As we all know, shopping for the right foundation is not the most straight forward beauty related task. It’s like you’re a size six and a half but all that’s left are sixes and sevens.

And beyond achieving the right shade, you’re also trying to avoid those pesky parabens (and other chemicals) which give you breakouts (or worse), and not overspending on yet another bottle that doesn’t quite work.

But we’ve found that making our own DIY liquid foundation (like homemade concealer) is surprisingly simple, fully customizable, and far more affordable than store-bought options. You control the ingredients, coverage, and finish, ensuring that matches your skin tone perfectly, every single time.

So that’s what we’re sharing below. Our not-so-secret liquid foundation recipe that’s good for your skin and good for your wallet (scroll to the end to see how much money you’ll save!).

Index: Homemade Liquid Foundation

  1. DIY Liquid Foundation Recipe Jump to section
  2. Cost Savings of Making Your Own Liquid Foundation Jump to section
  3. Why Make Your Own Liquid Foundation? Jump to section

DIY Liquid Foundation Recipe

If you prefer your organic foundation to be in liquid form, this recipe is customizable to your skin tone and type. You can adjust the ingredients to get your desired coverage and finish, whether you prefer a matte, dewy, or natural look.

Ingredients:

  • Arrowroot Powder (1 tbsp): A natural powder that provides a smooth, silky texture and absorbs excess oil. Helps to keep your foundation from feeling too heavy.
  • Cocoa Powder (1/2–1 tsp, adjusted for color): Adds a natural tint and can help darken or deepen your foundation. Start small and adjust as needed.
  • Liquid Oil (1 tbsp): Choose a carrier oil that works for your skin type. For dry skin, opt for jojoba or argan oil. For oily skin, go with grapeseed oil.
  • Aloe Vera Gel (1-2 tbsp): Hydrates and adds a soothing base to the foundation. It helps it spread smoothly over the skin.
  • Filtered or Distilled Water (2-3 tbsp): Adjust to the consistency you prefer. This is the liquid base that helps the foundation become more fluid.
  • Zinc Oxide (1/2 tsp, optional): Provides sun protection and helps soothe the skin. It also acts as a thickening agent for your foundation.

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the arrowroot powder, cocoa powder, and zinc oxide (if using).
  2. Slowly add your liquid oil and aloe vera gel while stirring. You can start with 1 tablespoon of oil and add more if you want a thinner consistency.
  3. Add the distilled water one tablespoon at a time until the foundation reaches your preferred thickness. If you want a lighter foundation, add more water. If you want a thicker coverage, add more arrowroot powder.
  4. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are fully combined.
  5. Test it on your jawline to see if the shade matches your skin. If it’s too dark or light, adjust by adding more cocoa powder or arrowroot powder.
  6. Store in a small glass container or pump bottle for easy application.

Cost Savings of Making Your Own Liquid Foundation

Switching to a homemade liquid foundation isn’t just about cleaner ingredients—it’s also about saving money. With store-bought foundations costing anywhere from $10 at the drugstore to $40 or more for premium brands, the yearly expense adds up fast. But making your own lets you create a formula tailored to your skin tone while spending far less per bottle.

A single batch of DIY liquid foundation from our recipe costs just $2.96 for about 3 fl oz, compared to store-bought options that average $6 per ounce. That means for every batch you make, you’re saving over $5, which could add up to $50–$100 per year—all while using safe, skin-friendly ingredients. While not as much as a savings as our homemade foundation powder, it’s still impressive. Let’s break it down.

Homemade Liquid Foundation

  • Arrowroot Powder: $6 for an 8 oz bag (~$0.75 for 2 tbsp)
  • Cocoa Powder: $6 for an 8 oz container (~$0.24 for 2 tsp)
  • Jojoba Oil: $7 for a 4 fl oz bottle (~$0.87 for 1 tbsp)
  • Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$1.00 for 2 tbsp)
  • Zinc Oxide: $10 for an 8 oz bag (~$0.10 for ½ tsp)

Cost per batch:~$2.96 (recipe makes about 3 fl oz, so equivalent to $0.99 per fl oz)

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$6 for 1 fl oz bottle (e.g., Revlon, Clinique, L’Oréal Paris, or similar brands)

Savings per Batch: $5.01

Why Make Your Own Liquid Foundation?

Many conventional liquid foundations contain ingredients that may pose serious health risks or cause skin irritation. Here are some common additives and fillers and their potential effects:​

  • Parabens: These preservatives are widely used in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth. However, they have been linked to endocrine disruption, potentially affecting hormonal balance.
  • Formaldehyde Releasers: Certain preservatives release formaldehyde over time, a chemical known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Formaldehyde is also classified as a human carcinogen. ​
  • Phthalates: Often found in products with synthetic fragrances, phthalates are associated with endocrine disruption and potential reproductive health issues.
  • Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): These chemicals are used in various cosmetics, including foundations, for their water-resistant properties. PFAS have been linked to health concerns such as reduced fertility, cancer, and hormone disruption.
  • Heavy Metals: Some cosmetics have been found to contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, which can accumulate in the body over time and pose serious health risks.

Pretty scary we know. Which is why we’re big advocates for all DIY makeup recipes (including homemade blush powder) as you can tell!​