DIY Makeup Remover: How to Make Your Own Makeup Remover

Makeup remover is a specialized solution that helps remove makeup before facial cleansing, allowing you to clean your face more thoroughly. Some makeup removers are oil-based while others are water-based, but all help wash away pore-clogging cosmetics and correct complexion impurities. Many drugstores and cosmetic stores sell makeup remover, but you can also make your own at home.

Here are some of the most popular types of makeup removers, many of which suit different skin types:

1. 1. Coconut oil: Use your hands to massage pure coconut oil—which has similar effects to oil-based makeup remover—directly onto your face to remove makeup. Those with oily skin should avoid this method because it adds extra oil to your skin.
2. 2. Cleansing cream: Velvety cleansing cream is more similar in texture to moisturizer than most other makeup removers, as it hydrates your face as it dissolves your makeup. While cleansing cream is not a replacement for the hydrating cream in your beauty routine, it’s a great moisturizing alternative to traditional makeup remover for those with very dry skin.
3. 3. Eye makeup remover: Eye makeup remover specifically targets difficult-to-remove eye makeup (like waterproof mascara and eyeliner) while being gentle enough to use around your eyes.
4. 4. Oil-based makeup remover: Oil-based facial cleansers wash away makeup and lock in moisture, making them a great choice for those with dry skin. However, those with oily skin should avoid using this type of makeup remover, which can make the skin more oily.
5. 5. Makeup wipes: Many skincare brands sell towelettes soaked with a makeup remover solution, which are great on-the-go products to use before cleansing your face.
6. 6. Micellar water: Micellar water is a skincare product consisting of purified water that removes makeup and gently cleanses delicate skin. It consists of purified water, hydrating ingredients (like glycerin), and mild surfactants that form microscopic micelles—molecules that attract and remove dirt and oil from your skin. Also known for being gentle, micellar water is ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin.
7. 7. Sweet almond oil: Like coconut oil, massaging sweet almond oil directly onto your face with your hands will also remove makeup.

Whether you’re making homemade makeup remover wipes or solution, you’ll need to gather some materials, many of which you may already have on hand.

1. 1. Cleansing oil: Makeup remover wipes require one to three tablespoons of the cleansing oil of your choice, which will help break down your makeup. Fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or extra-virgin olive oil are great options.
2. 2. Cotton pads: Gentle, absorbent, single-use towelettes—like cotton pads or unsoaked makeup remover rounds—are necessary to make makeup remover pads.
3. 3. Distilled water: Distilled water, a type of purified water, is necessary to make both makeup remover wipes and solution.
4. 4. Essential oils: Add twelve to twenty-four drops of your preferred essential oil to your makeup remover wipes. Tea tree oil is a popular choice for its purification qualities.
5. 5. Mixing tools: You’ll need measuring spoons to measure out your ingredients for your makeup wipes and a medium-sized bowl or pitcher to mix everything together.
6. 6. Storage container: If you’re making makeup wipes, you’ll need a large glass jar for storing your towelettes and solution. A small plastic squeeze bottle is sufficient if you’re making your own solution.
7. 7. Witch hazel: The extract from this medicinal plant is great for people with acne-prone skin because it breaks down excess oil. Along with distilled water, this is one of two ingredients you’ll need to make a makeup remover solution.

Follow these steps to make your own DIY makeup remover wipes:

1. 1. Place cotton rounds in the jar. Stack cotton pads inside of your vessel to prepare them to steep in the makeup remover mixture. Make sure you can easily grab each towelette off the top of the stack.
2. 2. Combine the ingredients. Combine two cups of distilled water, one to three tablespoons of cleansing oil, one tablespoon of witch hazel, and twelve to twenty-four drops of your chosen essential oil in a medium-sized bowl and whisk thoroughly.
3. 3. Pour the mixture over the cotton rounds. Pour the mixture into the jar and secure the lid tightly on top of it. Gently shake the jar to coat all of your makeup wipes evenly.
4. 4. Use the wipes. Store the jar in a cool, dry place and return the lid after removing a wipe.

Make your own DIY witch hazel–based makeup remover solution with just two simple ingredients: witch hazel and distilled water. This natural anti-inflammatory makeup remover soothes your skin and removes any excess oil; it’s also a healthy option for those with breakout-prone or sensitive skin. To make your own, follow this DIY makeup remover recipe:

1. 1. Prepare the ingredients. Mix equal parts witch hazel and distilled water inside of your chosen container.
2. 2. Mix to combine. Shake the container until the ingredients combine thoroughly.
3. 3. Apply the solution. Use a washcloth or cotton balls to apply the makeup remover to your face in a circular motion, being gentle around the eye area.
4. 4. Store in an airtight container. Store your makeup remover solution in an airtight container. It has a shelf life of up to six months.

Individuals experience different levels of sensitivity to ingredients found in various skincare products. Consult a dermatologist before applying a new product to your skin to prevent adverse reactions. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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