I’ve been experimenting with homemade makeup for years, from DIY concealer and highlighter to lip balm to mascara. I have a powder blush that I love and it works well, but I’ve been getting requests for a cream blush option. After I nailed the basic liquid method, I decided to work on the formula as well.
You can adjust this cream to your skin tone for a buildable color. If you have warm colors, then use a little cocoa powder or warm colors. I’ve included instructions for the amount of coloring I used, but you can adjust to your preferences.
Blue cream
Many creams on the market use ingredients like dimethicone, silica, red 6, and other ingredients that I am not happy with. While many companies now make non-toxic options, it’s often cheaper than making your own!
Cream blue has more staying power and can be much bolder and better than powder blue. A little goes a long way. I also use a small amount to darken my natural foundation if I need it during the summer.
Depending on the ingredients used, your blush can have a matte or frosty finish. The cocoa powder helps the blue cream to have a warmer tone and the mica adds color and a glossy sheen.
The Best Blusher Ingredients
There are two options for this recipe. One uses a pre-made cream, while the other is a DIY liquid base.
- To get a simple version, use a natural lotion that has already been made as a base and add colors and colors if necessary.
- The DIY base takes a little more time and five ingredients but allows you a lot of flexibility since you are making the base cream yourself.
If you are making your own foundation, you will need shea butter, aloe vera gel, and an emulsifying agent. Beeswax won’t work here because we need an emulsifying agent to combine the water and oil-soluble ingredients. The foundation ingredients are the same as my liquid foundation recipe.
Aloe vera is hydrating and shea butter is nourishing for dry skin. You can also add a little vitamin E for antioxidants and to increase shelf life. While I love fresh aloe vera, it has a very short shelf life for DIY skin care recipes. Using pre-made and naturally preserved aloe vera gel is best here.
Customize your Cream Color
This DIY starts with cocoa powder or natural mineral coloring. You can then add mica powder for extra color. I used a combination of deep berry and bright red. You can even add a little copper or mauve mica to the mix for a more complex color palette.
Start with a little and add more until you get the color you want. I’ve included the exact amount I used for this recipe below, but you can add more or less depending on your preferences. The more color you add the stronger the color.
- Use 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder AND 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of mica powder.
- OR use 1-2 tablespoons of natural mineral powder in your color of choice
It is difficult to find powder blue that does not contain titanium dioxide, which can be toxic if inhaled as a powder. When mixed with foundation or blush cream it doesn’t seem to have the same toxicity concerns. If you don’t have a powder blue that you already like, then use cocoa powder and mica instead. Plant-based colors like ground beetroot produce a harsh product that doesn’t give the skin much color.
How to Apply
I usually use a brush to apply this but you can just as easily use your fingers. You will need to apply a little on your cheeks and rub up on your temples in small circles. The exact placement depends on your face shape and coloring.
If you have a really dry skin type, you may need to apply a moisturizer or primer to your face first. I find that the shea butter gives this a creamy and moisturizing feel that works well with foundation.
Homemade Natural Creams
Production: 1 ounce
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If making the simple version… just mix the organic cream and 1-2 spoons of mineral powder (or mica powder and cocoa powder) to get the desired color and consistency.
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For a complete DIY: Melt shea butter and sugar in a double boiler until completely melted.
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Add the aloe a little at a time and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
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Cover the heat and slowly add the colors. Add the mica and cocoa powder a little at a time until the desired color is achieved.
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Drop the tip of a spoon into the mixture and let it cool for a few seconds. Test the color on your cheekbones or the back of your hand to make sure you’ve achieved the right tone for your skin.
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Take the mixture in the desired container and let it cool.
Instead of mica powder and cocoa, you can use 1-2 spoons of natural mineral powder. Choose natural mineral powder in your color of choice.
Additional Tips
- For the powdered version, check out this recipe and other homemade makeup recipes.
- Adding pigments (mica powder and cocoa powder) to pre-made lotions will create a very smooth blue/copper. Experiment with colors until you find the desired shade. It will look much darker when done than on the skin.
- Adding extra vegetable wax to your homemade cream base will make the blue/bronze thicker and longer lasting. Using a lot of aloe makes it a very simple and subtle mixture.
- Adding more pink mica powder will give a rose/pink like blush while more cocoa powder or bronze mica will create a bronzer or more tan look.
- For your eyes, try my natural eyeshadow recipe.
Have you ever used cream blush before? Leave a comment and let us know!