Cocoa Clay Tint Powder
A loose warm-toned powder built from arrowroot for slip, cocoa for the colour itself, and a little kaolin clay to keep the finish soft rather than shiny.
You will need
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp kaolin clay
The ritual
- Sift all three powders into a small jar, working low and away from your face.
- Screw the lid on and shake for thirty seconds until the colour is even.
- Let the jar stand a minute so the airborne dust settles before opening it.
- Load a soft brush, tap off the excess, then dust lightly onto cheeks.
- Build up in thin layers rather than trying to get there in one go.
Why these ingredients
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder
- The bulk and the slip. It carries the colour, softens it, and gives the powder its smooth blendable feel on skin.
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- The pigment, providing a warm brown that reads as a soft bronzed tone once it is dusted on thinly.
- 1/2 tsp kaolin clay
- Adds a matte finish and a little grip, so the powder sits on skin instead of sliding off through the day.
Easy swaps
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder → cornflour or tapioca starch, both behaving almost identically.
- 1 tsp cocoa powder → cinnamon for a redder tone, though it can be irritating, so patch test carefully.
- 1/2 tsp kaolin clay → white clay of any kind, or leave it out for a slightly shinier finish.
Keep it clean
Mix with freshly washed hands and clean, dry bowls and spoons. If a recipe is stored, use a jar or bottle washed in hot soapy water and dried completely, and never dip wet fingers into the batch.
Storage & when to let go
Keeps six months or more in a dry lidded jar. Keep it away from steam and never dip a damp brush into it.
What to expect — honestly
A light warm dusting that evens out how skin reads in ordinary light and gives a soft sunned look. It is temporary surface colour, not coverage, and it will not hide anything the way a bought foundation does. The effect lasts until you wash it off, and less on a hot day.
Common questions
Will it look muddy on deeper skin?
Straight cocoa can go ashy on very fair skin and disappear on deeper tones. Adjust the ratio until a swatch on your jaw looks right to you.
Can I use it as an eyeshadow?
You can dust it lightly on the lid, but keep it well away from the eye itself and never apply it to the waterline or lash line.
This recipe is shared for general cosmetic enjoyment, not medical advice — see how we research and write in our editorial policy and the full safety guide.
