In today's beauty world, the emphasis is increasingly leaning towards all-natural, organic, and environmentally-friendly products. For the conscious consumer, this shift is a welcome change. While there are plenty of clean beauty brands that produce wonderful natural mascaras, there's also something satisfying about creating your own. Not only is DIY mascara cost-effective, but it also allows you to have complete control over the ingredients you're applying close to your eyes.
Whether you’re a fan of beauty DIYs or simply keen to eliminate harmful chemicals from your beauty routine, this simple all-natural mascara recipe will pave the way to lusciously long lashes.
Why Opt for a Natural Mascara?
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand why you might choose a natural mascara over a conventional one:
- Avoid Harmful Ingredients: Many commercial mascaras contain parabens, artificial dyes, fragrances, and other potentially harmful ingredients. By making your own, you control what goes into the product.
- Sensitive Eyes: Natural ingredients tend to be gentler, making them a better choice for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.
- Environmentally Friendly: DIY methods usually result in less plastic waste, and by using eco-friendly ingredients, you reduce the environmental footprint of your beauty routine.
Ingredients for All-natural Mascara
- 2 tsp Coconut Oil
- 4 tsp Aloe Vera Gel
- 1/2 – 1 tsp Beeswax Pellets
- 1-2 capsules Activated Charcoal (for black mascara) OR Cocoa Powder (for brown mascara)
Note: Always ensure the ingredients are 100% pure and organic to reap the full benefits.
Instructions
- Melting the Base: In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and beeswax pellets together. If you desire a thicker consistency for your mascara, opt for 1 tsp of beeswax. For a smoother formula, 1/2 tsp should suffice.
- Mixing in the Gel: Once melted, remove from heat and quickly stir in the aloe vera gel. This ingredient acts as a conditioner and provides the mascara with a smoother application.
- Adding the Color: Break the activated charcoal capsules and pour the powder into the mixture. If you’re opting for brown mascara, add cocoa powder instead. Stir well to ensure even color distribution.
- Transfer to Container: Using a small funnel or a syringe, transfer the liquid mascara to a clean, empty mascara tube. It's essential to do this while the mixture is still warm, as it thickens and sets upon cooling.
- Let it Set: Allow the mascara to cool and set for a few hours before using it.
Application Tips
- Just as with commercial mascaras, always start with clean lashes.
- Use an eyelash curler before application for an added lift.
- Apply the mascara from the base to the tip of your lashes in a zigzag motion.
- Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second for added volume and length.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your DIY mascara in a cool, dry place. As it doesn’t contain any preservatives, it has a shorter shelf life compared to commercial mascaras. Ideally, use it within 3-4 months. If you notice any change in smell or consistency before this time, discard it.
Crafting your own all-natural mascara is not only fun but also ensures that you’re nurturing your lashes with wholesome ingredients. Not to mention, the satisfaction that comes with knowing you’re reducing your carbon footprint. So, the next time you think of buying a mascara, consider making your own. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can have luscious, healthy lashes that are truly all-natural.
Deep Dive into Ingredients
- Coconut Oil: Not just a kitchen staple, coconut oil has made a prominent mark in beauty routines globally. Its moisturizing properties make it an excellent base for mascara. It promotes lash health, potentially aiding in their growth and preventing breakage.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe is renowned for its soothing properties. In mascara, it not only adds a smooth consistency but also conditions the lashes, making them feel soft and preventing the mascara from feeling overly dry or cakey.
- Beeswax: A natural thickener, beeswax gives the mascara its structure. Moreover, it's water-resistant, providing the mascara with a slight staying power against minor wet conditions.
- Activated Charcoal & Cocoa Powder: These natural colorants are a safer alternative to synthetic dyes. Activated charcoal offers a deep black shade, while cocoa provides a softer brown. Both ingredients can be adjusted in quantity depending on the desired shade intensity.
Possible Variations
- Castor Oil: Known to promote hair growth, adding a few drops of castor oil can potentially boost lash growth over time.
- Vitamin E: For added nourishment, consider adding a drop or two of vitamin E oil. It acts as a natural preservative, slightly extending the mascara's shelf life, and provides additional conditioning to the lashes.
- Lavender Essential Oil: Apart from its delightful scent, lavender oil can help strengthen lashes. However, use this sparingly (one drop should suffice) as essential oils can be potent, and the eye area is sensitive.
Common Concerns & Solutions
- Clumping: If the mascara seems too thick and clumpy, it might be due to excess beeswax. Adjust the quantity or add a bit more aloe vera gel to smoothen the consistency.
- Sensitivity: While natural, any ingredient can cause sensitivity for some individuals. Always conduct a patch test on the skin before applying any DIY product close to your eyes.
- Shelf Life: Since the mascara lacks commercial preservatives, it's vital to ensure all your equipment is clean. This will prevent bacterial growth. Remember, if the mascara changes in smell, color, or consistency, it's time to discard it.
- Drying Time: Natural mascara may take a tad longer to dry than commercial counterparts. After application, give it a minute before blinking rapidly or touching your lashes.
Environmental Impact
Finally, the eco-friendliness of DIY mascara deserves another mention. Not only are you reducing the carbon footprint by using organic ingredients and potentially reusing old mascara containers, but you're also eliminating the need for plastic packaging that comes with store-bought mascaras. Over time, such small changes in our beauty regimen can contribute to significant positive environmental impacts.
In conclusion, while making your own mascara might seem a tad daunting at first, the benefits far outweigh the initial effort. It's a journey of discovering cleaner beauty, understanding ingredients, and taking a step towards a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.