Age-Defying DIY Blush with Beets & Lavender Oil

January 3, 2017

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Blush, sometimes called rouge, is one of the the most popular makeup products out there. It’s used to redden the cheeks and cheekbone area with the intention of providing a more youthful appearance.

Blush goes way back in history. Initially, anyone who wore blush was thought to have less than desirable ethical behavior. This is when the pinching of the cheeks came into the picture. Regardless, over the centuries from the African Middle Stone Age and even in the Bible, various pigments and foods have been used to create this red tint such as crushed mulberries or strawberries, red beet juice and red amaranth– so natural skin care methods and DIY blush are not as unusual you may think. (1, 2)

However, there are problems with most conventional blush products. Numerous blush products found on the shelf today contain some chemicals, such as ammonium hydroxide. In fact, historically, a lot of make up actually contained arsenic — clearly, something to avoid.

The Environmental Working Group website contains a database of products. From there, you can see many examples that contain ingredients that may cause problems such as endocrine disruption, irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs, may cause cancer, and organ system toxicity among other hazards. But, making your own DIY blush is easy and contains just a few ingredients. Experiment to get the right shade and texture for you.

How to Make a DIY Blush

There are four types of blush: pressed powder, loose powder, cream based and mineral baked. We are going to make a loose powder DIY blush version today.

Let’s begin with the finely ground beet powder. In a small bowl, place the beet powder and the arrowroot powder, and blend well. Beets are jam-packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-aging benefits. While beets are typically eaten, applying them to the skin allows the skin to absorb these health bonuses.

Arrowroot powder is a natural ingredient that helps keep the immune system strong through its vitamin C contents. Additionally, vitamin C is great for the skin by helping to eliminate those annoying brown spots that have formed due to free radical invasion. It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, according to Oregon State University. (3)

Next, add the cinnamon or ginger. Remember, use cinnamon for a darker color and ginger for a lighter color. Start with just a pinch or two and experiment with your skin tone. Like beets, cinnamon contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it’s a natural antibiotic and contains antimicrobial effects that protects the skin from irritations, acne, rashes, allergic reactions and some infections. Ginger helps fight infection, making it a winner in this recipe. Mix all the dry ingredients until well blended.

Lastly, but definitely not least in this DIY blush recipe, are the essential oils. Add 2 drops each of lavender and frankincense to the bowl and blend one more time. Lavender oil is known to be very relaxing, but did you know that is also restores skin complexion, slows aging and reduces acne? Frankincense provides relaxation too, but it’s also a powerful astringent, helping to reduce blemishes, the appearance of large pores and prevents wrinkles all while tightening the skin.

Now, you can put your new DIY blush into a small container with a tight-fitting lid. When you are ready to use it, apply with a clean blush brush. Remember, if it’s too dark, you can add some ginger and if too light, just add some cinnamon. If you want a bit of shimmer, add a small pinch or two of pure mica powder and mix together with the other ingredients.