I’ve been using the BareMinerals line of makeup since about 2010. I’m a money-saver at heart, and while I cringe at the price of these products, I have found no better solution. They blend so much better than the liquid foundation I used for years. However, it was a few years later before I learned I could save even more money and make homemade mineral veil.
I don’t use makeup all the time but mostly for work, business meetings and special events, so it’s important for me to have a go-to product. And, I feel better about the ingredients I’m using on my face when I use mineral makeup. I use BareMinerals Foundation, BareMinerals Bronzer and BareMinerals Mineral Veil (a face finishing powder).
Homemade Mineral Veil
Mineral Veil is Corn Starch
However, when I learned the primary ingredient in mineral veil is corn starch. I had to step back and consider if it was really worth it to pay $20 for a container of corn starch. I did some research and learned it was possible to make homemade mineral veil. Today I will share step by step how to make your own.
What Else Is In Mineral Veil?
There are a few other ingredients in mineral veil, but they are listed second to corn starch. The way the ingredients are ordered the most-used ingredient is listed first. Take a look at the ingredients from the store-bought mineral veil:
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Is Mineral Veil Worth the $20 Price Tag?
I understand there are those other ingredients in the product, but this was enough to convince me I didn’t need to pay $20 for each new jar. I figured it was worth a try to make my own homemade mineral veil. The worst that could happen would be I didn’t like it and I could go back and buy a new container for $20 at the makeup store.
Homemade Mineral Veil
Why I decided to Make Mineral Veil
Between learning of the ingredients and the price tag, I decided it would save me money to make my own mineral veil. In addition, I believed I would be introducing fewer unknown ingredients onto my skin. I already had corn starch in my kitchen and I already owned the BareMinerals Foundation – which I are learned – were two key ingredients in the homemade mineral veil recipe.
Also, I was already experimenting with my own homemade beauty recipes with great success. Learning to make some of my own makeup by hand sounded right up my alley.
Homemade Mineral Veil Container
My secondary dilemma was containers. I love the containers the BareMinerals line comes in. They lock for transport and have small holes for tapping just enough of the product out for use. I looked at several stores including a beauty store and the same type of container was nowhere to be found.
That dilemma was solved when I learned I could use a spoon to open the bottom of my existing BareMinerals Mineral Veil container. By opening the container I could easily wash and refill the container myself without having to buy a new package of product just for the container! I have actually been using the same container for several years now and it works great.
I make sure to clean the container between each refill. The container is made well and holds up great to daily use. Best of all, with the easy lock lid I can travel and take the container with me without spilling my makeup.
Homemade Mineral Veil
How to Make Homemade Mineral Veil
Making your own mineral veil from scratch is really easy. It only takes a few minutes. Depending on how often you apply makeup your homemade mineral veil may last a few weeks or a few months. Whenever the container is emptied, just repeat these directions to make homemade mineral veil again. Follow these simple steps:
- Use up whatever product for face finishing powder you have already. Turn over the container and pop the bottom off with a spoon. You can clean out your entire container with soap and water, or simply refill.
- Add some corn starch and a pinch of whatever color foundation you already use. (I have not found a way to replace buying foundation itself.) Stir the product together and/or close the container and shake it up.
- Experiment to find a combination that allows just enough color but sheer finishing coverage. I shook mine up until it had the same appearance as the mineral veil powder I was buying. Snap the container closed and you are ready to go!
- This homemade mineral veil is incredibly easy to make and less expensive. BareMinerals Mineral Veil runs about $20 per jar. Corn starch is only a few dollars and you will have more than enough for that price!
In Summary
Homemade mineral veil is easy to make and can save you money. In addition, the homemade mineral veil works wonderfully – just like the store-bought mineral veil. I’ve noticed no difference in consistency, texture or performance of the homemade face powder.
I’ve now been making and using homemade mineral veil for several years. I still purchase and use BareMinerals Foundation and BareMinerals Bronzer – but I save a lot of money by not purchasing the mineral veil.
Even if you need to purchase finishing powder again once or twice to have a new container – you will still save money over the years by making your own mineral veil most of the time.
*This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated and republished for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Bella Vida Letty says
February 20, 2014 at 10:43 AMI just recieved a lovely Bare Minerals set for my birthday. It’s my first time trying this brand.
Holly Hammersmith says
February 21, 2014 at 11:11 AMI hope you like their products. Like I said I have not found anything better and the makeup looks so much more natural than liquid foundation ever did for me.
Angela (Life in Velvet) says
February 20, 2014 at 10:52 AMOh this is genius! Can’t wait to make this myself! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 So smart!
Ellen C says
February 20, 2014 at 12:11 PMI love Bare Minerals but not the price. This is an amazing alternative. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica says
February 20, 2014 at 12:48 PMLove your ideas for making these products on your own! I use Mary Kay mineral powder and I’m wondering if I can do the same with my container from them.
Tamara Wilson says
February 20, 2014 at 7:12 PMThis is so neat, thank you. I also love using it just hate the price tag. I Will have to make some tonight thanks 🙂
Holly Hammersmith says
February 21, 2014 at 11:11 AMYou are welcome. I hope you enjoy the new recipe. I find the finishing coverage works just as well.
Adrienne says
February 21, 2014 at 8:44 PMThanks for the idea to make this yourself. I love DIY ways as I know what is in them, how much they really cost (for me to make), I can adjust how much I make (most of the time), and when they are made.
I will be sure to pass this on to friends who are looking for a more economical way to wear makeup.
Thanks and enjoy your weekend.
~Adrienne
Just stopping by from BYB in 100 Days 🙂
Melanie Wilson says
February 22, 2014 at 9:51 AMI don’t use Bare Minerals but this is genius. When you say add foundation for color, do you mean powder foundation? I use liquid, but I’m assuming you mean powder. Thanks for stopping by Psychowith6!
Holly Hammersmith says
February 22, 2014 at 10:07 AMYes. Add the BareMinerals powder foundation to the corn starch.
Leah Courtney says
February 22, 2014 at 2:05 PMI would have never thought to try to make makeup homemade. This is great. I’m sharing it. 🙂
I’m stopping by from BYB.
Christine says
February 24, 2014 at 12:25 AMHow cool! Thanks for sharing this. I love Bare Minerals too, it’s the only brand I’ve ever stuck with. I can’t believe you can make the mineral veil at home. Does it look the same once it’s on your face? I must try it! 🙂
Holly Hammersmith says
February 24, 2014 at 6:30 AMYes. It looks the same.
Kristina says
February 25, 2014 at 8:44 AMI love this!! Genius.
I’ll have to try it!
#BB100
Lauren says
February 25, 2014 at 1:53 PMHey Holly! Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment on my blog! I love meeting new bloggers, especially Cleveland ones. I really like this DYI veil! I love when people take the time and energy to figure out beauty product DYIs. This is a great one and I will have to try it. I hate how expensive beauty products can be and they seem to run out so fast.
Denise says
February 26, 2014 at 12:03 AMLove that I could make this myself. I love mineral and only search for mineral face products. Thanks.
Minda says
August 5, 2014 at 9:43 AMI just stumbled upon this page because I recently too decided to just use cornstarch instead of mineral veil. I don’t even feel a need to color it with foundation. I’m putting on such a little bit that the color doesn’t seem necessary–it blends right over my other makeup.
I have been using Physicians Forumla mineral makeup. I like it just as well (perhaps even better) as the pricier BE brand. HOWEVER, I use the expensive brush I got from BareMinerals rather than the cheapo thing that comes with the PF compact. The brush alone seems to make the difference and I save a lot of money on the foundation.
Holly Hammersmith says
August 5, 2014 at 9:53 AMMinda, Thanks for stopping by! I too use the BareMinerals brushes and have their name-brand cleaner which I found works really well to keep the brushes soft like when I first purchased them. Glad you are saving money too!