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

Cook: Make Your Own Cream of "Something" Soup!

I don't know about you guys, but I feel like I never have cream of chicken soup when I need it. Or cream of whatever else I might be wanting to use. When I saw this post from Pinterest, I knew it was something I wanted to try. Even if it didn't work, it was worth a try to save money and grocery store trips! 

Oh and did I mention it's way healthier? I love making alternatives to store bought items because I actually know what's in the food I'm eating and feeding to my husband. Store bought cream of "something" soups are always high in sodium and full of other junk we don't need. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup non-fat dried milk 
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup bouillon (beef, veggie, chicken, whichever you prefer. I used chicken)
• 4 Tablespoons freeze dried minced onions
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon chives

When you're ready to use it, mix 1/3 cup of your dry mix with 1 1/4 cup of water. This is the equivalent of one can of condensed soup. Cook it until it thickens up. 

Directions:

If you have cubed bouillon you'll need to crush it. I love using my mortar and pestle! It's so fun. I used a total of 10 cubes and that was about 1/4 cup.

Crush it well.

Pour all your ingredients into a medium bowl. 

Stir it all up till everything is well mixed. 

Now fill up a jar and you're good to go! I'm going to make a label for it with the recipe for making the actual soup as well as the ingredients for one batch so I always have it handy. As you can see, one batch made over half of a mason jar full. I haven't cooked with it yet but as soon as I do I'll give you an update on how it was! 

Also, I added the parsley and chives just because but they weren't included in the original recipe. 

Can't wait to try it out! Too bad this post just gave me a mini To-Do list! 

1. Make a label for the jar

2. Actually try out the mix

I'll get right on it...

UPDATE 8/13/13: I painted the jar with chalkboard paint to create a label and I use this mix all the time! It's delicious! 

Have you ever made your own version of a cream of "something" soup? Do you prefer to stick with the cans at the store instead?

Till next time,

Catherine

I've linked up to the In and Out of the Kitchen Party #36 with Feeding Big!