mascara tube and wand

Yes you can! It doesn’t seem possible to replace commercial cosmetics like mascara without getting a pharmaceutical degree but it is surprisingly easy when you know how. Once you get past the idea that make-up has to be complicated and full of impossible to get ingredients, you can make all sorts of lovely things without all the chemicals. This mascara will not allow you to sweep the floor with your lashes but it will make them look thicker, darker and fuller.

I didn’t like the prospect of fiddling with dozens of bits of pieces and a gazillion-step process so I ended up using just four ingredients and a quick, one-two process. Next time I might just skip the castor oil but seeing as it helps with eye-lash hair growth, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to add some.

What you need:

  • One mascara tube – preferably clear – and wand
  • Toothpick
  • Small glass bowl
  • Coconut oil – unmelted
  • Activated charcoal (about ½ a teaspoon)
  • Cocoa powder (optional)
  • Drop of castor oil (optional)

 

What you do:

  • If you are using one of your old mascara wands you need to give it a thorough cleaning out. This was by far the most tedious part because even though I thought mine was empty, bits of black. Just. Kept. On. Coming out.
  • Leave to dry completely
  • Put a blob of coconut oil into your tiny bowl
  • Add a bit of the charcoal and if you want a brownish-black, some cocoa. Start with tiny amounts and mix completely before adding more – if you use too much charcoal, your mascara will be gritty
  • Add a drop of castor oil
  • Using the toothpick, mix until you get a glossy, smooth paste without any lumps
  • Pack mixture into the tube, again using the toothpick