Introduction: DIY Starter Makeup Kit and More!

About: I am married with two children. Spring, summer, and fall are my very favorite times of the year. I enjoy working in the yard, sewing, cooking, quilting, gardening, and creating. I do this to keep my sanity.
I have been interested in making my own skin care products for many years. The main reason I made my own was because, I wanted certain fragrances that I could not find and I had dry skin and wanted something that would moisturize with out having to re-apply it all the time. I also wanted to make them as natural as I could. I don't wear much makeup these days but I have a new daughter-in-law that is very interested in natural skin care products and is having a difficult time finding makeup that she likes. I thought I would make an instructable make-up kit with sample recipes that she can try.

Several years ago I broke down and purchased some mineral foundation and it was very expensive! I think my recipe for the powder foundation compares to my mineral foundation for texture and coverage. Personally I like liquid foundations because I live in a very dry climate and it seems to moisturize my skin and it has a smoother coverage.   


Here are a few recipes that I made that works for me. I made them in small quantities so it will be inexpensive for those who are leaning towards making their own makeup. The ingredients will surprise you. You will probably have a few in your home already! If you don't have these items; they are not very expensive and there are many different uses for them, if you don't like the results for makeup. This kit includes directions on how to make powder and liquid foundations,  primers for dry and oily skin, cleanser, toner, cream and powdered blush and eye shadow, mascara and eye liner, and setting spray. 

It is a great way to use up those small glass bottles, mixed matched salt or pepper shakers, Altoids containers as well as a way to recycle broken or unused eye shadows and use up the little mixture of lotions trapped in the bottom of containers. 

Step 1: Important Author Notes

This instructable layout is different than what I usually do because each item in the kit has few ingredients and the directions are very simple. Basically each category in the kit will be a single page, listing the ingredients, supplies, and directions to make mascara and eye liner, primer for 2 skin types, powder foundation, liquid foundation, blush and eye shadow, toner, and setting spray.

All containers need to be sterilized. Please keep in mind that homemade products do not contain preservatives so it is best to make small batches and refrigerate. They usually last about a week if they contain water. If they have a rancid smell; I would not risk using them. Most of them take only a minute to make anyway, as long as the ingredients are handy. 

As with anything you mix together always test it in a small area on your skin over a period of a few days before using it all over your face. It is a good idea to date the products using a black marker on the bottle or container. I recommend using toothpicks or small wooden skewers for mixing, sometimes different metals react with ingredients. I like to use glass for mixing and storing but sometimes it is difficult to find small glass containers for storing. So many companies are using plastic containers. For best results use dark containers.

If chemicals are a concern to you, it is best to purchase all organic products if you can. I have a difficult time finding many of the products I love so much; in organic because I live in a very small town. If you go to a health food store they sell a lot of products that are not as natural as you would expect from a store like this. So read the labels carefully! Natural does not necessarily mean a product is good for your skin.
 

Step 2: Cleanser, Toner, and Moisturizer

Here are some oldie recipes I have used. I ran out of containers so I don't have these made up. Remember these do not have preservatives so small batches are best. Simply add all the ingredients together and put in a bottle and shake thoroughly before applying. Refrigerate. 

Cleanser helps reduce acne break outs: 
1/4 Cup distilled water
2 Tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon mild liquid soap
Mix and shake.
Refrigerate and use within a week or two.
Ratio is approximately 2 to 1
Add color and scent just for fun! 
Add essential oils for more fun! 
 
Toner for oily skin:
 
1/4 Cup Witch Hazel
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Drop Lavender oil (for dry skin add jojoba oil instead)
Ratio is approx 9 to 1
 
or

1 to 1 ratio Apple Cider Vinegar and Rose water for normal skin.
 
Moisturizers

I have used three moisturizers for many years and I swear by them.
Jojoba oil, Shea butter, and honey. I read that jojoba oil is one of the closest oils to our natural skin oils and began using it for that reason, that was 30 years ago! 

Honey is very good. I will rub in a generous amount and let it stay on my skin for about 20 minutes and rinse it off and pat dry. I like to do this in the bath tub because it is sticky! I did not realize how much honey has gone up in price until I ran out of honey. My neighbor was a bee keeper and he would keep me supplied! He moved away! 
When I am out of the oil; I will rub Shea butter on damp skin.
I always add a few drops of the jojoba oil to my bath water.
When my skin is very dry I will apply the oil to my skin after a bath or shower when my skin is slightly damp.
I add colors and scents to a lot of my homemade solutions because I love them so much! 
 
 

 


 
 

Step 3: Primers, Toners, and Setting Spray

Primers and setting sprays are very popular right now. I decided to share this information for those who are using the store bought brands because this is less expensive. Make up artist use Milk of Magnesia original unflavored formula mixed with distilled water and apply it with a cosmetic sponge or put it in a spray bottle for a primer. I have read a lot of people use a thin coat of the Milk of Magnesia with a damp sponge for oily skin. Reviews are very mixed about using this because of the high PH factor. So I will leave it up to my readers to make the decision if they want to try it or not. Milk of Magnesia has a PH balance of 10.5.

One thing to consider before using this recipe for primer; cosmetic companies hire chemist to formulate products that work wonders for the skin. This would include formulating products that are PH balanced. Adding water to the Milk of Magnesia does change the balance but I don't have the testing strips to tell you what it is after the other ingredients are added. I have read that different water sources have a different PH factor so I am not sure if that is true or not. After trying this primer recipe I understand why everyone loves it for a primer. Makeup glides over the face so much smoother. If I were on a budget and had oily skin or acne I probably would try this myself. I would look at it as the lesser evil, unless I began experiencing reactions to it. Bar soap has a very high PH and look at how many people use it. With that said, I would like to add that junk food and life styles has a lot to do with how our skin reacts. I have known a lot of people who have changed their diet and their skin problems went away. Drinking plenty of fresh water makes a huge difference in our appearance! 

 I learned to alternate all my bath and beauty products so that I have a short break from using the same brands. Perhaps you could use the Milk of Magnesia on days when your skin is more oily than other days or limit the use to one day a week and use the setting spray as a primer. 

Milk of Magnesia is very drying to the skin but I have read tons of reviews and people who have oily skin swear by it. My suggestion is to start with a 1 part solution of Milk of Magnesia to 3 parts distilled water using a very small spray bottle and shake well. Try it for a few days and adjust the amounts as needed. I would think this method would be the best to try first. The way I see it is; why use more than what is required to achieve the benefits. Most people mix it half and half and some with very oily skin use the damp sponge with Milk of Magnesia from the bottle, however I would use a mixture and add a little more until you have desired results. The idea is to use a very thin coat. Otherwise you will have streaks and your make up will have a caked appearance. Everyone  (oily or dry skin)  loved the way it worked for them and their make up lasted longer. Some were disappointed they could no longer use it because of skin irritations.

I made my own recipe for dry skin, 1 part Milk of Magnesia to 3 parts distilled water and added 1 teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel and a couple drops of vitamin E oil and it was fine for my dry skin.I used it as a spray. I don't wear much makeup but I did not notice it to be drying to my skin. You might just use it for break outs. If you begin experiencing any problems I would stop using it. I have read some people using this over a period of time began to experience skin irritations. When they stopped using it the symptoms went away. If you begin to have any type of allergies I would stop using Milk of Magnesia first! 

I mixed a wonderful recipe for a setting spray that seems to make the home-made foundations last longer and it is a friendlier approach to store bought versions and the Milk of Magnesia. I don't know why you couldn't use it for a setting spray and a primer. I know I will receive questions about glycerin. You may use both types of glycerin.

Primer oily skin:
1/4 cup Distilled water
1 Tablespoon Milk of Magnesia
Pour into a sterilized trial size spray bottle
Shake well before using.
Lightly mist face.
Even out with a damp cosmetic sponge. 
Allow to dry before applying makeup.
 
Primer Dry skin:
1/4 cup Distilled water 
1 Tablespoon Milk of Magnesia
1 teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel 
1-2 Drops Vitamin E oil
Pour into a trial size sterilized spray bottle.
Shake well and Lightly mist face.
Even out with a damp cosmetic sponge.
Allow to dry before applying makeup.
 
 Setting spray:
 
Sterilized trial size spray bottle.
Add 1/4 cup Distilled water to bottle and
1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel or Vegetable Glycerin and
2 drops of Vitamin E oil and
Shake well before applying to face.
 
Toner: MY Favorite!

Pour 1/4 Cup Rose Water into a container and add 
1 Tablespoon vinegar and
1 Drop Lavender oil and 
Shake well before using
Refrigerate
 
For Oily skin
Pour 1/4 Cup distilled water into container and add
2 teaspoons honey and 
1 teaspoon mild liquid soap and 
Shake well before using
Refrigerate
 
 

Step 4: Liquid and Dry Foundation Information

The dry foundation works best for oily skin where as the liquid works best for dry skin. A person could formulate the liquid foundation to  their skin type through experimentation. I absolutely love my recipe for the liquid foundation and will never buy foundation again! If you have oily skin but would prefer a liquid or cream formula, I would experiment using Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, and Rose Water. I would remove a few tablespoons of the water and replace it with whatever liquids you like. Try 1 formula using Witch Hazel and water, then try Aloe Vera, and then Rose water. See how they work. If you are satisfied, then mix the ones you like adding only one at a time and trying it as you add the different ingredients. To make the liquid foundation more creamy add Arrow Root flour or Corn Starch until it is the way you like it, (but the Arrow Root is better) . You can use these recipes for a concealer by adding more Cocoa ( to both formulas) and (Arrow Root flour to the liquid) and (Lecithin a tiny bit to the liquid formula optional.)

Yes, there is a mild chocolate scent but it will be faint after a while. Adding the Rose Water to the formula makes a tantalizing scent!
I loved it! You can try this now if you don't have all the ingredients as long as you have the corn starch and Cocoa. It will give you an idea if you want to buy the ingredients you don't have. Add the dry formula to a lotion or moisturizer. I tried it with lotion and it worked very nicely. I liked my formula better but all lotions are different. Please remember to make small batches and refrigerate because homemade products don't contain preservatives and usually only last about a week in the fridge. 

I tried to make a formula for a pressed compact but it did not turn out. I will add it if I can create a formula that works. 

I was not disappointed in either formulas. I liked the chocolate smell even though I am not fond of some of the new scented products.

I came across an interesting thing about that. A company has invented a pill that you ingest to make your body smell like a perfume. You can Google it by using the words perfume pill.

 


Step 5: Powder Foundation and Base for Liquid Foundation

Powder Foundation for Oily skin and the base for the liquid foundation:
 
Cocoa
Arrow Root flour or Corn Starch can be substituted but Arrow Root powder is better.
Coffee grinder optional
Salt Shaker
1 Cotton cosmetic pad
Small bowls to experiment
Scissors
Funnel
Measuring spoons

 
Start out by measuring 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and put it on a plate. Try the powder on your skin for color. If it is too dark add 1/8 teaspoon of Arrow Root flour to the cocoa and mix thoroughly. Test it on your skin again. If it is still too dark try another 1/8 teaspoon of the Arrow Root flour. Test again. Repeat this method until you are happy. Make a note of your ratio for future use, and mix a larger batch and mix thoroughly or ( blend in the coffee grinder for great results.)
Pour the foundation into the salt shaker using a funnel. Cut the cosmetic pad down to fit the lid of the salt shaker and stick the cotton inside of the lid to prevent the foundation from spilling. This bottle can be put in your purse and the cotton will serve as an applicator.

You can buy mica to make a more custom color or perhaps try using powdered eye shadow by scraping the powder with a toothpick to remove it from the container and add this to the Arrow Root flour.


Step 6: Liquid Foundation Recipe

I experimented using a lot of different ingredients and I think these two are the best I have come up with. I really like everything about the formula for dry skin because it supplied enough moisture for my skin and it was amazing how it glided across my skin but yet it was not oily and it did not seem to rub off easily. The formula for oily skin is a matte finish so I think it will work nicely for those with with skin problems. I wished my daughters were here to be my models! You will have to see my old hand instead. The picture does not do the makeup much justice  . . . .too bad I did not capture the beauty of it and the wonderful coverage.

Oily skin formula
 
Mix all together and pour into a container using the funnel:
1 teaspoon foundation formula
1/2 teaspoon Witch Hazel
1/8 teaspoon Aloe Vera
1/8 teaspoon Glycerin
Drop Vitamin E oil
Drop Jojoba oil
Shake well before using
Store in the refrigerator
 
Supplies:

Funnel
Container for storing
Measuring spoons
Small glass bowls
Skewers or tooth picks for mixing

 
If this mixture is too wet just add more foundation. If it is too dry choose which liquid you think would benefit your skin the best and add to the mixture.
 
Dry skin formula:
 
Mix and pour into a container using the funnel.
 
1 Teaspoon foundation
1/4 teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel
1/4 Glycerin
1 Drop Jojoba oil
1 Drop Vitamin E oil
Distilled water as needed or try the Rose water  mmmmmm!
Shake well before using.
Store in refrigerator
 
Utensils:
 
Funnel
Container for storing
Measuring spoons
Small glass bowls
Skewers or tooth picks for mixing
 

 

Step 7: Blush and Eye Shadow

I have mentioned before that instructables has been a great inspiration for me because I have learned so much the past few years. When I decide to post an instructable I often resort to research like I did with this one. I wanted to find out about the history of makeup and what makeup woman made in Cleopatra's time. Wow! That was an eye opener!  I am surprised women even lived through that experience, maybe they didn't! Women did use a lot of fruit for blush and eye shadow which does work and would be great for your skin. Mash up some fruit and apply the juice to your eye lids or cheeks or slice a piece of beet and rub it on your face, or use the juice to apply mascara! These methods all work! Great for vegans! 

After reading articles about the history of using makeup, I feel pretty good about America because at least there are some regulations in place for the cosmetic industry. I also learned that a lot of red and pink lipsticks contain carminic acid to make the pink and red colors, which come from the insect cochineal,  I won't go through the process with you but Google it and you can read all about it.  When buying lipsticks look for labels that say lead free! I suppose this is another good reason to make your own! The bugs don't bother me as much as the lead does!  http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/lead-free-lipsticks-470402#slide-1

Powder blush and eye shadow:
 
1 teaspoon Arrow Root flour.
Add a little pinch at a time until you get the desired color you want of  Cocoa powder,  mica powders in shades you love! I love purple, scrapings from powdered eye shadow, dried beet root, or colored spices like cinnamon.
Mix thoroughly.
Store in a lidded container.
If you want more of a shine to the shadow or blush rub in a tiny amount of oil on the area you want the color and then apply the powder. Add essential oils to scent it for some extra fun! I used fig! 
 
Cream Eye Shadow or blush 
 
1 Tablespoon Jojoba Butter.
Mica powder, I wanted purple eye shadow and used eye shadow scrapings  Beet root powder, or Cinnamon
Mix the color into the butter until you get the desired shade.
Put it into a storage container with a lid and refrigerate.
If you want less shine apply a tiny amount of Arrow root flour over the colored area and to the formula.

There are a lot of recipes for lip balms and lipsticks on this site so I decided not to make one. I have an idea for one that is very different but I have not perfected it yet . . . .

 

  



 

Step 8: Mascara and Eye Liner

Your going to love this one! When I was wearing makeup I gave up on making mascara because I never liked the results. It never lasted very long and I had to re-apply it often during the day. I figured out a way to remedy that and this is the recipe. Please note that charcoal has tiny grains that hurts if you get it in your eye, so be very careful and don't let your children get into it as it could injure their eye and please use at your own risk. These recipes are very good though.

Black Mascara: 
 
Ingredients and tools:
1-2 Activated charcoal removed from gel capsule.
Blending the charcoal in a coffee grinder on fine grounds would make this a finer powder.
1 Small piece of black crayon. A great way to use broken crayons!
Small pinch of grated bees wax.
1 Drop of vitamin E oil.
1 tiny amount of liquid Lecithin this is very sticky and I mean tiny amount! 
1 Cup of very hot water almost to the top but not quite.
1 Small glass container that will fit over a cup as shown.
Skewer.
Altoids tin a round shaped one that will fit inside the glass container will work the best.
1 Very clean mascara brush. A great re-use item!
 
Method:

Heat the cup of water.
Add the crayon, charcoal, bees wax, vitamin E oil, and lecithin to the glass container. 
Place it on top of the hot cup of water.
When it has melted, remove the glass from the cup and stir ingredients thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into the metal tin.
Store in the refrigerator.

The mixture will need to be melted each time you use the mascara but . . .  it will last on your eye lashes much
longer than just using the charcoal and vitamin E oil. 
That is why I had you put the mascara in the tin container.
When you are ready to use the mascara just heat a cup of water and place the container over the hot water and put the tin in the glass container until it melts.
Then remove the tin and apply the mascara. Keep in mind this sets up quickly.
It is important to clean your mascara brush every-time you use it or the mixture will harden on the brush.
I have not figured out a brown mascara method yet but will post one when I do.
If the formula is clumpy, chances are you added too much crayon or the mascara was too cool when you applied it. 
 
 

Black Eye Liner:
 
Ingredients and tools:

1 Activated Charcoal removed from gel capsule.
Blend in coffee grinder for a finer texture.
Begin with 1 drop of each coconut oil and cocoa butter adding more if needed, which is possible, or try different butters and oils. People have used Vaseline but I like the natural approach.
Small glass dish.
Skewer or tooth- pick
Container
Eye liner applicator
 
You can experiment using crayons that have been melted and add oils and butters to make it into a softer formula. You can also try bees wax and oils and eye shadows. 

 
Method: 
 
Mix all ingredients very very thoroughly before adding more oil or butter. You don't want it too oily or it will smear and not stick.
If you like it  . . . make more increasing the ingredients enough to fill the container.
Store in a lidded container.
 
When I create a brown liner I will add it to this page.

 

 


 
 
 

Step 9: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

This kit is a great way to make a transition from store bought cosmetics to a more natural formula that you can make. It is also inexpensive to experiment with, so you can make a decision to purchase make up kits and mica colors or not to purchase them.
If you think this is something you want to pursue and choose to make high end makeup,  I recommend going to the library and check out books on how to make cosmetics. The authors obviously had enough knowledge and expertise to author and publish a book about their recipes. The recipes I have here are very good in my opinion. In the next week or so I will have several new instructables that you won't want to miss, so please check in to see them. I wish I could show you a sneak peak but you will just have to wait! 

I'll bet you would be surprised at how many people are insecure about their looks! I have read famous people have admitted this.
I believe all people are beautiful, some are just more beautiful, physically than others. Inward beauty is priceless! With that said, I recently came across a video made for the Dove company that showed how we view ourselves and how others view us. It was so moving I wanted to share it with my readers. Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/dove-hires-criminal-sketch-artist-draw-women-they-see-themselves-and-others-see-them-148613 

I wish to thank Instructables, our sponsors, authors, and loyal readers for making this the best Diy on the internet! Thanks for stopping by and do have a splendorous day!

sunshiine