Foundation Stick - Batch 2 - That's Better
A while back I made a foundation stick that worked, but was a fail. The color was fine, coverage was OK, but there was a serious texture issue that turned up after a short time of use.
Here's batch 2. This turned out much better – no hard, lumpy bits and nice, even texture all the way through.
If you think that means this was a total success, I'd have to say 'only partly'. We're still not quite there, but I'll get to that bit in a minute.
Destined for Disappointment
This is why batch one failed. If you make a teensy amount (like, just barely enough for one container) and think you will be able to keep full control over temperature, mixing and solidifying, then you are destined for disappointment.But...
if you get some great tips from a cosmetics-making pro with scads of experience who is kind enough to offer help and advice, then everything becomes clear, the clouds part, the sun bursts forth – and suddenly – all is right with the world.
(Thank you kindly, Bob!)
It's That Simple
The trick to making a teensy portion (like, a single stick) is to create a base of all the fats and waxes first, then proceed with the addition of powders.When you hear it, it seems so obvious, doesn't it?
With a ready-made base you can easily melt, stir, pour, and Bob's your uncle!
(sorry - just had to throw that one in)
Here's How I Made This Foundation Stick
Even though this didn't turn out perfect (a bit too much powder), I'm sharing the formula with you, because you might just like this texture.
- 63 % melt and pour base (make your own or buy from a cosmetics-making supplier. the one I used here is my own)
- 12 % foundation pigment mix
- 15 % serecite
- 10 % silica microspheres
Note: this pigment amount gives (my preferred) light coverage. If you want more coverage, you'll need to adjust the amounts of the powders,
Method
Weigh out your ingredients (here's a peek at the portion I made = 1 stick)
Place base in heatproof beaker and melt slowly over low heat
Meantime, sift the powders together thoroughly (I use a dedicated tea sieve)
When the base is melted
Add the powder mixture to the baseStir until thoroughly mixed
Transfer to container
Above: the final product. This was poured into a stick container from a new supplier so it didn't quite fill to the top. Other than that - it's a joy to use and has been functioning beautifully and holding steady on texture and delivery.
I added a bit too much powder for my taste, so i get better application if I apply this directly after applying my face oil (which suits me fine)-
An almost winner!
Comments
I have to tell that creating a pre-made mixture also works beautifully for creams. When you want to create a mixture of several oils for skin care, Sunshine's it's hard for small batches. But when creating the oils mixture in big quantities, it's easier also to measure the smallest proportions more accurately :)
Thanks for the recipe, I wish to write a base for casting and dissolving and can it have uses other than stick foundation.
You ask if this can be used for other things than a stick foundation.. I would imagine it would work quite well for a stick blush, bronzing stick, or highlighter stick as well. :)