Natural Liquid Foundation Recipe

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How to make natural liquid foundation
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Natural Liquid Foundation Recipe

I’ve shared my homemade powdered makeup recipes before but I’ve been playing with a liquid foundation or creme recipe for months (ok, years).

Until now, it has just frustrated me and all of the trial recipes turned into tinted body butters or cremes because they didn’t offer enough coverage or offered too much. Some looked grainy, others streaky, others just fake.

Natural Liquid Foundation…

After dozens of tries, I finally found a recipe for a liquid foundation that offers coverage and looks amazing on skin but doesn’t look like it would be better suited for a clown.

It combines many of my favorite natural skin ingredients like shea butter and argan oil with natural minerals and clays. Once I discovered how to make a good base for this recipe, it was easy to create natural creme blush and concealer as well.

The Base Moisturizer

There are actually two options for the base of this recipe: the simple way or the DIY way. 

  1. For a simpler version, use a natural pre-made moisturizer for the base and add colors and pigments as needed.
  2. The DIY way takes a little more time and five ingredients but allows more customization since you’re making the base lotion yourself.

If you prefer the pre-made option, I recommend using one of these two natural lotions, which both are rated as safe by the Environmental Working Group (and they make your skin feel incredible!):

If you want to use the homemade version, you’ll need these ingredients for the base:

And these ingredients to add to the base for color and coverage:

Cost Comparison

Per ounce, this foundation is much less expensive than leading brands, and drastically cheaper than organic brands. I wasn’t able to nail down the exact price per ounce since so little of each ingredient was used.

If you already have all or most of the ingredients on hand from other projects, the DIY base version is going to be less expensive. If you don’t, using a natural lotion with similar ingredients is going to be less expensive.

All of the ingredients have other uses and even just a few ounces of each will make months and months of makeup. (I recommend making in small batches if using the homemade version since it won’t have a long shelf life and should be used within a few weeks).

Customizing to Your Skin Tone

If you’re using a pre-made mineral makeup in your skin tone, just add to the pre-made or homemade lotion until you get the desired color and coverage.

For the homemade version, I recommend making the base lotion (details below) and testing on your skin to make sure you like the coverage and texture. Once you create your custom base, start adding the color powders (clays, mica, cocoa, zinc, etc) little by little to get the color and coverage you want.

Some tips I discovered along the way:

  • If you’re using zinc oxide (which is used in many mineral makeups and my natural sunscreen), you’ll want to add it  first for the coverage aspect. I added about 5 times as much non-nano zinc oxide as other color ingredients
  • Then, add clays and sprinkle them on very lightly to prevent clumping. I found that a tiny bit of french green clay and fullers earth clay helped even out my skin tone
  • Then, add color slowly (you can’t undo this part!). I started by sprinkling tiny amounts of cocoa powder, bronze mica powder and gold mica powder  and mixing until I got a color that worked for my skin.
  • I tested this on the inside of my arm for color and consistency before putting on my face.
  • If you want, you can add a couple drops of a skin-safe essential oil like lavender or frankincense or rose for scent and added benefit.
  • The zinc and clays offer coverage and smoothing, the mica and cocoa add color and bronzing. Add both slowly until the desired color and coverage are reached. Let cool and re-test on the inner arm or neck to confirm it is the right color.
  • If you want a thicker creme foundation, add slightly more emulsifying wax or shea butter.
  • If you prefer a smoother/thinner coverage, add slightly less or up the aloe and witch hazel.

Natural Foundation Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons of argan oil or jajoba oil
  • 1 teaspoon of shea butter
  • 1/2 tsp emulsifying wax
  • 1 tablespoon aloe gel
  • 1 teaspoon witch hazel
  • OR 3 tablespoons of natural pre-made lotion(in place of first 5 ingredients)
  • 1-4 teaspoons non-nano zinc oxide
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1//2-1 tsp mica powder of choice
  • 1/2 tsp clay of choice (if using)
  • OR 2-3 teaspoons of All-natural mineral powder in color of choice

What to Do:

If making the simple version… just mix the organic lotion and mineral powder to get the desired color and consistency.
For the complete DIY:
Melt the shea butter, argan oil and emulsifying wax in a double boiler until completely melted.
Add the aloe and witch hazel and whisk until completely incorporated and smooth.
Turn heat off.
Slowly, start adding colors. Start with zinc and clays until desired coverage is reached. It will still be too pale at this point.
Add mica powders and cocoa powder a tiny pinch at a time until desired color is reached.
Dip the tip of a spoon into the mixture and let cool for a few seconds. Test the color and coverage on your forehead to make sure you’ve achieved the right tone for your skin.
Spoon the mixture into the desired container and let cool.

How to Store Homemade Foundation

This can be easily stored in a glass jar or old makeup container. My favorite way to store is in a silicon squeezable tube for easy application. This helps prevent contamination since you aren’t reaching into the makeup container and keeps it fresh longer.

I prefer to squeeze a small amount onto a makeup sponge and apply. A little goes a long way!

Best Pre-Made Option?

If you don’t want to make the base lotion yourself, at least consider using an organic lotion and natural mineral powder for a simple two-ingredient foundation.

The best fully pre-made liquid foundation I’ve found is Jane Iredale but the DIY option provides similar results and is much less expensive over time.

Ever made your own make-up? What did you use?

This natural liquid foundation airbrushing creme is amazing for skin and makes it look amazing with shea butter, aloe, witch hazel, argan oil and minerals.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

205 responses to “Natural Liquid Foundation Recipe”

  1. Candace Marra Avatar
    Candace Marra

    I am really anxious to try this. Your website is my go-to site for everything!

    Would diatomaceous earth work for the clay?

  2. Vanessa Avatar

    Hi Katie,

    Is there a way to make it more beige? The cocoa powder makes it dark and reddish and I don’t know how to balance it out do you have any suggestions?
    Thanks! 🙂

  3. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Hi Katie!

    First off, I just found your site about a week ago, and I LOVE your recipes! I’m on a mission to detoxify my life now too, and I feel enabled with all of your help and incredible, simple, and less expensive alternatives to store bought products! So, thank you for all you selflessly do for others in posting these recipes.

    So, I love this recipe, but I read someone else’s comment about adding 1 tsp clay for more coverage, so I tried that (along with the 4 tsp zinc), but now it dries quickly and leaves little bits of grit from the clay, especially if I try to move it around on my face or sponge over an area (I apply it with a sponge too). I tried adding some pumps of lotion here and there thinking it would solve the problem. Once I thought it was better, I finally applied it to my face, but I find I still have the same problem. Should I just keep adding lotion (using the pre-made Shea lotion)?

    Thank you again for everything!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      I haven’t tried adding that much zinc and clay but I would think that adding more lotion would help dilute it and return to a more usable texture. Maybe mix a part of the mix you have with lotion to get a good ratio before trying the whole batch

      1. Stephanie Avatar
        Stephanie

        Yeah, that’s a good idea. I don’t have the grit problem anymore, but I found if I put too much liquid foundation on one section (if I’m trying to cover something or add a touch more coverage for blemishes), it dries darker and looks a bit patchy. Do you think it’s the clay? I’m thinking it’s probably too much.

        In the future, I think I’ll just stick with 1/2 tsp clay & add 4 tsp zinc oxide. I also just made your concealer recipe so I have been trying to cover any blemishes with that first so I don’t overdo the liquid foundation, so that does help. And I also found your powder foundation also helps to set and fix anything I missed, so I’ll probably make the liquid foundation lighter/regular next time.

        Thank you again!

      2. Stephanie Avatar
        Stephanie

        Also, for greater coverage, what measurements of clay & zinc would you recommend? Maybe just sticking with 1/2 tsp clay & 4 tsp or more of zinc oxide? Or would you not go any higher than 4 tsp for zinc?

        Thank you, Katie!

  4. Monica Avatar

    I was just wondering if there is any other gel I can use as a substitute for aloe, I’m very sensitive to (probably allergic to) aloe and was hoping there’s an alternative as I would like to make this recipe without breaking out in a rash. Thanks!!

    1. Sandi Avatar

      I’m with Monica – is there anything I can sub for the aloe gel? Thanks!

  5. Jennifer Avatar

    What can I substitute the witch hazel with? I want to keep my foundation alcohol free. Thanks (:

    1. bee Avatar

      I think this recipe is a great start, but also was surprised by some of the toxic ingredients. For non-alcohol-distilled witch hazel try Thayers!

  6. Jessica Avatar

    Also, I’d love to know what SPF the zinc provides, approximately. Is there any way to know/estimate that?

  7. Jessica Avatar

    I just made this (using the first lotion listed as the base). I’m so happy with it! I love the coverage and the way it feels on my face! I’ll probably have to keep tweaking the color, but I’m overall pretty darn happy with it!!! Thank you so much for posting this, and for giving such detailed explanations. I’ll definitely be making this again.

  8. Mary Avatar

    Hi Katie! Thank you so much for your website!
    One question regarding this recipe if using pre-made organic lotion base…
    My mixture spreads on creamy at first, but then leaves little specs of what seems to be the cocao powder or cinnamon (added based upon one of your comments to readers regarding bronzing) no matter how much it is whisked. Is there anything I can do to save this batch?

  9. Jessica Avatar

    Love your site!!!! Started with your homemade sunscreen and have been having a blast with all your other recipes since, thank you!!!
    I was wondering what your thoughts were on adding more french green clay for olive skin tones, any suggestions? I have never been able to find any foundation that was actually my skin color, very much looking forward to mixing my own but was hoping to get a few more suggestions for color options. Also, in the interest of using materials I have on hand, how does the powder with aloe base compare in coverage and wear and also shelf life? Will probably make the full recipe above at some point but have to stop buying DYI beauty materials for awhile (having a bit too much fun with all this). What is your suggestion for a version without witch hazel and wax?
    Thank you again for your website, been sharing it with friends and family:)

  10. raelene Avatar

    Hello. I just went through and priced everything for this recipe according to the links you provided. I have a few questions. 1) someone posted about mica having other chemicals in it. Can you touch on this? 2) I went to my local compound pharmacy to try to get my hands on a few of these ingredients, he thinks this recipe will not work due to the fact that there is not water in it. He asked me how much water was in the aloe and I could not tell him. 3) it’s $100 to order all these products, with everything in bulk and new, how many pots (according to your measurements in the above recipe) of foundation will this make? I’m scared to spend $100 and it not work only to go back to Mac and spend another $40 on another foundation. Please help!

  11. Belle Avatar

    I have yellow-ish skin. So, what should i use for the all natural foundation? Also, do I have to use the wax?

  12. Sawah Avatar

    I’ve been looking forward to making this recipe for a while, but had to keep putting it off simply because I needed to buy the ingredients I didn’t have…
    I had total faith in you (I use a ton of your recipes for homemade products, they are amazing!), and I was not surprised that it came out amazing! I did notice that the cream ended up with a weird oily bit pooling below all the makeup. Despite that, it still went on with great coverage, but I did have to rub it in quite a bit. To me, it’s all worth it, because it’s natural/homemade, and still has great coverage and looks natural.

    Do you have any tips to avoid the “oil pooling” in the future?

  13. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Hi! I’d like to know how long it keeps fresh since you make it. Thanks for your answer.

  14. Ima Avatar

    Hi, can I omit mica and cocoa powder? Instead, substitute the cocoa with cinnamon, and substitute mica with french green clay and french red clay. What do you think about that?

  15. Courtney Avatar
    Courtney

    I went to your link to order the zinc oxcide and it says its not available and they didn’t know if it ever will be!! Do you recommend another kind?

    1. Bethany Shmyr Avatar
      Bethany Shmyr

      It’s in stock as of today. If Amazon doesn’t have it, you can order that exact Zinc directly from the Shea Company on their website.

  16. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    The wax is what allows the oils and Shea butter to mix with the aloe gel and witch hazel without separating.

  17. Lisa Avatar

    I have all the ingredients except the wax. Can I leave it out?

  18. Lindsey Avatar
    Lindsey

    Hello,

    I have tried making this twice and each time I get a grayish color rather than anything close to a skin tone. I omitted the mica powder and used cinnamon in addition to the cocoa powder instead. Have you had this happen at all, and do you have any suggestions on how to avoid the gray color? Thanks!

      1. Chesley Avatar

        I’m having the same problem…it’s gray! I made two batches. I felt like I added a lot of cocoa, but you think maybe more will do the trick? And do you use regular organic cocoa? I need to get this right! I’m almost out of expensive store-bought foundation. Haha.

  19. Tricia Avatar
    Tricia

    I really liked this recipe. It was the first time I’d made homemade liquid (turned out more like a cream) foundation. The only problem is that it molded just after a few weeks. I put it in a container that had been boiled so I don’t think it was that. I’m just wondering if it was the fact that I put it in a container with a lid, where my fingers touched it and spread germs as opposed to a squeeze container where that doesn’t happen. Or if it’s the aloe or something else in the recipe that would make it do this. I used it off and on for four days, then it set in the container for a couple weeks. Also, I didn’t realize my aloe needed to be refrigerated and had used it to make moisturizer about a month prior so it sat out all that time before I used it in the foundation. The next time I got it out to use it, it had lovely mold “spike mounds” in about four places.

    1. Tricia Avatar
      Tricia

      I should clarify that last sentence, it was in reference to the foundation, not the aloe. Also, I didn’t keep the foundation in the fridge. Is refrigeration a must for this foundation?

      1. Jaynie Avatar

        Mine did the same thing. Did you ever find out a fix or what caused it?

      2. Tracy Avatar

        I made the recipe from scratch – not using a lotion base, and after about 3 weeks in a GoTube it turned black. Gross. I think it needs to be refrigerated but I’m scared to try it again.

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