Part 08: Powdered Blush and Bronzer Formulation

The recipes contained in this guide were formulated using small size volumetric measurements as most individuals have measuring spoons on hand. The disadvantage is that measuring solid ingredients by volume can be slightly unreliable between batches. If you have a small unit scale that is capable of measuring dry ingredients in grams, we recommend that you convert these recipes accordingly.

This basic recipe is easily adaptable to your favorite light or dark tones and makes a wonderful, long-lasting powdered blush. Pearlescent micas give this blush a shimmering look. If you prefer a matte blush or have oilier skin and want to eliminate the shine, iron oxides can be substituted for the mica powders.

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Arrowroot Powder
• 2 Parts Pearlescent Mica Powder
• 2 Parts White Kaolin Clay
• 1 Part Magnesium Stearate

Below are the specific quantities to make enough product to fit into an oversized 4 ounce wide-mouth jar (oversized to allow for tapping your brush to remove excess product):

• 1 tsp. Arrowroot Powder
• 1 tsp. Pearlescent Mica Powder
• 1 tsp. White Kaolin Clay
• 1/2 tsp. Magnesium Stearate

Notes:

• Measurements are taken in level not heaping teaspoons.
  
  
• You can substitute cornstarch for the arrowroot powder. Alternatively, you can use 1/2 tsp. of both arrowroot powder and cornstarch.

Packaging Suggestions:

Directions:

• Add all powdered ingredients to a small clean bowl and mix thoroughly.
  
  
• 1 tsp. of Pearlescent Mica Powder is suggested as a good starting point. To achieve the desired hue and intensity, you may reduce or increase the quantity of Pearlescent Mica Powder used in this recipe. Add your Pearlescent Mica Powder in 1/4 tsp. increments until you reach your desired shade.
  
  
• Spoon into a jar (see above Packaging Suggestions).

Experimentation Suggestions:

• Combine different micas to achieve unique shades.
  
  
• If you want to make a bronzer, focus on use of gold, bronze, and brown Pearlescent Micas.
  
  
• Iron Oxides can also be used in place or the Pearlescent Micas or in combination with them. If you have oily skin or do not like the appearance of shimmering blushes, try making this recipe with Iron Oxides. A little Iron Oxide goes a long way when using it as a cosmetic colorant. When experimenting with adding Iron Oxides, use far less Iron Oxide powders than micas. Start with approximately 1/32 teaspoon of iron oxide powder.
  
  
• If you have especially dry skin or you find the blush does not adhere for you, you may experiment and add a few drops of a stable vegetable oil like Watermelon Seed Oil or Jojoba. Wait to add the Pearlescent Micas until after you've blended 3-8 drops of vegetable oil into the other powdered ingredients. The Pearlescent Micas are fragile and the color will deteriorate if they are crushed.

Next:
Part 09: Recipe: Eye Liner