DIY ~ Cornstarch as Face Powder
I have a problem with face makeup... mainly, that I don't like to wear it. I hate the feel of foundation, and usually hate the way it looks, too. Of course when I take photos for the blog, it's the complete opposite. The more makeup I wear, the better I look. Makeup is so weird.
Anyway, I used to wear foundation for a brief period when I was in high school in order to feel more "mature." But that's the thing... a lot of times, when I wear any kind of face makeup, I think it makes me look older than I actually am. Not what I'm looking for at this time in my life :P I feel like a natural look for my skin suits me better for day-to-day. But sometimes (all the time), I want a more even skintone, and wish there was SOMETHING I could use.
Enter this neat little trick I learned recently...
I forgot exactly where I read about this, but I came across a link advocating the use of cornstarch as face powder. You can use it as-is, or mix it with cocoa powder until you find a shade that's close to your own skintone. Find a little container to put it in, and you've got yourself an economical powder that does the job well! What's weirder- I tried it out, and actually liked it.
So there are a few reasons why this is cool, and you might like to also try it out:
#1- It is cheap. Cornstarch costs $1-$2 at the grocery store. Cocoa powder is maybe $4 max. Each of these items can give you a nearly endless supply of product compared to what you would buy at the cosmetics counter. You literally have nothing to lose.
#2- You probably have these items in your cupboard right now. So this experiment could potentially cost you $0.
#3- It lasts. I've been incorporating this powder into the beauty routine for at least a few months now. I have to say, it holds up pretty well over about 5-6 hours, and also doesn't clog pores! No zits, hooray.
#4- Fights oil. I have oily skin. Usually I need blot sheets at some point during the day, but not when I wear this.
#5- It's subtle. At least for me, this is a plus. Like I said, I really don't like the look of a cakey powder or foundation, but it still gives my skin a little extra polish. My guess is that you could apply it thicker if you like, though. Also, I do like to use this for our photoshoots. Photos love the look of powdered skin :)
#6- It's natural. You know exactly how many ingredients are in it, and what they are. Take comfort in the fact that there's no red dye #2 in there.
#7- Use it as bronzer. Make your mixture darker than your skintone. This could also be a contouring powder.
#8- Use it as a dry shampoo. For this, you would just need the pure cornstarch. I use dry shampoo nearly every day... since as I mentioned, my skin is oily, and as a result, my bangs can get greasy. Admittedly, it's not as good as my Oscar Blandi dry shampoo, but it does do the trick!
Phew! Lots of info. Anyway, hope it was useful. Let me know if you've tried this out and what you think :)) xo
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I have never heard of this before, but I am incredibly intrigued! Talk about an all natural DIY - I think I do have both of these at home, and am really curious to try it out!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of mixing it with cocoa to customize! I currently mix cornstarch with remnants of crumbled pressed powder, and love it! I will not travel without it!
ReplyDeleteMegan
I have to try this! I HATE foundation, and I ALWAYS notice how cakey it looks on other people--But my skin tone is not as even as it use to be so I have been feeling like I need it more often.. which makes my skin freak out.. so.. UGH.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am going to try this now! I bet the caffeine in the coco powder is anti-aging too!
This is really interesting! I always wear foundation but I'm willing to give cornstarch a try! Great post! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://thehonestfox.blogspot.com
I actually mix 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part cocoa powder for my dry shampoo since I'm a brunette. It matches my hair perfectly, keeps it grease free, and smells tasty, too!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this before, but I will most def be trying it out. Thanx for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYay yay yay yay!!! I am so happy you wrote this. I am definitely going to be trying this and I am very excited too. 1) I need more foundation 2) I am going for light makeup that won't clog pores (I have hella oily skin too!) 3) I have been looking for something natural. Thanks so much! Pinning now.
ReplyDelete{Em♥teatreevintage.blogspot.com}
Wow, thank you! This is incredibly helpful! I have a good foundation which I use when I'm going somewhere special, but it's too expensive to use everyday. I have pretty good skin, but lots of freckles, so like to tone them down a little using makeup, but my skin reacts poorly to it (I end up with pimples) and I can't really afford on a student budget to be buying $30 foundation every few weeks to use everyday. This just might work for me, and I'm going to try it today :)
ReplyDeleteWhoa! What an amazing trick! I almost never wear makeup, but I always feel better when I wear a little, but also, like you, prefer natural products. I'll definitely have to check this out!
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome! I knew about using it as a dry shampoo (ex-hairstylist here ;]) but I never would have thought to use it as makeup! Anything that soaks up oil and doesn't clog pores is magical in my book!
ReplyDeleteNeat trick! I will have to try it out as I hate using foundation and the powder I use sucks.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind trying this. I'm curious about cocoa powder on the skin.
ReplyDeletechevrons&anchors.com
I love learning about new tricks like this! The only makeup I usually wear is mascara and lipstick but sometimes I feel like I should get better with foundation :) I LOVE dry shampoo. I recently read arrow root works for that too so I took it on vacation with me since my dry shampoo bottle was too big for airport security. "Hella" reminds me of my college days, I went to school with a lot of "bay area" kids... :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I love finding cheap natural alternatives. :) Newest follower from the hop!
ReplyDeletestoriesofkel.blogspot.com
wow what a good idea I didn't know you could do that!!
ReplyDeleteAnna
thedustyatticblog.blogspot.com
Intriguing! I hate putting liquid foundation on my face as well. I usually use moisturizer and then the only liquid stuff I use is Laura Mercier concealer under my eyes and on any blemishes.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I included this in my favorite posts of the week: )
Lovely Llorys
Interesting. I've done the face-powder thing and can't do that because it is really drying (for me; I have naturally dry skin) - but the dry shampoo idea is really intriguing, especially since I hate the chemical smell of most dry shampoos. Can't wait to try that.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I don't wear face powder but if I did I would do this.
ReplyDeletefor some reason mine keeps coming out like a grey color. Im trying to make it like your middle picture. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteNot sure why, but this made my face very red and irritated. I mean fiery red. for hours after I scrubbed it off.. not sure if it was the cocoa, or cornstarch. Normally I don't have sensitive skin, so hmmm.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this!!!! I've been hearing how Talc causes cancer when inhaled and I don't want to take any chances. My powder' s first ingredient is Talc and it works beautifully. I sure hope this works for me. Oh, by the way, cornstarch baby powder is comparable to the Talc baby powder for the body. So I'm hopeful to try your idea:). Thanks again!!
ReplyDelete