Posted by Les Mauvaises Herbes
You will be thrilled to learn that there is nothing simpler to make than homemade makeup remover. You can literally remove your makeup with the olive oil from your pantry, and your skin will be softer than it has ever been. Scout’s honor.
Because we love whipping up precious little skincare treatments (but also because filling a small bottle with olive oil and labeling it "makeup remover" is way too easy, haha), we are offering various options here, all of which are super simple and contain only a few ingredients!
Fun fact: for those who don't wear makeup, water is enough most of the time! Yes, really. It’s no joke. Mariane has been washing her face with only water for years!
Why make your own homemade makeup remover?
1. To know what you are putting on your skin (and in your eyes!)
Did you know that, according to the Canadian Health Food Association, the average Western woman applies an average of 500 different ingredients to her body every day? o.O For many of these products, we still don't know their long-term effects on the body and health. So… that is pretty much the best reason to make your own cosmetics.
Our recipes require only natural, or even edible, ingredients. If there is one part of the body where you don't want to put junk, it’s the eyes! The eyes are mucous membranes and they absorb absolutely everything we put in them.
2. To save money
It certainly depends on the product you are used to using, but generally, our recipes cost less than $5 for 100 ml. A very competitive price indeed!
3. For the environment and the local economy
When you make your own products, you make them from ingredients bought in bulk or in large quantities. You therefore consume less plastic and packaging! Furthermore, since the ingredients are often organic, their impact on the environment is greatly reduced! Finally, since the requested products are usually not found in big-box stores, we support our small local businesses when sourcing our ingredients.
Pssst! If you have ten minutes, take a look at this very interesting little video!
What actually is a makeup remover?
A makeup remover is a product that helps dislodge makeup, obviously. Now, since makeup is mostly made of oil, we use an oil-based product to dislodge it. Why? Because oil dislodges oil! There is nothing better than an oil for removing makeup.
Your makeup remover doesn't need to be 100% oil. There are several options:
- a cleansing oil (100% oil)
- a bi-phase makeup remover (an aqueous phase and an oily phase)
- a cleansing milk (an aqueous phase and an emulsified oily phase)
- a soap*
By aqueous phase, we often mean either a hydrosol, or aloe gel or juice.
*Although soap removes makeup, it cannot be used on the eyes. We also advise against it because it removes too much sebum and can dry out the skin over time. We much prefer a product without surfactants, like the three other options above.
The ingredients
The aqueous phase
Whether you are making a bi-phase makeup remover or a cleansing milk, you will need to add an aqueous phase. We looooove using hydrosols.
Cornflower hydrosol is the ingredient of choice for caring for tired and irritated eyes. You can also use hydrosols of:
- lavender – soothing, purifying (appreciated by oily and acne-prone skin!)
- Damask rose – soothing, anti-wrinkle (appreciated by sensitive and mature skin)
- orange blossom – brightens the complexion, for all skin types
- chamomile – soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory
An alternative to hydrosol is using aloe vera gel or juice.
The vegetable oil
As for vegetable oil, you can use whatever you have on hand (olive, sunflower, camelina). You can replace part of the vegetable oil portion with a little castor oil because it is excellent for nourishing, strengthening, and lengthening eyelashes (hello luscious lashes).
Our little tips
For occasional makeup wearers
There is no need to prepare a mixture if you only wear makeup occasionally. If you don't remove your makeup every day, your mixture will end up going to waste.
Our advice?
On a reusable makeup removal pad soaked in water, add a few drops of organic vegetable oil (coconut, sunflower, olive, jojoba) and rub your eyes. Rinse the makeup removal pad with hot water and rub again to remove the excess oil and makeup. Repeat as needed.
For the entire face: pour a drizzle of oil into the palms of your hands and apply to dampened skin. Massage and rinse with a hot washcloth.
For regular to heavy makeup wearers
If you wear makeup regularly, we recommend choosing a ready-made mixture! Much more practical than running to the kitchen every night hehe. See our bi-phase recipes.
You can adapt them by using the hydrosols and oils of your choice.
Recette · Beginner
Rose and lavender eye make-up remover
This recipe is a super simple combination of hydrosol and vegetable oil, resulting in a bi-phase make-up remover. The oil's richness dislodges makeup and leaves a protective film on the skin, while the hydrosol hydrates and soothes it. The perfect cocktail, really!
Préparation10 min
Conservation6 months
Rendement60 ml
Recette · Beginner
Aloe and chamomile cleansing gel
A beautiful, simple, and gentle recipe for the sensitive skin of this world. With its macerate of fresh chamomile flowers, it's pure bliss for delicate facial skin!
Préparation5 min
Conservation6 months
Rendement50 ml
Recette · Beginner
Bi-phase cleanser and make-up remover with cornflower and orange blossom
Of all cosmetics, the easiest to make at home is undoubtedly the bi-phase cleanser/makeup remover. Even your cat could do it! A bi-phase cleanser is simply an aqueous phase combined with an oily phase, which essentially translates into a mixture of hydrosol and vegetable oil.
Préparation5 min
Conservation6 months
Rendement100 ml
How about a reusable makeup removal pad to go with that?
Making your own homemade makeup remover is good. But using it with reusable makeup removal pads is better! They do an extraordinary job in addition to being soft on the skin. We don't just use them for the eyes, but also to remove foundation and lipstick. They are super durable!
PS: For the most stained pads, before putting them in the wash, you can wet them and rub them with a household soap. I run them all through the stain-removing soap from time to time and it makes them look like new! You can also soak them in a solution of hot water (2 cups) and sodium percarbonate (1 tablespoon) overnight. They will be as good as new! Click here to learn all about the magic of sodium percarbonate!
