Tutorial: Homemade Mixing Medium

Save your money and a phone call to MacPro for the Water-based Mixing Medium. I mean, why spend that much money if you can buy Glycerin and make it yourself, right?

Mixing Medium can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to thin out liquid foundation that is too heavy in viscosity, foil eyeshadows in pigment form such as my recent Base Trials using it on it's own or over Urban Decay Primer Potion, or with powdered makeup to create anything from sheer to opaque effects. MACPro also suggests that you can use it to adhere "MAC glitter to the skin". The great thing is you can be as creative as you want with it.

Mixing Medium is simply made from two ingredients: Glycerin and good 'ol H2O. Glycerin, found in numerous cosmetics products, is a humectant which means that it will retain moisture and water content in the skin. It can be found at regular drugstores like Wal-Mart and Target. I bought my Glycerin at Wal-Mart, and if I can remember correctly, in the aisle where the First Aid materials are. If in doubt, just ask an associate and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Word to the wise: Make this in SMALL batches.

Because you are simply just mixing Glycerin and water together, the resulting by-product is not made to last long because you are omitting the preservatives which keep any product long-lasting. I would say to keep any given batch for no longer than two weeks, so make accordingly. I left mine in the plastic container just to see what would happen and it molded after a while. You definitely don't want to mess with your eyes in that manner so please, err on the safe side.

What You'll Need:
- Glycerin
- Water
- Container to keep it in (closed top container or spritz bottle)
- Measuring spoons

The Recipe:
3 Parts Water
1 Part Glycerin

Step 1: Gather your materials.

Step 2: Pour the Glycerin into the measuring unit of your choice. I used a 1/2 tablespoon which is A LOT. Unless you plan on using A LOT of Mixing Medium within 2 weeks, I would suggest using either 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon.


Step 3: Pour the Glycerin into the container.


Step 4: Now add the water. It doesn't matter if it's distilled, purified, or straight tap. Whatever you are most comfortable with. I'm using purified water. Remember, the recipe is 1 part Glycerin, 3 parts water, so repeat this step 3 times.


You've combined the ingredients. See the Glycerin?


Step 5: Mix the ingredients. I just capped the container...


...and swirled it around to mix it.


Now to use it.

Either pour some of the Mixing Medium into another clean container (or the lid) or dip a clean brush into the Mixing Medium. If at anytime there is too much product on the brush, simply dab it on a clean tissue.


To convert black eyeshadow to eyeliner, use your brush that contains Mixing Medium on it and scrape the edges of the pan. Avoid going for the middle in case the Mixing Medium doesn't work well with the eyeshadow so as not to ruin the entire pot/pan. Some will look filmy after in the area where scraped. MAC Sketch is one that will look filmy so be sure to keep your brush along the edge.


Voila... black liner.


And based on using 1/2 tablespoon, you only used this much. So a bottle of Glycerin will definitely last you awhile especially if you use a smaller measuring unit!


You can also opt to pour the mixture into a spritz bottle like this and just spray your brush as needed.

So go at it folks! Enjoy your same makeup, under a new light :)

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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