Make Your Own Natural Mascara at Home: An Easy DIY Guide

Have you ever wondered what exactly is in that tube of mascara you use every day? Mainstream mascaras often contain a range of synthetic ingredients, irritants, and preservatives that could be potentially harmful if absorbed into the delicate eye area over time. Chemicals like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are common in popular mascara brands.

Going the natural DIY mascara route allows you full control over everything that goes into your homemade formula, resulting in a non-toxic product that’s safe for sensitive eyes. With just a few basic ingredients and materials from your kitchen, you can whip up a fresh, high-quality mascara that rivals – or even surpasses! – mainstream options.

Homemade mascara is also far more economical in the long run. Once you have the initial supplies, a single batch costs next to nothing to make. Compare that to spending $5 to $30 on mascara every few months!

This easy tutorial will walk you step-by-step through exactly how to make your own all-natural mascara from scratch. You’ll also learn tips for proper application and lash-enhancing usage techniques. Customization options are endless so you can adapt formulas to achieve different looks.

Trust us, after trying this simple do-it-yourself recipe, you’ll never want to buy traditional mascara again! Your lashes will look fuller, healthier, darker and more defined than ever.

Overview of What’s Covered

This homemade mascara guide includes:

• Essential ingredients needed and precise measurements
• Step-by-step preparation and mixing instructions
• Proper application methods for clump-free lashes
• Storage requirements and shelf life expectations
• Simple troubleshooting for potential issues
• Creative ways to tailor formulas to different needs
• The many benefits of natural DIY mascara options

Now that you know what to expect, let’s get right to it!

Mascara Ingredients Needed

Part of the appeal with homemade cosmetics is that common kitchen staples double as fabulous beauty ingredients. That’s certainly true when making DIY mascara!

You only need a few simple items – most of which you likely already have available at home.

Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

Activated Charcoal Powder – Provides Color and Definition

The star ingredient that gives homemade mascara its lush black pigment is activated charcoal powder. This fine black powder makes an amazing natural coloring agent. It adheres evenly to lashes without clumping up.

Activated charcoal powder is made from carbon-rich materials like coconut shells and coal that undergo a specialized “activation” process at extremely high heat levels. This gives the charcoal an incredibly porous surface area, amplifying its ability to bind to and coat lashes.

Besides contributing the essential black color, activated charcoal powder has other beauty benefits when applied to lashes and lash lines. Its molecular structure adheres to dirt, oil and product residue on lashes. This helps remove buildup when you take off your mascara at the end of the day. There’s a good reason activated charcoal is a popular ingredient for clarifying face masks and deep cleansing shampoos!

Using activated charcoal powder as a mascara ingredient also gives a volumizing effect, thickening up lashes making them look exceptionally lush and full. For such a simple natural ingredient, it delivers seriously amazing results as the coloring agent in homemade mascara.

Coconut Oil – Conditions and Hydrates

Coconut oil may not seem like an obvious mascara ingredient, but the benefits it provides definitely warrant adding it in! This versatile oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E to moisturize lashes, preventing the dry, brittle breakage that can happen with overuse of regular mascaras.

The lauric acid naturally found in coconuts also gives coconut oil mild antimicrobial qualities. When blended into DIY mascara formulas, it acts as a preservative substitute for synthetic stabilizers found in commercial brands.

Use extra virgin, unrefined organic coconut oil for the most benefits. Make sure it remains solid at room temperature. The thick, creamy texture keeps homemade mascara emulsified perfectly.

Vitamin E Oil – Nourishment for Healthy Lashes

Vitamin E oil is a common ingredient in high-performing cosmetics, and for good reason! When applied topically, this antioxidant oil accelerates cell regeneration and boosts collagen production. That makes it especially amazing for nurturing delicate eyelash follicles and improving lash length over time.

The thick oil also prevents clumping by conditioning lashes to stay flexible and less prone to sticking together in sticky globs. It complements coconut oil to make a hydrating, clump-free mascara formula.

Beeswax – Emulsifier and Binding Agent

Beeswax gives structure to DIY mascaras, binding all the ingredients together in an emulsified blend that goes on smoothly. It acts as an all-natural emulsifying agent plus thickener.

The water-resistant nature of beeswax also prevents mascara from smudging or running, keeping it vividly in place all day. This is especially useful for tear-prone eyes or humid climates.

Look for cosmetic-grade yellow beeswax pellets, which have undergone extra filtering and deodorizing.

Empty Mascara Tube and Wand

To package and apply your freshly made mascara, you’ll need:

• Empty mascara tube – find used/cleaned tubes from old mascara or buy affordable empty tubes online
• Mascara wand applicator – source from old mascaras or buy replacement wand tips

Thoroughly clean and dry any reusable tubes/wands before making your mascara to prevent bacteria contamination.

Essential Equipment Needed

Along with ingredients, you’ll need just a few pieces of equipment:

• Small glass or stainless steel mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Double boiler or makeshift bain marie
• Small funnel (optional)

Avoid using plastic equipment when making heated cosmetic recipes. Ingredients can react with plastic, plus it’s harder to fully sanitize.

Glass or stainless steel bowls, spoons, and funnels are affordable, reusable and safer for DIY beauty formulations.

Exact Measurements

To make one 4-8 week supply of homemade mascara:

• 2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1/2 teaspoon beeswax pellets

These amounts create the ideal consistency, pigmentation and lash conditioning effects based on extensive testing.

Tweak ratios based on your individual needs:

• More charcoal powder = thicker, darker pigment
• Extra oils = ultimate conditioning and moisture
• Additional beeswax = firmer hold

Now let’s learn how to combine these ingredients into covetably gorgeous DIY mascara!

Step 1 – Sterilize the Empty Mascara Tube

Before making your mascara, it’s critical to sterilize the empty mascara tube, wand and any tools that will contact the product. This prevents contamination with bacteria that could enter the eyes and cause infections or other issues.

Wash the empty tube in hot, soapy water, using antibacterial dish soap. Rinse very thoroughly. Air dry the tube completely before proceeding.

You can also use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly swab the inner surface for enhanced sterilization. Just ensure no moisture remains before filling.

Step 2 – Melt the Beeswax

Add the 1/2 teaspoon beeswax pellets to your stainless steel or glass mixing bowl. Create a double boiler by placing the bowl over a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of simmering water. The bowl should not be submerged in the water or touch the bottom of the pan.

Heat over low until the beeswax fully melts into a clear golden liquid. Then immediately remove bowl from heat and carefully carry to your workspace.

Why use a double boiler? Direct stovetop heat can overheat and destroy beneficial qualities in natural beeswax. The gentle steam heat of a double boiler protects integrity.

Step 3 – Mix in Oils and Charcoal Powder

Working quickly while the melted beeswax is still fluid, use your mixing spoon to stir in:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder

Mix thoroughly until the charcoal is totally incorporated for a smooth, uniform black mixture.

The vitamin E and coconut oils may remain a bit separated at this stage. That’s okay! Continued mixing while you fill the tube and cool will fully emulsify everything.

Step 4 – Pour Mixture into Empty Mascara Tube

Use a small plastic funnel to carefully pour the DIY mascara liquid into the cleaned, dried mascara tube. Top off until reaching about 1⁄4 inch below the tube opening.

Why leave a little headspace? Oils can expand slightly when solidifying. Extra room prevents overflow.

Insert the wand, placing back into the tube. Twist the base until you hear a little “click” notifying it’s properly in place.

Step 5 – Allow Mascara Mixture to Set

Now comes the hardest part – waiting patiently for the homemade mascara to set up!

Place filled tube upright in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. Letting it cool slowly prevents bubbles or cracks. The oils will solidify with the wax to the perfect texture.

For best cohesion and performance, allow mixture to solidify and cure for 12-24 hours before using. The patience pays off in ultra smooth application!

And that’s truly all it takes to make your own natural, non-toxic mascara from common household items!

Application Tips for Flawless Wear

Applying homemade mascara requires a slightly different technique than what you’re used to with mainstream mascaras. Here are useful tips for clump-free, flawless wear:

• Zig-zag the wand slowly through lashes instead of a straight upward pull. This coats every lash from base to tip.
• Let each layer dry completely before adding another to build volume.
• Don’t pump the wand in and out of the tube which introduces air bubbles.
• Use a very light touch and don’t press hard against lash roots.
• Apply lighter coats on lower lashes, letting each dry before adding more.

Patience is necessary when applying homemade mascara until you get the hang of ideal consistency and drying time. But the extra effort leads to long, lavish lashes!

Usage and Storage

Your homemade mascara lasts 2-4 weeks when stored properly. Place upright in a cool, dry location away from heat, moisture or direct light which can cause ingredients to break down faster.

Don’t store in humid bathrooms or near stoves, dishwashers or washing machines. Inside a bedroom closet shelf works perfectly.

Between applications, wipe excess product off the wand tip using a tissue or paper towel. Then securely replace the cap with a tight twist. Never store homemade mascara laying on its side or upside down. Oils may leak through the wand if not upright.

Only open tube once lashes are totally dry before applying more layers. Any moisture introduced will make mascara liquify faster.

Formula Consistency Adjustments

If after initial use the formula seems too thick/dry, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil into the tube. Twist the wand to thoroughly incorporate for a smoother consistency.

If mixture is too thin/oily, add 1/8 teaspoon beeswax pellets. Re-melt by placing tube in warm water before mixing in melted wax.

When batches start getting clumpy, dry or hard to apply, it’s time to replace with a fresh homemade mixture. Mascara contains no preservatives so don’t try prolonging the use after about 1 month.

Troubleshooting Common Mascara Issues

Even with natural options, clumping, flaking and smudging can still happen. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Clumps and Flakes

• Let product dry more thoroughly between coats
• Apply lighter layers
• Use less back and forth motions with wand
• Re-mix formula adding more oils

Smudging and Transfer

• Give adequate time to set before blinking
• Avoid watery eyes or rubbing
• Try a stronger hold formula using more beeswax
• Apply waterproof topcoat

Running/Melting

• Don’t apply too much product
• Blot oil lightly with tissue
• Use less oils in next batch
• Avoid putting directly in contact with steam or moisture

Ideas for Customizing Formulas

Once comfortable with the standard DIY mascara recipe, get creative with specialty formulas!

• Colored Mascaras – Swap in cocoa powder, micas, root powders
• Waterproof – Use equal beeswax & shea or cocoa butter
• Lengthening – Alternate thin and thick coats
• Volumizing – Apply multiple layers letting each fully dry
• Lash Growth Serums – Add argan, castor, rosehip or lavender oil
• Smudge-proof – Extra beeswax provides stronger hold
• Bottom Lash – Reduce oils for lighter coats

Have hyper-sensitive eyes? Omit fragrant essential oils.

The variations are endless for crafting the perfect customized mascara!

Why Homemade Mascara is Totally Worth It

Sure, making your own mascara requires a bit more effort than grabbing one off a store shelf. But the perks make it incredibly rewarding!

Saves Money – Once supplies are purchased, each 2-4 week batch costs around $1-$2 max. That’s less than drugstore brands for a safer, natural formula. Over a year you could easily save $100+

Control Ingredients – No mystery chemicals. You select nourishing oils, waxes and botanicals tailored to your needs.

Safer for Eyes – Avoid toxic preservatives and irritating synthetic dyes found in commercial mascaras.

Customization – Tweak recipes precisely to your liking with colors, consistencies and lash goals.

Freshness – Small batches mean fresh mascara every few weeks without icky bacterial buildup in large tubes used for months.

Self Reliance – Building skill creating handmade beauty products is rewarding and empowering!

Eco-Friendly – Far less waste from small glass jars and paper labels compared to plastic mascara tubes and boxes.

As you can see, dedicating some time to preparing natural homemade mascara pays back tenfold in savings, safety, sustainability and fabulously dramatic lashes!

Give It a Try Yourself!

Now that you’re armed with our proven easy recipe and helpful tips, what’s stopping you from trying your own homemade mascara?

You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! Gather everything up then set aside an hour for DIYing a 2 month supply or two.

Get your girlfriends together for a homemade mascara party! Trying various custom add-ins like green tea powder or berry juices makes for a fun spa day activity.

Be sure to share photos of your natural handmade mascara results! We absolutely love seeing your gorgeous lashes and unique twists on recipes.

Let’s get creating the safe, natural way! Your eyes and wallet will thank you.