For 12 days we will be publishing one formula a day that you can copy or personalise this holiday season.

DAY 5

Today is for make up lovers! Excited?

I have been working on make up products for a while behind the scenes and for my work, too. Formulating make up is a fascinating project, quite different from skin care or hair care. I did, however, want to bring you a formula that would not require a specialist knowledge (well, for now :)).

These illuminating drops are very subtle, they give a gentle glow to your skin. Illuminating drops need to highlight so you need to be careful with colour selection. If you were to choose darker, bronzer colour, they would suit darker skin. On whiter skin though they could be more like bronzers. It is important to find the balance that suits you! Also, check the particle size of the micas:

• At 1- 20 microns, micas can provide a satin-like effect

• Above 20 microns they can provide sparkly effect

The base of these drops is a blend of oils, lighter oils to be more precise. I also used Cera Bellina, which is a modified beeswax, to give it a bit of a structure. Cera bellina can gel oils nicely. I didn’t use much, since I packaged it in a dropper bottle so the illuminator needs to flow well. Having cera bellina in the formula means it is not vegan-friendly.

I will help with personalisation below so you can make your own version. If you live in the US, I recommend purchasing those stainless steel mixing beads ( like the ones you often find in nail varnish bottles), because they can help mix the pigments well before use. I haven’t seen them in the UK although there is something similar sold on Amazon which I really should try. There is a project for the future. :)

PERSONALISATION

• You can replace the micas. Play with white, bronze and pink colours.

• You can increase the micas if you want a stronger effect. Don’t forget to reduce the oils then to make it 100%.

• Increase the cera bellina for higher viscosity. Again, don’t forget to reduce the oils then to make it 100%.

• If you choose to use a different thickener, please go slowly. Start with 3-4% and see what viscosity that creates.

HOW TO USE

Apply a few drops on a make up sponge or on the tip of your finger. Dab small amounts of drops onto the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, maybe the tip of your nose.

THE FORMULA