Making Your Own Natural Mascara

Mascara is one of the most commonly used makeup products that enhances and defines the eyes. Store-bought mascaras often contain chemicals and preservatives that may irritate sensitive eyes. Making your own natural mascara at home allows you to control the ingredients and create a healthier, more natural product for your lashes. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make a homemade mascara that is non-toxic, inexpensive, and easy to customize to your preferences.

Choosing Ingredients for Natural Mascara

When making natural mascara at home, you want to choose ingredients that are safe and nourishing for the delicate eye area. Here are some ingredients to look for when formulating your own mascara:

– Carrier oils: Argan, coconut, jojoba, almond or olive oil help condition lashes and provide a smooth, easy-to-apply texture. They also help the mascara adhere to lashes.

– Beeswax: This is an emulsifier that thickens the mascara formula and helps it set. It allows mascara to go on smoothly and provides staying power.

– Clay: Bentonite or kaolin clay helps thicken the mascara and allows it to adhere to lashes. It also adds a bit of color.

– Herbs: Herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, or cloves add natural pigment and antimicrobial properties.

– Castor oil: This oil helps thicken and darken the mascara naturally. It also conditions lashes.

– Activated charcoal powder: This adds color, volume and definition. It helps thicken the formula.

– Vitamin E oil: This antioxidant oil conditions lashes to prevent brittleness and breakage.

Avoid using preservatives, synthetic dyes, and fragrances when making natural mascara. Stick to pure, natural ingredients for the healthiest homemade mascara.

Equipment Needed for Making Homemade Mascara

Making DIY mascara does not require any special equipment. Here is some basic equipment you’ll need:

– Small pots or jars: Use glass, aluminum or stainless steel containers to create and store the mascara. Avoid using plastic containers. Make sure containers are clean and dry before use.

– Spoons: Use stainless steel or wooden spoons for mixing ingredients. Avoid aluminum.

– Mixing bowl: Use a glass, ceramic or stainless steel mixing bowl for blending ingredients before transferring to containers.

– Funnel (optional): A small plastic funnel may be useful when pouring homemade mascara into containers.

– Mascara wand: Look for unused, disposable mascara wands or spoolies to apply the mascara easily.

– Small whisk: This helps mix in colorants evenly. A fork can also work.

– Cheesecloth: Cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve can strain clumps out of the mascara.

Assembling these simple kitchen tools is all you need to make your own quality, natural mascara from scratch. Make sure all equipment is clean and dry before starting.

Steps for Making Homemade Mascara

Follow these simple steps to create your own natural, non-toxic mascara right at home:

1. Choose your ingredients. Refer to the list above of recommended oils, waxes, herbs and powders. Select 2-3 that you would like to include in your formula. Gather and assemble ingredients.

2. Melt wax. Add about 1 tablespoon of beeswax to a small glass or stainless steel bowl. Melt over a pot of simmering water on the stove. The wax will melt into a liquid.

3. Combine oils. While the wax is melting, measure out your oil ingredients like argan oil, vitamin E and castor oil into the mixing bowl. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of oil total.

4. Mix wax and oils. Once wax has melted, remove from heat and carefully pour into the bowl with the oils. Use a spoon or whisk to blend together well.

5. Add powdered ingredients. Now you can stir in any powdered ingredients like clay, charcoal or turmeric. Use about 1/2 tsp combined. Mix in thoroughly.

6. Strain the mixture. Pour your mascara base through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any clumps or particles.

7. Add color if desired. If you want to darken or tint your mascara more, add a pinch of cocoa powder or natural colorant like beetroot powder at this point.

8. Pour into containers. Use a funnel if needed to transfer the strained mascara mixture into your storage jars or pots.

9. Allow it to set and thicken for 24-48 hours before use. The mascara will thicken up as it cools.

10. Apply mascara as usual, using a clean spooly or mascara wand. Layer it on lashes to your desired thickness and definition.

Tips and Tricks

– Play around with ingredient ratios to create different results. More wax = thicker mascara. More oil = smoother application.

– If the mixture is too thin, add more beeswax. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of oil.

– Store mascara in a cool, dark place. It should keep for 3-6 months.

– Natural mascaras tend to have a shorter shelf life than conventional mascaras. Keep an eye on the expiration date.

– Make sure to shake or stir the mixture before each use to blend in any separated ingredients.

– Applying a very thin coat of straight castor oil to lashes before mascara will help condition them and prime for mascara.

– Use an old toothbrush to carefully brush off any mascara clumps after use. This avoids tugging on delicate lashes.

– Since natural mascaras are not waterproof, use a gentle makeup remover to avoid irritating eyes when removing mascara.

– Reuse old mascara tubes and wands to cut down on waste. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly first.

– If mascara is too thick, add a few drops of aloe vera gel to thin it out.

Troubleshooting Homemade Mascara Issues

Problem: Mascara is too thin and runny.

Solution: Allow mascara to sit longer to thicken after making. Or, add more beeswax to thicken the formula.

Problem: Mascara is clumpy or globs on lashes.

Solution: Make sure to strain the mixture after mixing. Apply thinner layers of mascara and let dry between coats.

Problem: Mascara smudges and transfers easily.

Solution: Try adding more beeswax to make the formula less emollient and longer lasting. Apply thinner coats.

Problem: Mascara flakes off lashes.

Solution: The formula may be too heavy. Try adding more oils for a lighter texture that sticks better to lashes.

Problem: Eyes burn or water when applying mascara.

Solution: Make sure you avoid getting mascara in eyes. Rinse eyes out if needed. Check ingredients for potential irritants.

By making your own natural mascara at home, you can customize the ingredients to suit your eyes and avoid potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional mascaras. With some basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create healthy, vibrant lashes. Experiment with different oils, waxes, pigments and herbs to DIY the perfect mascara just for you!

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