Homemade Natural Bronzer

Make your own bronzer with a few simple ingredients and avoid copious amounts of store-bought cosmetics.

Winter is fast approaching and in turn my summer glow is vanishing, causing me to look increasingly like a character from Twilight, which really isn't that glamourous in real life. I decided to hunt around for some homemade bronzer recipes and experiment with some natural ingredients. It turns out some simple household products like cinnamon and raw chocolate powder can make you look a lot more alive during the winter months.

Bronzing powder for the face

Ingredients - option 1 for a subtle effect:

2 Tbsp cinnamon powder

3 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (adjust amount depending on your skin tone.)

A few drops of essential oil (lavender or rose work well) or for a paste-like bronzer you can add a teaspoon of melted coconut oil.

Ingredients - option 2 for a deeper bronze:

1 Tbsp cinnamon powder

1 teaspoon raw cacao powder

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoons corn starch or arrowroot powder

A few drops of essential oil or a teaspoon of melted coconut oil.

Instructions:

Mix ingredients in a small bowl, experimenting with the depth of colour as you go. Add a few drops of essential oil or coconut oil.

Mix well.

Transfer ingredients into a small jar with a lid or into an empty compact.

Apply lightly, a little bit at a time so you don't overdo it. Focus on your forehead, nose, jawline and apples of your cheeks for natural looking colour.

Coffee and tea are another natural way to colour the skin, however this should be done with caution if you're covering your body as things can get messy and end up on your clothes. If you apply this in the bathroom and avoid white clothes, you shouldn't have a problem.

Coffee bronzing spray

Ingredients:

1 large spray bottle

2 cups of strong coffee/coffee dregs

A tablespoon of almond oil

1 cup water

Instructions:

Combine a couple of cups of strong coffee, the almond oil and water in a large spray bottle and shake well.

Spray over your body or on any parts you want to add colour, like your legs.

Rub it in with your hands and let dry. Wash hands after application.

The result isn't dramatic but if the mixture is strong enough it does add colour. Experiment with different strengths for the desired result.

Interesting fact:

Amy Carmichael was a missionary in India in the early 1900s, who reportedly dyed her skin with tea and coffee in order to sneak into Hindu temples and save children from forced prostitution. She founded a sanctuary for over one thousand children, mainly young women and girls who would otherwise be forced into prostitution. In respect of Indian culture, members of her organisation wore Indian clothes and gave Indian names to the rescued children.

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