Homemade mascara is a easy and natural way to give you thicker, longer, and darker lashes. Whip up this DIY mascara recipe with just a few simple ingredients. Follow my tips below.
Ingredients you will need: coconut oil, shea butter, bees wax, aloe vera gel, and activated charcoal.
This post was updated March 2019
Homemade Mascara Backstory
Super excited to share this recipe with you today! I was doing research on creating my own mascara, and a lot of the recipes were not very thick.
They made your lashes look darker, but didn’t really make the lashes look any thicker. So, that’s what I tried to do: make an all-natural mascara that adds a bit of fullness to your lashes!
I’ve struggled to find a natural mascara that works and didn’t leave me looking like a raccoon, or leave my lashes clumpy. But my standards for clean beauty is really high (you can see below my recommendations now for clean store-bought makeup).
What’s wrong with conventional mascara?
The makeup industry in general has very low oversight and doesn’t have super strict regulations when it comes to the ingredients they use in makeup products.
Doing a quick search on EWG, you can find many great options for mascara, but you can also find ones that contain possibly harmful ingredients like triethanolamine (which can cause potential allergies, immunotoxicity, and organ system toxicity), talc (which may contain asbestos), phenoxyethanol (irritation, allergies, organ system toxicity), and many more. Things that I would prefer to stay away from.
Since writing this article many years ago, it’s amazing to watch how the makeup industry has changed. Many more natural companies have been created and even some regular conventional companies are starting to make more natural products, because the people are demanding it. You have power when you purchase.
Tips For Making Homemade Mascara
- A mini crockpot (made for sauces) makes this super easy to make.
- Place homemade mascara into a plastic bag and then transfer it into a clean mascara tube.
- Curl lashes, and then dust with cornstarch or arrow root powder to give fuller lashes.
- If you want a browner mascara, you may be able to decrease the activated charcoal and add some cocoa powder (I’ve never actually tried this FYI).
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How To Make Homemade Mascara
Homemade Mascara Ingredients:
- 1 tsp shea butter (Like this one)
- 1 1/2 tsp bees wax (Like this one)
- 4 tsp of aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal (Like this one)
Supplies you may need:
- Clean mascara tube (like this one)
- Small spatula
How To Make Homemade Mascara
Step 1:
In a small saucepan or mini sauce crock pot, place first four ingredients and heat until completely melted.
Step 2:
Mix in activated charcoal and remove from the heat.
Step 3:
Place mixture in a plastic bag, allow to cool a bit, and move contents to one corner of the bag.
Step 4:
Cut a small hole at the corner, insert into empty sterilized mascara tube, like this one, and gently squeeze mascara into tube. It will be much easier if you have a second pair of hands to help.
Note: because this mascara is all-natural and contains no preservatives, it lasts 3-4 months. Dispose of after that, or if it starts to smell funky. You could probably put a few drops of vitamin E oil in and put a little less coconut oil in to help preserve it.
Homemade Mascara FAQ:
How does homemade mascara wear?
This mascara is awesome. It keeps my lashes soft and doesn’t flake off. It stays on pretty well, but after a long day at work, I may need to touch it up if I’m going to go somewhere.
Wish it was waterproof. I was wearing it at church this last Sunday, and it was the last time I got to see one of my best friends before she moves to Penn State to start a church. Lets just say there were a lot of tears. The mascara smudged a little, and I just had to wipe it off with my finger. No big deal at all!
Want a natural mascara, but don’t want to DIY. What can I use?
I used 100% Pure for a long time and liked it. Recently, I made the switch to W3ll People mascara and it is amazing. If you want to see how your mascara rates or other natural mascara brans, check out EWG.
Can I use essential oils in this recipe?
You could add a drop or two of lavender or rosemary essential oil. Personally, I’m extra cautious and just leave it out.
How does homemade mascara look on?
You are all probably thinking, “how does it look?” So, I tried to take some pictures of my lashes without showing you a picture up my nose! It is actually a lot more difficult than you might think! Of course, I have to have a little fun doing it…. 🙂
How long does DIY mascara last?
Since this is an all natural product without preservatives, this mascara recipe will last 3-4 months tops. If it starts to have an odor I would toss it.
Want more homemade natural makeup recipes? Check these out!
- DIY Natural Foundation Powder – still my go to foundation after 7 years.
- This simple tinted lip balm is so easy.
- Homemade Natural Bronzer
- Make your own natural eyeliner.
Natural Homemade Mascara Recipe – DIY Mascara
Natural Homemade Mascara
Homemade mascara is a easy and effective way to give you thicker, longer, and darker lashes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp shea butter
- 1 1/2 tsp bees wax
- 4 tsp aloe vera gel
- 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal
Instructions
-
In a small saucepan or mini sauce crockpot, place first four ingredients and heat until completely melted.
-
Mix in activated charcoal and remove from the heat.
-
Place mixture in a plastic bag, allow to cool a bit, and move contents to one corner of the bag.
-
Cut a small hole at the corner, insert into empty sterilized mascara tube, like this one, and gently squeeze mascara into tube. It will be much easier if you have a second pair of hands to help.
Recipe Notes
Because this mascara is all-natural and contains no preservatives, it lasts 3-4 months. Dispose of after that, or if it starts to smell funky. You could probably put a few drops of vitamin E oil in and put a little less coconut oil in to help preserve it.
There you have it. A natural and easy recipe for mascara. Remember, makeup is a tricky thing… What works for me may not work for you, and you may have to adjust the recipe slightly.
Because it is all-natural and not chock-full of unnatural chemicals, you shouldn’t compare it to the commercial stuff. It wears differently and may take some getting used to! With that being said, I hope ya’ll love it!
Hayley @ A Beautiful Exchange says
July 9, 2013 at 5:36 pmThis is awesome! What tube did you use? If you re-used an old one, were you concerned about bacteria?
Amy Knight says
July 11, 2013 at 5:56 pmI used a brand new tube (like the one linked above), cleaned it with alcohol, and rinsed with water! You may be able to use an old one if you clean it and sterilize it, but I would be afraid about the bacteria!
Valerie says
October 1, 2014 at 6:41 pmI do not see a link. I am having a tough time finding mascara bottles with nice wands unless I buy 20,000 of them in bulk… Obviously not an option. Any ideas where we can get a good quality tube?
thank you
Lilifrog says
April 3, 2017 at 1:48 amWould it work to use a small disposable syringe to fill the mascara tube? I’ve seen a lot of people around Pinterest having trouble with the ziplock bags…and I’m too impatient to try that. Lol. I’m excited to try this recipe though! It’s the first one I’ve come across that actually looks similar to anything store bought. I hope it works for me! Also, I’m wondering if anyone has played with the recipe and used castor oil, lavender and rosemary for length and fullness?
Amy says
April 5, 2017 at 11:07 amThat may work! I’m not sure if it would be too thick but it wouldn’t hurt to try.
FlowerCat says
March 29, 2014 at 1:39 pmCan you post a link of the exact empty mascara tube and wand you purchased for this mascara? The wand in the picture you posted looks perfect for the lash look that I like. I am having a hard time finding it online. Thank you! I am very excited to try this!
Melissa says
July 9, 2013 at 6:10 pmOmg! Thank you! I’ve slowly been transitioning to natural products for my whole family. It started with cleaning products, then lotions and soaps, now my makeup! Excited…can’t wait to make and use this!!! And the others!
Karen J says
July 9, 2013 at 10:24 pmTwo things…. 1st can I use soy wax instead of beeswax? If yes is it the same measurement? 2nd why couldn’t this post have been 2-3 weeks ago:$
Love this post by the way. Thanks.
Amy Knight says
July 11, 2013 at 6:08 pmHahah sorry! You probably could use soy wax at the same measurement. I have never tried it so you will have to tell me how it goes!
Lydia says
July 10, 2013 at 8:52 amI love this idea! I really want to try it.
Do you think that you can reuse a tube? Rinse it out and give it a good dry?
Amy Knight says
July 11, 2013 at 6:16 pmPossibly, as long as you sterilized it! I can’t promise anything :).. I would just be afraid of bacteria!
[email protected] It's Your Life says
July 10, 2013 at 12:25 pmThank you so much for sharing this, followed you here from the Wildcrafting Wednesday blog hop.
Stop by the Tuesdays With a Twist Link Up runs through Saturday on three blogs.
http://yourlife7.blogspot.com/2013/07/tuesdays-with-twist-14-link-up.html
Michele says
July 10, 2013 at 9:21 pmNeat! Pinned to my beauty board. I wonder how they make it waterproof?http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/07/bicycle-basket-up-cycle.html
Catherine says
August 24, 2014 at 11:24 pmI am wondering if Carnauba Wax instead of beeswax would work to make it waterproof. Think I may have to experiment with it.
Amy says
August 26, 2014 at 6:11 amI’m not sure Catherine. I’ve never tried it. Sorry
Robin says
November 16, 2016 at 9:29 pmSo Catherine did you try it the way you wanted to make it waterproof ? update please..
Suzan says
July 11, 2013 at 7:53 amLove this! I can’t wait to try it out. Going to try it with henna, though to better match my lashes.
Sis says
July 12, 2013 at 11:17 amGREAT IDEA! I was thinking, “Well, I don’t want black so I guess I’m out.”
Suzan says
July 12, 2013 at 8:10 pmOh, good! I’m glad you like the idea. If you try it before I get to it, let us know how it works. I can’t wear black either.
Pam says
October 22, 2015 at 3:01 pmTry Cocoa powder. I saw that on another natural recipe for mascara.
Debra says
July 12, 2013 at 12:04 pmHello Amy,
Thank you for sharing your mascara recipe! Do you have a recipe for eyeliner?
I too will add you to my FB!
Thanks, Debra
Winnie says
October 3, 2013 at 6:13 pmWouldnt Henna stain? I know Henna is not permanent but i do think it has a color to it …
Wenona says
October 24, 2013 at 12:01 ampersonally, I’d worry about accidentally getting henna in the eyes. maybe you could try cocoa and it would be safer as well as work?
Catherine says
August 26, 2014 at 9:39 amYou could also try spirulina powder for green, dried powdered organic blueberries for blue, the possibilities are endless. I have used both and they are fun “special occasion” looks. I do not wear contacts or have any sensitivities, so if you do you may want to consider that before trying. Happy experimenting!
Amy says
August 27, 2014 at 6:23 amThanks for the great ideas Catherine!
Lana Heckman says
July 11, 2013 at 11:06 amWhere do you get the sterilized mascara container?
Marilee says
July 11, 2013 at 12:25 pmThank you for this. I’ve been looking good for something like this for a while. I have sensitive allergies prone eyes. Everything I buy bothers my eyes. Can’t wait to try this sine I know I’m not allergic to any of it.
Lauren says
July 11, 2013 at 1:29 pmThank U, I cannot wait to try!!
Lauren says
July 11, 2013 at 1:31 pmI’m grabbing your button & putting it on my blog 🙂
Penny Hannah says
July 11, 2013 at 2:53 pmI’ve been making my own mascara in a well-cleaned old mascara tube, with either witch hazel or aloe vera gel as the base, then adding some [on hand] dark grey mineral eyeshadow powder. It dries quickly, doesn’t leave Panda eyes, and works really well. If you’re really brave, different colour mascara is easily achievable!
orah says
July 31, 2013 at 2:09 amI would really love to hear how I can achieve colored mascara! I’m really loving the pale blue one I have, it would be so cool to make it.
CP says
October 18, 2013 at 11:42 pmJust aloe vera gel and minerals? No oil? That sounds super easy!
Crystal says
July 11, 2013 at 4:42 pmThis recipe is great, just made some but one thing I’ve noticed is the aloe vera gel seems to be separating from the rest once it cools, is this normal?Any suggestions? Thanks again for sharing this recipe!
Amy Knight says
July 11, 2013 at 6:27 pmOh thats weird! No that didn’t happen for me! I did notice that there was a few small wax chunks in the bag so I just smushed them. Hmmm maybe mix it up really well again or try to remelt the mixture! Sorry
Candace says
September 17, 2013 at 6:01 pmThe same thing happened to me. I bought the purest form of aloe vera I could find at the store- 99% pure aloe vera. Would it work better if I used a fresh aloe vera leaf?
Carrie says
November 6, 2013 at 5:10 pmI had the same problem 🙁 I reheated and even tried a new batch! I am SO sad it didn’t work for me. If anyone figures this out, please let us know!
Elsha McCombe says
July 11, 2013 at 11:12 pmHi,
Loving this idea, but there are coconut allergies in this house. Could I substitute Vit E oil for the entire amount of coconut oil? Last thing I want to do is kill my partner :/
Seems coconut oil is the new fad, everything has coconut oil in it these days, not good for this household.
Thanks 🙂
Amy Knight says
July 12, 2013 at 6:45 amO no that’s too bad! Usually I would say no because coconut oil adds thickness. But since the recipe calls for shea butter I think it should be ok!!!! You might be able to do a little more shea butter with the vitamin e oil???
CP says
October 18, 2013 at 11:35 pmYou could probably use a different saturated fat. You could probably just use a little more shea butter. I would like to try this with cocoa butter instead of the coconut oil and shea butter, as I love chocolate! Any oil that is solid at room temperature would probably work.
Lionnessa says
July 12, 2013 at 4:22 amI’m wondering if it can be used as a liner too..
If put into one of these http://www.amazon.com/Liner-Brush-Lola-Shiny-Silver/dp/B005UGVM7O/ref=pd_bxgy_bt_img_z
Crystal says
July 12, 2013 at 6:01 amThank you, still works awesome! I am thinking that I stirred it too much and that threw it out of suspension. I have read that this sorta thing can happen with lotions when combing oils & waxes with liquids, next time I will not stir so vigorously and see if that makes the difference. Thanks again 🙂
Grace says
July 13, 2013 at 7:44 amAmy, I too have eye allergies to ALL mascara’s on the market. thank you for posting this. I didn’t see where you buy the new tubes. Thanks!
Shirley says
July 14, 2013 at 10:19 amGreat idea! Can’t wait to make it
[email protected] says
July 14, 2013 at 6:28 pmhow fun making your own mascara, never thought of this before, I am bookmarking your post thank you very much for showing this
Ingrid
Ricki says
July 14, 2013 at 9:44 pmI love these posts of yours. Thank you so much for sharing them! I’ve been wanting to make my own make up for a while now but had no idea where to start. So Thank you for saving me the time
Amy K says
July 16, 2013 at 6:39 amSo happy to help! Thanks for coming by!
Nikki Fotheringham says
July 15, 2013 at 8:12 amHi Susan
I loved the idea of henna, but I accidentally got some on my eyelid and didn’t wipe it off right away and it stained my lid! Not too too serious, but I did have to rock the ‘smoky eyes’ for a couple of days until it faded. If you wipe it off right away and just keep an eye on it (pardon the pun) until its dry, you’re all good!
Amy – this is the awesomest! Can you use the charcoal as a eye shadow do you think?
Amy K says
July 16, 2013 at 6:43 amThanks for letting us know about the henna Nikki! I’m wondering if you could use cocoa powder??? Never tried it but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Yep you can totally use charcoal as eyeshadow (I have actually done this). That may be a future post lol!
Suzan says
July 16, 2013 at 11:04 amChiming in with a thanks on the henna tip. What would you think about cinnamon? I’ll try to play around in the next day or so and reply back.
Nikki Fotheringham says
July 16, 2013 at 11:30 amAll awesome suggestions – I’m going to try cinnamon. I love the idea of fragrant lashes! Thanks guys
Amy K says
July 16, 2013 at 4:41 pmHey Nikki I wouldn’t recommend using cinnamon on your eyes! Don’t want to take a chance on hurting your eyes!
Amy K says
July 16, 2013 at 3:56 pmI wouldn’t use cinnamon because I would be afraid to get it in your eyes and cause them to burn! I would try coco powder first!
Iris says
July 20, 2013 at 7:56 amCacao powder doesn’t work. It looks like cacaobutter or chocopaste afterwards. I’ve try applying it, but it does not color your lashes. You’re just buttering them with a cacao smell 😉 Coffee doesn’t work either. The grains are too big. Henna is not an option, as it will color a bit of your eyelid. So i’ll stick to the charcoal 🙂
Tenns @ New Mama Diaries says
July 16, 2013 at 6:40 pmWow…I never even thought of making my own mascara. I have pretty sensitive eyes and I like the fact that its natural and wears well.
Thanks for sharing!
nikole says
July 18, 2013 at 6:57 amhi amy~
i’m wondering about the aloe gel…
i have the raw aloe JUICE, but i’m wondering if that is too liquidy for this.
is the gel really, well… “gel-like” to where it would add a lot to the consistency of the finished product?
or with the wax, coconut oil and shea butter already in there, do you think it might still set up alright using the juice?
thanks for any help and thanks so much for posting this!
Amy K says
July 18, 2013 at 9:58 pmHmmm I’m not sure Nicole I’ve never worked with aloe juice before. I wish I could be more help!
Sasha says
July 19, 2013 at 9:09 pmI’m loving the idea of natural makeup, but I’ve always been allergic to Aloe Vera GEL (not the plant). Any alternatives?
CP says
October 18, 2013 at 11:37 pmYou could try just water instead of the aloe vera. Or maybe gelatin would work??
Jenny says
July 21, 2013 at 12:32 pmHooray! I’m definitely pinning this to my natural beauty board. I love the thought of making my own make up, and mascara is one of those things I am currently out of, so it might make sense to start there. Thanks for the recipe and great tutorial! Can’t wait to try it.
katie says
July 29, 2013 at 10:58 amI’m so intrigued…
Roxanne` says
August 1, 2013 at 9:32 amHI
Curious I currently use a clear mascara (my eyelashes are already super dark and this way I never worry about the black smudging ) any way do you think I could make it without adding the charcoal and it would still be ok ? I totally hate using the chemical stuff often time it burns and makes my eyes itch 🙁 plus chemicals on the eyes can’t be good !!! Thanks for this recipe !
Rose says
July 17, 2014 at 9:23 amI second your comment! I would really like to make a natural clear mascara as well…
Sharon says
October 8, 2014 at 8:59 pmThis recipe would work great without the added charcoal, although it may finish a bit thinner. I’d make it as written so you know what it’s supposed to be like, then make it without the charcoal. You could probably eliminate the 1/2 the aloe, possibly all of it.
Also, anyone can make an oil jelly with a bit of liquid oil and wax. If you are allergic to coconut oil, substitute it with a bit of oil jelly. If recommend a portion of the liquid oil to be castor.
Olivia Lane says
August 14, 2013 at 9:56 amWhat?!!! Awesome!!!!! So glad I found your blog! Totally sharing!
Amy K says
August 16, 2013 at 1:31 pmHhaha Love the enthusiasm! Thanks for coming by and sharing Olivia!
Emily @ My Love for Words says
August 16, 2013 at 7:03 pmI can’t wait to try this. I’ve been searching for a natural mascara. If I could make it at home that would be even better. Thanks! (visiting from Link Party Palooza)
Shelley says
August 16, 2013 at 11:36 pmWow, great info! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Nicole says
August 17, 2013 at 3:29 pmI’m wondering if you might be able to do the same thing for eye liners as well?
Corinna Ashley says
August 18, 2013 at 9:00 pmI am really liking the idea of homemade mascara. Store bought ones are expensive and suck anyways.
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
XO
Home Coming says
August 19, 2013 at 9:33 amWow! I had no idea this was even possible! I’d love for you to link up to The DIYers: http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-diyers-and-our-country-weekend.html
Laura Marler says
August 20, 2013 at 7:50 amI found this site of whole sale mascara tubes for a really good price! The site has a ton of other empty containers for DIY makeup. Enjoy!
http://www.diycosmetics.com/mascara-container-black-base/
Amy K says
August 22, 2013 at 9:01 amThanks for sharing Laura! This will come in handy!
Grace says
August 22, 2013 at 8:01 pmDo you have to run it under warm water before you use it? Do you keep it in the refrigerator?
Chris says
September 2, 2013 at 4:00 pmI make most of my own cosmetics. http://www.diycosmetics.com/mascara-container-clear-base/ This site has mascara containers.
Autumn says
September 8, 2013 at 8:44 amHi,
So I just made the homemade mascara last night. I’m wearing it today, but it doesn’t seem to be drying! Is this how your mascara is when you make it?
I’ll run my finger across my lashes and it comes off.
Anyways, I do really love the recipe. Hopefully I can alter it somehow. Maybe add some more beeswax.
Autumn
Amy K says
September 12, 2013 at 11:12 amHmmm. Mine dries but not like crunchy/rigid like store bought mascara. Does that make sense? It is flexible, but after a few minutes it should’t come on your finger. You could try to to add a more aloe.
Lou says
September 14, 2013 at 1:09 amThank you for this post! I am sensitive to commercial mascara so I am very keen to try this. I do live in a hot climate though so I was curious if there are any problems with the mascara / oil base melting while wearing it during hot weather?
Thanks again!
Jennifer says
September 16, 2013 at 2:53 pmYou can add Isododecane to make it waterproof. It’s all-natural and whats used in most mascaras. Good luck!
Christine says
September 9, 2016 at 2:58 pmTHank you for the tip Jennifer!
Any idea on what can be used in the place of the aloe vera gel? I can’t use aloe vera and tried distilled water, and it keeps separating.
Elisa says
September 22, 2013 at 5:08 pmYour skin is beautiful! What kind of lip gloss are you wearing in the picture? Also, have you ever tried the fruit-pigmented mascara from 100 Percent Pure? (http://www.100percentpure.com/FRUIT-PIGMENTED-MASCARA-s/184.htm) It’s what I’ve been using and I wonder how this homemade version compares to that.
Cynthia says
October 11, 2013 at 7:41 amDid you use cooking coconut oil or hair/body coconut oil?
Thanks 🙂
Katelyn says
October 11, 2013 at 10:46 amLove this idea! I’m slowly switching over to all natural and homemade products so I can’t wait to try this. But would I be able to use cocoa butter instead of shae butter?
Amy K says
October 15, 2013 at 6:32 amThanks Katelyn! I don’t see why not!!They have about the same consistency. I have not tried it personally so I can’t guarantee it.
Kitty Complains says
October 13, 2013 at 5:45 amI tried this Mascara once but without the sheabutter. It didn’t work for me. I had black ‘circles’ under my eyes.
Reina says
November 20, 2013 at 2:32 pmi have this recipe written down but with a couple different ratios….2tsp coconut oil and 1/2tsp beesewax…do you know what the difference would be? i want to make the right one!
Kristin says
December 6, 2013 at 4:00 pmI love it…thanks for the recipe. I’m going to share the link on my blog, I know a lot of people who will love it! Keep up the great work 🙂
lola says
December 17, 2013 at 10:46 amNow replace the coconut oil with burdock root oil and the mascara can also elongate your lashes with continuous usage. Definitely better to use natural products whenever you can. Get burdock root oil at http://my-lifespan.com/disease-32.html
Anonymous says
December 26, 2013 at 7:41 amHi! I can imagine what the purpose of e beeswax is, but is there anything I can use in place of it if I’m vegan? Thanks 🙂
Lauren says
January 5, 2014 at 8:31 pmI never knew you could make homemade mascara! I love using natural products on my body. Thanks for sharing!
Samantha says
January 14, 2014 at 5:52 pmOMG! You have the most adorable blog! Great post. I love the style of your blog. I think I’ll have to try this mascara. It looks really black and I love that.
Amy K says
January 14, 2014 at 9:05 pmThanks Samantha! You’re too Sweet. I hope you love it!
Stephanie says
February 3, 2014 at 11:20 amHi! I’m desperate for a better mascara option. Would you ever consider making this and selling it?
Jaqulyn says
February 6, 2014 at 8:19 pmSo do know much powder is in 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal? I just have a bag of powder.
Amy K says
February 6, 2014 at 9:26 pmI’m not positive but my guess is probably 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
Jaqulyn says
February 9, 2014 at 1:04 amThank you!! I just didn’t want to overdo it. I will take that, and experiment some.
Pam says
February 16, 2014 at 9:02 pmI notice that the charcoal powder for me doesn’t make the mascara a deep black, so I add carob powder (I’m allergic to chocolate, so cocoa is out), and that makes it. Much deeper, richer color. I also use the carob in place of cocoa for my other DIY makeup essentials.
WONDERTHRIFT says
March 6, 2014 at 6:46 pmOh, hello! Had honestly never considered I could make mascara! Thank you! I am really getting to grips with bees wax and I am going to definitely give this a crack 🙂
Amy K says
March 7, 2014 at 6:46 amHope you like it! Bees wax is amazing and can be used for pretty much everything!
Raianna says
March 11, 2014 at 2:54 pmHi! I like my mascara to make my eyelashes look thicker, so what would you add for this?
Raianna says
March 11, 2014 at 2:55 pmI love this by the way!!
Traci says
April 29, 2014 at 6:40 amI was so excited to find this recipe! So I tried it, and boy was it a chore 🙂 The problem I have is that the aloe vera did not mix with the rest of the ingredients…. I poured it all in a ziplock bag and kind of kneeded it to get all of the ingredients mixed. The beeswax started to cool and made big chunks so I just kept kneeding it to get it all mixed together. When I thought I had it mixed, which took a very long time, I noticed that the aloe vera was still separated from everything else. I cut a corner in the bag and started to squeeze it in my old mascara tube but all of the aloe vera just poured out! So I just let it pour out and squeezed the rest in the tube. It works great, I love it, but it’s a little thick I guess and the aloe vera isn’t in it. Any suggestions?
Riley. B says
May 13, 2014 at 8:08 pmI think this is a Great Idea But I have a question dose it harden on your lashes like regular mascara because I have a tendency of rubbing my eyes and I don’t want it to smear? Thanks♥
Nicole says
May 26, 2014 at 5:32 pmI am totally doing this!
Lucy8a says
June 8, 2014 at 7:44 amcoconut oil has natural antibacterial properties, as does aloe vera,..just be sure your eyelashes are clean when you apply it to avoid cross-contamination!
Mishka says
June 11, 2014 at 2:45 amHey Amy, that was absolutely gorgeous. I really liked your DIY Mascara! Never knew I can do it at home. Just one question, how could I make ash brown colored mascara?
Leila says
June 29, 2014 at 9:50 pmHi!
You can do it with mica pigments if you want it in different colors! (Or even in black! 🙂
Mia Campbell says
August 15, 2014 at 11:35 amThank you so much for this! Mascara is the one item of makeup that I won’t be seen without but I hadn’t been able to find a truly natural, non-toxic one. Delighted with this. Mia x
Beth says
August 16, 2014 at 2:53 amHello Amy: Thank you for this DYI. I have often wondered, but never knew the specifics of mascara. I was wondering, however the reason for 2 different moisturizers, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter? Thanks so much!
Carrie says
September 27, 2014 at 11:23 pmCan you make this without the aloe Vera? I’m allergic to it, but the recipe sounds great!
Lori K says
September 28, 2014 at 6:06 amI wear hard contact lenses & have concerns about coconut oil & Shea butter softening enough to get into my eye & making a film on my lenses & then eyes.
Anonymous says
September 28, 2014 at 9:18 amI wish I could pin this to my Pinterest board!! You need a Pin now option!
joy delong says
September 29, 2014 at 8:14 pmwhat can I use in place of coconut oil?
kell says
October 29, 2014 at 7:36 amwhat kind of Shae butter….raw? lotion? what?
Kathy K says
December 14, 2014 at 6:59 pmDo you think that castor oil could replace the coconut oil?
Herbalist Rene says
February 5, 2015 at 1:59 pmWow! Thank you, This is a nice idea.
Aviv says
February 11, 2015 at 4:26 amGreate!
Can you think of a vegan alternative for the Bee wax?
Christina says
February 22, 2015 at 11:03 pmWondering what brand of aloe you used? I’ve read tons of variations of this recipe and there are always lots of comments saying they had trouble incorporating the aloe, which was my experience as well.
Linnea says
February 24, 2015 at 1:51 pmIs there anything I can use instead of charcoal? I’ve heard that i could use cocoa but i still want it to be black… So do you have any ideas?
erin says
February 25, 2015 at 12:03 pmHi, are you using SOLID coconut oil? Also, are you using aloe out of a leaf or prepackaged?
Emily says
March 6, 2015 at 5:34 pmI have activated charcoal but not in capsules. I was wondering how many teaspoons you use for your recipe!?
Anonymous says
October 11, 2015 at 10:19 amHi Amy,
Fatihah here from Malaysia. Can i make a request ?
I hope u can make a post about homemade natural day cream for glowing skin for oily type of skin, if u dont mind.
I’m trying to switch from my counter skincare to homemade natural skincare but i just dont know how to make a day cream.
I’ve been searching everywhere for that recipe but never found one.
If u could post the recipe, it would make my day 🙂
Btw, love your site !
Amy says
October 18, 2015 at 1:01 pmThank you Fatihah! I can try, although to be honest I just use oil on my face during the day. But I can do some research and maybe come up with something. Hope you have a great day.
Stephanie Yeager says
March 10, 2017 at 10:35 amDo you refrigerate it?
Erica says
March 19, 2017 at 5:04 pmHoly hot Pinterest fail! This recipe didn’t work for me at all! The aloe gel would not melt or mix with the ingredients. Once it cooled, everything kind of separated. Also…how do you get that into the tube?! No matter what I did, it wouldn’t go into the tube.
Amy says
March 28, 2017 at 11:43 amI’m sorry this didn’t work for you. I put everything in a plastic zip bag. Mixed it up and cut the corner of the bag to put it in the tube.
Anonymous says
March 28, 2017 at 4:23 pmI tried it a few more times and was able to kind of mash it into the tube. I think my problem was that I was using an old sterilized tube rather than a new one. As for the aloe, I just kind of gave up and embraced the lumps 😋
Abiola Adebayo says
March 22, 2017 at 6:53 pmis the aloe vera optional? and also, can the charcoal be replaced with nontoxic black oxide?
Cindy Santos says
May 5, 2018 at 6:39 pmI found this recipe with adjustments for a more waterproof mascara. Looks pretty cool. My eyes are so sensitive now too any commercial make up so I started diy😁
2 tsp coconut oil (where to find coconut products)
4 tsp aloe vera gel (like this)
1/2 – 1 tsp bees wax pellet (like this)
1 – 2 capsules of activated charcoal (for black) or cocoa powder (for brown)
a clean mascara container (like this)
* Update: Due to temperature differences you may want to add more beeswax to give more “hold” to your mascara. Keep in mind that coconut oil is a liquid above 75 degrees. I’d increase the beeswax to 3/4 or even 1 tsp if it’s really warm where you live… or if you want more of a “waterproof” mascara.