DIY bronzer is an easy, budget-friendly way to give your skin a natural, sun-kissed finish. This homemade bronzer uses simple, natural ingredients you can trust. Read the tips below to make a well-balanced, flattering bronzer suited to your skin tone.
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Ingredients you will need: cornstarch, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
DIY Bronzer Backstory
I love sharing simple homemade beauty recipes, and this week it’s bronzer. For a long time I didn’t use bronzer at all — it felt like an unnecessary extra. Living on a budget helped me decide which products were essential, and bronzer wasn’t one of them. That changed when I learned how easy it is to make at home.
I was also reluctant to wear commercial bronzers because many looked too orange on my fair skin. It took time to accept my natural complexion. In the past I tried tanning, but I never developed an even tan and often ended up blotchy. After getting married I stopped tanning and focused on embracing the skin I have.
Still, I understand why many people like bronzer. It adds warmth and dimension, and in the summer a little glow can lift your whole look. Making a homemade version gives you control over ingredients and shade, and it’s gentle on your skin and wallet.
Tips For Making DIY Bronzer
- Add ingredients slowly. Start with small amounts and adjust gradually.
- Choose a shade one to two tones darker than your natural skin color for a subtle, natural effect.
- If the mix becomes too dark, lighten it with more cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Adjust the recipe seasonally — skin can be slightly darker in summer, so you may prefer a richer mix then.
DIY Bronzer Recipe
Homemade Bronzer Ingredients:
- Organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon
Note: Beet powder was once included in my mix but I no longer use it regularly.
How To Make DIY Bronzer
- Begin with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a base.
- Add cocoa powder and a pinch of cinnamon in very small increments until you reach the shade you want.
- Test the color on the back of your hand or jawline to ensure it blends naturally with your skin.
- Record the measurements so you can reproduce the shade later.
Note: Because skin tones vary widely, you may need to tweak the proportions to get your ideal match.
My homemade bronzer recipe:
- 1 tablespoon organic cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: a small pinch of beet powder if you want a touch more warmth, though I now skip this.
Love this homemade product? Check these other posts out!
- DIY Natural Foundation Powder — a lightweight foundation alternative I still use.
- Best homemade deodorant for sensitive skin — a gentle, effective deodorant option.
- DIY Herbal Toner — helps tighten and clarify skin.
- Homemade facial cleanser — a gentle, effective facial wash.
- Homemade makeup remover — a simple, nourishing remover I recommend.
How To Use DIY Bronzer
- Apply your regular base makeup first: foundation and powder as usual.
- Dip a brush into the homemade bronzer, then tap off excess product.
- Apply to the face where the sun naturally hits: start on the cheekbones and blend in circular motions along the temples, forehead, and jawline for a soft, natural contour.
This recipe is simple, economical, and customizable. You’ll know exactly what you’re putting on your skin and can adjust the shade easily as needed.
This post was updated March 2019.