When I was 15, my mother caught me violently scrubbing my thick black eyeliner and black lipstick with a washcloth drenched in Dial soap. "If you're scrubbing that hard you aren't using the right thing or you're wearing too much black make-up," she scolded. I'm sure 15-year-old me stormed off to my room — cue doors slamming and Nirvana blaring from my gothic palace away from parental scrutiny.
She, of course, was right. A couple of years ago, when my mother caught me violently scrubbing my much more subtle eyeliner off, she said "Why don't you use one of those fancy oils you're always braggin' about?" She's right again and this time, I'm on the case!
If your face is on that natural road to recovery like mine, you'll probably always on the hunt for more chemical-free solutions to add to your beauty regimen. Plus, it's hard to know what is or isn't working for your skin if and when applying several different products at once. I find most makeup removers contain too much alcohol for me, and strips my skin of essential oils. Plus, for me, any natural makeup removers tend to have so many ingredients that it's rare to find one without allergens or other elements that have previously caused me irritation.
Here's the good news! You don't have to go sans makeup or toss your fave foundation just because classic removers mess up your face. You especially need not worry about left-over makeup clogging your pores. You can whip up a natural remover in a matter of minutes with just a few products — sub out any of these ingredients for your preferred oil. Remember: your skin likes consistency and the fewer products you use, the easier it will be to find any suspects that could be causin' a ruckus in your pores!
Jojoba Oil & Vitamin E
If I were to be married to coconut oil, then jojoba oil would be my mistress. Like grape seed oil, jojoba is similar to the oil our skin naturally produces. Jojoba has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which will actually add moisture to your skin while you remove makeup. Add an equal portion of vitamin E for bonus antioxidants.
Witch Hazel & Olive Oil
Let me begin by stating firmly that the eyes are a sensitive area and you should wash your eye makeup away with the same care you would use to hold a small puppy or child. Witch Hazel is perfect for removing powders and foundation, but also acts as an eco-friendly astringent. Adding olive oil or another favorite will make sure your skin is makeup free AND smooth!
Raw Honey & Baking Soda
Pause. Think about how you are about to remove all of your makeup and that gnarly city grime while you exfoliate and add crucial vitamins to your skin. This three ingredient recipe will act as a remover and cleanser. Start by adding baking soda to your raw honey, add a few drops of your favorite oil and whip into a paste. Apply with a warm washcloth and you've just made yourself a natural makeup remover/cleanser! Who isn't trying to save time and a dime?
Bonus Tip for that Smoky Eye look:
Waterproof mascara? Still rockin' that smoky eye look from Saturday night to work on Monday?
Try Waxelene, a natural alternative to petroleum jelly, to polish off any access eye makeup! Just dab a small amount on your cotton ball or swab and gently work your way around the eye. Waxelene contains beeswax, vitamin E and rosemary oil, which preserves the wax and increases blood circulation — definitely a bonus for the eye area. Another great alternative is shea butter, which it will smoothly remove even the most stubborn shadow.
Image: Bustle Stock Photo
