron Oxide (find it HERE)
- 1/16 tsp. Brown Iron Oxide (find it HERE)
- Pinch Red Iron Oxide (find it HERE)
- 2 tsp. Kaolin Clay (optional) (find it HERE)
- 5 drops of Essential Oil (optional) (find it HERE)
- 1 tsp. Iridescent Mica Powder (optional) (find it HERE)
Add all ingredients to a jar and shake. That’s it! I suggest testing your make up in daylight-it’s the most honest light when it comes to color. Find mineral make up containers HERE.
DIY Mineral Makeup
Mineral makeup is excellent for oily skin types and especially for sensitive skin. Mineral makeup is not only gentle, but it also covers exceptionally. You can tailor your foundation by how much you apply. Because it’s free of parabens, fragrance, mineral oil, and dyes, it doesn’t irritate or clog pores. So, the conclusion is, DIY mineral makeup is a good idea.
Ingredients
- 8 tsp Titanium Dioxide (find it HERE)
- 3 tsp. Mica Powder (find it HERE)
- 4 tsp. Zinc Oxide (find it HERE)
- 1/2-1 tsp Yellow Iron Oxide (find it HERE)
- 1/16 tsp. Brown Iron Oxide (find it HERE)
- Pinch Red Iron Oxide (find it HERE)
- 2 tsp. Kaolin Clay (optional) (find it HERE)
- 5 drops of Essential Oil (optional) (find it HERE)
- 1 tsp. Iridescent Mica Powder (optional) (find it HERE)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a jar and shake. That’s it!
Notes
I suggest testing your makeup in daylight-it’s the most honest light when it comes to color. Find mineral makeup containers HERE.
How to Tweak your Color-
- If the color is too dark, add more titanium dioxide.
- If the color is too yellow, add more red oxide.
- If the color is too pink, add more yellow oxide.
- If the color is too light add more brown iron oxide.
- If you need more coverage add more zinc oxide, but be careful-zinc oxide can make your makeup too ashy.
This makeup has no shelf life-it does not go bad. It has an SPF of about 15+. It’s perfect for everyday sun protection. It’s not enough if you are going to be outside all day, but just right otherwise.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Slice of the Moon: Shimmer Pearl Mica Powder 15g, Natural Mineral Mica, Cosmetic Grade For Lipstick Lip gloss Bath Bombs Epoxy Resin Face Blush Powder Eye pencil Dye Pigments Candle Making - Essential Oils
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100% Natural,Pure, White Kaolin KR Cosmetic Grade/Personal Care Kaolin Clay Fine Powder Made in USA 16oz 8oz 4oz (4oz) -
MakingCosmetics Iron Oxide Brown Cosmetic Ingredient | Etsy - MakingCosmetics Iron Oxide Brown Cosmetic Ingredient | Etsy
- MakingCosmetics Iron Oxide Yellow Cosmetic Ingredient | Etsy
- MakingCosmetics Zinc Oxide USP Cosmetic Ingredient | Etsy
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MakingCosmetics - Mica Powder - 4.4oz / 125g - Cosmetic Ingredient -
MakingCosmetics Titanium Dioxide Cosmetic Ingredient | Etsy
Shop Ingredients:
How to Tweak your Color-
- If the color is too dark, add more titanium dioxide.
- If the color is too yellow, add more red oxide.
- If the color is too pink, add more yellow oxide.
- If the color is too light add more brown iron oxide.
- If you need more coverage add more zinc oxide, but be careful-zinc oxide can make your make up too ashy.
This make up has no shelf life-it does not go bad. It has an SPF of about 15+. It’s perfect for everyday sun protection. It’s not enough if you are going to be outside all day, but just right otherwise.
DIY mineral make up can be expensive in the beginning. It took me a while to take the plunge and buy the ingredients, but I’m so glad I did. I have made mineral make up for everyone in my family and all my friends-all of them agreeing they like it better than their Bare Minerals! I have loads of ingredients left-I literally will have mineral make up until I die, no joke.
Also, by buying these ingredients, you not only can make your own foundation, you can also make blush, bronzer and concealer.
Eye shadow is also another option, you will need more colors of mica powder for that one, unless you just use your brown or red oxide.
UPDATE: My new cream foundation recipe uses this recipe so if you prefer a more dewy look, check it out!
Also, I really like to use my DIY makeup setting spray for dewy skin recipe after applying a powder mineral makeup. It helps give your foundation a more natural, radiant look.
Update #2-I find that sometimes shaking isn’t enough and I end up with colored streaks on my face-Using a Magic Bullet Blender really helps with this.
Depending on the amount of powders you buy, you will be able to make a lot of pots of make up from the above ingredients! I haven’t broken down the price of each pot you make but I believe it comes out to about $1 a pot. Wow, compare that to $25 a pot-it’s quite the value! If you are daunted by the cost, I suggest pairing up with a friend, cut the cost in half and still have a ton of product!
Making your own mineral makeup just makes sense. It’s another easy way to cut way down on harmful ingredients and take charge of your own body.
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Check out all my DIY makeup recipes for more ways to rid your makeup of harmful ingredients!
xx, Jenni
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I am so excited for this series of posts! Inspired by you and The Dabblist I have been experimenting w making my own makeup and have failed miserably other than a decent powder. This is one of my biggest rid my face of chemicals goals for the year so I’m pumped you’re doing this!
Kate-I’m so glad! This couldn’t be easier, and soon I will post how to make other stuff with these ingredients too!
Mica is mined by children in india…they are bitten by snakes and mines collapse on them .do you know if mica can be bought by responsible mining methods without children? Or if there is an alternative to mica for makeup?
Danielle-YIKES!! Ok, I’m on it-I’ll try to find a reputable source. The alternative is using cinnamon, I never have because it seems like that might get irritating. Also, for pinks, you can dehydrate red/pink fruits, crush them up and add them to your blushes and shadows. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for getting back to me, Ill keep checking back to see if you’ve found anything
😉
I know this is an old post, but for those reading, I wanted to let you know that mica and other minerals sold for cosmetics are generally manufactured in a lab. They are identical to what is found in nature, but not “natural”. Natural minerals are likely contaminated with harmful metals and should not be used.
Thanks for the info. What would be good/safe to use?
Very good point! Thank you for pointing this out.
Is this a make-up base water proof
Naveed-It is not.
How can I make this base waterproof.thank tell me the ingredient please
What kind of jar do you store this in?
Steph-Forgot to mention the jars-These are what I have-https://amzn.to/1gCmAIg Thanks!!
Sorry – one more quick question. Do you have a jar or powder container that you might recommend? I’m wondering if glass is best given the few drops of essential oil. Still a newbie at all of this!
Kate-Hi! I forgot to list that in the post-Here is what I use-https://amzn.to/1gCmAIg Thanks!!
Because you are so wonderful to share all these fantastic recipes, I will be ordering the items needed for the mineral make-up at Amazon from your box on the left!!!!
🙂
Becky-Thanks so much for your support! I really appreciate it!
Love your website , I will be ordering the ingredients to make !!!
Thanks Sylvia!!
This sounds great. i have been uninterested in the work that it would take to do this and get it right, but I am SO interested in the next step of a liquid foundation! I am waiting quite excitedly for that post! one question, I have recently become concerned about inhaling a loose foundation, especially one that contains Mica, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
First of all, thank you so much for being so generous in sharing your discoveries.
Second, does Amazon have a way to bundle everything? We could just hit one button or link to purchase all of the ingredients listed? Add them all to our shopping cart and then delete the ones we already have before purchasing?
Just a thought. Would make it easy for us and possibly more lucrative for you. 🙂
I love your creativity and open spirit. Have a wonderful day.
Cynthia
Cynthia-that would be amazing because everything I listed is from one vendor. I will check into that, perhaps their is an easier way! Thanks so much!!!
There*
Question I read in the EWG that Titanium Dioxide is bad to inhale in the power form is this the same thing Thank You !
Sylvia-Yes, it’s the same thing. This info. is based on a study done with rats that were forced to inhale large amounts of titanium dioxide. I don’t feel like I am inhaling my make up when applying it, plus stericite mica helps to cut back on your make up being so light that you inhale it. If you are concerned, check out my post on turning your mineral make up into a liquid foundation. Luckily titanium dioxide does not penetrate the skin. Hope this makes sense!
Just read this comment and can’t find your post on turning mineral make up into liquid foundation. Can you send a link? Thanks!!
What do you suggest cleaning makeup brushes with? Do you have a recipe that will do that well?
Sheena, As of now, I use my foaming hand soap, but I intend to do some research and come up with something for specific! Stay tuned!!!!
I use a TBL white vinegar and 1C hot water. Soak in a glass for about 20 minutes and give a quick hot then cold rinse and pay dry! http://www.thedabblist.com! It’s simple and quick and so far no damage to my brushes or bristles!
What’s the difference between mica powder and serecite mica?
Is it necessary to use both of these ingredients?
Dina-the difference is that mica powder has the sparkle to it. It gives light reflecting qualities and is totally optional. Serecite Mica is absolutely necessary and gives the make up texture and slip. Thanks!
Hi Jenni and thanks for your immediate reply. I live in Greece and I came across your blog accidentally! I really love it. I have made some of your recipes but have trouble finding some of the ingredients here. For example we don’t have Dr Bronner’s castille soap and meadowfoam seed oil. Anyway I’m gonna keep trying to find them. Keep up the good work and once again thanks!
I just made my mineral makeup last night. I’m confused because I measured out all the ingredients exactly as stated (minus the sparkly mica powder which was optional) and came up with white powder. I feel like you would have to add A LOT more of the colored iron oxides just to get any kind of color. I have extremely pale skin, and even this would be like putting white powder on my face. Was I supposed to put those colors into one of the makeup pots and then add the white mixture to that?
Sheena-Not sure why you had no color-For sure add more of the oxides to get your perfect color-I will double check my recipe! Thanks!
Sheena and all, make the mix as it states and try on your skin – the color of the powder is incredibly deceptive. I too thought it looked really white and tried to add in brown visually for color change and when I put in my face it was like woah! I’m brown now. I am waiting on more TD to lighten it out. This is actually a great recipe! Thanks Jenni!
Kate, that’s so true-I ended up adding too much color to my blush and had to add a bit more titanium dioxide-I looked like I was wearing clown make up!! Thanks Kate!!
Im trying to make mousse concelear with ipm gtcc oil and some other ingreadient but always some misteaks please tell me the liquid foundation recipe like Mac base
Naveed-Way over my head! Not familiar with this ingredients. Sorry!
I’d like to add that you should test the powder out on yourself with your regular makeup brush, not just your figure like I had done. I did one swipe with my finger and it looked white. But if you take your makeup brush and swirl it around on your arm to see the color and then adjust it from there if need be. I’m excited to try this tomorrow morning. I’ve been using Bare Minerals for years and am in between 2 colors. This recipe is great because I can adjust it myself and have all the ingredients to do so, and I know that all of them are safe for my skin. Thank you Jenni for sharing all of your wonderful recipes!
I love Bare Minerals, but have been wanting to make my own makeup to cut down on the cost, (because we all know, Bare Minerals is pretty pricy). I loved making makeup when I was in beauty school for esthetics, so I’m a little familiar on formulations and mixing (although the powder foundations were already premixed). I do have one question though, I need full coverage, due to my struggles with moderate acne, how would you make this more of a full coverage foundation?
Kayla-for more coverage add more titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They both will give a better coverage! You can also apply your make up right on the blemishes first, then add a layer of make up on top! Thanks!
Hello Jenni, I was wondering how I could turn this into a cream concealer? What are your suggestions?
Kayla-Hi! I actually have a post for this! https://jenniraincloud.com/liquid-mineral-make/
Hi Jenni,
I saw on the Making Cosmetics website that your mineral ingredients are linked to (via Amazon) a “mineral base” powder that is a blend of mica powders, zinc oxide & titanium dioxide. Would it be ok to purchase this blend or do you recommend that we buy everything individually? This blend is cheaper that buying everything on its own but wanted to see what you though first. Thanks!
Lauren-I’m no totally sure but I believe that you could get by with the blend. I haven’t seen it so if I find out anything I’ll let you know! Keep me posted!
Just made a batch of your mineral make-up. I ordered the supplies a few months ago but have been busy! It looked really white in the container, so I added just a touch more of the brown oxide. Still didn’t see a difference, so I went back and read all the comments from various people. Glad I did!!!!!!! I tried it on my face – even though it looked so white – and after blending it with my Kubuki brush (from Bare Minerals, HA) it was perfect! Love, love, love it! Thanks so much!!!!!!
Becky!! That’s great! I’m glad you like it! Thanks for sharing!
I just discovered using a mortar and pestle to mix the makeup blends it very well! It really combines the iron oxides into the mica and other powders and makes it super smooth!
Kayla-thanks for sharing! I’ve been trying to figure out how to mix it better. I had heard to mix with a magic bullet but I haven’t been to quick to try that out-I will try your method!
Yea, I would definitely use a mortal and pestle, rather than a blender. You’ll probably loose some product in a Magic Bullet! lol. I learned how to make makeup when I was in beauty school for esthetics! We used a little metal spatula looking thing, kinda looks like what painters (artists) use, to really mix the colors together. I used that too! Just some ideas! 🙂
I am very interested in you DIY mineral makeup, but I do have a big concern. I am allergic to Mica and Bismuth Oxychloride, which you can imagine, makes it very difficult to find products that I can use. In fact, there are currently only two makeup products I can use – Bare Minerals Matte Foundation and Amazing Cosmetics “In The Buff” Blush. I can’t use any bronzers or eye shadows, and I even have to be cautious of lipsticks and glosses. Do you have any recommendations for me? Would it be possible to mix these ingredients together without the Mica and still get a working combination?
Amanda-You can omit mica for sure except the Serecite Mica. That one I’m not too sure about. It’s what gives your make up a slip when applying. You for sure could omit it and see how it worked. My recipe is based off another recipe that is based of bare minerals and I’m almost sure they use serecite mica in their make up. Good luck, sorry to not be much help!
Try using Silk Powder (less coverage) or Kaolin Clay (more coverage) instead of the Sericite Mica. Both have great slip and absorption and will improve texture. The silk will more closely resemble the qualities Sericite Mica has, whereas the Kaolin will be a more matte finish
I have done a little experimenting and found that you can use magnesium stearate for slip. It is very smooth and wonderful for slip! I use it in my current recipe, with Kaolin which does provide coverage, however, Kaolin will whiten it a bit and I haven’t been able to adjust the color no matter how much iron oxides I use, it is still going on very pale! Too much kaolin will do this which is probably why most recipes with it only use 1/2 to 1 tsp of it. It will also make your formula a bit “heavier.” I would try silk powder. Kaolin is great but too much will make it pale, even when the powder itself looks very tan!
Is this a make-up base water proof
I make my own mineral makeup with a recipe very similar to this one and it’s great! To those who were wondering how to mix it better, I use a coffee grinder. It works perfectly. (I have a separate one that is dedicated solely to making makeup. Just buy a second hand one or a cheap one)
Windy-Awesome… Thanks for sharing!
I’ll second this. I made this and the shade was perfect when I dusted it on my face. I also smeared it on my arm and noticed red streaks. “uh oh” I thought – I pulsed it in my coffee grinder and, sure enough, all the tiny minuscule clumps of red oxide blended and it became bright pink! I think its always a good idea to blend it so you know EXACTLY how much colour you’re getting because all the oxides fully blend.
Thanks for posting this recipe, I’ve made a mineral concealer before that was SO MUCH WORK, and this is far easier!
Same thing happened to me! I spent most of my first batch of ingredients experimenting with several recipes… I like this the best, but did cut the amount of titanium dioxide to be equal with the zinc oxide. The result is much lighter; titanium dioxide was too heavy for my skin’s liking. I also made a setting type powder, a blush which I love, and a bronzer that is too warm and makes me look dirty haha so I stick to the blush, foundation and setting powder. Thanks Jenni for this wonderful post!
I’ve been slowly transitioning into making and using natural, non toxic beauty products and am learning a lot! Some of it not so good, about some of the ingredients in many of the recipes I’ve made. According to Dr. Elizabeth Plourde, a cancer and DNA researcher, titanium dioxide photo degrades rapidly with sun exposure and may cause the production of free radicals in the process (she has a few books, one in particular called “Sunscreen – Biohazard” that is very enlightening). And when using zinc, you want to be sure to use a “non nano” version as nano particles are small enough to penetrate the skin and become widely distributed in tissues, crossing the blood brain barrier and entering the liver. Yikes! Titanium dioxide I wouldn’t use at all, but have no idea how I’m going to make a suitable mineral foundation now without it 🙁
Hi Jenni, I’ve had this recipe pinned for a weeks, eeking out my Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream. I’ve been searching for the Holy Grail of foundations for since I was 17, now 37, and I’ve found it! I love your recipe, so excited that for NZ$45 (Incl Postage) I have the basics for making foundation for years to come. That’s how I sold the idea to my husband too 😉 I’ve been on a DIY and ‘healthier’ skin formulations kick for a few months. Hope my experience helps others considering this too:
I had trouble getting the colour just right (added more red – gives the beige a boost instead of brown; also used 1.5 tsp of yellow, maybe should have stuck with 1 tsp as too much yellow makes my eyes look bloodshot in any foundation). I ended up putting 2 tsp of foundation mix into a smaller container with 2 tsp sweet almond oil (as I wanted CC Cream coverage)and continued to get the colour just right by adding small increments of brown/red. When I measured everything out initially, I compressed the non-coloured powders against the sides of their packets and didn’t compress the coloured oxides. This meant it seemed like I had to add a lot more colour than the basic recipe.
For those who like a flawless coverage, you will get it with Jenni’s BB Cream recipe, 1:1, or slightly less oil to powder ratio. I’m a girl who’s struggled with blemishes since I was 10. The BB Cream formula covers scarring too. However, I apply it super thinly so that my imperfections show a little; I was amazed at how uncomfortable with the ‘pancake’ look I was, considering this was my go-to for years.
Next time I scoop out another 2 tsp not-quite-there-yet base to add to oil for tweeking, I’ll add a little more zinc or titanium oxide as I find the serecite mica a little too dewy (personal preference, found Glow Time like that too, fixed it with a finishing powder concoction of tapioca flour, cinnamon, ginger and cocoa mix! I left out the mica oxide altogether). I used my magic bullet, and used a make up brush to loosen any powder stuck to the sides while transferring it to another jar. So, in about 2 years when I need to make some more, I’ll prepare a plain base of the powders without colour, and scoop out a couple of teaspoons to blend colour to.
I use cleansing oil (equal measure of castor, grapeseed and olive oils) to remove my make up (use it once to remove makeup, and then again to cleanse the skin – once a Beauty Therapist, always a Beauty Therapist!) before putting on DIY cold cream as moisturiser; a little goes a long way and makes a great base for Jenni’s BB Cream formulation.
Now! Off to make eye shadow and cheek cream! Thanks for doing the ground work and test guinea pigging for us, Jenni! xx
Michelle! Thanks so much for sharing! I love this foundation too but the key is getting the color just right-it takes some patience!! I’m with you-I’m not used to a “pancake” look with my make up but when I add the oil to the powder foundation, it gives such a pretty and really covered look! It’s very comfortable on! I do notice I need to work a bit harder to remove all of it-I had some really dirty towels for a while before I figure out I needed to do double the cleansing at night to remove it! I have had most luck adding rosehip oil to my base. Again, thanks for sharing your experience!!
Hi!
Sorry I’ve been commenting on a few of your posts recently, I’ve been making a few of your DIY’s and LOVE them. I’ve been interested in the RMS Beauty “Un” Cover up and a few other natural brands who’s cream foundations are basically a base of coconut oil, shea butter/cocoa butter, vitamin E, and beeswax with extracts and iron oxides (or fruit pigments, when it comes to 100% pure). I know there must be a way to make it yourself, because they’re so expensive but I’m terrible at experimenting with proportions! Do you think you could do some RMS-Beauty inspired recipes? They basically have all cream products that seem easy enough and right up your alley(they also have rave reviews and are used by celebrity artists). Definitely putting this recipe on my list to make, by the way! Love that it’s inspired by Bare Minerals. Thanks so much!
Hi Raya! I love discovering new natural skin care lines so I’ll check RMS Beauty out! I’ll see what I can do about some DIYs in the future!
You should also check out 100% Pure! Both RMS Beauty and 100% Pure are used by a lot of celebrities because the creator of RMS Beauty is a famous makeup artist and actress Shailene Woodley talks about 100% Pure and Tarte a lot. Thanks!
Hi! This recipe is very intriguing! I have tried DIY make-up in the past and have not been happy with the coverage so I’m hoping this one will do the job :). I did have a quick question to put out there though. Could I use bentonite clay instead of the kaolin?
Simone-I don’t see why not-Maybe make a small batch with the bentonite and see how it feels and wears, but I think it would be fine!
I finally ordered all the ingredients needed for this mineral foundation (4days before it arrives to my house)!! I hope it’ll work great even though i’ll not include titanium dioxyde! Thank you for this recipe!!
(i’m sorry if i made some mistakes, i’m french :D)
I think your English was great, perfect!!
Hi, this might be a silly question but do you know if any of these minerals have paraben? Have you tried to mix this powder mineral foundation with face lotion or sunscream to make it a liquid foundation?
Thanks, I am a big fan of your blog by the way
Alessandra-I hope not-I will do some research to find out though. I do have a post on making liquid foundation from this recipe-go HERE for that post! Thanks so much!!!
Hi there! I have a question about Mica. I think it tends to break me out! I have a problem with mineral powders breaking me out but I am experimenting with fod-grade DIY powder foundations. Unfortunately, they do not give much coverage. Could I use the iron oxides for color and zinc oxide to add coverage without using Mica? I am not sure if it is mica that breaks me out or the “untrue” mineral makeup (Physicians formula mineral line. Neutrogena mineral sheers line and healthy skin). Any makeup I use with mica ends up breaking me out. I would really like to make my own powder with at least a little coverage! Thank you!
Ashlynn-You can omit the mica in this. It is not totally necessary. It gives your powder a better slip but if you omit it you will still have coverage. That being said-I have never omitted it for myself so I can’t be 100% sure you’ll have as good of an outcome as I have using the mica. I would say you are for sure sensitive to mica and should avoid it!!
I found another alternative, its called Magnesium Stearate and it does the same job as sericite mica. I am also going to try Allontoin instead of kaolin because the clays tend to dry my skin out, I already have dry skin. I just ordered all my stuff from TKB Trading. I was wondering though, have you experienced any problems mixing color oxide pigments? I have been reading about ladies having a problem with a “gritty” texture from oxides that won’t blend. Also, how does this foundation wear through the day? Does the color oxidize? Thanks for your input 😉
I have a question about zinc oxide. I want to make this recipe, but I heard that it isn’t good to inhale zinc oxide. When research sunscreen recipes, I read to wear a mask when adding zinc oxide. With this mineral make-up recipe, I am guessing that it would be likely to inhale a little bit when applying, is this a concern?
Hi Anne! I have made this recipe a few times and with variations. It doesn’t seem to powder up much when being applied, if you apply it properly. When you swirl, tap off excess, and apply, it doesn’t fly everywhere. And it makes your skin look better too, not too caked. Excess in the air usually means there is too much on your brush. Try using a dense brush too, the denser bristles hold the powders better than more flimsy bristles. Swirling it also helps it get into the brush a bit deeper. Also, I have added about 5-6 drops of jojoba oil, since it is technically a wax, therefore much more stable, to the powder and blend BEFORE I add colors (adding after can darken it too much) This makes a more moisturizing powder as well as a less “poofy, fly-away,” powder. It is true that you do not want to inhale the minerals, but if you are tapping excess off, it isn’t usually a problem =)
Wow, it’s amazing! Where were you all my life 😀 This is my best MMU ever. Thanks for your blog. Greetings from Europe.
Tereza-Thank you!!
Hi, I’m not sure if this has been asked previously… I was wondering if your recipe is for light/medium/dark skin… I’m quite fair, and just wanted to check before I get started.
Thanks for great DIY’s, excited to try your recipes.
Nyoka-It’s kind of middle of the road. I would be very careful with adding the brown oxide. Just go very slow until you are sure you are matching your skin. Reduce my recipe then add more as needed. Hope this helps!
Thanks for your reply 🙂 made my first batch yesterday, super happy!
Hello, my questions is: can I just add the Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to my foundation to make it UVA/UVB protective? Like add the powders to the glass dispenser it comes in and shake it really good. How much powder of each should I add to give me at least 30 spf? I get really shiny with any make up I use and I think these ingredients will help with the oil and give me a nice matte look and sun protection. Thanks!
Orquidea-I do agree that these ingredients will help with shininesss but I have no idea how much to add for a specific SPF. I steer clear of homemade SPF products simply because I can’t determine or prove how to achieve certain SPFs. I don’t believe you would have to add much since they act as a physical barrier against the sun but I don’t have specifics. Sorry!!
Do you have any suggestions for someone who needs a grinder that will grind larger batches of oxides? Most I’ve seen will only grind 100grams. I need a large grinder that won’t shoot powder everywhere:-)
Deevine-I don’t-I know many people use a bullet blender but I don’t know if that is too small. Have you just tried your blender or a food processor?
Thank you for combining all this information together in a great, easy read, format 🙂
Hi Jenni,
I look forward to trying this recipe. I have been on a quest to swap out the bad for the good skincare/makeup products in my life. My question: I love the convenience of a pressed mineral powder foundation–would this recipe be amenable to this? Have you ever given this a try? If it could be done, I would love to know how to go about it. Otherwise the loose powder is fine too.
Thank you so much!
Carolyn-I haven’t tried it but I’m convinced it could be done. It would take physically pressing it with a few drops of oil. I’m not sure what kind of container you would use though. Wonder if Amazon has empty compacts? Probably…. I will look into making a press powder. Do you use your fingers to apply or a sponge?
I use a sponge–apply sparingly and blend well. Thank you for your kind response. I have been perusing your other recipes as well and they all sound terrific! I cannot wait to give them a try. Thanks, Jenni!
Carolyn,
Hi there! If you check out TKB trading at howtomakecosmetics.com they have everything you need to make mineral cosmetics and more, plus pressing supplies. I am also working on pressing foundation, blush and bronzer I have made. The powder does need good binding ingredients such as magnesium stearate and zinc stearate, as well as an oil, well ground, pressed with a proper pressing supplies. I would advise to avoid using alcohol to press since even 91%, still contains water and with mixing water and oil, you would need a preservative.
Hi Ashlynn,
Thank you so much for the TKB Trading resource!
I checked out their website and know that they have what I need to make my own pressed mineral powder foundation. I am excited to give it a go! Thank you again!
Carolyn!
I am so glad this helped you! I am excited to hear how it goes if you don’t mind reporting back here? =)
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I too thought it looked really white and tried to add in brown visually for color change and when I put in my face it was like woah! I’m brown now. I am waiting on more TD to lighten it out. This is actually a great recipe! Thanks Jenni!
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Jenni I’m getting ready to try this and can’t wait! I want to ask if you think I could substitute the sericite mica with tapioca powder or rice powder? Thanks for an amazing post!! 🙂
Kelly! Hi!! I honestly don’t know because I’ve not tried it. You might have to experiment. I do think it could work though.
Hi Jenni!
I often buy bb cream (Andalou’s are my favorites). But ever since I stopped the pill, my skin got really bad and I need more coverage.. Do you think I could add titanium dioxide or yellow/brown oxydes to give it a bit more coverage? What do you suggest? I’m so ashamed of my skin now.. 🙁 thanks!
Florence-Your skin is in transition and will level out soon-it’s much healthier to ditch the pill so hopefully your skin will reflect that soon! I’m not totally sure which you could add for better coverage because I tend to layer my foundation in order to get more coverage rather then add more products. Good luck to you and good job getting off the pill-your body might take some time to adjust but it’s so much better in the long run!!
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Have you ever tried using bentonite clay instead of kaolin? I don’t have any kaolin on hand.
Hazel, I haven’t but I think it would be fine to substitute bentonite.
I am so glad this isn’t one of those “blend cornstarch and cinnamon” type of recipes!
I have made this and it totally works!
Kathryn-Ha-I know! I wanted to make the real deal and something about cinnamon and other spices on the skin everyday doesn’t sit right with me!
Hi JEnni, I hope you could see my message and help me out. I’ve recently purchased a DIY kit to make mineral makeup, and I’ve found that the pigments (the oxides) smell really different from the other powders. Just wondering if your pigment oxides have any smells to them. I have purchased mineral foundations from companies before but there wasn’t a smell to them. Thanks so much.
Kimberley-Hi! I haven’t noticed mine having a smell-at least nothing too noticeable. Is it a bad smell? You use so little of them that it probably won’t effect your overall product and I feel like smells in oxides could vary. Where did you purchase them?
I really love mineral make up powders because it will give a fresh look to our skin and provide a natural finishing to prepare us for party. This article contains great tips and tricks to make a natural mineral powder. Thanks for the Valuable information.
Hi!! I’m so excited to try your makeup recipe & making my own. I started buying all the products under the links you provided but when I got to the colors and the clay those links aren’t working for me and I’m not familiar enough with brands, help!!
Taylor-Yikes! I’ll fix that asap! I found exactly what I use, I guess it had just moved? For brown oxide go HERE. Red Oxide HERE. Yellow Oxide HERE.
Yellow is HERE. I got the wrong link above!
Thank you for getting back to me on this! Can’t wait to get started! 💚
Ok I’ve received all my ingredients (minus the clay) and mixed and adjusted and…. oh my gosh lady!!! Where has this blog been all my life? I can’t remember being this excited over a DIY ever!! The only down fall is I just bought bare minerals foundation and powder, which I’ve been using for years now, & I would rather use this makeup instead. For me, the coverage is so much better and I love the glow of the finish! I’m a huge fan now! I really appreciate the work you have put into your posts about what each ingredient is and the role that it plays. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 😀
Good Afternoon:
I have always heard that Titanium Dioxide is a cancer causing agent? Which is why it is best not to use deodorants that contain it? Is this not the same with mineral makeup?
Just curious
Thank you!
Tina-That is due to nano particles. That’s why it’s so important to always get non-nano. We don’t want it to penetrate the skin. Thanks for asking!
Hi Jenni,
Can I use bentonite clay instead of kaolin clay, or will that change the color? Thanks!
Love the recipe and great information.
If I follo this recipe, about what color would I end up with? I am super pale, and don’t want to end up with a beige and have to backtrack it to lighten it. Im afraid I may mess it up! Thanks again for sharing this!
Leah-I’m pale too and somewhat yellow in tone but have some redness on my face so the recipe works well for me, but it is a little darker then I need in the winter. If I were you I would make the makeup and 1/2 the brown. Then add a bit at a time to get your perfect shade.
Jenni, thanks so much for your reply. I finally got all my ingredients in, and just tried to make my first batch. I hate to say it, but I am so disappointed. I ended up with basically a nice powder. It has almost no coverage. I added and readded more and more zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Then more mica to make it slip. I have used up a whole 50g bag of zinc oxide, and the coverage has only improved slightly. I don’t know where im going wrong. I am testing it with a great Kabuki brush. I am so frustrated; everyone else seems to be so happy with their results. If you could please share some guidance I would be so appreciative. Thanks again.
Oh no Leah! That is so strange-I actually have too much coverage with mine. Are you using the exact links in the post? If so, it’s a possibility someone reformulated their product, I guess. I have no idea what’s going on. I’m so sorry, I understand how frustrated you must be-it literally makes no sense! I’ll do some research and double check the links in case there’s something wrong in the post.
This is strange, I replied yesterday and it’s not showing…
Anyway, thank you so much for your response, yes it is very frustrating. But no, I didn’t purchase through your links, so the problem is on my end, not yours. I just thought as long as the ingredients were the same, it didn’t matter where they came from. Maybe that’s where I went wrong? Also I didn’t mention at first that I had doubled the recipe , then mixed everything in a food processor. Not sure if either of those choices created the problem. As an update though, I have since added more titanium dioxide, mica, and tea tree oil. The coverage is MUCH better. Still not what im used to, but close. Not sure which of those ingredients helped, but I am on my way now. I will keep tweaking it in smaller batches. Once again, thank you for this post, your recipe and research, and your reply that kept me from panicking and made me roll up my sleeves and try again! I appreciate everything!
PS- I did what you said and halved the brown, and the tone is perfect.
I love the idea of making your own makeup! The only problem I have with Mineral makeup is that it gets Cakey on me ( even with a light hand) and to find my color is difficult. I’m a light to medium golden undertone but with olive. Olive is SO HARD to find! What colors do you suggest? Also I like medium coverage but that can build up to full coverage due to scars and breakouts from “the time of the month” that I want to hide so what ingredients should be added to increase coverage without looking ashy?
Nina-This recipe has a lot of coverage and is buildable. I find that if you get ashy with mineral makeup, a finishing spray can really help. I have a recipe HERE.
I love this recipe! It really works!
It took me a while to find the right color. I had to add a lot more brown, even though I have fair skin. And the more brown I added, the more yellow I had to add. I thought the brown oxide looked very red when I got it. Is it just how it looks? Or are there different shades of brown oxide?
I accidentally bought regular zinc oxide and not non nano. Would it be alright to use this batch of makeup, and buy non nano zinc oxide for the next?
Thank you!
Marie-Louise-I’m so glad it works1 I don’t think there are different shades of the brown. I hate to tell you to go ahead and use the non-nano-do you feel like you are inhaling it when you apply? I would probably use this batch up but be sure to get the non-nano next time.
Hi! Thanks for the recipe. I made it but I have one small but big problem they colour is grey. What can I add to get rid of the grey? Or will I need to start over?
Amelia-Grey? That’s so weird. Have you tried adding more of the brown, red or yellow? I would try brown at first to cut the grey. If you get it too dark for your skin tone you can always add more kaolin clay. Were any of your ingredients grey?
Thank you for this recipe! I found color matching the foundation to be really challenging. My skin tone is usually the honey beige of foundation lines, like a light tan. I got the color to match my skin tone pretty close, but for some reason, idk if it’s the way that it reflects in the light, it’s super ashy on my chin and upper lip but looks okay pretty much else where. Did anyone else have that problem and how did they troubleshoot it? I didn’t use titanium dioxide but used everything else.
I literally just bought IT cosmetics foundation. LOVE the coverage, as I have a lot of red tone, and I think my be starting a patch of rosacea on my nose. Ugh! This has been the only thing that covers without looking cake-y. But, turns out I’m one shade off and need to go lighter. Could I mix the It foundation with some of this to lighten it up a bit. Then of course when I run out I’ll be making this as my new replacement!!!!! All about trying to go natural!!
Tori-You for sure could! I’m all about experimenting! It would probably give you even better coverage!
I have a light cool undertone, has anyone used the cool blue Oxide instead of the regular red oxide? Thank you 😊
Sorry I meant to say has anyone used the cool red oxide with a blue undertone instead of the regular red oxide