How to Make Liquid Eyeliner

What exactly is eyeliner? Eyeliner is a cosmetic typically applied around the eyes to create a more dramatic or defined look. It’s available in many forms, most commonly in pencil form or as a liquid eyeliner. As you’ll discover below, it has been used for thousands of years to both adorn and protect the eyes.

But did you know how to make liquid eyeliner? Yes, just like you can create your own homemade mascara, you can make your own eyeliner.

A Brief History of Eyeliner

If you think Cleopatra was on to something with her engaging eyes, you’re right. Eyeliner, or eye liner, has been used for centuries — well before Cleopatra, actually. Historically, eyeliner was first used in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia as early as 10,000 B.C.

While it was used to enhance the eyes, it was also used to protect the skin from the intense desert sun. Cleopatra wore bright green malachite paste on her lower eyelids. And she adorned her upper eyelids with a deep blue eye shadow and gold-colored pyrite flecks that came from lapis lazuli stone. To complete the dramatic look, she darkened her eyebrows and lengthened her eyelashes with black kohl. The kohl was a blend of powdered lead sulfide and animal fat — doesn’t sound too appealing, does it? (1)

The 1920s were a pivotal period for women’s fashion and eyeliner and mascara became popular during this time. Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922. This discovery led to an interest in wearing eyeliner because of the images of ancient Egyptians with lined eyes decorating the tomb. (2) 

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But it was the 1960s that popularized the use of liquid eyeliner. Have you heard of Twiggy? Still alive today, she was a London “mod” supermodel during that era who was quite famous for her liquid eyeliner-rimmed eyes. (3)

How to Make Liquid Eyeliner

Many store-bought makeup products — even those claiming to be natural — are loaded with lots of unhealthy toxic ingredients. You can check out specific ingredient information on products at the EWG (Environmental Working Group) website. Luckily, you have the option to make your own natural eyeliner, and other beauty supplies, for a natural skin care routine without the health risks of commercial products.

How to make  liquid eyeliner on your own? It’s easier than you might think. You’ll blend activated charcoal, beeswax, coconut oil and water together. With just these few ingredients, you can make an all-natural eye liner.

Activated charcoal is not the same charcoal that you use on the grill. You can find activated charcoal health food stores. It’s best when it contains natural ingredients such as coconut shells. It is a form of carbon that has been used for a very long time to help detox the body and skin. You can purchase the capsules and simply twist the capsule apart. Empty the contents of your capsules into a small bowl. (5) (6)

Next, add the beeswax and coconut oil. Beeswax is a great option to help give your eyeliner a thick consistency, while coconut oil helps it go on nice and smooth. Both have healing properties and are antibacterial, making them a great addition to your liquid eyeliner. Once you have blended those ingredients, add the water. If you want a thicker consistency, add less water. For a thinner consistency, add more.

Regardless, make sure you use distilled water to prevent bacteria. Also, I suggest putting a dab of the eyeliner in a small dish with a clean utensil each time you use it instead of double-dipping. This, too, helps prevent bacteria from forming. It is best to clean your brush frequently, allowing it to dry before the next use.

How to Apply Liquid Eyeliner

How do you put on liquid eyeliner? Apply your liquid eyeliner to both the upper and lower lids close to the lashes. While it may seem easier to put it on in one fell swoop, you will get better results if you take your time and do it in small strokes. When you are ready to remove the eyeliner, you can use a cotton swab and coconut oil. It is safe and works like a charm! You can also try my homemade makeup remover.

You can also try combining this liquid eyeliner with my homemade mascara and homemade eyeshadow — then you will have all a complete look, produced entirely at home with natural ingredients!

Precautions

These ingredients are safe to use; however, everyone is different. If you experience any allergic reactions such as tightness of the chest, swelling, rash, hives or any unusual results, get medical attention right away. Do not get the eyeliner or its ingredients in your eyes.