I’ve been experimenting with homemade makeup for years, from homemade concealer and highlighter to lip balm and mascara. I have a powder blush that I love and that works well, but I’ve been asked for a cream blush option. After nailing down a liquid foundation recipe, I decided to also work on a creamy formula blush.
You can customize this cream blush to your skin tone for a buildable tint. If you have warmer undertones, use a little more cocoa powder or warmer-toned pigments. I’ve included instructions for the amounts of pigment I use, but you can modify them to your preference.
cream blush
Much of the cream blush on the market uses ingredients like dimethicone, silica, red 6, and other ingredients that I’m not crazy about. While more and more companies are making non-toxic options, it’s usually cheaper to make your own!
Cream blush has more staying power and can be much bolder and more versatile than powder blush. A little goes a long way. I also use a small amount to darken my natural foundation if needed during the summer.
Depending on the ingredients used, your blush can have a matte or dewy finish. Cocoa powder helps give the cream blush formula a warmer tone, and mica adds color and a shimmering shine.
Ingredients for the best blush
There are two options for this recipe. One uses a pre-made lotion, while the other is a homemade liquid foundation.
- For a simpler version, use a pre-made natural lotion for the base and add colors and pigments as needed.
- The homemade base requires a little more time and five ingredients, but allows for more customization since you make the base lotion yourself.
If you are making your own blush base, you will need shea butter, aloe vera gel, and emulsifying wax. Beeswax won’t work here because we need the emulsifying wax to combine the water and oil soluble ingredients. The basic ingredients are the same as my liquid base recipe.
Aloe vera is hydrating and shea butter is nourishing for dry skin. You can also add some vitamin E oil for antioxidants and extend shelf life. While I love fresh aloe vera, it has a very short shelf life in homemade skin care recipes. Using a pre-made and naturally preserved aloe vera gel works best in this case.
Customize your cream blush color
This DIY starts with cocoa powder or natural mineral makeup as a colorant. You can then add mica powder for additional pigment. I used a combination of a deep berry color and a bright pink. You could even add some bronze or mauve mica to the mix for a more complex color palette.
Start with just a little bit and add more until you get the color you want. I’ve included the exact amounts I used in the recipe below, but you can add more or less depending on your preferences. The more pigment you add, the stronger and bolder the color will be.
- Use 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cocoa powder AND 1/2 to 1 teaspoon mica powder.
- Or use 1-2 teaspoons of natural mineral powder in the color you prefer
It’s hard to find a powder blush without titanium dioxide, which can be toxic if inhaled in powder form. Once mixed with a foundation or cream blush, it doesn’t seem to have the same toxicity issues. If you don’t already have a powder blush you like, use the cocoa powder and mica option. Plant-based pigments, such as ground beets, produce a gritty product that doesn’t add much color to the skin.
How to apply it
I normally use a blush brush to apply this, but you can easily use your fingers. You’ll want to apply a little to your cheekbones and then rub it toward your temples in small circles. The exact location depends on the shape and color of your face.
If you have a very dry skin type, you may need to apply a moisturizer or primer to your face first. I think the shea butter gives it a creamy, hydrating feel that works well over foundation.
Homemade natural cream blush
Produce: 1 ounce
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If you make the simple version…simply mix the organic lotion and 1-2 teaspoons of mineral powder (or mica powder and cocoa powder) to get the desired color and consistency.
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For the complete DIY: Melt the shea butter and emulsifying wax 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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Turn off the heat and slowly add the colors. Add the mica and cocoa powder little by little until you reach the desired color.
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Dip the tip of a spoon into the mixture and let it cool for a few seconds. Test the color and coverage on your cheek or the back of your hand to make sure you’ve achieved the right shade for your skin.
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Pour the mixture into the desired container and let it cool.
Instead of mica and cocoa powder, you can use 1 or 2 teaspoons of all-natural mineral powder. Opt for a natural mineral powder blush in the color of your choice.
Additional Tips
- For a powder version, check out this recipe and check out my other homemade makeup recipes here.
- Adding colors (mica powders and cocoa powder) to a pre-made lotion will create a very soft blush/bronzer. Experiment with colors until you get the desired tone. It will look much darker doing this than on the skin.
- Adding more vegetable wax with the homemade lotion base will make the blush/bronzer thicker and longer lasting. Using more aloe creates a softer, more subtle blend.
- Adding more reddish mica powder will give a more pinkish blush-like tone, while more cocoa powder or bronze mica will create a tanner or tanner blend.
- For your eyes, try my natural eyeshadow recipe.
Have you ever used cream blush? Leave a comment and let us know!
