DIY: Makeup Remover

Looking in your bathroom is a great place to start when beginning a low-waste journey or a non-toxic life. You'll soon discover that you can swap out many products for a chemical-free and waste free alternative.

One of the biggest sources of waste for me was makeup remover. I used Neutrogena wipes for at least 5 years but those are packed full of chemicals 😦 they really were great wipes, they smelled nice, didn’t hurt my eyes, and got rid of all my makeup. I wanted something just as good, but natural. After deciding I needed healthier wipes, I tried a different brand called Alba. They were about the same price as the Neutrogena wipes but they smelled like an old wet towel, they hurt my eyes like crazy, and I had to rub vigorously to get my makeup off.

Next I decided to try out coconut oil. All natural! Got rid of my makeup! However, rubbing that thick oil all over my eyes made them get all foggy and nothing made that go away except time…a long time. I’m not a fan of foggy eyes and I'm guessing you aren't either.

What’s the solution? Olive oil and witch hazel! It’s brilliant! I had an extra glass bottle so I just filled it halfway with olive oil and halfway with witch hazel. They won’t mix while resting in the bottle so be sure to shake the bottle before you use it.


Just squirt some on a cotton ball, reusable pad, or soft cloth…


…and rub your makeup off!

You need some kind of oil to break down the makeup and get it off (Helloooo olive oil). Witch hazel is a natural astringent, so it gets rid of all the bacteria on your face. It’s a winning combination! It gets rid of all kinds of makeup--thick stage makeup, costume makeup, face paint, and regular everyday makeup. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!Â