5 must-try DIY makeup recipes for a fun weekend project

There's something quite alluring about DIYs. When you consider home remedies for beauty, we usually look to beauty solutions that our mothers and grandmothers relied on. We've rarely considered home remedies when it comes to makeup. That said, there's really no reason why you can't immerse yourself in a weekend project that, let's face it, is not only fun, but will save you quite a few bucks on big name brands.

If that's not all, if you consider the fact that a DIY means you know exactly what does into the recipe, and that you've sourced the ingredients yourself, you know exactly what to expect when using the same on your skin. It's a win-win—quality makeup for a fraction of the price, with ingredients that are actually good for you. What more can you ask for, right? So let's get down to business, shall we?


DIY Organic Foundation
You need
• 40ml almond oil
• 30ml shea butter
• 15ml cocoa butter
• 15ml beeswax
• 1/8tsp vitamin E
• Cocao powder (as needed)
• Cinnamon (as needed)
• Container or bottle for storage

Method
In a double boiler, combine almond oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, and vitamin E. Stir occasionally till all ingredients have melted and thoroughly mixed. Remove from heat and let it cool. Add cinnamon and whisk to combine. Next, gradually add the cocoa powder to achieve the pigment to suit your skin tone. Note: 1/2tbsp cocoa powder is a light foundation; 1/2tbsp plus 1tsp will give you a medium foundation, and 1/2tbsp plus 2tsp will give you a medium to dark foundation. Once you've reached the shade of your skin tone, simply pour into the container and let it cool.

DIY Eyeliner

You need
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 4 teaspoons aloe vera gel
• 1 – 2 capsules of activated charcoal (for black)
• 1/2tsp cocoa powder (for brown)
• Container for storage

Method
In a medium sized bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients to avoid any lumps. Transfer to the storage container, and leave it in a dark and cool place. When using your eyeliner, make sure to use a clean brush. This will ensure you don't introduce any bacteria to the mixture.


DIY Natural Lip Gloss

You need
• 1 tsp white beeswax
• 3 tsp shea butter (for chocolate lip gloss, use cocoa butter)
• 2 tsp coconut oil or almond oil
• 11 tsp castor oil
• 10 drops of your favourite essential oil
• Pigment, mineral makeup

Method
Melt the wax and oils together in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add essential oils. Before it cools, take a bulb syringe or turkey baster and transfer the formula into a cleaned lip gloss container. Use as and when you feel like it.