DIY Natural Cream Blush & Bronzer

I’ve been making homemade makeup for years, trying everything from DIY concealers and highlighters to lip balm and mascara. I have a favorite powder blush that I use often, but I’ve received requests for a cream blush variant. After perfecting a liquid foundation recipe, I decided to tackle a creamy blush formula as well.

You can tailor this cream blush to your skin tone for a buildable tint. If your undertones are warmer, consider using a little extra cocoa powder or warmer-toned pigments. I’ve provided guidelines for the pigment quantities I use, but feel free to adjust them to your liking.

Cream Blush

Many cream blushes available in stores contain ingredients like dimethicone, silica, and red 6, which I prefer to avoid. Although more brands now offer non-toxic versions, crafting your own is generally more economical!

Cream blush tends to offer more longevity and can be bolder and more versatile than powder alternatives. A small amount is often sufficient. I sometimes use it to darken my natural foundation during the summer months.

Depending on the ingredients you choose, your blush can finish matte or dewy. Cocoa powder lends a warmer tone to the blush, while mica contributes color and a glowy sparkle.

Ingredients for the Best Blush

This recipe has two options. You can either use a store-bought lotion as a base or create a DIY liquid base yourself.

For an easier approach, select a natural pre-made lotion for the base and introduce colors and pigments as desired.
The DIY version takes a bit longer and uses five ingredients, but it offers more customization since you’ll create the base lotion yourself.

If you decide to make your own base, you’ll need shea butter, aloe vera gel, and emulsifying wax. Beeswax isn’t suitable here due to the necessity for emulsifying wax to blend the water-and-oil-soluble ingredients. The basic ingredients mirror those in my liquid foundation recipe.

Aloe vera is hydrating, and shea butter is nourishing for dry skin. You might want to add a touch of vitamin E oil for its antioxidant properties and to extend the product’s life. While fresh aloe vera is wonderful, its shelf life is short in DIY skincare recipes, so a premade, naturally preserved aloe vera gel is preferable here.

Customize Your Cream Blush Color

This DIY begins with either cocoa powder or natural mineral makeup as the colorant. You can also add mica powder for additional pigmentation. I opted for a combination of deep berry and bright pink. A hint of bronze or mauve mica can create a more sophisticated color palette.

Start with a small quantity and gradually build up to achieve your desired color. Although I’ve included precise amounts in the recipe below, you can use more or less according to your preferences. The more pigment you use, the stronger and bolder the shade.

Use 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cocoa powder AND 1/2 to 1 teaspoon mica powder.
OR opt for 1-2 teaspoons of natural mineral powder in your chosen color.

Finding a powdered blush without titanium dioxide, which can be toxic if inhaled as a powder, is challenging. Once blended into a foundation or cream blush, the toxicity concerns seem to diminish. If you don’t have a preferred powdered blush, use the cocoa and mica alternative. Ground beetroot and other plant-based pigments tend to result in a rough texture and lack color intensity.

How to Apply It

Typically, I use a blush brush for application, but your fingers work just as well. Apply a small amount to your cheekbones and work it upward toward your temples in small circles. Placement will vary based on your face shape and coloring.

For very dry skin, consider using a moisturizer or primer first. I find the shea butter offers a creamy and moisturizing feel that pairs nicely over foundation.

Homemade Natural Cream Blush

Prep Time: 5 mins
Active Time: 7 mins
Total Time: 12 mins
Yield: 1 ounce
Author: Katie Wells

Instructions:

For the simple version, blend the organic lotion with 1-2 teaspoons of mineral powder (or mica and cocoa powder) until you reach the desired color and consistency.
For the full DIY method: In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and emulsifying wax fully.
Gradually add the aloe, whisking until smooth.
Turn off the heat and slowly incorporate the colors. Add mica and cocoa powder incrementally until you achieve the desired hue.
Test the mixture by cooling a spoonful and checking the color on your cheek or hand.
Transfer the mixture into your chosen container and let it cool.

Notes:

Instead of mica and cocoa powder, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of all-natural mineral powder. Choose a powdered natural mineral blush in the color you prefer.

Additional Tips

For a powdered version, refer to this recipe and explore my other homemade makeup recipes.
Experiment with colors (mica powders and cocoa powder) when using a pre-made lotion for a smooth blush/bronzer. It will appear much darker when making it than it will on the skin.
Adding more vegetable wax to a homemade lotion base results in a thicker, longer-lasting blush/bronzer. More aloe yields a smoother, subtler blend.
More reddish mica powders will provide a rose/pink hue similar to a blush, while additional cocoa powder or bronze mica creates a bronzer or more tan shade.
For eyes, try my natural eye shadow recipe.

Have you tried cream blush before? Share your thoughts with us!