To Bronze or Not to Bronze.... that is the question

Today we are going to be making some  Contour bronzers.  A lot of people are still risking their health by using tanning beds, and sitting in the sun for that golden glow.  I admit myself that tanned people look great, but at what cost?

If you are one of those people, I am not judging you but after getting skin cancer 2 years ago, from playing in the sun when I was a kid, it sure did open my eyes.  As an adult I do not go in the sun due to being able to get sunstroke within 5-10 minutes.  This is why we guess that the cancer was from childhood.

The first recipe I am going to tell you about is another 'untried' recipe.  It does state that you need to have a light hand when applying this powder.  You may also want to blend it with the tip of your finger to even out the powder.

These are the ingredients but please note what each does:

• Cinnamon - adds glow

• Nutmeg - adds a sun kissed brown
• Cocoa Powder - adds depth and darkness
• Cornstarch or Powdered Sugar - lightens
• An empty compact or small jar with lid
• Essential oil (lavender, rose, or rosemary would work) - keeps it together

The oil will help it thicken it.  For tone/color you will have to experiment with the powders till you get one that matches your skin tone.  This makes this recipe a bit more difficult but it will help that you get a custom color rather than a set recipe that wont match your skin well.

Here are the estimations to get you started.

1 tbsp. cinnamon powder

1 tsp. cocoa powder

1 tsp. nutmeg powder

2 tsp. cornstarch

15 drops of rose, lavender, or rosemary essential oil

Mix well in small bowl, making sure to break up any clumps with your fingers.  Place powder in clean empty compact or jar and tamp down well with back of spoon. 

Apply lightly as you would a contour powder.

If you are light skinned you may wish to try the following recipe.

2 tbsp. cinnamon powder

3 tsp. cornstarch (adjust to preferred color)

Mix together and adjust as necessary.  Add a few drops of oil (lavender or rose is best). 

Body and Face Bronzer

2 tbsp. beeswax

4 tbsp. jojoba oil

1 tbsp. evening primrose oil

8 tbsp. distilled water

14 tbsp. phenonip preservative (clear liquid used extensively in cosmetics for adding shelf life)

3 tbsp. emulsifying wax - needed to allow water and oils to blend

Mica powder

Melt the beeswax, emulsifying wax, jojoba and primrose oils together without boiling.  Add the water and then the preservative phenonip.  Allow mixture to cool thoroughly. 

Add the mica very gradually to achieve the desired shade and tone and mix thoroughly.  Don’t rush or you will end up with a bronzer much darker than you can use. 

****Mica powder is a natural mineral in its crushed and purified form.  It is used extensively as a make-up ingredient.  Your first try may not be exactly the result you want but a little practice and you will produce perfect results.   If you cannot find mica locally it is available online****