HOMEMADE LOOSE FACE POWDER FOR PENNIES!!

I am so exicted. While browsing the web I have come across alot of posts for homemade face powder. I'm so impressed! It actually works- like really, really good!

Now, I have long used baby powder as my setting powder. I used to use the talc based powder as the cornstarch based one can cause blemishes. However, I have recently changed to the cornstarch based powder as it seems to give me a better (softer) finish and its more absorbent (at least for me) than talc.  I have oily skin (like the desert of Kuwait)  but its not really blemish prone and I haven't had any problems with the cornstarch. But don't say I didn't warn you in case you try it and break out a week later.

                                     

The only issue I have ever had with baby powder is that it can be too white, especially in the summer months when bronzer is better. I remedy this by applying it very lightly and wearing a slightly darker foundation. Now, I have found an even better solution.


Pure cornstarch  (in the baking aisle)     

             and


unsweetened cocoa powder (yes, like Hersheys- also in the baking aisle)


 I was amazed. Pure cornstarch is actually finer milled and more absorbent than the baby powder version and its cheaper but its really, really white.


Cocoa powder has natural antioxidant properties and isn't a skin irritant plus it has that lovely neutral, natural, soft brown color.

Mix them together and Ta-da !  Perfect oil absorbing loose face powder.


I am light so I started with 1/2 cup cornstarch to 1 teaspoon cocoa powder. Yes, thats alot to start with but for some reason I can't do anything in small batches.  This mix is perfect for me. I mix it up then put it in a old glass jar. I sprinkle some on the lid, use a big fluffy brush, swirl and tap, then buff onto skin over my foundation. I am perfectly matte and shine free all day. I love it.

Now, you need to custom mix this for your skin tone. Perhaps start out with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a 1/8 teaspoon or a sprinkle of cocoa, adding more cocoa to deepen the shade. To much cocoa, add more cornstarch.  Record your efforts so you have the correct measurments. It really is trail and error. Once you have your perfect blend you will never go back to regular powder. Since I am light I can actually get away with no cocoa powder in my cornstarch, especially in the winter, so for me the small amount of cocoa to large amount of cornstarch was fine, I didn't have to try too hard.


A couple of tips-

-This is really messy to make so beware, you are working with 2 finely ground powders.

-You can also make this with baby powder, not just pure cornstarch, and if you are blemish prone you may want to use talc based baby powder ( there is alot of information on talc out there about how bad it is, supposedly, so do your own research. I personally don't have a problem with talc, but to each his own.)

- This may be to drying for dry skin, it is very absorbent.

- This can double as a sheer powder foundation for those who have great skin or just want a very natural look. The cocoa seems to give enough color along with the mattifying cornstarch to just even out your skin tone. It won't cover anything but it will even it out.



I use this and am matte and touch up free all day. I usually have my makeup on 12 or more hours so this really is a remarkable feat. I am waiting for the real test to come in th dead of summer so I will update then but so far I have never ever found a better face powder.