12 DIY Beauty Recipes: (Full recipes below)

1. TEA TREE AND CHAMOMILE TONER

2. GREEN TEA AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TONER 

3. BASIL LEAF TONER

4. CUCUMBER JUICE TONER

5. DIY OLIVE OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

6. DIY COCONUT OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

7. DIY WITCH HAZEL AND ALMOND OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

8. DIY JOJOBA OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

9. GINGER AND COCONUT OIL BODY SCRUB

10. DIY BLUEBERRY SUGAR SCRUB

11. DIY LEMON AND SUGAR SCRUB

12. GREEN TREE/ CHAMOMILE EYE SOAK

WHY REUSABLE COTTON PADS

Reusable cotton pads are just amazing, they were one of my first ‘eco-swaps’ when I decided to ditch a lot of single-use products from my lifestyle.

I used to buy quite a lot of disposable cotton rounds from my local supermarket as I found them really handy and versatile, from removing eye shadow or lipstick to using them to take off nail polish, or just clean my face after a long day out.

However, the problems with disposable makeup pads are multiple:

• Each facial pad can only be used once, and then goes straight to the bin
• They usually come in plastic bags, which create extra plastic that is not recyclable, hence it probably ends up in landfills and contributes to the emissions of greenhouse gases
• Cotton requires a lot of water and resources to grow, so it should only be used for durable, long-lasting products, not single-use ones like disposable make up pads.
• They are not recyclable once used, as they have been contaminated with other substances such as make up, toners, creams etc.

So when we moved to a zero-waste lifestyle, I looked into better, more sustainable options for my skincare routine and found reusable makeup remover pads.

 There are a lot of different types available on the market:

1. 100% cotton make up pads: These facial rounds are made with 100% cotton, there are many types available, some made with organic white cotton, some with fun colourful prints or monochrome. They are very easy to wash, as they can be popped in the washing machine together with any other item of clothing!

 

 

2. Bamboo velvet and cotton reusable pads: These make up pads are incredibly soft, and they are ideal for removing everyda’s makeup, especially in sensitive and delicate areas, such as eyes and neck. They are also great to use together with eye soaks for tired eyes.

3. Cotton and bamboo makeup remover pads: These 70% cotton, 30% bamboo fabric make up pads are very resistant and perfect for removing mascara and lipsticks. I find them particularly great for exfoliating (check out my DIY exfoliating recipe just down below!), as well as to remove nail polish.

HOW TO USE FACIAL COTTON PADS

The best way to use washable makeup pads is to keep them in either a jar, a box or a wooden holder in your bathroom or on your toiletry table, so they are always handy every time you may need them.

Good practise is to rinse them with some natural soap and cool water to get rid of the toughest stains. Then store them in a small bucket or a bag, ready to put in the wash. I usually have a little muslin bag hanging by my bathroom mirror, and every time I use one reusable pad, I stick it in there until I have at least 7-8, then I pop the muslin bag directly into the washing machine and get them all washed, ready to be used again!

I personally recommend washing them at 40 degrees Celcius max, as this will increase their durability and make them last for a very long time. I’ve had my beloved set for 2 years now and they are still going strong!

I also found that these makeup remover cotton pads can also be added directly to jars together with toners or eye soaks, so they are already ready to use whenever you need them. If you choose to do that, my advise is to make sure you use your DIY beauty products fairly frequently, as not having any chemical preservatives in them require them to be used within shorter timeframes than commercially made ones.

I am a big fan of DIY beauty products and I have been making my own recipes for quite a while now, so if you are looking for toners, makeup removers, eye soaks and much more, here’s my list of favourite DIY beauty recipes that you can use together with your reusable cotton pads!

DIY BEAUTY RECIPES TO USE WITH MAKE UP PADS

DIY FACE TONERS

1. TEA TREE AND CHAMOMILE TONER: Suitable for skin types that are prone to acne

• 250 ml freshly brewed chamomile tea
• 2/3 drops of tea tree essential oil

Brew chamomile tea using 2 tea bags (choose a plastic free brand) or 3 teaspoons of loose chamomile dry flowers. Let it sit for 30 mins until cold.

Pour in glass jar, add essential oil drops. You can add the makeup remover pads directly into the jar or dip a dry pad in it each time you need to apply.

Properties:

Chamomile is recommended to treat delicate skin while helping to rebalance it. The added tea trees and their natural antibacterial properties will prevent pimples and blackheads while gently cleaning the epidermis.

2. GREEN TEA AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TONER: Great for normal skin types 

• 250 ml freshly brewed green tea
• 60 ml apple cider vinegar

Brew green tea using 2 plastic-free tea bags or 3 teaspoons of loose green tea leaves. Let it sit for 30 mins until cold. Pour in glass jar and add apple cider vinegar, shake well ready to use together with washable facial pads.

Properties:

Apple cider vinegar naturally balances the skin’s PH and help to prevent breakouts. Green tea is a natural antioxidant that helps skin regeneration.

3. BASIL LEAF TONER: Recommended for sensitive and mixed skin types.

• 250 ml water
• 5/6 fresh basil leaves

Pour water into a saucepan and bring to boil. Add carefully washed basil leaves and let simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off flames and let rest until cold. Strain leaves, pour into a jar together with 5 or 6 reusable facial cotton pads, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

 Properties

Basil is renowned for its soothing properties, use this toner if you suffer of itchy skins or just have very sensitive skin, for a calming, hydrating effect.

4. CUCUMBER JUICE TONER: Ideal for oily skins.

• 1 fresh cucumber
• 100 ml water

Peel a cucumber, place in blender and filter juice with a sieve, add cold water and pour in glass jar. Keep in fridge for up to 3 days.

Properties:

 Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C which is a natural antioxidant. It is well knows for helping skin regeneration, and for treating sunburns, skin imbalance and wrinkles. Its water content will help keep your skin hydrated and balance the natural skin PH without stripping it of its essential oils.

5. ROSE WATER TONER: Suitable for dry skin 

• 5 tablespoons rose water
• 150 ml water

Mix rose water and freshwater, stir well and add to a glass jar. Apply using reusable bamboo make up pads.

 Properties:

Rose water is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, so it is often used to treat dry skin, dermatitis and eczema, as well as very sensitive and prone to damage skin.

DIY MAKE UP REMOVER

1. DIY OLIVE OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

• 150 ml aloe vera water
• 150 extra virgin olive oil

 Pour aloe vera water and olive oil together in a jar. The olive oil will tend to come afloat, so shake carefully every time before use, soak a bamboo makeup remover with this lotion and use to remove makeup.

Wash face with warm water, gently pat dry with a cotton towel and apply a gentle moisturiser.

Suitable for: all skin types

2. DIY COCONUT OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

• coconut oil

Scoop a pea-sized quantity of coconut oil with a teaspoon and place it on a reusable makeup round. Use to gently wipe makeup off.

 Make sure you remove any excess coconut oil off your round and place in compost. Do not flush down your sink, as coconut oil may cluster pipes if used in big quantities!

 Suitable for: all skin types.

3. DIY WITCH HAZEL AND ALMOND OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

 

• 4 tbs with hazel oil
• 2 tbs almond oil
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 3 tbs fresh water

Mix all ingredients together, shake well and use on facial cotton pads to gently wipe your face and neck.

 Suitable for: removing stubborn make up, mascara and lipstick, as well as eyeliner.

4. DIY JOJOBA OIL MAKE UP REMOVER

• 2 tbs jojoba oil
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 4 tbs water

 Add all ingredients into a bottle, shake well and store in the fridge. Use with reusable face pads.

 Suitable for:  moisturising, nourishing and protecting the skin around eyes.

DIY SCRUB

1. GINGER AND COCONUT OIL BODY SCRUB

• 60g coconut oil
• 1 tbs ginger, peeled and grated
• 180g brown sugar
• 2 drops essential oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients and transfer to a glass jar.

Scoop a small quantity and use gently on wet face and body to exfoliate dead or dry skin. Use wet make up pads to remove the scrub, then rinse face with lukewarm water.

Why I love it: 

Most ingredients are probably already sitting in your kitchen, it’s a great DIY project whenever you may have 5 spare minutes!

2. DIY BLUEBERRY SUGAR SCRUB

• 200g blueberries, frozen
• 200g cane sugar
• 180 g coconut oil

 Blend the frozen blueberries into a fine paste, then add to other ingredients and use as a scrub. Make sure you apply on wet skin and rub gently in circular movements Remove using warm wet reusable makeup pads, and rinse skin with cool water.

Why I love it:

Super easy to make, blueberries are antioxidants and are great for maintaining the skin fresh and young-looking while nourishing it at the same time.

3. DIY LEMON AND SUGAR SCRUB

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 200g cane sugar
• 180g coconut oil
• 2 drops of essential oils (optional)

Squeeze a lemon and filter the juice to remove any excess of pulp. Mix with the rest of the ingredients and apply to face and body as a gentle scrub.

 Why I love it:

Great to remove excess oil without any added chemicals, it’s great for oily and mixed skin types. I recommend applying a gentle moisturiser after using it.

EYE SOAKS

1. GREEN TREE EYE SOAK

• 2 teabags of green tea/ 3 teaspoons green tea leaves

Brew tea, let it cool and add to a jar with reusable cotton pads. 

Apply on tired or sore eyes for 5/10 minutes, especially after a long day in front of the computer!

The same recipe can be made using CHAMOMILE TEA LEAVES!

 

 

These are my favourite DIY beauty recipes you can use together with your reusable makeup remover pads. They are all very easy to make, cheap and perfect for a zero-waste lifestyle. Let me know which ones are your favourite!