How to make a natural mascara using five ingredients; activated charcoal, bentonite clay, glycerin, aloe vera, and beeswax. This homemade mascara applies beautifully to lashes and doesn’t smudge.

I started making my own makeup after learning about the vast amounts of chemical ingredients used in conventional cosmetic products.

Just a handful of the many toxic ingredients which can be found in store-bought mascaras include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), parabens, formaldehyde, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Thimerosal, Diazolidinyl Urea, Formalin, synthetic dyes or even tar from coal, aluminium powder, retinyl acetate (vitamin A acetate), propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrances.

It’s important to be careful when using any products, even natural ones, near the eyes as they are a particularly sensitive area. If any sensitivity or irritation arises, remove the makeup immediately and cease use.

The Colour

Activated charcoal will be our colourant in this recipe, and the amount of charcoal can be adjusted for colour preference. Below is a simple guide:

• 1/4 teaspoon for a light black mascara
• 1/2-1 teaspoon for a dark black mascara
• 1/2 teaspoon of cacao powder for a brown mascara

To make a brown mascara, you can substitute half of the charcoal for cacao powder. Other natural coloured powders can be used, too, to change up the colour of your mascara. For instance, spirulina can be swapped in as a replacement for activated charcoal to create a green or blue mascara.

Homemade Mascara that Doesn’t Smudge

Making your own makeup is easier than you might think (I know it was for me). In fact, a lot of different makeup products share the same ingredients, such as eyeliner and mascara, so you can make them both at the one time (two for the price of one!).

The beeswax in this recipe will help to make the mascara waterproof. I prefer to use beeswax pellets rather than a beeswax bar as it makes it easier to measure for small amounts.

The beeswax will also help keep the mascara from running, and the bentonite clay will prevent it from smudging. Clays are often used in homemade makeup recipes to help absorb excess oils, preventing any smudging that could otherwise occur.

If the mascara is too thick, add more glycerin or aloe gel. Make sure to only add a very small amount at a time until you achieve your desired consistency. If the mascara is too thin, you can add more clay or beeswax. Again, add a very small amount at a time.

If you have particularly sensitive eyes, omit the essential oil. I personally like to add rosemary oil into this natural mascara recipe for it’s lash growth benefits. Be careful when applying the mascara to your lashes to make sure the essential oil does not get in the eyes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp activated charcoal, adjust for colour preference (see guide above)
• 1/4 tsp bentonite clay
• 1/8 tsp glycerin
• 1/4 tsp aloe vera gel
• 1/8 tsp beeswax
• 1-2 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
• Clean mascara container with brush

To make:

1. Place a heat-proof bowl over a small saucepan filled with a little water. Set the saucepan over medium heat to create a double boiler, and bring the water to a boil.
2. Add all of the ingredients, except the essential oils, to the bowl and stir regularly until the beeswax has melted.
3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding in the essential oil. Stir to combine. The texture of the mascara should be smooth. If not, add a little more glycerin.
4. Transfer the mixture to an empty mascara tube, and store in a cool, dry place.

To apply:

1. Apply to lashes as you would a normal mascara, taking extra care not to get any in the eyes. If needed, wait five minutes before applying a second coat. If any mascara does make it’s way into the eyes, or you experience any irritation from wearing the mascara, wash off immediately, rinse eyes under running water, and cease use.
2. If curling your lashes, I’ve found it’s better to curl lashes first before applying the mascara so they don’t clump.
3. To remove, loosen up the mascara with a little coconut oil and gently rub away using a washcloth or makeup remover pad soaked in a little warm water.

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.

Have you made your own mascara before? How was it? Did it work as well as you’d hoped? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

Vanessa