3 Homemade Foundation Recipes For All Natural Coverage

Making a natural homemade foundation doesn’t seem that bad after all!

And it totally shouldn’t. It’s actually incredibly simple, using just a few ingredients that you may already have in your cupboard. It’s also customizable, so you can tweak the formula to perfectly match your skin tone or season or special occasion, all while knowing exactly what’s going on your face.

And did we mention how much money you’ll save by making your own foundation? Scroll down to the end to see our back of the envelope math.

With all that said, if you need spot or daily full-face coverage, we’ve got your back (err..face).

This DIY powder foundation blends skin-friendly, non-comedogenic ingredients with pantry staples to deliver a breathable, buildable coverage ideal for daily use, even for those with sensitive skin.

Ingredients:

• Arrowroot Powder (1 tbsp): Acts as a base, giving the foundation a silky texture and oil-absorbing properties.
• Cocoa Powder (1/2–1 tsp, adjusted for color): Provides pigmentation and gives the foundation a warm, natural tone.
• Bentonite Clay (¼ tsp): Reduce oiliness.
• Cinnamon and/or Nutmeg Powder (Optional, a pinch): Adds a slight reddish undertone, ideal for deeper skin tones.

Instructions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine arrowroot powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and bentonite clay.
2. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until you achieve an even, consistent color.
3. Test the powder on your skin to see if it matches your tone. Add more cocoa powder or cinnamon as needed to adjust the shade.
4. Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container for storage. Apply with a makeup brush or puff for a natural, matte finish.

If liquid foundation is your go-to, this DIY liquid foundation recipe lets you tailor the shade and formula to suit your skin type. Easily adjust the ingredients for the perfect level of coverage and finish—whether you love 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.
• Zinc Oxide (1/2 tsp, optional): Provides sun protection and helps soothe the skin. It also acts as a thickening agent for your foundation.
• 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.

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.

If full coverage isn’t your priority but you need a little help concealing dark circles, blemishes, and redness, this creamy DIY concealer paste is a perfect fit. It’s mess-free, easy to apply, and conveniently fits into a small container for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

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.
• 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.

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 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.

One of the best parts of any kind of DIY natural makeup is how much money you can save. Store-bought foundations range from $10 at the drugstore to $40 or more for high-end brands. DIY foundation is not only customizable but also incredibly budget-friendly.

By switching to homemade foundation, you’ll save $50–$100 annually (depending on how quickly you go through these cosmetics) compared to buying even mid-range products. Here’s the math:

1. Homemade Powder Foundation

• Arrowroot Powder: $6 for an 8 oz bag (~$0.37 for 1 tbsp)
• Cocoa Powder: $6 for an 8 oz container (~$0.06 for ½ tsp)
• Bentonite Clay: $6 for a 4 oz bag (~$0.04 for ¼ tsp)
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg Powder: $6 for a 2 oz jar (~$0.05 for a pinch)

Cost per batch: ~$0.52

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$30 for 0.19 oz sifter (e.g., bareMinerals, Neutrogena, or similar mid-tier makeup brands)

Savings per Batch: ~$29.48

2. 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

3. 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 fl oz tube (e.g., e.l.f., Revlon, Clinique, L’Oréal Paris, or similar brands)

Savings per Batch: $6.80

Conventional foundations are often filled with ingredients that can irritate your skin or pose long-term health risks. Here are some common offenders and why they’re bad for you:

• Parabens: These preservatives mimic estrogen and are linked to hormonal disruption.
• Talc: A common filler in powders, talc has been associated with contamination by asbestos fibers, a known carcinogen.
• Synthetic Fragrances: Often made with undisclosed chemicals, they can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
• Petrochemicals: Found in many makeup products, these can clog pores and disrupt your skin’s natural balance.
• Silicones: While they make your skin feel smooth, silicones can trap dirt and oils, leading to breakouts.

Heavy Metals: Some commercial products have been found to contain trace amounts of harmful metals like lead.