Natural Homemade Mascara: Thicker Longer Lashes
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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.
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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
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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.
Notes
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!
Your 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.
You can add Isododecane to make it waterproof. It’s all-natural and whats used in most mascaras. Good luck!
THank 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.
Thank 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!
Hi,
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
Hmmm. 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.
I make most of my own cosmetics. This site has mascara containers.
Do you have to run it under warm water before you use it? Do you keep it in the refrigerator?
I 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!
Thanks for sharing Laura! This will come in handy!
Wow! I had no idea this was even possible! I’d love for you to link up to The DIYers:
I am really liking the idea of homemade mascara. Store bought ones are expensive and suck anyways.
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
XO
I’m wondering if you might be able to do the same thing for eye liners as well?
Wow, great info! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I 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)
What?!!! Awesome!!!!! So glad I found your blog! Totally sharing!
Hhaha Love the enthusiasm! Thanks for coming by and sharing Olivia!
HI
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 !
I second your comment! I would really like to make a natural clear mascara as well…
This 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.
I’m so intrigued…
Hooray! 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.
I’m loving the idea of natural makeup, but I’ve always been allergic to Aloe Vera GEL (not the plant). Any alternatives?
You could try just water instead of the aloe vera. Or maybe gelatin would work??
hi 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!
Hmmm I’m not sure Nicole I’ve never worked with aloe juice before. I wish I could be more help!
Wow…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!
Hi 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?
Thanks 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!
Chiming 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.
All awesome suggestions – I’m going to try cinnamon. I love the idea of fragrant lashes! Thanks guys
Hey Nikki I wouldn’t recommend using cinnamon on your eyes! Don’t want to take a chance on hurting your eyes!
I 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!
Cacao 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 🙂