DIY Mascara At Home

Ditch chemical-laden mascaras and say hello to their homemade substitute with natural ingredients.

Reviewed by Simone de Vlaming, Beauty Expert
Written by Esha Saxena, MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies)
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Vaishali Sinha, MA (Comparative Literature)  • 

Learning how to make mascara at home is quite easy. Mascara is one of the most commonly used eye makeup products. It defines, thickens, and lengthens your lashes. However, have you recently examined the ingredients in your mascara? Preservatives and different chemicals are found in the majority of mascaras on the market today. As a result, mascara users frequently experience adverse reactions such as red and itching eyes. And you definitely don’t want that to happen. So, is it time to say ‘goodbye’ to mascara? Never. Make your own mascara instead! You can make your own volumizing, thickening, and lengthening mascaras with supplies from your local food store! We’ve shown you how to make mascara at home in this article. Check it out!

protip_icon Keep In Mind
  • Go Natural: Replace your mascara containing chemicals and preservatives with a DIY mascara prepared with natural ingredients.
  • Natural Ingredients: Use organic and natural ingredients like carrier oils, shea butter, essential oils, and activated charcoal to make mascara at home.
  • Benefits: The DIY mascara boosts the health of your lashes and prevents fallout. It defines your lashes and adds a natural shine to them.
  • Caution: Frequent use of market-bought mascara can lead to eye problems like swelling and itchiness as it contains chemicals.

Benefits Of DIY Mascara

There are several reasons why someone might choose to make their own mascara at home:

  • Control Over Ingredients: By making your own mascara, you have control over the ingredients that go into it, which can be especially important for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
  • Customization: You can customize the color and texture of your mascara to suit your preferences. For example, you can experiment with different types of waxes and oils to create a thicker or thinner formula, or you can add natural pigments like cocoa powder or activated charcoal to create a specific color.
  • Cost-Effective: Making your own mascara can be less expensive than buying high-end, natural, or organic mascaras from the store.
  • Eco-Friendly: Homemade mascara can be more environmentally friendly as you can choose to use sustainable ingredients and reusable packaging.
  • Cruelty-Free: Making your own mascara lets you choose ingredients for a cruelty-free product. You can opt for plant-based ingredients or components that are not animal-tested to support ethical beauty practices. The DIY approach also empowers you to personalize the formula for easy application, resulting in lashes that stand out while adhering to your values.
  • Easy Removal: Opting for nourishing natural ingredients like coconut oil or aloe vera can help formulate a mascara that easily washes off, eliminating the need for vigorous scrubbing. Choose a makeup routine that not only enhances your lashes but also streamlines the removal process, contributing to healthier and happier eyes.

However, it is important to note that making mascara at home can be challenging and may require some trial and error before you find a formula that works for you. Moreover, homemade mascara may not have the same longevity or staying power as store-bought mascaras, so it may not be suitable for all occasions.

Now that you know what sets DIY mascaras apart, scroll down to learn how to make them.

How To Make Mascara At Home

Follow these simple recipes and directions to create the mascara of your choice. Remember, store your DIY mascara for not more than four weeks. Dispose of it if it smells pungent.

  • DIY Clear Mascara

Clear mascara is just perfect for those “no makeup” makeup days. When used right, it can add a whole lot of oomph to your lower lash line. Besides, some days, we are all in need of a guaranteed, no-smudge finish. This recipe is good for your lashes and will prevent lash fallout and breakage.

What You Need
  • Clean mascara wand
  • A plastic jar or container
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/3 tablespoon aloe vera gel
  • 1/3 tablespoon beeswax (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon almond oil
  • A candle
  • A metal spoon
Clear lash gel mascara
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Image: Shutterstock
How To Prepare – Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1: Pour the almond oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera gel into the container and mix the ingredients well.

Step 2: Place the grated beeswax on a metal spoon and hold it above the candle flame until it melts.

Step 3: Pour and mix the melted beeswax into the container.

Step 4: Wait for a few minutes for the mixture to cool down and dry.

Voila! Your DIY clear mascara is ready to use!

protip_icon Quick Tip
Alternatively, you can also add castor oil, eucalyptus oil, sesame oil, or turpentine oil to create DIY mascara. You can also use paraffin wax instead of beeswax.
How To Apply

You can use this clear mascara on its own to define your lashes or over your regular black mascara as it adds a beautiful shine to your lashes and makes the mascara last longer. This recipe can also be used as a lash enhancing serum. Apply it before going to bed for naturally long and luscious lashes.

  • DIY Waterproof Mascara

If you want to make your own waterproof mascara, the trick is to add a tad bit more beeswax as this ingredient gives more of a “hold” to your mascara.

What You Need
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • 4 teaspoons aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon beeswax (grated)
  • 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal (for black mascara) or cocoa powder (brown mascara)
  • Small plastic bag
  • Clean mascara tube
Image: Shutterstock
How To Prepare – Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1: Mix the coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and grated beeswax in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the ingredients together until they melt completely.

Step 2: Empty 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal powder or add cocoa powder to this mixture. Stir the powder well until it blends with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and wait for the ingredients to cool down.

Step 4: Now here comes the tricky part – transferring the mascara into your mascara tube! To do this, simply use a small plastic bag to create a funnel and transfer the mascara into your tube.

Step 5: Make sure you secure the cap on tightly to prevent your homemade mascara from drying out.

How To Apply

Apply this DIY waterproof mascara just the way you would use any other mascara. Make sure the wand is evenly coated with the formula before applying two to three coats of it. It is essential to layer it on by allowing each coat to dry (not entirely) before going in with a second coat.

  • DIY Mascara With Vaseline

We all know that Vaseline (or petroleum jelly) does wonders for your lashes. It not only makes them naturally long and thick, but it also works as a natural mascara. If you’re keen on making a mascara that nourishes your eyelashes, this is the way to go.

Pro Tip: Use Vaseline on your lashes before you curl them as it also works as a primer.

What You Need
  • A dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly
  • Crushed mineral eyeshadow in black or brown
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A mascara tube or container
Image: Shutterstock, Shutterstock
How To Prepare – Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1: In a clean glass bowl, add a dollop of petroleum jelly and a tablespoon of aloe vera gel.

Step 2: Sprinkle some crushed mineral eyeshadow into the bowl and mix the ingredients together with a plastic spoon.

Step 3: Increase the intensity of color if you wish to by adding more mineral eyeshadow.

Step 4: Store this mixture in a mascara tube or a clean container.

Step 5: Apply it using a clean mascara wand, and you’re all set with your DIY Vaseline mascara!

Disclaimer: We do not recommend using this formula if you are allergic to petroleum jelly or wear contact lenses.

  • Homemade Mascara Without Beeswax

This recipe is perfect for you vegan lot. It’s made without beeswax and is very simple to prepare.

What You Need
  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • Distilled water
  • A few drops of Vitamin E oil
Image: Shutterstock, Shutterstock
How To Prepare – Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1: Mix the aloe vera gel with a few spoons of distilled water and 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil in a saucepan over low heat.

Step 2: Once the ingredients blend together, remove the formula from heat.

Step 3: Transfer the mascara to a sterilized container or a mascara tube.

Pro Tip: You can add a color pigment of your choice to this recipe if you want a colored mascara like blue, purple, or brown. A pinch of white clay also helps make this DIY mascara dry faster.

  • Homemade Mascara Without Aloe Vera

For those of you who aren’t fans of aloe vera in your mascara, we have another cool recipe that does not include it. This works like a charm and only takes three ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen cabinet.

What You Need
  • 1 tablespoon craft coconut oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon beeswax
  • 1 capsule activated charcoal
  • A clean container or mascara tube
Image: Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock
How To Prepare – Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1: In a double boiler, melt your coconut oil and beeswax together. Stir well until the two ingredients blend together.

Step 2: Pour the activated charcoal into a small bowl and add half a teaspoon of coconut oil to it. Mix well.

Step 3: Stir this charcoal mixture into the heated coconut oil and beeswax mixture.

Step 4: Once it reaches a thick consistency, allow it to cool and transfer the mascara to a clean container.

Step 5: Dip your mascara wand into the formula and apply a thin coat. Layer it on as you go until you achieve your desired finish.

protip_icon Quick Tip
DIY mascaras without preservatives can last maximum up to three to four months. Ensure to throw it off if it starts to smell bad.

Madhumita, a beauty blogger, shares her experience of making and using DIY mascara in her blog. She says, “From childhood I used to have thick eyebrows and eyelashes. Even though I look for mascara that makes my eyelash lengthier and fuller. Within 1 month of using mascara I felt that my eyelashes are dry and so I came up with my own mascara (i).” Hence, she decided to make her own DIY mascara with castor, coconut, and vitamin E oils, and kajal.

Ladies, making your own mascara is a great way to steer clear of all the harmful chemicals and toxins that are found in store-bought mascaras. It is also beneficial to maintain the overall health of your lashes as the wholesome ingredients you use from your kitchen cabinet will help promote hair growth.

Infographic: How To Make Your Own Mascara?

Whether you like fluttery voluminous lashes or long, defined ones, mascara is the go-to product to take your look from drab to fab. But have you ever wondered what goes into the formula? It usually contains several preservatives and chemicals that can leave you with watery eyes and swollen, irritated lids. So, what’s the way out? Well, it’s time to ditch those harsh formulas and make one for yourself. Wondering how? Take a look at the infographic below

how to make your own mascara? (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Mascara, one of the most widely used beauty cosmetics for the eyes that helps thicken, lengthen, and define eyelashes. To avoid using commercial mascaras that are often loaded with chemicals, you can prepare DIY mascara using a handful of ingredients. Beeswax, coconut oil, petroleum jelly, aloe vera gel, activated charcoal (for black), cocoa powder (for brown), olive oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E capsules are natural ingredients that can be combined to make a nourishing mascara. You can also incorporate some essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint to help in hydrating the lashes. However, these homemade mascaras should not be stored for over 4 weeks, so preparing them in small batches is recommended. Now that you know how to make mascara at home, chances are you will not want to switch back to store-bought ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there pink mascara?

Yes. Pink mascara is a statement-making addition to any outfit. In addition, it is available in different shades of pink.

Is there white mascara?

Yes. White mascara can add length and volume to your eyelashes. However, it won’t make eyelashes heavy and is available in different formulas.

Does mascara damage your eyelashes?

Yes. Mascara shouldn’t be worn every day as it damages your delicate eyelashes.

Is there a gold mascara too?

Yes, there is gold mascara. You can wear it alone or on top of black mascara to add a sparkle to your lashes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can even make mascara at home without using any harmful chemicals.
  • You can use basic ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera gel, beeswax, or vaseline to make mascara at home.
  • For adding color to it, use eyeshadow or activated charcoal.
  • Use a clean, sterilized container to store the mascara.
How To Make Mascara At Home

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn how to make your own mascara at home in this video below! Get step-by-step instructions on creating your own DIY mascara with easy-to-find ingredients.

Personal Experience: Source

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