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DIY
Makeup
Zero Waste Beauty

Written By Amber McDanielEdited & Fact Checked By Lyall Mabin
5 mins read

If you love a lightweight, matte finish that blends effortlessly with your makeup, then may we suggest our super easy DIY blush powder recipe to complete your beauty routine?
Free from harsh additives, synthetics or any chemical fillers, this homemade alternative is made with simple all natural ingredients that absorb excess oils.
It offers buildable coverage that’s also completely customizable (try each of the 4 optional ingredients to get the perfect pop for your skin tone or something a little more risque for a night on the town – get creative!).
Did we mention how easy it is to make (in minutes) or that it costs a fraction of drugstore options (scroll down to see the savings!).
Index: Homemade Blush Powder
- Homemade Natural Blush Powder Recipe Jump to section
- Cost Savings of Making Your Own Blush Powder Jump to section
- Why Make Your Own Blush Powder? Jump to section
Homemade Natural Blush Powder Recipe

For those who prefer a lightweight, matte finish, our powder blush recipe is ideal for oily or combination skin (if you want something thicker and more nourishing, try our DIY cream blush recipe). It blends effortlessly, provides coverage that can be layered, and helps absorb excess sweat and impurities throughout the day.
Plus, you can incorporate real floral botanicals into this recipe to infuse your makeup routine with some sensory satisfaction and an earthy feel.
As you’ll note from the ingredient list below, many of the potential additives are optional, depending on your specific skin tone and desired effect. We encourage you to experiment with the options and the ratios / quantities to find what works best for you—or create a palette of several colors to suit different occasions!

Ingredients:
- Beetroot Powder (1–2 tbsp): Known for its rich red pigment, beetroot powder gives a natural, rosy hue to the blush. It’s also packed with antioxidants that can benefit the skin.
- Arrowroot Powder (1 tbsp): This powder is a lightweight base that helps give the blush a smooth texture, allowing it to go on evenly. It also absorbs excess oil to keep your cheeks looking fresh.
- Cocoa Powder (1/2–1 tsp, optional): Adds depth to the blush color and creates a more neutral, brownish tint. It can be used to adjust the shade to suit your skin tone.
- Cornstarch (1/2 tsp, optional): Helps smooth out the texture of the blush and can lighten the color if it’s too dark.
- Cinnamon Powder (½ tsp, optional, for warmth): Adds a subtle warm undertone and boosts circulation
- Essential Oils (optional): For fragrance or additional skincare benefits. Lavender or rose oil works well for a light, soothing scent.
- Mica powder (1/2 tsp, optional): If you’re doing for a DIY glowy blush that adds a little shimmer to your cheeks, consider adding a touch of pink or white mica powder.

Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the beetroot powder and arrowroot powder. Adjust the beetroot powder amount to your desired color intensity. Note that beetroot powder tends to clump, so be sure to thoroughly break these up for an even color.
- If you want a deeper shade, mix in cocoa powder. For a lighter shade, add a little cornstarch. For shimmer, add mica powder.
- Mix the powders thoroughly to ensure an even consistency.
- Add a drop or two of essential oil for fragrance, if desired. Just be mindful there is no carrier oil here to dilute the potency of the oil, so you should always test oils on a small patch of skin behind the ear to check for sensitivities before adding and putting on your face.
- Store the mixture in a small container with a lid, and use a brush to apply the blush to your cheeks. You can layer the blush for a more intense color.
Cost Savings of Making Your Own Blush Powder

Your average blush powder from a drugstore is typically around $10 for 0.3 oz of loose powder. But if you make your own, you can create multiple batches and shades to suit different seasons and occasions, all of which are better for your skin (and your homemade blush powder will last longer) and all of which for a fraction of the price.
We’ve done the math by separating the costs of our recipe by ingredient so you can see exactly how this adds up. In a nutshell you’ll save around $11 per batch which is amazing given how little it costs to make your own blush powder!
DIY Blush Powder
- Beetroot Powder: $10 for an 8 oz bag (~$0.50 for 2 tbsp)
- Arrowroot Powder: $6 for an 8 oz bag (~$0.19 for 1 tbsp)
- Cocoa Powder: $6 for an 8 oz container (~$0.06 for ½ tsp)
- Cinnamon Powder: $6 for a 2 oz jar (~$0.02 for 1/2 tsp)
- Cornstarch: $5 for a 12 oz bag (~$0.03 for 1/2 tsp)
- Mica Powder: $13 for a 30 oz bag (~$0.04 for 1/2 tsp)
- Essential Oils: $7 for 1 fl oz bottle (~$0.01 for 1-2 drops)
Cost per batch: ~$0.85
Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$10+ for 0.3 oz loose powder sifter (e.g., KYDA, or similar mineral blush options)
Savings per Batch: $11.15
Why Make Your Own Blush Powder?
We love a rosy glow, but not when it comes with skin irritation (or worse) from applying ingredients we can’t pronounce. And that’s exactly what most conventional blush powders contain: synthetic dyes, preservatives, and fillers that are harsh on sensitive skin (or any skin). Here are some common suspects you’ll find if you read a store-bought powder blush ingredients list:
- Synthetic Dyes: Artificial colorants that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Parabens: Preservatives linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation.
- Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances that are also irritating and can even cause headaches or allergic reactions.
- Talc: Causing respiratory issues and is often contaminated with asbestos in its raw form.
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