Creating DIY Natural Mascara

The last time I shared a snapshot of my lashes on Instagram, many of you were curious about my routine. I’m thrilled to have finally perfected my homemade natural mascara! Since many of you asked, I’m delighted to share the recipe with you.

DIY Natural Mascara

I have to confess, perfecting this homemade mascara was quite a challenge. I experimented with numerous combinations before landing on one I liked. Some formulations were too dry, leading to flaking, while others were way too thin. After a series of trials and errors, I’m finally content with the outcome!

Why go through the trouble of making your own beauty products? It’s easy to overlook our eye makeup when cleaning out our beauty routines. However, it might be more crucial than it seems, especially considering mascara is applied near sensitive mucus membranes. Most of us have probably had a bit of eye makeup get into our eyes at some time.

Many brands, including those at Ulta, Sephora, and drugstores, use ingredients like talc, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, harsh preservatives, and silicones. These are not what I want near my sensitive eye area, particularly as my daughters are growing older and I desire safe options for them as well. Ideally, the best natural mascaras are made from organic ingredients that are hydrating and mostly clump-free.

Homemade Mascara Ingredients

I experimented with a variety of ingredients before settling on the right ones for this recipe. Although natural mascaras typically contain beeswax or carnauba wax for thickness, I opted out of those. Instead, my mascara uses some unusual ingredients, unlike my other clean beauty recipes such as toothpaste and lotion bars.

Here’s what I include:

Black mineral powder (a mixture of soil-based minerals; use the code "wellnessmama" for 50% off; this powder is also part of my daily routine). One jar holds enough for over 15 batches of mascara.
Bentonite Clay – Helps the mascara set and prevents smudging. Any cosmetic clay should suffice.
Vegetable Glycerin – Adds smoothness and aids lash adherence.
Aloe Vera – Provides a smooth texture and long-lasting wear.
Lavender Essential Oil – Offers a pleasing scent and promotes lash growth.

Coloring Your Natural Mascara

Different brands resort to various pigments for mascara dye, often involving iron oxides. Using the black mineral powder provides a similar look. Alternatives include activated charcoal or black clay, but I prefer the texture of mineral powder despite its higher upfront cost. It enhances more than just your lashes’ appearance.

Don’t Want to DIY?

If you’re lacking the skincare ingredients or strapped for time, consider purchasing ready-made natural or certified organic mascara. When choosing clean mascaras, I prioritize those with a natural look and a favorable EWG rating. These often contain lash-nourishing ingredients like sunflower seed oil and rice bran (an antioxidant).

Previously, I’ve used Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara, which boasts a top EWG safety rating. Although it’s still my go-to, creating my own natural mascara remains enjoyable. Here are additional healthy pre-made options, many available on Amazon, if you prefer to skip the DIY.

How Does it Work?

I adore the enriching texture and fullness of this formula, which is why I frequently make it. The nourishing natural ingredients make me feel confident in my choice. To enhance volumizing effects or achieve longer lashes, here’s a tip: lightly dust your lashes with arrowroot powder or organic cornstarch beforehand. This lash primer makes them appear longer and fuller.

For added curl, use an eyelash curler before applying the mascara to prevent clumping.

Is This Waterproof Mascara?

While it dries effectively, this mascara isn’t waterproof or water-resistant. Bentonite clay contributes to a harder setting that can prevent smudges, although I can’t guarantee total smudge-proofness in all conditions. However, once dry, I find it to be long-lasting.

Natural Mascara Supplies

These supplies proved helpful when assembling this recipe:

A clean mascara container. I purchased one to reuse as necessary. Attempting to clean an old container is a hassle. Alternatively, using a small jar or lip gloss container with a mascara brush works too.
A medicine dropper (similar to those used for children’s medicine). This or a similar tool eases the process of filling the containers.
A small spatula.

Homemade Natural Mascara Recipe

This DIY natural mascara features a blend of black mineral powder, bentonite clay, aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, and lavender essential oil for an exceptional result.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 container
Author: Katie Wells

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a very small bowl until they achieve a smooth consistency.
Add additional aloe vera gel if a smoother texture is needed.
Carefully use a spatula to scoop the mixture into a medicine dropper, then gently transfer it into the mascara container or jar.
Alternatively, add ingredients directly to the mascara tube and mix with the brush bristles. This requires more time to achieve smoothness.
Apply as you would regular mascara.
For removal, use a warm water-soaked washcloth or olive oil as a natural eye makeup remover.

Notes: