I don’t wear makeup every day, but when I do, I like to take it off naturally. One of the things I’ve learned on my journey to a more natural life is that simple is almost always better. That’s definitely the case for this easy, 5 minute, 1 ingredient natural makeup remover!
Your eyes and the skin around them are so sensitive, so you really don’t want to be messing with ingredients that can be harmful. A lot of common ingredients in makeup removers include propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, mineral oil, fragrances, preservatives, and artificial colors. These ingredients can range from mild skin irritants to full on carcinogens!
Oil is actually great at braking down and taking off your makeup without stripping your skin. It cleanses gently while also moisturizing. Who wouldn’t want that?
This even works to remove my natural homemade mascara and homemade foundation! If you love this makeup remover, you’ll love those too.
This makeup remover has only one ingredient:
You could use any kind of oil to take off your makeup, but I chose sunflower oil for a few reasons. First, it is inexpensive. Second, it is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. And third, it is liquid at room temperature, so it will absorb into cotton pads really easily.
I’ve also used coconut oil to take off my eye makeup, but when it comes to removing makeup from my face, I like to stick to something non-comedogenic, because coconut oil makes me break out. This may not be the case for everyone, but I like to stay on the safe side.
Alright, ready to make it?
Homemade Natural Makeup Remover
Supplies:
- an airtight jar
- cotton pads
- 1/4- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
Instructions:
- First, sanitize your jar by washing with hot water and soap or washing out with rubbing alcohol, and let the jar dry completely
- Put the cotton pads in the jar, and pour the sunflower oil over them slowly. If you’re using a tall jar like me, you may want to put in half the cotton pads and pour half the oil, then do the same for the second half
- Screw the lid on tightly and store in a cool dry place
- To use- simply remove one of the cotton pads and rub to remove your makeup, then dispose of the pad
Another reason I love sunflower oil is that it feels so light. It really doesn’t feel oily to me at all- I’m always amazed at how great it is at taking off my makeup!
I haven’t bought makeup remover from a store in I don’t know how long- this stuff is so great there really isn’t any reason to. And it keeps me nice and moisturized.
So, what do you think? Let me know how your homemade natural makeup remover goes for you!
Amy Mason says
My friends and family like this recipe but I find it is is too oily for me as I wear extended wear contact lenses and it gets into my eyes and hence makes my lenses blurry. What do you recommend for contact lense wearers please? Thank you
Susie says
I’m not sure! It’s the oil that breaks down the makeup, so I don’t know that you can make the recipe less oily. You could try adding a little water to each pad before you rinse the makeup off, or using less oil overall. I’m sorry that it didn’t work for you and good luck!
Amy Mason says
Thanks Susie. I have made it for family and friends and they love it. It’s just me and my contacts. My only option is to remove my contacts first but that defeats the point of extended wear lenses. I will keep researching. I am loving your recipes!
Susie says
Thank you so much! Sorry it didn’t work out for you!
Maddie says
Hello there!
I saw these and thought they would be a great addition for the make-up wearers as Christmas presents…
I was just wondering how long it lasts? I am guessing because it is oil it wouldn’t go bad quickly? Does it go bad at all?
Also do you think that adding some essential oils would work to? To create a lovely smell!
Cannot wait to try these. I don’t wear much make up but perhaps I’ll put some on and glam up just to see how these go!
Susie says
Mine have lasted several months with no sign of going bad soon. If you use just oil it should be fairly stable, as long as they are stored well without contamination. I would be cautious adding essential oils to something that will make contact with your eyes, but that’s up to you.