DIY Cosmetic Cocktails

I have the most perfect shade of blush. It's a subtle pale pink that's fun and girly. I love the hue so much that I wish it also came as a lipstick and a cream eyeshadow. Then I could do that oh-so-chic monochromatic look. But the company doesn't make it, so what's a girl to do? Easy, break out those DIY makeup skills of course.

OK, I admit it. I got some mad DIY skills. And when I stumble upon a problem like the one above, I try to find a solution using the things I have. With makeup, that means pulling out all my lotions, powders, glosses, and balms and creating my own makeup recipe.

 

Of course, this is nothing new. Makeup artists have been making their own concoctions since the beginning of (makeup artist) time. Mixing makeup creates a one-of-a-kind tone and texture that you can keep tweaking until you find what works best for your skin and complexion. Plus, it's the best way to adjust the depth, brilliance, and sheen of your products.

I've complied some of the best DIY makeup cocktails around, and checked in with the pros for their own makeup secrets. If you're not a DIY person, no worries! These mixtures only involve two products, so it can't get any simpler. And if you need an additional reason to try these makeup recipes, just think of all the cash you'll save by using things you actually already own.

 

 

 

Loose Pigment + Cream Shadow = Long Lasting, Perfect Shade Eyeshadow

Find yourself compromising when it comes to your eyeshadow? I hear ya. Cream shadows are perfect for marathon days 'cause they last forever. Too bad they usually come in neutral colors, which can be a tad boring. On the other hand, powder eyeshadows come in every hue of the rainbow, but they tend to fade by lunchtime. What's a girl to do?

Blending a bright loose power with a cream shadow -- which usually contain smudge-proof ingredients like silicone -- will give your bold hue staying power. And to boost your loose powder hue even more, celebrity makeup artist Lusine Galadjiam recommends using a silver or white cream when blending. Bonus: You can also use this combo to create a custom eyeliner or mascara.

Try mixing Make Up For Ever Pure Pigments, £11.95 or Barry M Dazzle Dust, £4.59, with Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow, £18, or Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24H, £4.99 for this eyeshadow cocktail.

Highlighter + Moisturizer = Illuminated Skin

I'm the first to admit that using a highlighter is tricky when you don't know where to put it. That's why I love this makeup cocktail. Simply mix your highlighter, like Benefit Watt's Up!, £24.50, with face moisturiser, like Neutrogena Multi Defence Daily Moisturiser, £7.39 Apply this combo before you layer on foundation for a natural, dewy base . If you want to simplify your makeup routine even more, swap the plain face moisturiser for a tinted moisturiser and you can skip your foundation, says Galadjian.

To create this cocktail, mix both products in the palm of your hands, and use your fingers to apply it to your face. Just watch out for your T-zone. Your forehead, nose, and chin areas are the biggest producers of oil, and a heavy highlighter can make your skin look greasy rather than dewy. Just apply the mixture lighter in those areas.

Lipstick + Lip Balm = Soft, Colorful Lips

Not quite happy with your lip shade? Get the color you want by mixing two (or more) lipsticks with a moisturising clear lip balm or gloss. Use the back of your hand as your palette, and keep the shades and balm separate. Then, slowly add color to the balm until you get your perfect shade. Unlike layering shades or putting on a gloss as the final coat, this customized combo will be evenly blended and not uber shiny.

Another bonus from this makeup cocktail? The balm will prevent your lips from drying out. It'll also keep the shade from being too matte or heavy-looking, but it won't tone down the rich color.

We recommend Prestige Cosmetics Classic Lipstick, £1.99, with Korres Lip Butter in Guava,  £7.

Foundation + Sunscreen = Full Coverage

Whether you wiped out at a track meet or fell off your platform wedges, everyone has a scar or two. But before you slather on the foundation to cover those skin imperfections, try mixing it with some sunscreen. The combo melts really nicely into skin. Plus, natural sunscreen has a reflective quality that enhances your glow and camouflages flaws beautifully.

We like Stila Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup, £12.75, with California Baby Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion, £12.75.

Bronzer + Body Lotion = Subtle Shimmery Skin

When it comes to body bronzers, no one wants get mistaken for a cast member of "The Jersey Shore." Plus, many bronzers add sparkle to their formula, which can look downright tacky. The trick? To look subtly bronzed and glowing -- not glittery. The right amount of shimmer reflects light so your skin has a golden, healthier appearance.

To strike that tasteful balance, try mixing body bronzer, like JK Kidd Show Stopper Year-Round Body Glow, £17 with ordinary body lotion, like Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh Body Lotion, £2.99. Most bronzers are really glittery, and toning them down with a lotion is how many makeup artists create a more natural-looking glow.

To create this cocktail, take one part bronzer and one part body lotion and mix them in your hands. You can also add more lotion if your bronzer is super sparkly or dark. Added bonus: The body lotion also ensures that the subtle sparkle sticks to your skin, and not your dress or date.

Loose Pigments + Lip Gloss = Perfect Hue Gloss

Love your bright fuchsia blush? Think it would make a fabulous lip color? All you need is some clear lip gloss, like Rimmel Vinyl Gloss Lipgloss in 800 Crystal Clear, £4.99. Simply add a few flakes of your blush, eyeshadow, or other cosmetic pigment to the gloss. (If your color component is packed into its container, use an X-Acto knife to scrape some flakes.) I suggest using a cup to mix the products. Then, use a thin brush to paint the mix on your lips so it goes on smooth and even.

For colorful pigments, try MAC Cosmetics Pigment, £16.50.




Happy DIY-ing!

xoxo,
Angelique