Rethink Your Makeup Routine

When it comes to your makeup routine, are you the type who loves a full face of glam or someone who swipes on a bit of lip gloss and mascara before heading out the door? Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, it’s worth considering what’s actually in those beauty products you use every day.

Take a look at the ingredient list on your favorite lip gloss, foundation, or mascara. Recognize any of those ingredients? Here's a surprising fact: while the U.S. has only banned about 10 ingredients in cosmetics, the EU has prohibited over 1,400. Many of the chemicals in your products are grouped under vague terms like "fragrance" or "perfume," which can include hundreds of different compounds.

The good news? The beauty industry is slowly evolving. More and more consumers are becoming aware of what they put on their skin, leading to a rise in products with transparent ingredient lists and natural components. But even labels like "natural" aren't strictly regulated, so it's still important to do your research before making a purchase.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the beauty industry, or if the higher cost of natural products is giving you pause, why not try making your own? It’s surprisingly easy to create your own makeup products like mascara, lip balm, eyeshadow, and more—all from the comfort of your home.

DIY Eyeshadow and Blush

Making your own eyeshadow and blush is simpler than you might think, and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen! These recipes result in loose powders, but you can apply them with a damp brush for a bolder effect. Want a more solid consistency? Just add a bit of shea butter and beeswax to the mix.

Here’s a quick guide to natural colorants:

• Brown/tan: Cocoa powder, arrowroot powder, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg
• Black/grey: Activated charcoal powder
• Green: Green clay, spirulina
• Red: Beetroot powder, hibiscus powder, pink clay
• Purple: Alkanet root powder, rose clay

For a bit of shimmer, try adding mica powder. You can also experiment with different clays like kaolin white, Moroccan red, or bentonite for varied effects.

DIY Mascara

Ever used a mascara that left your eyes feeling itchy and irritated? Many store-bought mascaras contain ingredients that can be harsh on your eyes. Luckily, making your own is straightforward and only requires four simple ingredients:

• 4 tsp aloe vera gel
• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal (use cocoa powder for brown mascara)
• 1/2 - 1 tsp beeswax pellets

Melt the coconut oil, aloe vera, and beeswax in a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the activated charcoal or cocoa powder, then transfer the mixture into a clean mascara tube. And just like that, you have your own natural mascara!

DIY Lip Balm and Lipstick

Lip balm is one of the most fun beauty products to make yourself because the possibilities are endless. Whether you want something simple and unscented or a colorful, scented balm, the process is the same:

Basic Lip Balm

• 2 tsp coconut oil or sweet almond oil
• 1 tsp beeswax
• 1 tsp cocoa butter or shea butter

Melt these ingredients together in a double boiler, pour into containers, and let cool. Easy, right?

DIY Lipstick

Want to add a pop of color? Start with the basic lip balm recipe, then mix in any of these for a custom tint:

• A few drops of your favorite essential oil
• Beetroot powder
• Cocoa powder
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Alkanet root powder
• Mica powder for shimmer
• Bentonite clay for a matte finish

Once you’ve mastered these simple recipes, you can expand your DIY beauty routine to include homemade foundations, eyeliners, and more. With these easy-to-make alternatives, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin every day.