Make-up is a budget that can be very important for some women.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s often a real obstacle course for those who care about the planet and want to wear makeup without harming it.
Conventional makeup is polluting because it is full of silicones and petrochemical oils [1, 2]. As for organic makeup, it is more qualitative but the choice is not very wide [3].
Luckily, if some people bother to go to the other side of the planet to find miracle products, there are solutions among our everyday food that can be tested, if you like discoveries.
Of course, let’s face it, this homemade makeup will often be less long-lasting, but the result may still impress you.
To prove it, do good for your skin, your wallet, and the planet by adopting these simple and trendy gestures.
1. Moisturizing with fresh cream
In the beginning, I admit that I had a little doubt about the idea of spreading fresh cream on my face.
And then I told myself that there are “fresh beauty creams” sold in the shops to treat dehydrated skin.
So why not try the basic version?
Indeed, the simple fresh cream (whole and thick) has moisturizing power because of its fat content. It will effectively nourish your skin, even if it is very dry.
How to use it? Nothing could be simpler.
Simply apply a very small amount to your face with your finger as you would for any moisturizer.
Leave it on for a good quarter of an hour before rinsing with lukewarm water.
You will then be able to begin your make-up session on perfectly hydrated and beautiful skin.
2. Cornstarch as a mattifying powder
Cornstarch works exactly like a mattifying powder on your skin. It will prevent it from shining.
To apply it, nothing better than the traditional brush. No need to put tons of it on.
You can even add cinnamon powder for the summer which will give you a more tanned complexion (I’ll explain later how).
Again, these elements are completely natural, generally not aggressive for the skin, and inexpensive compared to commercial cosmetics.
Note that rice powder will do just as well, but its grain is thicker, it is less pleasant.
Mattifying powder is one thing, but tanning powder is another.
Nothing prevents you from using cinnamon powder to “sculpt” your face and give it a tanned look. Unlike essential oil or cinnamon extract, the cinnamon powder does not burn.
You need a large blush brush that you have sprinkled very lightly with powder. It is then applied like a blush, on the prominent areas of the face.
Think especially of the top of the cheekbones to be colored very discreetly by pulling the brush towards the temples.
3. Spices for eyeshadow
Go in your kitchen and take a look at the color of the spices you are using when cooking.
The beautiful orange of the turmeric or the amazing green of the sage powder… Something to give more depth to your eyes.
Of course, you will avoid putting chili powder around your eyes or any other mixture containing chili or pepper
As for cocoa powder, it is ideal for brown tones. Again, you can apply it with a brush or finger just after moisturizing your skin. It will stick more easily.
If your skin is already dry, don’t hesitate to dilute a very small amount of these soft spices in a drop of water.
You will obtain a more liquid eye shadow, easy to apply with the foam applicator pad or with your finger.
Mix, innovate, and take advantage of all these color pigments. Depending on the dosage of each spice, you will obtain original pigment blends with gold (cinnamon + turmeric), anise (ginger + turmeric + sage), or other.
Never put some in the eye though! And be stingy on the amounts.
I’d like to take this opportunity to mention to always try it on another part of your body before testing new products, on your face in particular.
I’m used to using the hollow of the elbow, a healthy reflex to check that you’re not allergic.
Also, take it easy, a natural product does not mean a risk-free product.
I come back for example to cinnamon which is far from being absolutely harmless. If you abuse it on your skin or if you use it too regularly, it can end up irritating you a little, although it has nothing to do with cinnamon essential oil or aromatic extract, which are never used in cosmetics.
4. Make-up removal with oil
Who says make-up also says make-up removal.
After all these tricks to look beautiful naturally, you might as well opt for makeup removal that is just as faithful to your natural approach.
For this, nothing better than sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil!
Apply it with a soft, damp but well-wrung sponge, or even simply by hand. Without damaging your skin, it will come to the end of the most resistant make-up.
To finish, put a wet glove on your face (possibly with a little rose or lavender floral water), and you will be as radiant as before, but naturally.
Have your own natural and economical secrets for your beauty routine? Don’t hesitate to share them with us by leaving a message below.
Sources:
1- Plastics in Cosmetics: Are we polluting the environment through our personal care (Factsheet) – https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/21754/PlasticinCosmetics2015Factsheet.pdf
2- The Ugly Side of Cosmetics – https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/ugly-side-cosmetics
3- The “natural” beauty industry is on the rise because we’re scared of chemicals – https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/18/17866150/natural-clean-beauty-products-feinstein-cosmetics-bill-fda