For years I’ve been looking for an organic eye make-up remover that isn’t too expensive. It was hard to find in shops, and when I did find I was what I wanted, it wasn’t cheap. So change of tactic. I decided to look online. Today’s recipe is the result! My favourite green beauty expert, Sophie Uliano from GorgeouslyGreen.com, provides a fabulously simple and inexpensive recipe for natural eye make-up remover.

Apart from the obvious benefit of saving money, making your own skin care products means your beauty regime will be completely free from any synthetic chemicals found in most conventionally manufactured products. There’s been a rather devious development in recent years: many cosmetic and skin care products are now marketed as ‘natural’ with eco-friendly packaging such as Hessian bags. The word ‘natural’ or sometimes ‘green’ is highlighted, and of course the consumer is led to believe the product is indeed made from entirely natural products.

However when you check the ingredient lists, these products are packed with synthetics such as SLS or parabens or PEG’s. Nobody really knows what the long term effects of using these man made chemical compounds actually has on the human body, but it’s strongly suspected that these compounds are carcinogenic and have other seriously detrimental results on the body. Be warned, and be aware. Always check the ingredient list before you buy.

So, how refreshing and exciting that we are now able to develop our own beauty products using genuinely natural ingredients. It means we are in control, and can feel completely reassured that what we use in our beauty regime is genuinely beneficial rather than hazardous.

Sophie suggests ingredients can be sourced from Neal’s Yard or Baldwin’s but there are other suppliers like Fushi or Aromantic’s too. Good health food shops may also supply the basic ingredients. Investigate and research to find your favoured supplier.

Equipment

You need two stainless steel or ceramic bowls that you can use as a ‘bain marie’, two saucepans of simmering water, a sieve, hand whisk and the relevant measuring and mixing spoons. Don’t forget a sterilised1 pot or container in which to store your make-up remover.

Recipe

  • 2 tsp beeswax pellets/flakes
  • 1 tsp shea butter
  • 0.5 tsp cocoa butter
  • 4 tsp of sweet almond oil

Mix together and place bowl in simmering water in saucepan to melt all ingredients. In the second bowl add:

  • 4 tsp emulsifying wax
  • 1.5 tsp aloe vera gel or juice
  • Approx 1.5 tbs chamomile infusion2

Mix together and place bowl in simmering water until wax is melted.

Remove bowls from heat sources. It’s really important that all the liquids are the same temperature when you mix them together. Use your finger to test or if less confident, use a thermometer. Add the chamomile wax mixture to the butter, whisking all the time. You should end up with a smooth paste or cream. Add to your sterilised storage jar straightaway (whilst the cream is still hot) as it will harden quickly.

This product can be used as a general make-up remover, it’s not just limited to eyes. Use with cotton wool pads or muslin cloth, and then rinse face until all traces of cleanser and make-up are removed.

The beauty of this cream for me is that it uses 100% plant based ingredients all of which can be sourced as organic. No pesticide residues or dodgy synthetics here! I find it empowering and entertaining to make my own organic skin care products. Yes, there is the initial outlay cost of ingredients, but these will last for a long time, and many of them are considered ‘base ingredients’ which can be used in other recipes. Who said an organic lifestyle isn’t fun?

  1. To sterilise jar either wash it with boiling water or use hot cycle on dishwasher. [↩]
  2. To make chamomile infusion: Add 1 dried chamomile flowers and 1 tsp chamomile tea leaves to jug. Pour on very hot water, and steep for 10 – 15 minutes. [↩]

Filed under: Organic Cosmetics

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