Make your own makeup
Make simple, safe DIY makeup using natural ingredients like cocoa, beet powder, and coconut oil; learn measurements, mixing, and safe skin testing.
About this activity
Make simple, safe DIY makeup using natural ingredients like cocoa, beet powder, and coconut oil; learn measurements, mixing, and safe skin testing.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
- 2
Step 2
Place a clean paper towel on the table and set all your materials on it.
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Step 3
Measure 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and put it into the small mixing bowl.
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Step 4
Add 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder or cornstarch into the bowl.
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Step 5
Decide your color and add either 1/4 teaspoon beet powder for pink blush or 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder for bronzer into the bowl.
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Step 6
Stir the mixture with the spoon or spatula until it looks smooth and creamy.
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Step 7
Use a clean cotton swab to pick up a tiny amount of the mix and dab a small dot on the inside of your wrist.
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Step 8
Wait 10 minutes without touching the test spot.
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Step 9
Look closely at the test spot for any redness or itching.
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Step 10
If you see redness or itching wash the spot with soap and water and tell an adult.
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Step 11
If there is no reaction use the spoon to transfer the rest of the mixture into the small airtight container.
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Step 12
Write the product name and today’s date on a piece of tape and stick it to the container.
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Step 13
Put the lid on the container and store it in a cool dry place.
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Step 14
Share a photo and a short description of your finished DIY makeup on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make simple, safe DIY makeup for kids using cocoa, beet powder, and coconut oil?
To make simple DIY makeup, measure 1 teaspoon coconut oil and melt gently. Stir in 1/2–1 teaspoon cocoa powder for brown or 1/4–1/2 teaspoon beet powder for pink tint, adding arrowroot or cornstarch to adjust opacity. Mix until smooth, test color on paper, then on a small patch of skin. Pour into a clean container and let set. Start with small batches and label jars. Always use clean utensils and supervise children during melting.
What materials do I need to make safe natural makeup at home?
You'll need food-grade cocoa powder, beet powder (or freeze-dried beetroot), coconut oil, and a light base like arrowroot or cornstarch. Optional: beeswax for balms and a tiny pinch of mica for shimmer (avoid if sensitive). Supplies: measuring spoons or a small kitchen scale, heat-safe bowl, spoon, small clean containers, labels, paper towels, and mild soap. Avoid essential oils for young children. Use clean hands and tools to prevent contamination.
What ages is making DIY natural makeup suitable for?
This activity suits different ages with supervision. Ages 3–5 enjoy stirring and color mixing with hands-on help—no heating. Ages 6–9 can measure ingredients and blend under adult supervision. Ages 10+ can safely melt coconut oil and beeswax with guidance and handle recipes more independently. Always supervise heating steps, avoid small containers for toddlers, and check for allergies before applying product to a child's skin.
How do I test, store, and keep homemade kids' makeup safe?
Do a skin patch test and follow safety/storage tips: apply a tiny smear to the child's inner forearm and wait 24 hours for redness or itching. Avoid using near eyes and mouth. Store homemade makeup in clean, airtight containers in the refrigerator and use within 2–4 weeks; shorter for water-based mixes. Label with date, discard if smell, color, or texture changes. Check ingredient allergies (e.g., nut oils) and always use clean applicators to avoid contamination.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If I can't find coconut oil, arrowroot powder, or beet powder/cocoa at the store, what safe swaps can I use for this recipe?
Use 1 tablespoon shea butter or 1 tablespoon light olive oil in place of the coconut oil, cornstarch can replace arrowroot powder (as the instructions already note), and for color try a tiny pinch of cosmetic‑grade mica or a food spice like turmeric for warm tones—always do the wrist test step to check for irritation.
What should I do if the mixture stays runny, clumpy, or the color looks wrong while I'm stirring in the bowl?
If the mix is too runny after the tablespoon of coconut oil, stir in an extra 1/4 teaspoon of arrowroot or cornstarch to thicken it, if it clumps warm the coconut oil slightly before mixing and stir with the spatula, and if the color is too dark reduce the beet or cocoa amount and re-test a tiny dot on your wrist.
How can I adapt the steps for different ages so it's safe and fun for younger or older kids?
For ages 3–5 have an adult measure the coconut oil and powders and handle the transfer to the airtight container while the child stirs with the spoon and watches the wrist test, ages 6–8 can measure with close supervision and help label the tape, and 9+ can follow all steps independently including writing the date and posting the photo on DIY.org.
What are some simple ways to personalize or improve the final DIY makeup after I move it into the container?
Create custom shades by mixing small amounts of beet powder and cocoa powder to get the color you want, adjust texture with an extra 1/8–1/4 teaspoon arrowroot for a drier finish, decorate the tape label with a sticker and date, and then share the finished look photo on DIY.org.