How to Make Your Own Foundation at Home

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Making your own foundation is a great way to save money or get yourself out of a pinch if you run out of your usual foundation. The powdered version is completely natural, while the liquid uses powdered foundation as a base. If you want to make an all-natural liquid foundation, you will have to make powdered foundation first.

Things You Should Know

  • Combine 1-3 tsp (3-9 g) of arrowroot powder with 2-3 tsp (6-9 g) of either cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg, depending on your target skin shade.
  • Add turmeric or blush to adjust the powder's undertone, and mix it until it's completely incorporated. Brighten it with cornstarch, if needed.
  • Mix 3 pumps of moisturizer, 1 tsp (3g) of powdered foundation, and essential oil in a bowl to make a liquid foundation out of a powdered foundation.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Powdered Foundation

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  1. The more you use, the lighter your foundation will be. [1] If you don't have arrowroot powder, you can use cornstarch instead, but be aware that some people have reported that it does not work well on acne-prone skin. [2]
    • There's no set formula, since there are so many different skin tones. You will likely need to adjust the proportions later.
    • In general, if you have dark skin, use 1 teaspoon (3 g); if you have fair skin, use up to 3 teaspoons (9 g).
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    Unsweetened cocoa powder will be the least irritating on your skin, but you can use cinnamon or nutmeg if you don't have access to it. Keep in mind that cinnamon and nutmeg are potent, so you'll only need a pinch. [3]
    • The darker your skin tone is, the more cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg you'll have to use. You may have to use up to 2 or 3 teaspoons (6 to 9 g).
    • Don't worry if it doesn't match your skin color exactly. This is just the shade; you'll worry about the undertone next.
    • Warning: Cinnamon can be irritating to sensitive skin. If you're using cinnamon as a colorant or additive in your powder, it's important to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the mixture to a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    If you compare skin color, you'll notice that some people have yellowish skin while others have pinkish. This is known as "undertone." Since cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg don't have any yellow or pink in them, you'll need to add that in. [4]
    • If you have yellowish undertones, add a pinch of ground turmeric. You can also scrape some yellow-toned eyeshadow into the powder instead.
    • If you have pinkish skin, scrape some pink or red-toned blush into the powder instead. You can also try pink or red-toned eyeshadow.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    It does not matter what tool you use for this, as long as it is clean. A small spoon or fork would do just fine, but you can also use a toothpick or craft stick. [5]
    • Be sure to break up any clumps. You want the powder to be as fine as possible.
    • If the powder is too clumpy, sift it through a fine, mesh sieve into a new container.
  5. Use a clean powder brush or eyeshadow brush to apply the foundation to your jawline. Don't worry about being too precise here; you are just testing out the color here. [6]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    Since there are so many different skin tones out there, there is no set formula for homemade foundation. As such, you will likely need to adjust the foundation until it matches your skin a little more closely. For example:
    • If the powder is too dark, add more arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
    • If the powder is too light, add more cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
    • If the powder is too yellow, add some blush; if it's too pink, add some turmeric.
  7. Once you have the exact shade you want, the foundation is ready to go! Clean a small jar with hot, soapy water, then dry it thoroughly with a paper towel. Pour the powder into the jar, then close it tightly. [7]
    • An empty powder container would work well for this.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    Start with 5 drops of your desired facial oil, then add more if needed; you are looking for a thick, paste-like consistency. Transfer the paste into a clean powder compact, and smooth it down. Let it dry before you use it. [8]
    • Almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil are all great options.
    • Discard any excess foundation or make a second compact.
    • This step is optional. You don't have to make pressed powder if you don't want to.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    Use a dabbing motion for more coverage, and a circular motion for sheer coverage. [9] If you made pressed powder, you may be able to apply it with a makeup sponge instead. There will be a slight fragrance, but it will fade as the day goes on.
    • Be sure to tap off any excess powder first, especially if you kept it loose.
    • If the powder does not stick well to your skin, apply some moisturizer first.
  10. This powder can be stored indefinitely, but it may discolor overtime. If it starts to look or smell different, discard it immediately. Like with regular powdered foundation, be careful not to get it wet.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making Liquid Foundation

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    There is no set amount for this, so you can use however much or little you want. Remember, you can always adjust the consistency later. [10]
    • If your moisturizer came with a pump, about 3 squirts would be plenty.
    • For an all-natural foundation, stick with the facial oil. Almond, jojoba, and tamanu are all great options. [11]
    • If you are using moisturizer, consider using something with added SPF. This is not completely necessary, but it's a great way to protect your skin!
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    This will be enough to give you medium coverage, but again, you can always adjust the consistency later. [12] In general, plan on using twice as much powder as oil or moisturizer.
    • Loose powder will be the easiest to work with. If your foundation is pressed, scrape out a small amount, then grind it through a fine, mesh sieve.
    • Make sure that the foundation matches your skin tone.
  3. This is not completely necessary, but it will add some nice fragrance to your foundation, especially if you used oil. Great options include: chamomile, lavender, frankincense, and geranium.
    • Make sure that you use essential oil and not fragrance oil meant for candle making or diffusers; they are not the same thing.
    • Avoid using more essential oil than this. It is concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way.
    • Do not use any citrus essential oil, as it will make your skin sensitive to sunlight and result in severe sunburn.
    • If you used moisturizer instead of oil, you may want to skip the essential oil. This is because many moisturizers already contain fragrances.
  4. A small spoon or spatula will work the best here, as it’ll come in handy for mashing the clumps out. You may have to press down on the clumps in order to get them out. [13]
  5. Use your fingertip to apply a small amount of foundation along your jawline. The foundation should match your skin tone, so pay attention to the coverage instead. [14]
    • Don't worry about blending in the foundation. This is simply a test.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    This recipe is for medium-coverage foundation. This may be more than what you are looking for, or it might not be enough. Fortunately, this is easy to fix:
    • If you want more coverage, stir in more powdered foundation.
    • If you want something more sheer, add more facial oil or moisturizer.
  7. How big this container is depends on how much foundation you made; it should be small enough to fit most of your foundation, however. An old foundation bottle or a lip balm jar would be ideal. [15]
    • Make sure that the container is clean. Wash it with soap and water, then dry it with a paper towel. You can sterilize it further with rubbing alcohol, if you want.
    • A foundation bottle with a pump would be an even better idea. This way, you won't contaminate it by exposing it to air.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Foundation
    Use makeup sponge, a foundation brush, or your fingers to apply the foundation and blend it in. Let it sit and dry for a few minutes, then apply your desired setting powder or blush.
    • If you put the foundation into a jar, it would be best to apply it with a brush or sponge, otherwise you risk contaminating it with your fingers.
  9. This foundation should last a long time, but it may discolor or develop mold, especially if it gets wet. If any of this happens, discard it.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there anything homemade that will work better than a foundation?
    Community Answer
    Yes, a homemade BB cream will work great as well. However, if your problem is that store-bought foundation is not covering properly, just make it thicker by adding more pressed/loose powder.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 28
  • Question
    Do I have to store it in a refrigerator?
    Community Answer
    No, you do not have to store it in a fridge. Just store it in a cool, dark place.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 25
  • Question
    Can I use rock dust and water to make foundation?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot. It would be dangerous and damage your skin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      Making Powdered Foundation

      • Arrowroot powder or cornstarch
      • Cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg
      • Ground turmeric or blush
      • Small dish
      • Clean jar
      • Stirring utensils
      • Powder brush

      Making Liquid Foundation

      • Facial oil or moisturizer
      • Powdered foundation
      • Small dish
      • Stirring utensils
      • Clean jar
      • Makeup sponge or foundation brush


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-foundation/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I76IgzaCMPs&feature=youtu.be&t=4m
      3. ↑ https://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-foundation/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I76IgzaCMPs&feature=youtu.be&t=1m22s
      5. ↑ https://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-foundation/
      6. ↑ https://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-foundation/
      7. ↑ https://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-foundation/
      8. ↑ https://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-foundation/
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I76IgzaCMPs&feature=youtu.be&t=2m15s
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFGx0JwhIeQ&feature=youtu.be&t=1m25s
      2. ↑ https://beautytips4her.com/diy-liquid-foundation-how-to-make-all-natural-liquid-foundation/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFGx0JwhIeQ&feature=youtu.be&t=1m30s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFGx0JwhIeQ&feature=youtu.be&t=2m
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFGx0JwhIeQ&feature=youtu.be&t=2m10s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFGx0JwhIeQ&feature=youtu.be&t=2m30s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Making your own foundation can be a great way to save money and achieve your perfect skin tone. To make powdered foundation, you’ll need arrowroot powder or cornstarch, cocoa powder, and ground turmeric or blush. Start by placing 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder or cornstarch in a bowl. Then, stir in the cocoa powder until you reach the shade of your skin tone. If you have any yellowish undertones in your skin, add a pinch of ground turmeric to balance the color. If you have slightly pink skin, add a little red-toned blush into the mix instead. Test the foundation on your skin with a clean powder brush and adjust the mix if you need to. Store your foundation in a small, sterile jar in a cool, dry place. For more tips, including how to make your own liquid foundation, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jun 27, 2018

        "I loved the smell of the foundation with the coco powder!"
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