Why should you remove makeup naturally? Well, there are many reasons, which differ from person to person. However, if you have sensitive skin, are conscious of applying chemicals to your face, or have simply run out of makeup remover and need to use something already in your kitchen, here are some options!
Coconut oil
Coconut is an easy way to remove makeup and perhaps the most travel-friendly of all our suggestions. Coconut oil has several uses: makeup remover (including waterproof!), body oil, cooking ingredients, tanning oil (always mix with SPF!) and more.
Coconut oil contains three essential fatty acids and has a low molecular weight which means it can penetrate the skin easily. It also has antimicrobial properties!
To remove makeup, simply warm half a teaspoon of oil in your palms, and gently run into your face. Alternatively, soak a cottonwool pad in coconut oil. In colder weather, when your coconut oil sets and is no longer liquid, soak a cottonwool pad in warm water, then add a small amount of coconut oil to it - then remove makeup as normal.
Olive oil
Looking for a makeup remover you already have in your kitchen? Olive oil is not only hydrating, it removes impurities, it's inexpensive, non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn't clog pores) and is effective at removing makeup and protecting your skin.
We recommend mixing it with a few drops of rose water for a deliciously scented makeup remover for sensitive skin.
Aloe vera & honey
Aloe vera is well known for its dermatological benefits, including treatment of burns, sunburn, dry skin, coldsores, inflammatory acne and psoriasis. Honey is also very nourishing for the skin - it's antibacterial so helps with acne, it's full of antioxidants helping to slow down ageing, and it's moisturising. So what a fabulous combination for your skin!
Add 1 tsp of aloe vera gel, 1 tsp of raw honey in a small container, then add 1 or 2 drops of olive oil (or your favourite skin oil) and mix.
Mix the ingredients together to make into a paste, then massage into skin and rinse with cool water. You can also apply it to a damp cottonwool pad and remove makeup as normal.
Witch hazel
If you struggle with acne, this is a great natural solution to remove your makeup. Mix alcohol-free witch hazel with a drop of tea tree oil and jojoba or olive oil then remove skin makeup. It's not advised to use this solution to remove eye makeup as the ingredients could cause irritation to eyes. For eye makeup, we'd recommend pure coconut oil as described above.
Jojoba oil
Like coconut oil, you can use jojoba oil on its own to remove makeup. It's soothing on the skin and removes impurities. Add a few drops of jojoba oil to a damp cottonwool pad and wipe over your face and eyes. When all makeup is removed, rinse with warm water and moisturise with a couple of jojoba drops or your go-to facial moisturiser.
Alternatively, massage a couple of drops of jojoba over your face and eyes using your fingertips. Then rinse with a damp flannel, then moisturise as above.
Fun fact: jojoba oil can be used to clean your makeup brushes!
Cucumber juice
This option is great if you have particularly oily skin so are reluctant to apply more oil to your face! It's also refreshing, cooling and can brighten dull skin - perfect for when you need to remove makeup in the morning or during the day. Cucumber also helps irritated skin and acne.
To use, blend a cucumber (organic is best!) and blend it into a paste. If you want, you can use an oil of your choice, but it's not necessary. Then use with a cotton pad or directly with finger tips and rinse!
Milk or yoghurt
This one might sound strange, but if you're really stuck for makeup remover and you have either milk or yoghurt in the fridge, you'll actually be doing your skin a world of good.
Milk and yoghurt are rich in lactic acid, fat and protein which can help detoxify and cleanse your skin. It removes makeup and gently moisturises it. Apply with a cotton pad!
Tip: if you're prone to acne or spots, add a couple of drops of lemon juice!