I've been making my own makeup and skincare products for over a decade. Throughout this journey, I’ve experimented with countless variations of DIY blush. I’m excited to show you three different ways to create blush, along with their pros and cons.
Beetroot Powder Blush
The first method I tried was using just beetroot powder. Beetroot powder alone had the perfect shade for me. If you want a darker hue, add some cocoa powder, and if you prefer a lighter shade, mix in a bit of arrowroot powder.
Applying beetroot powder to your face gives a very light color with an almost speckled effect. It doesn’t provide a uniform look and won’t last long, but it’s perfect if you want just a hint of color. Over time, beetroot powder can clump, so I recommend using a mortar and pestle to break it up and return it to a fine powder.
Mica Powder Blush
Another method I’ve used is making blush with mica powders. When you buy mica powder, it’s a mix of oxide for pigment and mica, allowing for a variety of colors. You can also blend different mica powders to create unique shades.
For example, I made a beautiful blush by mixing bright pink mica with a bit of cocoa powder to deepen the color and arrowroot powder to lighten it. Another favorite of mine is a coral blush created by blending bright pink and yellow mica.
Mica powder gives your blush a shimmery finish, adding a healthy glow to your cheeks. However, if you prefer a matte look, beetroot powder might be a better option.
Cream Blush
For those who prefer cream blush, I’ve got you covered! The base of my cream blush is essentially a lip balm recipe, colored with iron oxide. Iron oxide is very potent, so you only need a small amount. Although iron oxides only come in earth tones, they can be mixed to achieve your desired shade. I like to add a bit of mica for brightness and shimmer.
I used about ⅛ of a teaspoon of red iron oxide, which is enough to give a rich color. Iron oxide suspends well in oil, ensuring a uniform product. This cream blush is versatile and can be used on your eyelids, lips, and cheeks.
1.5g Wax
3g Shea Butter
3g coconut oil
1/8 tsp or less red iron oxide
Mica according to your shimmer desire
For those curious about making a cream blush with beetroot powder, unfortunately, it doesn’t work well. The powder tends to settle at the bottom and doesn’t spread evenly, resulting in a grainy texture.
Key Takeaways
Beetroot Powder Blush: Perfect for a very light, faint color. It’s great for a subtle look but may require occasional re-powdering to avoid clumping.
Mica Powder Blush: Offers a bit of shimmer and, with the right color mix, can look stunning. It’s ideal if you enjoy a glowy finish.
Cream Blush with Iron Oxides: Provides deep, rich color and is versatile enough for lips, cheeks, and eyelids. However, the color range is limited to earth tones.
I love using iron oxide for a tinted lip balm and mica blush for my cheeks.
I’ve linked all the ingredients below.
***Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you but helps support the work I do in creating content and sharing valuable information. Thank you for your support!***
Amazon Storefront: Ingredients to make blush
Baraka Shea Butter: To get coconut oil and shea butter
use code ECO10 for a discount
