How to Make a Tinted Moisturizer

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson

Tinted moisturizer is great for smoothing out your skin tone and for keeping your skin hydrated. You can apply tinted moisturizer as a base for your foundation or as part of a barely-there makeup look. Tinted moisturizer can be expensive to buy in stores. You may wonder how you can make your own to save money and know exactly what is in the products you use on your skin. You can make tinted moisturizer using household products or using professional products. Once you make the tinted moisturizer, you should apply it properly so your skin looks radiant and clear.

Ingredients

Professional Products

A glass bowl
A tablespoon and a teaspoon
Foundation
Facial moisturizer
Bronzer

Natural Products

Natural foundation:

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
¼ teaspoon bentonite clay
10 drops essential oils, such as sweet almond, vitamin E, jojoba oil, or lavender oil
¼ teaspoon cocoa powder for a medium brown color
¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a light or medium brown color
Clove for a dark reddish brown color
Sage for a green color to off-set red undertones
Ginger for a yellow color to off-set blue undertones

Natural tinted moisturizer:

2 tablespoons coconut oil
5-15 drops of nourishing oil like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or vitamin E oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
¼ to 1 teaspoon of homemade powdered foundation

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Combining Professional Products

1
Use foundation and moisturizer products. You can make tinted moisturizer at home using professional products in your makeup bag. Use your regular foundation and a high quality facial moisturizer. Combining products you already use will ensure your skin does not react badly to the tinted moisturizer.^{[1]
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- You can use powdered mineral foundation or liquid foundation to make the tinted moisturizer.
- You can use plain facial moisturizer or you can use BB cream or CC cream as the foundation. Keep in mind BB cream and CC cream already have pigment in them so you may only need a small amount.
- You can also make your own tinted moisturizer by adding a few drops of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in with a dime or quarter sized amount of foundation.
2
Measure out one tablespoon of the moisturizer and foundation. Put it in the glass bowl. Then, measure out one teaspoon of the foundation and add it to the moisturizer. Use a spoon or a whisk to combine together.^{[2]
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3
Use bronzer and moisturizer. Another option is to use bronzer instead of foundation to make the tinted moisturizer. You may use a darker bronzer if you want a more tanned look for your face or use your normal bronzer color for a moisturizer that is lightly tinted.^{[3]
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- You can use liquid or powdered bronzer to make the tinted moisturizer.
4
Mix the two products together. Combine equal parts of moisturizer and bronzer in a glass bowl. Use a spoon or a whisk to combine the two products together. Make sure there are no clumps and that the two products are well combined.^{[4]
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5
Test the tinted moisturizer on your face. Do this by applying a small amount on your face with a clean finger. If the shade is correct, pour the tinted moisturizer into a glass or plastic jar for easy use.
- If the shade is not quite right, you can add more foundation or more moisturizer. If you need a lighter color, add more moisturizer. If you need a darker color, add more foundation.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Natural Products

1
Create the homemade foundation. Measure out the arrowroot powder or cornstarch in a glass bowl. Add ¼ teaspoon cocoa powder and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk them together.^{[5]
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- Then, add ⅛ teaspoon of the other spices at time. Try to make the mixture as close to your skin tone as possible. Add more or less spices as needed.
- You can test the color by dipping a foundation brush into the bowl and brush it lightly on your face, or you can try to get the color to match a foundation color that looks good on you. Adjust the color until it matches your skin tone or the foundation.
- Finish the homemade foundation by adding the lavender oil and whisking well to combine.
2
Melt the coconut oil and add the powdered foundation. Put the coconut oil in a glass bowl and melt it down in the microwave or on the stove. Then add the homemade powdered foundation, starting with ¼ teaspoon. Add more gradually depending on how dark you want the tinted moisturizer to be.
- Avoid using coconut oil if you have oily or acne-prone skin as it may clog your pores.
3
Add the essential oils. Use a whisk or a spoon to add the essential oils to the mixture. Start with five drops of nourishing oil. Add 10 drops of lavender oil if you have acne prone skin or oily skin.
- If you have normal or dry skin, you can add 15 drops total of nourishing oil.
4
Whisk the ingredients together. Allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, whisk the moisturizer again until it is smooth and there are no clumps.^{[6]
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- You can add more nourishing oils if you want the moisturizer to have a thinner consistency. Add up to 10 drops of nourishing oil until the moisturizer is the consistency you want.
5
Store the tinted moisturizer in a glass or plastic jar. Pour the moisturizer in a small glass or plastic pot with an airtight lid. You should have enough moisturizer to fill two small pots or one medium-sized jar.^{[7]
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- Chill the tinted moisturizer before using it. Let the tinted moisturizer solidify in the fridge.
- If you live in a warmer climate, keep the moisturizer in the refrigerator or somewhere cool and shaded. This will prevent the ingredients in the tinted moisturizer from separating.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying the Tinted Moisturizer

1
Start with a small amount of tinted moisturizer. You do not need a lot of the tinted moisturizer to get good coverage on your face. Start with a pea sized amount of tinted moisturizer. Using less will ensure the tinted moisturizer goes on smoothly and does not clump up on your face.
- Make sure you wash and dry your face before applying the tinted moisturizer.
2
Use your fingers. Perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to apply the tinted moisturizer is with your fingers. Using your fingers will help to warm up the tinted moisturizer and make it easier to spread on your face. You may put a pea sized amount on a clean finger and dab the moisturizer on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Then, use your fingertips to spread the moisturizer over your face in smooth, sweeping motions.^{[8]
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- Always wash your hands as well before using them to apply tinted moisturizer to your face.
- Try not to rub the moisturizer too hard on your skin when you apply it. This can lead to irritation and red spots on your skin.
3
Apply the tinted moisturizer with a makeup brush or sponge. If you are leery about using your hands to apply makeup to your face, try using a clean makeup brush or sponge. Use a brush with a wide head and bristles made for spreading foundation or tinted moisturizer. Or, use a sponge with a cone-shaped end and a rounded end to distribute the moisturizer over your face. Start with a small amount on the makeup brush or sponge and apply the moisturizer in smooth, sweeping circular motions to your face.
- Work quickly so the tinted moisturizer does not start to clump up or dry on the makeup brush. If this happens, you may need to wash the makeup brush and reapply the tinted foundation.
- Using a sponge may also make it easier for you to blend the makeup into hard to reach areas, such as around your nose, under eye area, and chin.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you mix your foundation and moisturizer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, mixing foundation and your favorite moisturizer is a great way to make a DIY tinted moisturizer.
Question

Can you use food coloring to make lip balm?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can add a few drops of food coloring to some coconut oil or lip balm to make a DIY stain, but it may not last very long and the color will be pretty artificial looking.
Question

Can you use a tinted moisturizer under foundation?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can, but I'm not sure why you would. The multiple layers of pigment could give you a finish that's too dark, even if both products match your skin tone. It's best to choose one or the other.

Things You’ll Need

Professional Products

A glass bowl
A tablespoon and a teaspoon
Foundation
Facial moisturizer
Bronzer

Natural Products

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
¼ teaspoon bentonite clay
10 drops essential oils, such as sweet almond, vitamin E, jojoba oil, or lavender oil
¼ teaspoon cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Clove
Sage
Ginger
2 tablespoons coconut oil
5-15 drops of nourishing oil like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or vitamin E oil
10 drops lavender essential oil