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I posted a picture of my lashes on Instagram last week and mentioned I had finally gotten my homemade mascara just how I wanted it. A lot of you asked for the recipe, so I’m sharing it now.
Natural Mascara?
In the past, I’ve used Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara which has a top safety rating from the Environmental Working Group. That is still my go-to organic mascara but I’m always looking for a DIY option as well.
I must admit- this was one of my most frustrating homemade recipes to figure out. I tried a lot of different combinations before I finally found this one that I liked.
Unlike most of my beauty recipes (like toothpaste and lotion bars), homemade mascara uses some unusual ingredients and will cost more up front. I absolutely love the texture and fullness of this recipe, so I still make it often, but if you don’t already have these ingredients on hand, buying an organic pre-made mascara might be a better option.
Natural Mascara Ingredients
I tried dozens of ingredients before I found the ones that worked in this recipe.
Here’s what I use:
- Black mineral powder (a mixture of soil based minerals-use the code “wellnessmama” for 50% off – I also drink this daily) NOTE: Can use activated charcoal or black clay as well, but I prefer the texture with the mineral powder. One jar of mineral powder has enough to make 15+ batches of mascara.
- Bentonite Clay – Helps the mascara dry and harden and not smudge. Any cosmetic clay should work.
- Vegetable Glycerin– Makes the mascara smooth and helps it adhere to lashes.
- Aloe Vera– For texture and smoothness
- Lavender Essential Oil – For scent and to help lashes grow
I also found these supplies were very helpful:
- A clean mascara container. I got this one and have just reused it as needed. I tried to clean out an old mascara container and it is a tremendous hassle. Using a small jar or lip gloss container with a mascara brush will also work.
- A medicine dropper (like for giving medicine to children) or similar tool for getting it into the mascara containers
- A small spatula.
Homemade Natural Mascara Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp black mineral powder (use code wellnessmama for 50% off)
- ¼ tsp bentonite clay
- ⅛ tsp vegetable glycerine (4 drops)
- ¼ tsp aloe vera gel
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a very small bowl until completely smooth.
- Add more aloe vera gel if needed to get a smooth consistency.
- Carefully scoop into the medicine dropper with a spatula and slowly squirt into the mascara container or jar.
- Alternately, you can add the ingredients directly to the mascara tube and mix with the mascara brush, though it takes a while of mixing to get the ingredients smooth inside the tube.
- Use as you would regular mascara.
- To remove, use a washcloth with warm water or use olive oil as a natural eye makeup remover.
Notes
Ever made homemade makeup or beauty products? How did they turn out?
Omg I have been waiting for a recipe like this! I like making my own cosmetics. You always have the best recipes:). I will 100% be making this. You are such a inspiration!
How cool!!!! I don’t know if I’ll ever get around to trying this for myself, but I’ll book mark it in my “God I wanna do this” tab! <3. You're kick ass!!!!
Amazing! Although I use mascara only once in a blue moon, I do secretly dream of having thicker and longer lashes as they soften and prettify the face instantly. Thanks for this recipe. I just might DIY this soon. 🙂
random question but I have a bunch of old containers and such mostly old or some that were given to me and I was wondering what is a good disinfectant that I could use to clean them with so they can be hygienic for new products?
I use alcohol. Also, I use a mascara recipe that has two types of clay. Black clay and red clay are way cheaper!
What a great recipe. I will buy the ingredients and try it. For how long can I use it until it spoils? Thanks.
Is there a less expensive alternative to the BlackMP Living Powder? Even at half price, that’s still out of my price range.
Dianne, I am in the same boat… I am thinking activated charcoal will suffice. I have seen it in other natural mascara recipes and believe it should substitute nicely! I personally bought capsules but it comes in powder form also. Katie also has a post about using it for whiting teeth! Just beware as it will stain clothing, grout, floors, counters, ect. Good Luck! XOXO
I have tried activated charcoal for mascara and eyeliner and it didn’t work really well but that’s why I think I will try this one.
How about this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VEDM0K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005VEDM0K&linkCode=as2&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=LTG2FQ3OYWHHRMWR
Thanks so much for posting this! I had recently come across this recipe: https://realfoodrn.com/homemade-mascara-recipe/ and I was going to give it a try. But now I’m wondering if you tried something like this, but find your recipe works better. Your thoughts would be much appreciated, thanks!
I have somewhat naturally oily skin and I found that oil based recipes like that tended to smudge on my face and give my black bags under my eyes after a few hours.
Do you have a recipe that would make waterproof mascara, or could I simply add an ingredient to this to make it waterproof?
I’m still experimenting with that. Beeswax would make it waterproof but it is really hard to incorporate…. Let me know if you figure it out!
THANK YOU! I have switched to all natural make-up with the exception of mascara. It’s been hard to figure out. I will give this a try!
I am continually amazed at your creativity. Just when I think that you cannot possibly come up with any more homemade natural products, you do. Sensational! I am not certain that I would be able to find the time to make this but I love that it’s possible. Bravo!
I would like to see a post on your experience drinking the black mineral powder and its benefits and whatnot, and who you would recommend it for. Thanks!
Don’t worry, that post will be coming soon 😉
PF mascara still irritated my eyes because I cannot use mica or talc. Rejuva Minerals is free of all things that are irritants and only mascara or makeup in general I can use
What size tube did you use?
What size mascara tube can you use? I’d like to purchase empty tubes rather than wash a tune out. I’ve seen 4ml, 5ml and 10ml which one would the recipe fit in?
I use this tube.
Hello! I am so excited about making my own mascara. I bought the ingredients mixed it exactly and it seems very dry. I can’t even get it in the bottle. I managed to get a small amount inside at the too of the bottle so I could give it a try and I think it is too dry to put on my lashes. What advice would you give me???
Add a little extra glycerin until you get the consistency you like
You could add some more glycerin 1 drop at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. You don’t want the blend too wet though or it won’t stay on eyelashes.
Just a comment on the mascara. I love the recipe…works great. One thing I did was put all ingredients in a small snack size plastic baggie. Then with my fingers massage the ingredients till they are mixed. Then snip the tip of the baggie to “pipe” the mixture into my mascara tube. Works like a charm!
You’re a genius!
Hi Katie! I love your site and have already started promoting it to others though I only found it by accident a few days ago. I found another site before yours with other recipes for mascara but you had so many different things to choose from, I just loved being here and can’t wait to start “cooking” since I plan to throw away hundred of dollars worth of cosmetics away since learning about the mercury that’s in them.
I saw you listed Black Mineral Powder as one of the ingredients and I decided to go searching for other, less expensive options with the same name and found them, however, I don’t believe in substituting one bad thing for another so I wanted to learn what this black powder was first. Titanium Dioxide is another name for it when broken down and from what I could gather, word is going out that it is a possible Carcinogenic.
I’m not so sure I want to use charcoal as a substitute so I’m not sure what else there might be? In another recipe online, that girl used cocoa powder but of course, the mascara was brown. I’m fine with putting chocolate anywhere in or on my body! What normal girl wouldn’t? 🙂
Anyway, I thought I’d bring this to you and see what thoughts you might have? You’ve been creating these for a while and I haven’t gotten started yet. I’m investigating all the things for my shopping list and then into the kitchen I go. I loved the idea one person wrote to you abut mixing in a small baggie, cutting the tip, then squeezing into the mascara bottle. I have seen brand new mascara brushes for sale but I’ll have to see if I can find empty mascara containers too. Very cool idea!
Hugs and thank you for all you do!
Linda
Mine turned out clumpy when I used charcoal no matter how much stirred. I added more aloe but still clumpy. Any advice?
Would heating it help?
Im sure you already figured out a solution but I was also having this issue so I added about a teaspoon of coconut oil and a teaspoon of beeswax ( sort of combining two recipes) and it came out smooth!
I thought about adding a bit of beeswax, but was worried it would be difficult to remove… how has this worked for you? I’m frustrated that this mascara doesn’t stay on the eyelashes very well, and “dusts” my face with black clumps. Not a good look!
You can buy black cocoa powder. It doesn’t smell as chocolaty as brown, but should do the trick nicely for mascara.
https://www.amazon.com/Dutch-process-America-Alkalized-Non-gmo-Gluten-free/dp/B00K89SKKK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=fc0faea6063143dd3ee586c5949c7fc7&language=en_US
You can also use beet root powder for a reddish mascara-very pretty!
Hi theres actually a sort of black cacao powder! The colour should be black if u use that one! I’ve found it online but they don’t sell it in OZ and haven’t ordered it but keen to try the mascara with the black cacao powder!:)
Soy question is for using the lavender oil in or near eyes it says to dilute it (im dure with a carrier oil) BUT putting it with these other ingredients is that considered diluting?
This would be considered diluting but as an aromatherapist I would suggest omitting the lavender. Essential oils should not be used near the eyes.