DIY Natural Blush Recipes (Including a Sensitive-Skin Option)

If you love clean skincare, your makeup should be just as simple. These three Soap & Serum–style blush recipes use real botanicals instead of synthetic dyes, so you can customise your shade and feel good about what’s on your skin.

You’ll find:

1. A silky loose powder blush

2. A creamy, dewy blush balm

3. An ultra-gentle balm for easily irritated or reactive skin

Always patch test on the inside of your arm before using any new product on your face.

1. Soft Mineral-Style Beetroot Powder Blush

A light, buildable powder that feels like a loose mineral blush.

You’ll need

• 1½ tsp beetroot powder (adjust for depth of colour)

• 1 tsp arrowroot or tapioca starch

• ½ tsp cornstarch (for slip)

• ¼–½ tsp cocoa powder (for warmth and depth, optional)

• A tiny pinch of cinnamon powder (optional – skip for very sensitive skin)

• ¼ tsp cosmetic mica for sheen (optional, use a natural, eye/skin-safe mica)

Method

1. Sift & blend

   • Sift all powders through a fine sieve into a clean, dry bowl to avoid clumps.

   • Start with less beetroot and cocoa, then slowly add more until you reach your ideal shade.

2. Test the colour

   • Dip a clean brush in, tap off excess, and swipe on the inside of your wrist.

   • Too bright? Add a little more arrowroot/tapioca. Too brown? Add more beetroot.

3. Store

   • Spoon into a small sifter jar or clean, dry container with a tight lid.

   • Use within 6 months and keep away from moisture.

2. Rosy Cream Blush Balm

A rich, buttery blush that melts into the skin and doubles as a tinted lip balm.

You’ll need

• ½ tsp dried rose petals, ground to a fine powder (optional can use a pinch or mica)

• ½ tsp beetroot powder

• ½ tbsp shea butter

• ½ tbsp jojoba or sweet almond oil

• ¼ tsp beeswax (or candelilla wax for a vegan option)

• ¼ tsp arrowroot or cornstarch (for a satin, non-greasy finish)

Method

1. Infuse the oils (optional but lovely)

   • Gently warm the jojoba/almond oil with the rose petal powder in a small heatproof glass over a water bath for 20–30 minutes (don’t boil).

   • Strain through a fine cloth if you want a very smooth finish, or leave the super-fine powder in for a soft blur.

2. Melt the base

   • Add shea butter and beeswax/candelilla to the infused oil.

   • Place over a gentle water bath and heat until completely melted.

3. Add colour & starch

   • Remove from heat. Whisk in beetroot powder and arrowroot/cornstarch until smooth. Work quickly – it thickens as it cools.

4. Pour & set

   • Pour into a small tin or balm pot.

   • Let it set at room temperature, then cap.

5. Use

   • Warm a little on your fingertip and tap onto cheeks and lips.

   • Build in thin layers rather than one heavy swipe.

3. Chamomile & Oat Sensitive-Skin Cream Blush

This version skips fragrance, cinnamon, and shimmer – using calming botanicals instead. Designed for easily upset, redness-prone skin.

You’ll need

• ½ tsp finely ground colloidal oats (or very finely blitzed rolled oats, sifted)

• ½ tsp chamomile or rose petal powder (very finely ground) 

• ¼–½ tsp beetroot powder (start low; sensitive skin often prefers a softer tint)

• ½ tbsp shea butter

• ½ tbsp jojoba oil (very gentle and close to skin’s natural sebum)

• ¼ tsp beeswax or candelilla wax (for vegan)

Method

1. Melt the base

   • In a small heatproof glass, combine shea butter, jojoba oil and wax.

   • Melt over a gentle water bath until liquid.

2. Mix in calming powders

   • Remove from heat. Sprinkle in oats and chamomile/rose powder, whisking well.

   • Add beetroot little by little until you get a soft rosy tone.

3. Pour & cool

   • Pour into a small jar or balm tin and allow to cool completely before using.

4. Use & store

   • Dab onto cheeks with clean fingers or a sponge.

   • Because this recipe is anhydrous (no water), it keeps well in a cool, dry place – but always use clean hands or a spatula to avoid contamination.

Tips for Working with Natural Colour

• Shade tweaks: Add cocoa for warmth, beetroot for brightness, rose/chamomile for softness, and arrowroot/tapioca to tone down intensity.

• Staining: Beetroot can lightly stain fabrics and towels; apply carefully and wash off hands after blending.

• Patch testing: Even natural ingredients can irritate some skin types. Test first, especially if you’re prone to allergies.