Sustainability made simple

DIY Eyeliner: Homemade Recipe

diy eyeliner
Foto: CC0 / Unsplash / João Paulo de Souza Oliveira

A homemade DIY eyeliner recipe for a natural, non-toxic, and low waste addition to any beauty routine. Save money and resources with this simple guide!

The Dangers of Store-Bought Eyeliner

Much conventional makeup contain ingredients that are known to cause negative health ramifications.
Much conventional makeup contain ingredients that are known to cause negative health ramifications.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / lubovlisitsa)

Most people are unaware of the toxins present in much conventional eyeliner on the market. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Carbon black, linked to cancer and organ toxicity 
  • Ethanolamine compounds can be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. 
  • Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum have been found even in herbal cosmetics and create a danger to human health.
  • Parabens have long been touted as the ultimate danger lurking in our cosmetics. Research is being done to assess truly how founded public fears are, but it is best to err on the side of caution with these compounds.
  • Formaldehyde releasers in cosmetics are significant culprits of contact dermatitis. 

Luckily, natural DIY eyeliner is cost-effective and straightforward, even when opting for waterproof. 

DIY Eyeliner Recipe

Coconut oil is a key ingredient in this homemade eyeliner, as well as a great remover..
Coconut oil is a key ingredient in this homemade eyeliner, as well as a great remover..
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / melati411)

Here is a simple recipe for DIY eyeliner, with a waterproof option!

Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon coconut oil 
  • ¼ teaspoon activated charcoal (Usually found in capsules that can be opened. Make sure there is no gelatin, like these vegan capsules available on Amazon**)
  • ¼ teaspoon distilled water 
  • Optional for waterproof eyeliner- ½ teaspoon of candelilla wax (Available on Amazon**)

Directions:

Melt the oil and wax together in a double boiler, then add the charcoal. Simply mix oil and charcoal if not making it waterproof. Once it is blended well, add the water and whisk with a small whisk or a fork.

This will keep in the refrigerator for about a month.

How to Apply & Remove Your DIY Eyeliner

Apply the eyeliner by using a narrow angled brush. Clean brush and let dry after each application.

Remove by wetting your face and then using a cotton ball, or better yet, a reusable makeup pad, available on Amazon**), and a small amount of coconut oil. Wipe from the inner to the outer eye, and remove any excess coconut oil when finished. 

Safety Notes

  • As with any eye makeup, change your mix every month to prevent bacteria growth.
  • Keeping your homemade eyeliner refrigerated will also help discourage the growth of bacteria.
  • Clean your brushes well and allow them to air dry. Having a set of a few will help if you wear makeup daily.
  • Don’t use eyeliner on the inner eyelid, and avoid getting it in your eyes. 
  • Never use pigments not approved for cosmetic use.

Read on: 

** Links to retailers marked with ** or underlined orange are partially partner links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org, because we will receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.

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