A while ago, I discovered this recipe for a DIY cheek stain from ReadyMade, and I thought, “I should make that!” Then I read the ingredient list. You guys, I hate beets. I really, really hate them. I hate them so much that the thought of purchasing a beet, then having to peel it and chop it and smell it…grossed me out.
However, I also happen to be a former Benefit junkie. I have very fond memories of their famous Benetint, and that little beet-y cheek stain looked a lot like it. (Oh the shopping spree I’d go on if Benefit made natural or organic versions of their products…)
Finally, I could no longer stand the thought of being reunited with a natural version of Benetint, so I went to Healthy Home Market, bought two (!) beets and some vegetable glycerine–and wow, do I love this stuff.
Read on for the recipe and more photos!
Supplies:
One or two beets
Vegetable glycerine (you’ll find it in the beauty section of your local health food store)
A jar to hold the tint
Tools:
Vegetable peeler
Knife
Double boiler (or a bowl inside a pot)
Cutting board
Peel the beet(s) and chop them into large pieces. Put the beets and about two tablespoons of vegetable glycerine into a double boiler (or a bowl inside a pot like I did), and heat the water to a gentle boil. You can add a little extra veggie glycerine if you use two beets–I probably used four tablespoons. Cook the beets for 15 minutes, watching to be sure the water doesn’t evaporate or boil over. Strain out the beet pieces, and collect the liquid in your jar. Make sure to let it cool before you dab some on your cheeks! The stain should keep for about six months.
What do you think? Will you try it?
I must try this! I too was in love with Benetint. Actually, I’m a fan of any tinted makeup specifically because it tends to last a while and isn’t sticky. I loathe sticky cosmetics. Yet another reason the wear natural makeup. I especially like using a tint on my lips so I can use my favorite lip balm overtop. I’ll be making my own for sure. Thanks for sharing!
You will love it! Let me know if you try it out…
-Aleigh
I am so glad you joined my link party, I really love finding new natural beauty blogs! I am not there yet, but I am trying!!!
I was excited to see your link party! So glad you came by to check out my blog. And glad to hear you’re trying out some natural products, too. Let me know if you ever need recommendations.
—Aleigh
Beets?! WOW this is a new one! Really interesting (although I’m totally not a beet fan either lol)
Luckily the finished product doesn’t smell too beet-y.
Thanks for stopping by!
–Aleigh
I just found this blog a couple of weeks ago (love it!) and when I came across this post, I knew I had to try it. My Benetint was nearly gone so the timing was perfect. I LOVE this cheek stain! It was super easy and waaaaayyy less expensive than Benetint. The recipe made enough to refill my Benetint bottle, plus some. I gave the extra to my sister in an empty nailpolish bottle that I bought at the beauty supply. Thanks for the post!
Yay! That’s awesome, Lea! Thanks for the note.
–Aleigh
Hi Aleigh,
Did you know you can also use beet powder? You dissolve it in heated glycerine. It can *sometimes* be grainy but is generally OK.
Actually your recipe has encouraged me to use real beets again
-Lydia
I’ve trying to figure out how to hack this recipe using beet powder
Do you dissolve the powder right into the glycerin and cook? Or do you need to add water to the powder first? How much powder to glycerin?
Thanks!
trying this right now! i had this idea a little while ago, and i came across your site when i started doing research
i’ve been using plain beets on my cheeks(hehe) straight off the beet, but this is will make it more portable, last longer, and use the beet better i think. i will update you after it cools, they are almost ready to strain!
What a cool idea!
Can it seriously be kept for six months? :O Do you keep it in refrigerator or not? Any suggestions? I’d bought my beetroot and ready to make one. :))
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
I keep it in the fridge! I would say up to six months…use your best judgment. If it smells or looks like it’s gone bad, toss it.
I bought 3 kinds of organic powders, and one of them is beetroot, so I was looking for a recipe for a cheek and lipstain, because I wanted to buy Formetera from Tilbury, but I gave up my master card before I bought it…so, now I’m left to “experiment” – making my own!
Thanks for this example!