DIY Beauty: how to make your own liquid foundation

I love using liquid foundation these days and have been looking to change to a more natural formulation. However, I haven’t found one that appeals to me and in the meantime, decided to experiment making my own using mineral powder. I’ve come across some recipes and decided to try two of them. They’re pretty easy and all I need are two ingredients. One is a carrier oil and the other is a moisturizer.

Choosing the right carrier oil
With the carrier oil, you have to pick one that works for your skin and that’s kind of tricky because not everybody likes the idea of using oil on their skin. Even though I have no issues with using facial oil, this recipe was challenging for me as I wasn’t sure which one to use. I tried using sweet almond oil because it works pretty well for my skin. Others have mentioned that jojoba or olive oil works well too.

Making into a smooth paste
So what I did was to mix the carrier oil with the mineral foundation powder until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. The trick is, how much oil should you be adding? If you add too much, the mixture will become too oily and if too little, the mixture will be too dry. The best bet is to mix bit by bit. So for this, it’s quite impossible to make a large batch all at once.

Similar to a liquid foundation
The texture actually turned out to look and feel very close to liquid foundation. Application was also quite easy. It worked pretty well in terms of color and finishing but my skin did feel quite dry after half a day even though this uses oil.

More like a tinted moisturizer
The other recipe consist of a moisturizer plus mineral foundation powder. Well, I tried making this and although it is way easier than using a carrier oil, I find the outcome less than desirable. What I got wasn’t really a liquid foundation but more like a tinted moisturizer.

Continuing my hunt
I’m not sure if this is something you would like to try. For me, it was kind of fun to experiment making my own liquid foundation but I think I’ll continue my hunt for a more naturally formulated liquid foundation.

Comments

  1. Flym says:

    I’d like to experiment too but worry that the oil might lift or affect the sunscreen that is already applied on skin.

  2. EcoBeauty says:

    Interesting. ? I didn’t know oil can readily mix with mineral powder. I’ve got lots of unused mineral foundation samples at home. I don’t think I’ll be able to really use it in the end but I think it’ll be fun to just play with mixing.
    EcoBeauty last post is: Sleep in Total Darkness to Stay Young and Lose the Bulges!

  3. Nancy@Permanent Eyebrows says:

    haha.. its good to experiment.. but when it comes to my face i m very scared of doing experiments.. my skin is a bit oily.. so i dont think anything with oil in it could really suit me.. i normally go for mineral foundation, and it smudges with my skin soo beautiful.. after an hour when my natural oil comes out..

  4. eve says:

    i was also looking for organic foundationand find the 100% pure foundation quit good. It has a matifying effect after application so there is no need for me to use any loose powder. It goes very well with the otganic pharmacy sunscreen which is very moisturing. U might want to check the foundation out.

  5. Ness says:

    Oh Wicked! It looks like it might get a little messy though right? I know what I’m doing this weekend!

  6. Zaggora Girl says:

    Looks like a fun experiment! We’d like to give it a try! Was the end product as long lasting as normal foundation? Or did you find it wears off easily?

  7. Sesame says:

    It should not if you use a sponge to dab on.

  8. Sesame says:

    Yes, it’s possible but using the right oil is tricky.

  9. Sesame says:

    Yeah, try only if you’re comfortable otherwise just stick to what you’re using. ?

  10. Sesame says:

    I wonder if 100% Pure is too sheer for me. I might take a look at the product again…thanks!

  11. Sesame says:

    The mixing might get a bit messy but a small batch is okay.

  12. Sesame says:

    It lasted quite well for me but my skin felt a bit dry after half a day.

  13. Amanda says:

    Looks fun, but I think I will only reserve it for fun purposes only. I definitely don’t want to mix my foundation day in and day out…

  14. composer says:

    I’ve done this with too-greasy sunscreens. Works like a charm, and the added SPF is a nice bonus too!

  15. Sesame says:

    If you get the oil amount correct, can actually make a slightly larger batch to last for a week or two.

  16. Sesame says:

    Oh with greasy sunscreens? Hmm…that’s an idea. I might experiment with that. Thanks for sharing the tip!

  17. Swati says:

    the sunscreen idea is in fact really good ? thanks to the reader ? will try that out coz I am not using my compact either.
    Swati last post is: What should I add?

  18. Sesame says:

    Hope it’ll work well for you.

  19. Zaggora Girl says:

    Ok, we will try this and keep our moisturizers handy ?

  20. Agnes says:

    I experimented with this. Didn’t work. Somehow the mineral make up won’t mix well with the oil. Probably just me being clumsy.
    Agnes last post is: Oorzaak rosacea eindelijk ontdekt, of toch niet?

  21. Sesame says:

    It didn’t? Did you use too much powder?

  22. Mon says:

    hey sesame,

    do u have any good recommendation on organic liquid foundation that has almost the same effect as giorgio armani’s? Thanks ?

  23. Sesame says:

    Never tried GA to know how it looks. I liked Zuii Organics which I reviewed sometime ago:
    https://www.vivawoman.net/2009/02/10/review-zuii-organic-floral-makeup/

  24. Satya says:

    While I appreciate your creativity, your approach could lead many to get allergic reactions and sensitivity to skin. I think they would best go to mineral makeups that already provide cream mineral foundation, or liquid foundation so that the formula is right, and the breakout chance is greatly reduced.

  25. Sesame says:

    I don’t think this will cause sensitivity but it may not work for certain skin types. At the end of the day, those who want to DIY should be aware that they have to take a risk if they wish to experiment. Otherwise, like what you mentioned, best to get end products.

  26. Lisa says:

    If you have oily skin or want the foundation to sit longer you should try mixing it with aloe vera. I got the tip from a Swedish mineral brand called Tikei, I think it will be really good for the summer! Nice blog, btw ?

  27. Jane Hiushark says:

    Yes, I have oily skin. Do you mean Sesame recipe + aloe vera or basic foundation + aloe vera?

  28. Franny says:

    This is going to get messy! Can’t wait to give it a try though
    Franny last post is: gotta love lorem ipsum

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