DIY Cream Eyeshadow Tutorial How To Make Your Own
Cream eyeshadows are a makeup bag essential, known for their blendability, vibrant color payoff, and long-lasting wear. But let's face it, finding the perfect shade or formula off the shelf can sometimes feel like searching for a unicorn. What if I told you that you could whip up your own custom cream eyeshadows at home, tailored to your exact preferences? Yep, that's right! In this guide, we'll dive into the world of DIY cream eyeshadow, exploring the ingredients, techniques, and creative possibilities that await. So, whether you're a makeup maven or just starting your beauty journey, get ready to unlock your inner makeup artist and create eyeshadows that are as unique as you are!
Why DIY Cream Eyeshadow?
Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about why you might want to embark on this DIY adventure. Creating your own cream eyeshadows offers a ton of benefits, from cost savings to creative control.
- Custom Color Creations: One of the biggest perks of DIY eyeshadow is the ability to create custom colors that perfectly match your skin tone, eye color, or desired look. Tired of settling for shades that are almost right? With DIY, you can mix and match pigments to your heart's content until you achieve your dream hue. Want a duochrome shimmer that shifts between two shades? Go for it! The possibilities are endless.
- Tailored Formulas: Not all cream eyeshadows are created equal. Some are super creamy and emollient, while others are more matte and long-wearing. When you make your own, you have complete control over the texture and finish. Prefer a sheer wash of color? Use less pigment. Crave intense, opaque coverage? Load up on the color! You can also adjust the formula to suit your skin type. If you have dry lids, you might add extra moisturizing ingredients. If you're oily, you can opt for a more matte finish.
- Cost-Effective Beauty: Let's be real, high-end cream eyeshadows can be pricey. DIY is a budget-friendly alternative that allows you to create a professional-quality product without breaking the bank. You can use eyeshadows you already own (even those that are chipped or broken!) and combine them with inexpensive ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter. Plus, once you have your base ingredients, you can make multiple eyeshadows for the price of one store-bought pot.
- Clean Beauty Options: If you're conscious about the ingredients in your makeup, DIY is a fantastic way to ensure that your eyeshadow is free of harmful chemicals and additives. You can use natural and organic ingredients to create a clean beauty product that's gentle on your skin. This is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Sustainable Beauty: DIY beauty is inherently more sustainable than buying mass-produced products. By making your own eyeshadow, you're reducing your consumption of plastic packaging and minimizing your environmental impact. You can also reuse containers from old makeup products or purchase reusable tins or jars.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Cream Eyeshadow
Now that you're sold on the idea of DIY cream eyeshadow, let's gather our supplies. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and tools you'll need to get started:
Eyeshadow Pigments
This is where the magic happens! You can use any type of powder eyeshadow for this project, including:
- Pressed Powder Eyeshadows: These are the most common type of eyeshadow and work beautifully for DIY cream formulas. You can use single shadows, palettes, or even broken eyeshadows that you want to repurpose.
- Loose Pigments: Loose pigments offer intense color payoff and are perfect for creating vibrant and unique shades. They can be a bit messier to work with than pressed powders, so be sure to have a clean workspace.
- Mineral Powders: Mineral eyeshadows are a great option for those with sensitive skin, as they're typically made with gentle and natural ingredients. They also blend beautifully and offer a soft, luminous finish.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and finishes! You can mix matte, shimmer, and glittery eyeshadows to create custom textures and effects.
Base Ingredients
The base ingredients are what transform the powder eyeshadow into a creamy, blendable formula. Here are a few popular options:
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a fantastic natural moisturizer and adds a beautiful sheen to cream eyeshadows. It's also readily available and relatively inexpensive. However, it can be comedogenic for some skin types, so if you're prone to breakouts, you might want to use a non-comedogenic alternative.
- Shea Butter: Shea butter is another excellent moisturizer that adds a rich, creamy texture to eyeshadows. It's also non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types.
- Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a lightweight oil that closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it a great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue.
- Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin. It adds a smooth, silky texture to cream eyeshadows and helps them adhere to the lids.
- Castor Oil: Castor oil is a thick, emollient oil that adds a beautiful shine to eyeshadows. It's also known for its moisturizing properties and can help prevent creasing.
- Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): A classic and affordable option, petroleum jelly creates a smooth, emollient base. However, it's not a natural ingredient and may not be suitable for those who prefer clean beauty products.
Pro Tip: You can mix and match base ingredients to create your perfect formula. For example, you might combine coconut oil for shine with shea butter for richness.
Optional Additives
These ingredients can enhance your cream eyeshadows in various ways:
- Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage. It also adds moisture and can help prolong the shelf life of your eyeshadow.
- Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch: These powders can help absorb excess oil and create a more matte finish. They're also useful for thickening the eyeshadow formula if it's too thin.
- Mica Powder: Mica powder adds shimmer and luminosity to eyeshadows. You can use different colors of mica to create unique effects.
- Preservative (Optional): If you're making a large batch of eyeshadow or want to extend its shelf life, you can add a natural preservative like rosemary oleoresin extract (ROE) or vitamin E oil.
Tools
- Small Mixing Bowls or Dishes: You'll need these to mix your ingredients.
- Spatula or Mixing Stick: For stirring and blending.
- Measuring Spoons or Droppers: To ensure accurate measurements.
- Empty Containers: To store your finished eyeshadows. Small jars, pots, or even contact lens cases work well.
- Rubbing Alcohol: To sanitize your tools and containers.
- Gloves (Optional): To protect your hands from staining.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Own Cream Eyeshadow
Alright, let's get down to the fun part – actually making the eyeshadow! Here's a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Sanitize Your Tools and Containers
This is crucial to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure the safety of your product. Wash your mixing bowls, spatula, and containers with soap and water, then wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. Allow them to air dry completely.
Step 2: Prepare Your Eyeshadow Pigments
If you're using pressed powder eyeshadows, you'll need to crush them into a fine powder. You can do this using the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle. The finer the powder, the smoother your cream eyeshadow will be. If you're using loose pigments, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Choose Your Base Ingredients
Select the base ingredients that best suit your skin type and desired finish. For a basic recipe, you can start with equal parts of coconut oil and shea butter or try a combination of jojoba oil and vegetable glycerin.
Step 4: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine your chosen base ingredients. If you're using solid oils like coconut oil or shea butter, you may need to melt them slightly before mixing. You can do this by placing the bowl in a warm water bath or microwaving them in short intervals until they're softened.
Step 5: Add the Eyeshadow Pigment
Gradually add the powdered eyeshadow pigment to the base ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Start with a small amount of pigment and increase it until you achieve your desired color intensity. Remember, you can always add more pigment, but it's harder to remove it if you add too much.
Step 6: Customize Your Formula (Optional)
This is where you can get creative! If you want to add shimmer, mix in a pinch of mica powder. For a more matte finish, add a small amount of arrowroot powder or cornstarch. You can also add a drop or two of vitamin E oil for extra moisture and antioxidant benefits.
Step 7: Check the Consistency
The consistency of your cream eyeshadow should be smooth and creamy, similar to a store-bought product. If it's too thick, add a bit more of your base oil. If it's too thin, add a touch more powdered eyeshadow or arrowroot powder.
Step 8: Transfer to Containers
Once you're happy with the color and consistency, carefully transfer the cream eyeshadow to your clean containers. You can use a spatula or a small spoon for this.
Step 9: Let it Set
Allow the eyeshadow to sit at room temperature for a few hours to allow the ingredients to fully meld together. This will also help the eyeshadow solidify slightly, especially if you used solid oils like coconut oil or shea butter.
Step 10: Test and Enjoy!
Your homemade cream eyeshadow is now ready to use! Apply it to your eyelids with your finger or a brush and enjoy your custom creation.
Tips and Tricks for DIY Cream Eyeshadow Success
- Start Small: When you're first experimenting, make small batches of eyeshadow. This will allow you to test different formulas and colors without wasting a lot of ingredients.
- Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right consistency and color payoff. Use measuring spoons or droppers to ensure precise ratios.
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps or streaks in your eyeshadow.
- Experiment with Colors: Don't be afraid to mix different eyeshadow shades to create unique colors. You can even mix matte and shimmer shadows for a multidimensional effect.
- Store Properly: Store your cream eyeshadows in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. This will help prevent them from drying out or spoiling.
- Shelf Life: Homemade cream eyeshadows typically have a shelf life of 3-6 months, depending on the ingredients you use. If you notice any changes in texture, smell, or color, it's best to discard the product.
- Safety First: Always perform a patch test before applying your homemade eyeshadow to your entire eyelid. This will help you identify any potential allergies or sensitivities.
Troubleshooting Common Cream Eyeshadow Issues
- Eyeshadow is Too Oily: If your eyeshadow is too oily, add a small amount of arrowroot powder or cornstarch to absorb the excess oil.
- Eyeshadow is Too Dry: If your eyeshadow is too dry, add a bit more of your base oil or vegetable glycerin.
- Eyeshadow is Creasing: If your eyeshadow is creasing, try using a primer underneath or adding a small amount of beeswax to the formula for extra hold.
- Eyeshadow is Not Pigmented Enough: If your eyeshadow isn't pigmented enough, add more powdered eyeshadow pigment until you achieve your desired color intensity.
- Eyeshadow is Separating: If your eyeshadow is separating, it may be due to an imbalance of oil and water-based ingredients. Try adding a small amount of emulsifying wax to help bind the ingredients together.
Creative Ideas for Custom Cream Eyeshadows
Now that you've mastered the basics, let's explore some fun and creative ideas for custom cream eyeshadows:
- Duochrome Eyeshadows: Create eyeshadows that shift between two colors by mixing iridescent pigments or mica powders.
- Glitter Eyeshadows: Add cosmetic-grade glitter to your cream eyeshadow formula for a dazzling effect.
- Metallic Eyeshadows: Use metallic pigments or mica powders to create eyeshadows with a gorgeous metallic sheen.
- Multi-Colored Eyeshadows: Create eyeshadows with multiple colors swirled together for a unique and artistic look.
- Natural Eyeshadows: Use natural pigments like cocoa powder, beet root powder, or turmeric to create earthy and organic eyeshadow shades.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own cream eyeshadows is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to unleash your creativity and customize your makeup to your heart's content. With a few simple ingredients and tools, you can whip up professional-quality eyeshadows that are perfectly tailored to your skin tone, eye color, and personal style. So, gather your supplies, get experimenting, and prepare to be amazed by the beautiful eyeshadows you can create! Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite makeup obsession.