Making Natural Organic Makeup with Lily: A Craft That Sparkles

One afternoon, Lily came to me with a request: "Mama, can I have makeup like you?"

My first instinct was to say no. She's six. But then I thought: what if we made it together? What if I could create something non-toxic, fun, and actually educational?

That's how we ended up with our natural makeup craft — and honestly, it's become one of my favorite things we do together.

Why I Wanted Non-Toxic Makeup for Lily

Most kids' makeup contains synthetic dyes, talc, and chemicals I wasn't comfortable with on her delicate skin. But I also didn't want to deny her the joy of playing with color and feeling a little grown-up.

So I started researching natural alternatives. What I found was beautiful: you can make gorgeous, safe makeup with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

The Ingredients We Use

Everything in our makeup is food-grade or cosmetic-grade. Here's what we use:

Base: - Arrowroot powder — The foundation. It's silky, non-toxic, and gives makeup that smooth feel

Colors: - Beet powder — Creates gorgeous pinks and reds (we use this for blush) - Cocoa powder — Gives warm browns and bronzes - Mica powder — Adds shimmer and comes in every color imaginable (rose gold, copper, green, blue, purple)

Optional: - Activated charcoal — For blacks and grays - Turmeric — For warm yellows and golds - Spirulina — For greens and teals

Our Simple Recipe

For Blush: - 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder - 1 tablespoon beet powder - 1 teaspoon mica (rose gold or copper)

For Eyeshadow: - 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder - ½ teaspoon cocoa powder (or other color powder) - ½ teaspoon mica (any shade)

Mix together and store in small jars or containers.

How We Make It (The Fun Part)

This is where it becomes a craft, not just a project:

1. Measure together — Lily uses a small spoon to measure the arrowroot. We talk about fractions and ratios without it feeling like math.

2. Mix in a bowl — She uses a small whisk or fork to combine everything. This is her favorite part — the mixing, the colors coming together, the transformation.

3. Adjust the color — Too light? Add more beet powder. Want more shimmer? More mica. She learns that she can adjust and experiment.

4. Transfer to containers — We use small glass jars or empty makeup containers. She decorates the labels with stickers or drawings.

5. Test it out — The grand finale. She applies it (gently, with clean hands or a brush) and admires her creation in the mirror.

Why This Matters Beyond the Makeup

Yes, Lily loves having her own makeup. But what I love most is what happens during the process:

She's learning that she can create. Not just consume, but make something from scratch. She's learning that ingredients combine to create something beautiful.

She's experimenting safely. If she wants to mix cocoa and beet powder together to see what happens? Go for it. There's no "wrong" in this project.

She's spending time with me. In a world of screens and schedules, we're sitting together, mixing colors, talking about what we're making. It's simple, but it's everything.

She understands what's on her skin. When she asks, "What's in this?" I can tell her exactly. No mystery ingredients. No chemicals I can't pronounce.

Storage and Safety Tips

- Store in airtight containers — Keeps the makeup fresh and prevents moisture from getting in - Label everything — So you know what's what - Keep it cool and dry — A bathroom drawer or shelf works great - Wash hands before and after — Even though it's non-toxic, it's good practice - Don't share — Each person should have their own makeup to prevent spreading bacteria - Lasts about 3-6 months — Longer if stored properly

Where to Find Ingredients

If you don't have these on hand: - Arrowroot powder — Health food stores, Amazon, or the baking aisle - Beet powder — Health food stores or online (or dehydrate and powder fresh beets) - Cocoa powder — Any grocery store - Mica powder — Craft stores, Amazon, or cosmetic supply shops (make sure it's cosmetic-grade)

The Bigger Picture

This craft is about more than makeup. It's about showing Lily that: - Natural doesn't mean boring - She can create beauty safely - Time together is the best gift - Curiosity and experimentation are encouraged

Plus, she gets to feel like a big girl, and I get to feel like I'm giving her something safe and intentional.

Have you made natural makeup with your kids? I'd love to hear what colors you created or what ingredients you used. Reply to this email — I read every message.

With sparkle, Lauren

P.S. — Lily's current favorite is rose gold mica mixed with cocoa powder. She calls it "princess brown." I'm here for it.