How to Make DIY Natural Cacao Face Powder

One of the first DIY natural makeup products I ever made was a DIY Cacao Face powder from simple ingredients found in my kitchen. At the time, I had such sensitive skin that I couldn’t use store-bought makeup powders without risking painful breakouts or skin irritation lasting for weeks. Once I discovered how easy it is to make natural face powder with natural ingredients, I have been making loose powder from cocoa and other ingredients like arrowroot powder ever since. I am excited to share my tried and tested recipe with you today.

What are the benefits of cacao powder?

Cacao is incredibly beneficial for your skin. Cacao is also a potent anti-inflammatory, packed with antioxidants that help protect and repair skin from damage. It has been noted to soothe irritated or inflamed skin and can help improve overall skin complexion. Consuming cocoa or applying it to the skin has been found to have very similar benefits, making cacao a powerful ingredient in homemade bath and beauty products.

Why Make Homemade Face powder?

Besides being exceptionally simple and cost-effective, homemade cacao face powder can be made from all-natural and organic ingredients. You can adjust the tone of the powder to match your skin tone, so you will always have a perfect match all year long. Cacao is water insolvent, meaning it won’t wash off from sweat or humidity easily, so it has long-lasting effects for all-day wear. Cacao is also beneficial for anyone who struggles with oily skin, as the powder provides a smooth finish and will absorb any excess oils. What can be better than saying you’re wearing homemade foundation powder that smells like chocolate?

What is Cacao Face Powder Not Good for?

Although it has many benefits as part of any makeup routine, your DIY powder foundation does not contain ingredients like zinc oxide for sun protection. The great thing about this light powder is that if your foundation has sun protection included, the powder won’t hinder the benefits of the foundation.

DIY Cacao Face Powder Main Ingredients

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1 TB. of Arrowroot powder-organic cornstarch can be used instead; however, arrowroot provides a silkier finish and a lighter feel to the powder.

1 TB. of Cacao powder– cacao powder is preferred for its rich antioxidant content; however, if the high price of cacao is discouraging, you can use cocoa powder instead.

1 teaspoon of Beetroot powder– get the perfect shade for your skin tone by adding just the right amount of beetroot powder. If you cannot access beetroot, consider using dried hibiscus powder.

1 teaspoon of Bentonite clay powder-This clay powder is the secret ingredient to make this cacao powder a stunning finished product. The Bentonite clay acts like a sponge for your skin, absorbing oils and grime and wicking it away from the skin. Keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and less prone to breakouts due to clogged and dirty pores.

Optional Ingredients:

Add 1-3 drops of your favorite essential oil to your DIY face powder for an enhanced aromatherapy experience. Drops of Lavender or jasmine essential oils are always classic scents. Avoid any warming oils like cinnamon, peppermint, or eucalyptus. These oils are very aromatic and may feel uncomfortable or cause irritation when used on the face.

Add 1-2 drops of vitamin e oil or almond oil for additional moisturization, especially if you live in a hot and dry climate. Omit these oils if you live in a humid climate or if you have exceptionally oily skin.

How to Make your Own DIY Face Powder from Cacao Powder

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. You can also place all of the ingredients into a coffee grinder or food processor for a more refined and blended powder.

Next, adjust the quantity of cacao powder, arrowroot powder, and beetroot powder based on your skin tone. Test the powder on the back of your hands for color matching by dusting a small amount onto your skin.

It’s simple to adjust the powder for your skin color. Just add 1/4 teaspoon up to 1 teaspoon more of the following to adjust the tone of the powder.

For redder tones, add more beetroot powder.

For warmer tones, add more cacao powder.

For creamier tones, add more arrowroot powder.

When and how to apply the loose face powder

After washing your face and applying any liquid foundation, dip your makeup brush into the translucent powder made with the cacao powder and gently tap the brush on the side of the container. Then, delicately dust the brush (or a dry sponge) over your face to set your makeup. A little bit goes a long way with this DIY foundation powder. Once applied, you are ready to enjoy the day. You can apply a light dusting of the powder again in the afternoon or early evening to refresh your look and give your skin a powdered dewy finish.

If it is your first time using face powders, such as this one, to set your makeup, you may find the powder to feel unusual on your skin. After a few uses, I know you will love using this finishing powder to enhance your skincare routine and makeup bag.

The benefits of DIY makeup

Making your makeup is fun and can help you avoid some known toxic or harsh chemicals. They can be a good alternative to conventional makeup products if you’re trying to avoid harmful ingredients such as titanium dioxide or looking for more natural products. Making your own is sometimes the best method for ensuring what you’re putting on your skin. Making your own makeup can be beneficial to all skin types as you get to select the ingredients included in the face powders as well as adjust the fine powder to your specific needs and desires.

Washing techniques

Use warm water and a washcloth to remove the cacao face powder gently. The powder washes off easily and won’t leave your skin stripped of its natural oils.

How to store your powder

I like to store my natural DIY cacao face powder in half-pint mason jars with screw-on lids. Any air-tight small container will work to store the powder.

More ways to use Your Face powder

For brunettes, you can use your cacao face powder as a dry shampoo. Place the combined face powder into an unused salt or parmesan shaker. Shake a small amount of the powder onto your scalp and tussle your hair with your fingertips.

You can add a tablespoon of bentonite clay or French green clay to the combined face powder, along with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, to make DIY chocolate face masks. There are so many ways to get the benefits of cacao for your skin. It doesn’t have to stop with the face powder.