
Image Credit- Kelsey
If you’ve been searching for a cleaner, more natural way to enhance your beauty routine, mineral makeup DIY is the perfect place to start. Homemade mineral makeup allows you to skip harsh chemicals and embrace simple, skin-loving ingredients. Whether you’re new to natural beauty or an experienced DIYer, making your own mineral foundation, blush, or eyeshadow is easier than you think—and totally customizable to your skin tone and preferences.
Mineral Makeup DIY: Create Natural Beauty at Home

Why Choose Mineral Makeup DIY?
- Clean Ingredients: Most store-bought cosmetics are filled with synthetic additives, preservatives, and fragrances. With DIY mineral makeup, you control every ingredient that goes on your skin.
- Custom Shades: One of the biggest perks of making your own mineral makeup is being able to tweak the color to match your skin tone perfectly. No more settling for “close enough.”
- Cost-Effective: Once you invest in a few basic ingredients, your DIY makeup can save you money in the long run.
- Sensitive Skin Friendly: Without fillers or irritants, mineral makeup is gentle and breathable—ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Essential Ingredients for Mineral Makeup DIY
Here are some basic ingredients you’ll need:
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch (for a silky base)
- Zinc oxide (non-nano, uncoated) – adds coverage and sun protection
- Kaolin clay – soothes and mattifies
- Mica powder – adds shimmer and color
- Iron oxides or cocoa powder – for tinting the product
- Titanium dioxide (optional) – for extra coverage
Basic DIY Mineral Foundation Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder (adjust for desired softness)
- 1/2 tsp kaolin clay
- 1/4 tsp zinc oxide
- Iron oxides (tiny amounts) or cocoa powder for color
- Mica powder (optional for glow)
Instructions:
- In a clean bowl, mix the base powders thoroughly.
- Slowly add your colorants (iron oxides or cocoa powder) in small increments, testing the shade on your jawline until it matches your skin tone.
- Add mica if you want a touch of radiance.
- Blend everything using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle for a smoother finish.
- Store in a clean, airtight container.
Tips for Getting the Best Results:
- Always wear a mask when working with fine powders like zinc oxide or mica.
- Use a kabuki brush for even application.
- Keep track of your ratios once you get your perfect shade—it makes remaking it easy!
Creating your own mineral makeup DIY is a rewarding step toward cleaner, more personalized beauty. With a few ingredients and a little experimentation, you can achieve gorgeous results without compromising your skin’s health. Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried this or have your own favorite recipe—we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for a basic mineral makeup DIY foundation?
For a simple mineral makeup DIY foundation, you’ll need arrowroot powder or cornstarch, kaolin clay, zinc oxide, and natural colorants like cocoa powder or iron oxides to match your skin tone.
Is mineral makeup DIY suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, mineral makeup DIY is generally suitable for sensitive skin because it allows you to control every ingredient that goes into your products. Unlike commercial makeup, which often contains fragrances, preservatives, and other irritants, DIY mineral makeup uses gentle, natural powders like zinc oxide, kaolin clay, and mica. These ingredients are known for their soothing properties and non-comedogenic nature, meaning they won’t clog pores. By avoiding harsh chemicals and tailoring formulations to your skin’s needs, you reduce the risk of allergic reactions or breakouts. It’s an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive, acne-prone, or reactive skin types.
How long does homemade mineral makeup last?
When stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, mineral makeup DIY products can last up to 6–12 months, depending on the freshness of the ingredients used.