DIY Cream Eyeshadow: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Gorgeous Colors

Cream eyeshadows are a fantastic addition to any makeup collection. They offer a smooth, blendable texture, vibrant color payoff, and often a dewy, luminous finish that’s hard to achieve with powder shadows. But high-quality cream eyeshadows can be expensive, and finding the perfect shade can sometimes feel like a never-ending quest. The good news? You can easily make your own custom cream eyeshadows at home, using just a few readily available ingredients. This detailed guide will walk you through the process, from gathering your supplies to mastering the art of application.

Why Make Your Own Cream Eyeshadow?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why you might want to embark on this DIY beauty adventure:

• Custom Colors: The biggest perk is the ability to create any color imaginable. Mix and match pigments to perfectly complement your skin tone, eye color, and outfit.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own often costs less than purchasing high-end brands, especially if you already have some basic makeup supplies.
• Ingredient Control: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid potential allergens, irritants, and unwanted additives.
• Fun and Creative: DIY beauty projects are a fantastic way to get creative and experiment with color and texture. It’s like being a makeup artist in your own kitchen!
• Personal Satisfaction: There’s a great sense of accomplishment in using a product that you’ve crafted yourself.

Gathering Your Supplies: The Essential Ingredients & Tools

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. This will streamline the process and ensure a smoother crafting experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Base Ingredients:

• Mica Powder or Mineral Pigments: These provide the color. You can use loose mineral eyeshadows, pure mica powders, or cosmetic-grade pigments. Choose vibrant colors and remember you can mix them to create custom shades. Start with a few basic colors like black, white, brown, and a few primary colors, then add to your collection.
• Emollient (Oil): This will give your eyeshadow its creamy consistency. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that’s suitable for sensitive skin. Good options include:
• Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it readily absorbed and non-greasy.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil: Lightweight, odorless, and easily absorbed, with a long shelf life.
• Sweet Almond Oil: A good source of vitamin E and known for its moisturizing properties.
• Grapeseed Oil: Lightweight, suitable for oily skin, and absorbs well.
• Castor Oil: Provides a beautiful shine and helps pigments to adhere better. However, use sparingly as it can be heavy. A tiny drop can help bind the mixture, but too much can make the consistency too thick and gummy.
• Optional – Thickener or Binder: For a thicker, more pigmented or less prone to creasing formulation:
• Beeswax Pellets (Small amount): Adding a touch of melted beeswax helps create a firmer texture and can help improve the lasting power of the eyeshadow.
• Shea Butter (Small amount): A small amount can help to make the texture slightly more solid, more like a balm.
• Vegetable Glycerin (Small Amount): While more of a humectant, it can aid in binding pigments together and prevent dry formulation.
• Carnauba Wax (Small amount): Similar to beeswax but vegan-friendly. Can be used to achieve a firmer texture.
• Optional – Preservative: To extend the shelf life and prevent bacteria or mold growth (especially if using water or certain oils), especially if storing outside of refrigerator for longer than a few days.
• Vitamin E Oil: Acts as an antioxidant and can help extend shelf life to an extent.
• Optiphen or other cosmetic preservative (Small amount) : Use when needed if using water as a base. Always follow the manufacturer guidelines for concentration.

Tools & Containers:

• Small Mixing Bowls or Dishes: Ceramic or glass works best, as they are non-reactive.
• Small Spoons or Spatulas: For mixing and transferring the ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons or Cups: For precise measurements.
• Empty Small Containers: Airtight jars or pots for storing the finished eyeshadow. Choose small, dark colored containers to better protect the pigments.
• Optional – Double Boiler or Microwave Safe Bowl: For melting waxes or butters.
• Optional – Pipettes or Droppers: For precisely measuring liquids.
• Labels: For labeling your custom eyeshadows with names and ingredients.
• Optional – Gloves: To keep your hands clean, especially when working with pigments.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Cream Eyeshadow

Now that you have everything ready, let’s begin crafting your custom cream eyeshadow. The instructions below assume you are using oil as a base. If incorporating thickeners, follow the guide accordingly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Lay down some paper towels or newspaper to protect your work surface. Gather all of your ingredients and tools within easy reach. It’s a good idea to have a damp cloth nearby for any spills. Washing and sanitizing all of your tools and containers is essential prior to beginning. Ensure your hands are clean as well.

Step 2: Choose Your Color

Start by selecting your desired color(s). You can use a single pigment or blend multiple colors to create a unique shade. If you’re unsure, start with a small amount of pigment and gradually add more until you achieve the desired intensity. Place your chosen pigments in your mixing bowl or dish.

Step 3: Add Your Oil Base

Start by adding the oil slowly, using a pipette or small measuring spoon. A good starting point is using 1 part oil to 1 part pigment (measured by volume, not weight) . For example if you use 1/4 teaspoon of pigment, start with 1/4 teaspoon of oil. Remember, you can always add more oil if needed, but it’s harder to take it away. Begin with a few drops at a time. Start with 2-3 drops per 1/4 tsp of pigment and stir gently with your spatula or spoon to blend, using gentle stirring motions (do not whip). Add more oil gradually while continuing to mix until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Check the Consistency

The ideal consistency for your cream eyeshadow should be smooth, blendable, and slightly emollient. It should spread easily without being too runny or too thick. If the mixture is too thick, add a drop or two more of oil. If it’s too runny, you may add a tiny amount of pigment, or a small touch of thickener if you are including these in your formulation. However, it is easier to start with small amount of oil then add more as needed to prevent overdoing it.

Step 5: (Optional) Incorporate Thickeners/Binders

If you’re using beeswax, shea butter, or carnauba wax, melt it down slowly using a double boiler or a microwave safe dish in short intervals. Add a small amount (start with a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio of thickener to base oil; example: 1/8 teaspoon of melted thickener per 1/2 teaspoon of oil) to your oil base after warming and cooling down slightly. Mix thoroughly. If using glycerin, a drop or two will be enough for the same quantity of base oil. Mix thoroughly. The addition of thickeners can be a bit tricky, so it is generally good to experiment with very small amounts when first getting started. Remember to allow the mixture to cool before assessing the final consistency and adding more thickener as necessary.

Step 6: (Optional) Add Preservative

If you’re adding a preservative, incorporate this in now and mix thoroughly. Be sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations for quantity. Vitamin E oil can be incorporated with your base oils or mixed in now. Remember that vitamin E acts more as an antioxidant and helps to increase the stability of the oils, not necessarily prevent bacteria and mold growth.

Step 7: Transfer to Your Container

Once you’re happy with the color and consistency, carefully transfer your cream eyeshadow into your chosen container. Use a clean spatula to scrape all of the product from your mixing bowl or dish. It’s best to fill the container to about 80% to allow for any expansion, especially if you intend to move or travel with it.

Step 8: Label and Store

Label your container with the color name and the date you made it. This will help you keep track of your custom eyeshadows. Store your cream eyeshadow in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also store it in the refrigerator to help extend the shelf life, especially if using fresh oils or butters or not incorporating any preservatives.

Tips for Success

• Start Small: When beginning, create small batches of eyeshadow to experiment with. This will help you learn what works best without wasting too many ingredients.
• Gradually Add Pigments: It’s easier to add more pigment than it is to remove it. Add a little at a time until you get the desired shade intensity.
• Test on Your Skin: Before applying the eyeshadow to your eyelids, test a small amount on your arm to check the color and consistency.
• Keep it Clean: Make sure all your tools and containers are clean before you start. This will prevent contamination and ensure your eyeshadow lasts longer. Use sterile containers and keep your work surface and hands clean throughout the process.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, oils, and thickeners to create unique formulations.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Always use cosmetic-grade ingredients, especially pigments, to ensure they are safe for use on your skin. Do not use craft pigments or any pigments that are not specifically intended for use on skin.
• Note Your Formulas: Keep a log of your recipes so that you can replicate the successes and make adjustments when needed.
• Check Ingredients for Shelf Life: Pay attention to the shelf life of your ingredients. You will likely want to use your creation in a few months, or in the time frame that your most perishable ingredient lasts. The most sensitive component to go rancid will be oils or butters.
• Avoid Water-Based Ingredients Unless Using Preservative: Introducing water, hydrosols or other water-based ingredients greatly increases the chances of mold and bacterial growth and reduces shelf life. Always incorporate a preservative if incorporating any water based ingredients.

Troubleshooting

• Eyeshadow is too runny: Add a tiny amount more pigment or thickener if using (start with a small pinch).
• Eyeshadow is too dry: Add a drop or two more of oil. Mix thoroughly and test again.
• Color is not pigmented enough: Add more pigment and mix thoroughly.
• Eyeshadow is clumpy: Ensure all pigments are well ground. Mix more thoroughly and continue until a smoother consistency is achieved.
• Eyeshadow separates: If the oils and pigments are separating, this can be solved by adding a very small amount of beeswax or a similar binder.

How to Apply Cream Eyeshadow

Applying your homemade cream eyeshadow is similar to using store-bought products. Here’s how:

• Use Clean Fingers or a Brush: You can apply cream eyeshadow with your fingertips for a more diffused look, or use a synthetic brush for a more precise application.
• Start with a Small Amount: Apply a small amount of eyeshadow to your eyelids and gradually build up the color until you reach your desired intensity.
• Blend Well: Use gentle, sweeping motions to blend the eyeshadow into your eyelid.
• Layer with Powder Shadows: For a more intense and long-lasting look, you can set your cream eyeshadow with a powder shadow in a similar shade.
• Experiment with Different Looks: Try using your cream eyeshadow as a base for other colors, as an eyeliner, or as a highlight.

Conclusion

Making your own cream eyeshadow is a rewarding and fun DIY beauty project. It allows you to create custom colors, control your ingredients, and save money. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to craft your own collection of stunning cream eyeshadows that are perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the process of crafting your own makeup masterpieces! It may be a little bit of trial and error at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will have a great time experimenting with all sorts of colors and finishes!