The Best DIY Concealer Recipe For Flawless Spot Coverage

Having said that, we’d rather not use it at all if our only choice was a store-bought product that’s (almost always) filled with film formers, parabens, and phthalates.

Luckily, we have another option! Making our own natural DIY concealer (along with all our other homemade makeup recipes) which is simply a no-brainer. Yes it might seem daunting, but it’s actually incredibly easy, customizable, and cost-effective (scroll to the end to see the cost breakdown) too.

If you’re after the perfect blendable spot coverage to help hide dark circles, blemishes, and redness, this paste-like concealer is our most effective recipe (if you after more of a full coverage solution, see our DIY liquid foundation guide). We love this one because it’s low mess and packs easily into a small, pocket-sized container that you can take with you on the go for mid-day touchups.

You can also tweak the formula to perfectly match your skin tone, all while knowing exactly what’s going on your face. Plus, it’s fun to experiment with tones and create something truly tailored to you compared to relying on what’s available at the drugstore.

Ingredients:

• Arrowroot Powder (1 tbsp): This will create the base for the concealer, providing a soft texture that is easily spreadable.
• Cocoa Powder (1/8 tsp): Adds a slight tint to match your skin tone (add or reduce to match your skin tone – see customizable options below).
• Beeswax or Candelilla Wax for Vegan Foundation Option (1/2 tbsp): Adds a creamy texture and allows the paste to stay in place. It also helps to lock in moisture.
• Shea Butter (1/2 tbsp): Moisturizing and nourishing, shea butter helps keep the concealer creamy and hydrating on the skin.
• Aloe Vera Gel (1/2 tsp): Soothes the skin and helps with a smooth application.
• Jojoba Oil (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a non-comedogenic oil for smooth application without clogging pores.

Customizable Options For Different Skin Tones:

• For deeper skin tones, increase cocoa powder and add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth.
• For lighter skin tones, reduce cocoa powder and add a tiny amount of kaolin clay or zinc oxide for a brightening effect.
• For olive or neutral undertones, add a bit of turmeric (warm yellow) or French green clay for a balanced tone.
• For a cool/pink undertone, a pinch of beetroot powder mixed in can help give a natural rosy hue.

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler (or simply a pot/bowl over boiling water), melt the beeswax and shea butter together until fully melted.
2. Add the arrowroot powder and cocoa powder (or other customized ingredients based on your skin tone and shade) to the melted mixture and stir well to avoid any lumps.
3. Once the mixture thickens, slowly add in the aloe vera gel and jojoba oil, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Allow the mixture to cool and thicken to the desired consistency.
5. Store in a small airtight jar or tin.

Besides all the health and skin-safe benefits, one of the best parts of making your own concealer paste is how much money you can save. Store-bought concealers are about $7 for drugstore brands to $30+ for high-end options, and if you use it daily, the cost adds up fast.

By switching to a homemade concealer, you’ll spend just $1 per batch, compared to at least $7 for a store-bought tube. That’s a savings of $6+ per batch, meaning you could cut your yearly concealer expenses by $50–$100 depending on how often you buy.

Here’s the math on what our recipe costs to make versus the conventional concealers.

DIY Concealer Paste

• Arrowroot Powder: $6 for an 8 oz bag (~$0.38 for 1 tbsp)
• Cocoa Powder: $6 for an 8 oz container (~$0.02 for 1/8 tsp)
• Beeswax: $8 for a 15 oz bag (~$0.13 for 1/2 tbsp)
• Shea Butter: $8 for an 8 oz tub (~$0.25 for 1/2 tbsp)
• Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$0.08 for 1/2 tsp)
• Jojoba Oil: $7 for a 4 fl oz bottle (~$0.14 for 1/2 tsp)

Cost per batch: ~$1 (recipe makes about 1 fl oz, so equivalent to $0.20 per 0.2 fl. oz)

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$7 for 0.2 fl1.00 oz tube (e.g., e.l.f., Revlon, Clinique, L’Oréal Paris, or similar brands)

Savings per Batch: $6.80

Yes, conventional concealers do a good job at covering up dark circles and blemishes, but like a lot of drugstore cosmetics, they are packed with cheap fillers, additives, chemicals and synthetics that irritate skin or pose even more risky health effects. Here are some of the most concerning ingredients you’ll find in store-bought concealers:

• Parabens – Used as preservatives, these chemicals mimic estrogen and have been linked to hormonal disruption.
• Silicones – Found in many long-wear concealers, silicones create a smooth finish but trap dirt and oil, leading to breakouts and clogged pores.
• Talc – A common filler in powder-based concealers, talc has been linked to asbestos contamination, a known carcinogen.
• Petrochemicals (Mineral Oil & Paraffin) – These synthetic emollients can clog pores and prevent skin from breathing, leading to irritation.
• Synthetic Fragrances – Often made from undisclosed chemical blends, fragrances can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivities.
• Heavy Metals – Some concealers have been found to contain trace amounts of lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which can accumulate in the body over time.

How all this is legal is beyond us! Thankfully, a homemade spot concealer paste (much like our DIY highlighter powder) lets you control exactly what goes on your face—using gentle, nourishing ingredients that won’t harm your skin or health.