If you’ve been experimenting with natural makeup or are thinking about taking the DIY route, you’ve probably heard about the challenge of finding the perfect pigments. And when it comes to blues, the challenge gets even trickier!

But don’t worry. There are natural options that are both effective and stunning.

Whether you’re looking to mix your own eyeliner, eyeshadow, or even lip color, natural blue pigments can make your creations pop while staying safe and eco-friendly. Let's explore some of the most effective natural blue pigments you can use in makeup.

1. Indigo

Indigo is one of the oldest natural blue dyes in the world, and it’s as gorgeous as it is versatile. This deep, rich blue pigment comes from the leaves of the Indigofera tinctoria plant, which has been used in textiles and cosmetics for centuries.

Benefits of Indigo in Makeup

  • Deep Color: Indigo provides a lush, dark blue that’s perfect for dramatic eye looks, like eyeliner or smoky eyeshadow.
  • Natural and Plant-Based: It’s safe, non-toxic, and works well for those with sensitive skin.
  • Sustainable Source: Derived from plants, indigo is biodegradable and eco-friendly.

How to Use It in DIY Makeup

For DIY projects, indigo can be powdered and added to a base of crushed minerals to create eyeshadow or eyeliner. Try blending it with a small amount of coconut oil or shea butter to make a creamy eyeliner. Keep in mind that it’s a strong pigment, so a little goes a long way.

2. Spirulina

Spirulina isn’t just for smoothies! This nutrient-rich blue-green algae also makes a stunning natural pigment for makeup. While spirulina is often associated with green shades, certain varieties produce a lighter blue hue that’s great for a soft, calming look.

Benefits of Spirulina in Makeup

  • Packed with Antioxidants: Spirulina often comes with skin-friendly benefits like reducing redness and promoting hydration.
  • Light Blue Tints: Since spirulina gives a more subtle blue than indigo, it’s ideal for soft looks, such as pastel eyeshadows.
  • Gentle on Skin: This pigment is safe for most skin types, which makes it perfect for natural cosmetics.

How to Use It in DIY Makeup

To use spirulina, mix its fine powder with DIY balm bases or mineral powders. It pairs well with translucent bases for a sheer blue shimmer that complements everyday makeup.

3. Ultramarine Blue

Ultramarine blue might sound fancy, but it’s actually a mineral-based pigment that has been used in art and cosmetics for hundreds of years. This pigment is made by refining the mineral lapis lazuli or creating a synthetic version approved for natural cosmetics.

Benefits of Ultramarine Blue in Makeup

  • Brilliant and Bold Color: Ultramarine blue delivers an intense, vibrant shade that stands out beautifully.
  • Versatile Use: It works well in eyeshadows, eyeliners, and even nail polish.
  • Non-Toxic and Vegan: Modern cosmetics-grade ultramarine blue is lab-created to ensure safety and quality.

How to Use It in DIY Makeup

For DIY makeup enthusiasts, ultramarine blue powder mixes easily with mica powders, oils, and waxes. Blend it into natural clay bases to create striking eyeshadow shades. For a bolder eyeliner, combine with aloe vera gel for a smooth application.

4. Butterfly Pea Flower

If you’re looking for a botanical ingredient that’s easy to work with, butterfly pea flower might be your new favorite. These vibrant blue flowers are packed with natural pigments called anthocyanins, which can create everything from soft blue to purplish tones.

Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower in Makeup

  • Gentle and Natural: Because it’s flower-based, it’s an excellent choice for vegan and botanical makeup lovers.
  • Customizable Tones: Adjusting the pH of butterfly pea flower pigment can also create purples, giving you more options to play with.
  • Skin-Loving Properties: It’s rich in antioxidants, just like spirulina, so your skin might get a small glow-up from it, too.

How to Use It in DIY Makeup

Steep dried butterfly pea flowers in a bit of warm water to create a liquid pigment, then mix it into balms or gels for eyeshadow or eyeliner. You can also blend the powdered flower into DIY clay masks for a fun pop of color.

5. Natural Mineral Pigments (Lazurite)

Minerals like lazurite, found in lapis lazuli, are natural sources of vibrant blue colors. While ultramarine blue has its synthetic versions, some mineral-based pigments are still sourced naturally. These are ideal for those who want to maintain a connection to truly raw, earth-based ingredients.

Benefits of Mineral Pigments in Makeup

  • Earthy Beauty: Mineral pigments are naturally striking and provide a deep, grounded look.
  • Great for Powders: They’re best for loose powder formulas, like eyeshadow or highlighter.
  • Non-Irritating: These are generally gentle, making them safe for sensitive skin.

How to Use It in DIY Makeup

Simply blend the powdered pigment into a light base of arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, or mica for soft, colorful eyeshadows. You can mix them with lip-safe oils to create tinted balms if the pigment is certified for lip use.

Tips for Using Natural Blue Pigments in Your DIY Creations

  • Start Small: When working with natural pigments, begin with small amounts and build up if needed. Pigments like indigo and ultramarine can be very concentrated.
  • Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try layering ultramarine with spirulina for a unique blue-green tone or blending indigo with butterfly pea flower for a duskier hue.
  • Test Before Applying: Like any ingredient, always perform a patch test to check for potential allergens, especially when using botanical or mineral pigments.
  • Use Quality Bases: To get the best results, pair your pigments with high-quality, natural bases like coconut oil, shea butter, or mica powders made for cosmetics.

Explore the World of Natural Blues

If you’re new to DIY makeup, blue pigments are a fun place to start. Pick a pigment that fits your vibe, get your mixing tools ready, and let your creativity flow. Who knows? Your custom-made eyeshadow or eyeliner might just become your favorite go-to product.