How to Make Your Own Mica Powders

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Things You'll Need

  • Food-grade mica flakes

  • Food processor

  • Respiratory mask (optional)

Mica adds a natural glimmer to makeup.

Mica powder is made from the mineral mica, and is composed of very small particles that glitter when light strikes them. Mica powder can be used in a wide range of art projects, and to add a subtle glimmer to body lotions and makeup. While you can purchase mica powder, you can also make your own using mica flakes, which are cheaper and more widely available.

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Step 1

Pour food-grade mica flakes into a food processor. Mica is also used in food and, thus, is safe to place into a food preparation device. It does not matter how much you put in, so long as you can close the food processor securely.

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Step 2

Close the food processor.

Step 3

Turn the food processor on, allowing the motion and the blades to turn the flakes to powder. This can take several minutes.

Step 4

Turn the food processor off and allow the powder to settle completely. Put on a respiratory mask before opening the food processor, if you are concerned about irritation from inhaling stray flying particles.

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Step 5

Check the consistency of the mica powder. If you think it is still too coarse for your purposes, close the food processor and repeat the process. Jewelry-making projects tend to use coarser mica powder than make-up projects, for example.

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