DIY Homemade Natural Mascara
Of all the beauty products you would think to make yourself, who knew mascara could be one of them? A few ingredients and one mascara container later, and you have yourself a safe and natural homemade mascara that does the job right!
Avoid chemical-laden mascara, which is especially dangerous since it is applied so close to your eyes, and opt for a homemade version that is both safe and effective. This all-natural homemade mascara is easy to make and ends up being a cheaper and safer alternative to store-bought brands.
The ingredients in this homemade natural mascara pack the enzymatic and glistening capacity of coconut oil and aloe vera as well as the water-proof and separating powers of beeswax. The dark color comes from activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, which is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to create millions of small pores between its carbon atoms. Activated charcoal has surface areas of some 300-2,000 square meters per gram and is thus used to absorb odorous or colored substances from gases or liquids. In addition to the black color, activated charcoal also keeps moisture at bay so your makeup doesn’t smudge easily. Medicinally, activated charcoal has been used as a digestive aid. Do not mistake it for the charcoal you use to grill. You can find activated charcoal at your local health-minded store.
Homemade Natural Mascara
Makes 1 mascara container
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1/2-1 teaspoon grated beeswax (more if you live in a hotter climate)
- 1 capsule of activated charcoal
- Clean mascara container
Directions
In a small saucepan over low heat, add the coconut oil, aloe vera, and beeswax. Stir until melted. Open the activated charcoal capsule and add to mixture, stirring until evenly combined. You can add another capsule if you want a deeper color. Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature. Scoop the mixture into a funnel-shaped bag that you normally use for decorating a cake with icing and squeeze into the mascara container. The mascara will last up to six months.
Photo Credit: Jenn Durfey
