DIY Tinted Moisturizer

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Hello everyone! What do you guys think about tinted moisturizer? I happen to love the concept (a lighter coverage + SPF for days you don't need a full face of makeup on) but I've never tried one that I've actually loved, or liked for that matter. And I've tried quite a few. I mean, I am the queen of trying new products (a position I dubbed myself and hold a great sense of responsibility of fulfilling with the greatest integrity.)

Every one I've tried either broke me out, felt slippery and greasy (making me look oily), smelled horrific or had zero amount of coverage (seriously, why am I going to pay to waste even a minute applying something to my face that is doing absolutely nothing for my complexion?)

So, for over a couple years now, anytime I want that lighter, fresher feel I turn to my trusty DIY tinted moisturizer. Maybe you've already heard of this (heck- maybe you're already doing this), but that's no reason not to read on. After all we've all applied lipstick and mascara before, yet we look at pictures or watch videos of someone else doing it and talking about it, why? Because it's fun, that's why!

Today, I am going to show you everything you need to know on how to make tinted moisturizer at home.

What is Tinted Moisturizer?

For those that don’t know, tinted moisturizer serves as the perfect compromise between having a bare makeup skin or a full foundation. Basically, it provides light coverage while hydrating your skin, by leaving it a glowing finish., giving it a more subtle effect, looking sheer and dewy, instead of covering it all.

It is like a facial moisturizer that slightly tinted with some makeup pigments (such as foundation or BB cream), so you end up with the benefits of both, makeup and moisturizer in one product.

Why You Should Make Your Own Homemade Tinted Moisturizer?

While you may have spotted dozens of tinted moisturizers products during a walk down the makeup store, a lot of DIYers like to make their own tinted moisturizers using products that they already have in hand.

There are many reasons why you should make your own tinted moisturizer and here some of the most important ones:

  • Saving Money - Making your own moisturizer will help you save some money. We all know that makeup products are often over-priced, especially well-known brands. Preparing this at home will save you some money since you can combine or use products you already have in hand or don’t use anymore.
  • Make use of Old or Discounted Products - This diy trick will help you make use of your old or discounted foundation, which you don’t use anymore, by mixing it with other ingredients and turning it into a tinted moisturizer.
  • Extend the life of an expensive Foundation - Another great benefit of this tutorial is that it will actually help you extend the life of an expensive foundation. If you have a high-end foundation which you would like to prolong the life, then mixing it and turning it into tinted moisturizer will help it last longer.
  • Create a Customized Product for Your Skin - Not only it helps save you money and make use of other old products, but you can create a truly customized product that is just right for your skin. You can create a shade which is the right color for your skin, while giving it the desired amount of SPF protection to fend off sun damage. Or create something with minimal coverage but with tons of moisture. You are free to experiment and combine the exact amounts to create a fully customized product for your skin and preferences.
  • Create the Perfect Color for Your Skin - While makeup products come in an infinite number of shades to match the skin tones, tinted moisturizer products usually come in a limited number of color, forcing you to choose a color which doesn’t truly match your preferences. Crafting your own moisturizer at home will allow you to create a product with the exact color and texture you desire, instead of forcing you to use a store bought shade.

So, after reading all the benefits of making homemade tinted moisturizer, let’s jump into the ingredients needed and the directions.

How to Make Homemade Tinted Moisturizer

There are actually two ways to make tinted moisturizer at home:

  • Using Makeup Products (Mixing Foundation & Moisturizer)
  • Using Natural Products (Mixing household natural products)

What most people like to do is to make it using professional makeup products and mixing them together.

I am going to show you both ways below.

Making Tinted Moisturizer using Foundation & Moisturizer

If you are going to use your other foundation and moisturizer, then just have in mind to choose a foundation and moisturizer which have the same base (oil free or oil based).

Supplies & Tools

  • Foundation
  • Facial Moisturizer (or SPF Cream of your Choice)
  • Bronzer
  • Glass Bowl
  • Tablespoon & Teaspoon

Directions

1. To make tinted moisturizer using professional makeup products, you need to combine a regular foundation with a facial moisturizer.

2. Start by measuring one tablespoon of moisturizer and foundation. Put them both in a glass bowl. Then, measure out one teaspoon of the foundation and add it to the bowl again. Whisk them together.

3. Another option is to use a bronzer instead of foundation. You may use a darker or lighter bronzer, depending if you want a more tanned look or not. Mix one spoon of bronzer and one spoon of moisturizer in the glass bowl and make sure there are no clumps after you finish mixing.

4. Do a little test of the mixture on your face to see if the shade is perfect. If the shade is not right, you can add more foundation or more moisturizer, depending if you need a lighter or darker color.

Making all Natural Tinted Moisturizer using Household Products

In order for you to make all natural tinted moisturizer, you need these household products:

Need Supplies

(For natural foundation)

  • 2 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch
  • 1/4 Tsp Bentonite Clay
  • 10 Drops of Essential Oils (Lavender Oil, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond, Jojoba Oil)
  • 1/4 Tsp Cocoa Powder for Medium Brown Color
  • 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg for Light Brown Color
  • Clove for a Dark Reddish Brown Color
  • Sage for Green Color to Off-Set Undertones
  • Ginger for Yellow Color to Off-Set Blue Undertones

(For Natural Tinted Moisturizer)

  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 5-15 Drops of Nourishing Oil (Sweet Almond, Vitamin E, Jojoba)
  • 10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 1/4 - 1 Tsp of Homemade Powdered Foundation

Directions

Note: In the supplies section, I have listed all the ingredients needed for creating every color shade. You don’t need to use all of them. Just pick the ingredients based on what color you would like the moisturizer to be.

Creating Homemade Foundation

1. Start by measuring out arrowroot powder or cornstarch and putting your choice to the glass bowl.

2. Add 1/4 tsp cocoa powder and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg. Whisk them well together.

3. Now add 1/4 tsp of other spices of choice at time. Try to mix them well and create a shade close to your skin color. To test the color, you can use a foundation brush and apply it to your face. Try to adjust the mixture to match your skin tone.

4. Finish the homemade foundation by adding the essential oil and mixing well all together.

Creating Homemade Moisturizer

1. Start by melting the coconut oil in the microwave.

2. Then, add the homemade powdered foundation you made on the upper section, starting with ¼ teaspoon and increasing gradually, depending on how dark you want it to be.

3. Add the essential oils and use a whisk or a spoon to mix it well. Start with five drops and increase it, depending on your preferences. 10 drops of lavender oil are recommended if you have acne prone skin or oily skin.

4. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and add more nourishing oils if you want the mixture to be thicker. Keep adding it until it reaches the consistency you want.

5. Store the tinted mixture in a glass/plastic jar with an airtight lid. Keep it somewhere cool, especially if you live in a warm country.

How to Apply Homemade Tinted Moisturizer

To apply the mixture, you can use your fingers or a brush.

It is recommended to start with a small amount first and see how strong and dark the mixture looks on your skin. Try to not rub it too hard on the skin over wise it will lead to irritation and red spots on your skin.

Also, make sure to wash and dry your face before applying the mixture.

As for applying using a makeup brush or sponge, use a brush with wide head and made for spreading foundation.

Even when using a brush, you need to start with a small amount and apply the mixture in a smooth, sweeping motion to your face.

How I Made My Own DIY Tinted Moisturizer - Before & After Results

DIY-Tinted-Moisturizer

The picture pretty much sums it up: Your foundation + your moisturizer = your very own tinted moisturizer!

The ratio you use is completely up to you and your preference. I always use different ratios, depending on my skin's condition. But in this instance I used about 1 part moisturizer to 3 parts foundation (it just looks like more foundation because it started to run in my attempt to take the perfect picture)

Why do I prefer this little mixture as opposed to the one's in stores? First of all, I'm a girl who needs at least a small amount of coverage (you can see for yourself in the picture below). My complexion tends to gravitate towards combination/oily and I know my foundation takes care of the pesky oils that try to grace me with their presence during the day. So my solution to mix my foundation and moisturizer works well for me. I get that light, "my skin but better" results without compromising too much on coverage.

You can see for yourselves below:

Before-and-After-DIY-Tinted-Moisturizer

Before and After DIY Tinted Moisturizer

You can tell that my skin looks better (not flawless, but better) in the after picture. All my imperfections are slightly evened out but you can still see my skin, which is what I was looking for during my hunt for the perfect tinted moisturizer.

How-to-Make-DIY-Tinted-Moisturizer

This is after lightly setting everything with a powder, applying concealer and bronzer (I have to have my bronzer...brings life back to my face!)

DIY-Tinted-Moisturizer-Results

Then I just filled in my brows (you are welcomed to read my post on that), applied eyeliner and mascara, slapped some lipgloss on and I was ready to roll! (This is similar to my 5 minute makeup lookby the way.)

And in case you are wondering what foundation and moisturizer I used: Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation and Olay Complete Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin.

If you have a tinted moisturizer (or BB cream, which I've never tried, can you believe it?) that has worked for you, please..I'd love to hear about it. After all, it's been a good 2 years since I've set on the quest of finding one.

Have a super fabulous day!

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