The last time I shared a picture of my lashes on Instagram, a lot of you asked about what I use. I’ve finally perfected my homemade natural mascara, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you all.
I have to say, figuring this one out wasn’t easy. I went through a lot of trial and error to get it just right. Some mixtures turned out too dry and flaky, while others were too runny and messy. It took me a while, but I’m finally satisfied with the results!
So why make your own beauty products? It’s easy to overlook our eye makeup when we’re trying to clean up our beauty routines. But it’s pretty important, especially since mascara goes right near our eyes, which are sensitive. Most commercial mascaras contain stuff like talc, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and harsh preservatives. I definitely don’t want those near my eyes, and now that my kids are getting older, I’m thinking about safe options for them too. The best natural mascaras use organic ingredients that are also hydrating and not too clumpy.
To get the right ingredients for my recipe, I tried everything from shea butter to vitamin E, castor oil, and jojoba. Many natural mascaras use beeswax or carnauba wax to thicken, but they didn’t work for me. Unlike other beauty DIYs, like toothpaste or lotion bars, homemade mascara needs some uncommon ingredients.
Here’s what I’ve found works: Different brands color their mascara with pigments like iron oxides. I achieved a similar look using black mineral powder. You could also use activated charcoal or black clay, but I prefer the feel of the mineral powder. It costs a bit more initially, but it can do more than just color your lashes.
If you don’t have these ingredients or are short on time, buying pre-made natural or organic mascara might be a better fit. When looking for the best clean mascaras, I search for products with natural ingredients and good EWG ratings that nourish lashes, like sunflower seed oil and rice bran.
In the past, I’ve used Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara, which has a top safety rating. While it’s my favorite organic option, I still enjoy making my own mascara. For those of you who’d rather not DIY, there are healthy pre-made alternatives available, many of which you can find on Amazon.
I truly love the buildable texture and fullness my homemade recipe provides, so I make it often. The nourishing ingredients offer peace of mind. For a more volumizing or lengthening effect, I recommend dusting your lashes with arrowroot powder or organic cornstarch before applying. This acts as a lash primer and gives your lashes extra length and volume.
If you want more curl, use an eyelash curler before applying the mascara. Curling after can lead to clumping. Although the mascara dries well, it isn’t waterproof or water-resistant. The bentonite clay helps it dry more firmly to reduce smudging, but it’s not entirely smudge-proof in every situation. However, I’ve found it lasts pretty long once it dries.
I also found some supplies helpful in making this mascara, which made the process smoother.
Now that you’ve crafted your own mascara, why not try making a DIY eyeshadow to complement it?
Do you make your own makeup? What are your favorite DIY beauty recipes? Feel free to share in the comments!
