Last Updated on September 11, 2020

A few years ago, I started my natural living journey. I turned to DIY not just because it felt safer, but also because it’s cheaper. 

I like knowing exactly what’s in my products, and I’m always down for saving my pennies!

Plus, I think making zero waste makeup is a really fun challenge! 

RELATED: How Going Zero Waste Saved Me $12,000

This zero waste powder foundation is simple to make and simple to use! It’s definitely a finishing powder. It will absorb oil and even out your skin tone. It won’t leave you looking cakey. It’s not a heavy, thick foundation powder.

In the morning, I use a tinted SPF* as my base. It’s pretty sheer, but I like knowing my face is protected from the sun. If I have any red bumps, I’ll put on a dot or two of concealer*, then I’ll dust my face with this light powder to even everything out!

I have a birth mark on my left hand which you might have noticed in several videos and photos. I used my hand as an example because it was easier to take consistent photos by myself. 

I have a lot of pink in my skin which only accentuates any acne I may have. Using this powder helps smooth everything out and give the illusion of a nice even skin tone.

The main ingredient is arrowroot can also be found in my zero waste deodorant recipe, and then there are a lot of different ingredients you can use to create a shade close to your skin tone. The other ingredients you can use to adopt any shade are cacoa powder, ginger, bentonite clay, French green clay, and cinnamon.

You’ll want to adjust all of these ingredients until you get your desired shade just right. 

Arrowroot: is great for the skin! It actually helps to clear acne. Yes, you can clear your acne while wearing this foundation. Arrowroot absorbs oils and sebum all while promoting natural healing.

Organic cacoa powder: is loaded with antioxidants and is super high in vitamin C which means you’re fighting wrinkles, skin damage, and free radicals. Cacoa helps to darken the base. 

Ginger powder: has anti-bacterial properties to help unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria. Add more ginger for warmer skin tones. 

Bentonite clay: shows up in a lot of my recipes from face masks to toothpowder. It removes toxins from the pores, reduces inflammation, and lightens acne marks. It’s great for cooler skin undertones. Remember don’t use a metal spoon with clay or you’ll deactivate it! 

French green clay: is very absorbent. It works similarly to bentonite clay, but has a greenish hue. It works well with naturally pink skin to balance out the skin tone. (If I had french green clay, I would probably use it in place of the bentonite below since I have pinker skin.) 

Cinnamon: is a powerful antibacterial which can help reduce acne. However, it can really bother some people. I don’t put cinnamon in my foundation because I find it to be irritating. Test patch a small place on your skin. It adds a great warm hue to the foundation. 

All of the ingredients were obtained in bulk from Berkeley Bowl and Oaktown Spice keeping this a totally zero waste DIY. 

Homemade, Foundation Powder: 

• 1 Heaping Tablespoon of Arrowroot Powder
• 1 Heaping Teaspoon of Cacoa Powder
• ½ a Teaspoon of Ginger
• ½ a Teaspoon of Bentonite Clay

Step 1: Mix all of the ingredients together

Step 2: Dip in a powder brush and dust off the excess

Step 3: Apply to a clean face

I store my powder in an old powder tin. The powder is shelf stable and will last 9 months to a year. 

Have you tried making your own makeup? 

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