How to Make DIY Eyeliner That’s Safe & Smudge-Free

That’s why we prefer to make our own DIY eye makeup (like homemade mascara)—testing and perfecting the right balance of natural ingredients for a smooth, long-lasting formula (think: midnight black or a softer brown). And that’s exactly what we’ve done.

So if you love a deep black, bold line or a soft, brown smudged effect, this DIY eyeliner recipe uses tried-and-tested ratios of activated charcoal, cocoa powder, and aloe vera to create a safe, budget-friendly alternative that glides on effortlessly and stays put.

What’s worse than stabbing yourself in the eye with your eyeliner pencil? Stabbing yourself in the eye with one made of toxic chemicals that can lead to eye irritation—even sans stabbing.

Creating your own homemade eyeliner can help you avoid irritating synthetic additives while still helping you achieve a rich, defined look.

While it won’t be as waterproof as some store-bought formulas—since many conventional eyeliners rely on chemical binders that are not easily replicated with natural ingredients—it still offers impressive staying power with clean, skin-friendly components.

Ingredients:

• Activated Charcoal or Cocoa Powder (½ tsp): Provides deep black pigment and is gentle on the skin, while cocoa powder is perfect for making a softer, brown eyeliner.
• Aloe Vera Gel (1 tsp): Creates a smooth, spreadable base that nourishes and soothes the skin.
• Coconut Oil (½ tsp): Helps the liner glide on easily and stay put without smudging.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the activated charcoal, aloe vera gel, and liquified coconut oil (may need to melt first if making this in cooler conditions – place in the microwave for just a few seconds to get the right consistency) until you get a smooth uniform paste.
2. Test the consistency on the back of your hand; add a tiny amount of aloe vera gel for a thinner texture or more charcoal for a thicker, bolder pigment.
3. Transfer the mixture to a small, clean jar with a lid for storage. Seal tight to extend it’s life.
4. Use a fine eyeliner brush to apply the product along your lash line. Allow it to dry for a minute to set.

Eyeliner is one of those beauty staples that can quickly add up. Drugstore options typically range from $5 to $15, while high-end brands can easily exceed $20 for a single tube. If you like to have multiple formulas—gel, liquid, or pencil—you could be spending over $50 just on eyeliner alone.

To put things in perspective, we’ve broken down the cost of making your own DIY eyeliner and compared it to store-bought versions. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save while using safer, natural ingredients

DIY Eyeliner

• Activated Charcoal: $10 for a 1 lbs bag (~$0.05 for 1/2 tsp)
• Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$0.16 for 1 tsp)
• Coconut Oil: $12 for a 30 fl oz tub (~$0.06 for 1/2 tsp)

Cost per batch: ~$0.27

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$7+ for 1 liquid liner rube (e.g., e.l.f., Maybelline, wet n wild, and similar brands)

Savings per Batch: $6.73

Conventional eyeliners often contains ingredients that can irritate sensitive eyes or pose long-term health risks. Here’s a closer look at some of the ingredients we avoid in these components:

• Carbon Black: This common pigment in eyeliners is linked to organ toxicity and potential carcinogenicity. ​

• Parabens: Used as preservatives in many liquid eyeliners, parabens have been associated with hormonal disruptions due to their estrogen-mimicking properties. ​

• Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Preservatives like quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and diazolidinyl urea can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, potentially leading to allergic reactions. ​

• Lead: Traditional eyeliners, such as kohl, have been found to contain high levels of lead, posing significant health risks.​

• PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, found in some eyeliners, are linked to health issues like cancer and hormone disruption.

It’s easy to see why we’re all about making our own DIY makeup. It’s easy, budget friendly and way safer for your skin and general health than using any drugstore products.