DIY: Make Your Own Make-Up!

This is the post that I have been anticipating for a while. I probably over did it. My husband and I like to call it, The Chipotle Effect. Basically when you or someone else talks something up so much and then you finally see/try/taste it and you're kind of like, "Eh." while shrugging your shoulders. Or if you enjoy it, but it's not nearly as awesome as everyone has said. Well, I did that to myself I think.

But don't let that deter you right away! I'm going to do more research and see what I can add/take away to make this even better. It's too awesome to not work!

All you need is:

• French Green Clay (I bought mine at Whole Foods)
• Corn Starch
• Cocoa Powder (optional for color)

And all you do is mix the three together! The original tutorial says to do 1 part clay to 1 part corn starch. Basically, if you use 1 Tablespoon of clay, use 1 Tablespoon of corn starch as well. The cocoa powder is optional but I wouldn't recommend using an equal 1 part as well. Add it in slowly to ensure you get the color you want.

Here's how it went for me.

I started small, with a 1/2 tsp of corn starch.

Then a 1/2 tsp of French green clay.

Then about 1/16 tsp of cocoa powder. 

 And this is what it looked like. A bit too green for me.

So I added more cocoa powder. 

Better. 

And more...

Then more corn starch to lighten it. 

Even better, but not quite. 

More of each! 

This was my final color. It's not what I was expecting but it doesn't look like that color on your face. It blends into your skin very well.

As you can see, I didn't make all that much. This old spice jar works perfectly, especially if I make more! 

Tips and hints:

• This is more of a translucent powder than a powder foundation. 
• French green clay is used widely for facial masks and is completely natural. It's full of important minerals for our bodies and skin. 
• Corn starch acts as an oil absorber but it won't dry out your skin.
• Some with sensitive skin may have reactions so be cautious if you have sensitive skin. I had no issues.
• If you want, buy all organic ingredients. I just used what I had on hand. Even all organic you can buy the ingredients for less than $10. How many make up brands are THAT cheap??
• Because it's a powder, you'll need to apply a moisturizer first in order for the powder to stick to your skin. I recommend using Alba Organics SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer. It's light, organic and I love it! (Not paid, just love the stuff.) 
• One awesome benefit of this is you can simply add more cocoa powder for the summer months when you're more tan then make a lighter batch for winter! So awesome! 
• It's gluten-free!! I know this is extremely important for many people. Before this, I didn't have any clue that make up could have gluten in it!
• Even if it doesn't turn out right, you didn't waste hardly anything but time! French green clay is great for face masks so mix your leftovers with some water for a mini spa night. Treat yo'self! 

Conclusion: 

I haven't made one yet. I really didn't see a major difference with the make up. It also seemed to wipe off way too easily. I'm not giving up yet, though because I really want this to work. How cool would it be to make all of your own make up for pennies?? I'm glad I didn't buy the 1lb jar of green clay to start with, though! I'm going to do more research and see what I can find to improve upon this. I don't want to give it up yet! 

What's your favorite kind of make up? Do you go au-natural whenever possible? What's your best make up trick? If you've used this recipe before, any tips or tricks for me? 

Till next time,

Catherine

Busy bee

My newest little DIY is something I've been dying to do for a while! I finally got the final material necessary over the weekend (Hint: I found it at Whole Foods) but have been working extra shifts so I haven't really had the time to actually try it out!

I'll go ahead and spoil it for you...I'm going to attempt to make my own make up out of 3 simple ingredients!!

How cool is that?!

Well, if it works, anyhow.

My mom and sister were very skeptical when I told them but I think this is totally worth a try! I am very picky about make up even though I don't wear it often. I only use powder because liquid make up feels funky to me. But of course, the only brands I'm willing to use are expensive. Therefore, I don't buy it. If this works well, I will be saving tons of money for years to come. Plus, I know exactly what's in my make up and can feel very confident about my decision being healthy, safe, non-toxic, natural, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and so on and so forth.

I'm super excited to try this out and share it with you all tomorrow!!

Any guesses to the three ingredients? 

Till next time,
Catherine

DIY-Make Up Brush Holder

This project is as simple as it gets. It's one of those things you see all over Pinterest and think "Oh, that's so cute! I should do that to de-clutter my make up bag!" but you never get around to it. 

Buy a vase or jar...fill it with rocks, pebbles, coffee beans, sea shells, etc. 

Now stick your make up brushes, paint brushes, pencils, pens, scissors, art supplies, etc in it! 

The possibilities are endless with it too. You can use any kind of jar or vase that works with what you're putting in it and then use any kind of filler you want. Heck, you could get a large vase, fill it with dried pinto beans and stick your kitchen utensils in it! How cute would that be? Or maybe even colorful dried heirloom corn?

How about filling it with beads and sticking craft scissors in it! Or even for a child's play room, fill it with marbles and stick their markers in it! So many choices!

What combo would you do? What area of your house would it help to organize?

P.S. I may not get around to posting anything tomorrow as my husband and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary on a weekend trip!! So excited!!

Till next time,

Catherine