makeup

DIY BLUSH + BRONZER

Post + Photos by Amy Nadine, Graphic Design by Eunice Chun

If you’re like us here at TBD, you love a good DIY project! And nothing is prettier than adding a little color to our bronzer! It warms up the complexion like a fresh tan that you got an hour ago at the pool before it faded into a regular tan. You know what I mean? Anyway, you don’t have to buy one when you can make one with items you already have in your vanity. And why not take it a step further and make a really pretty one while you’re at it? Here’s how: 

TOOLS:

• 70% ethyl alcohol — I picked up this bottle at Cinema Secrets but most hand sanitizers are actually 70% ethyl alcohol and will do the trick! Just check the ingredients obviously and make sure it’s pure and there are no additives.
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Tissue
• 1/2 teaspoon
• Your favorite bronzer — I used Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte because it’s been one of my favorite non-orange bronzing powders for years.
• Loose mineral blush — I used Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Sherbet because it’s the yummiest peach with a hint of shimmer (I also love Tulip too!).
• Silicone Mold — I used a Martha Stewart Crafts Silicone Mold butterfly but she has bows, berries, hearts and tons of other super fun shapes that you can use too!

STEPS:

1. Pour a small amount of the loose blush into the bowl by eye-ing how much it would take to fill up the butterfly. You can always add more if it’s not enough.
2. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of alcohol (that should be plenty but you can always add more).
3. Stir the solution with the spatula to make a paste. If it’s too watery, add more blush and if it’s too powdery, add more alcohol (obviously!).
4. Scoop the paste out with the spatula and transfer it into the butterfly. Make sure to pack enough in to fill it to the top.
5. Let it sit for a minute.
6. Press the tissue over the butterfly mold multiple times to absorb any extra alcohol while packing it in all the way.
7. Turn the mold over and bend the sides upward to release the butterfly.
8. Let it stand overnight.