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What is Natural Makeup Remover?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Natural makeup remover is a chemical-free or organic beauty product used to remove cosmetics from the face, especially the eye area. Most makeup comes off easily with facial cleanser and water. Powder, blush, foundation, and lighter shades of eyeshadow can usually be removed with just a bit of warm water and a gentle cleanser. Other cosmetics for the eyes such as eyeliner, mascara, and dark eye shadows, can be much more difficult to remove.

Many cosmetics companies sell makeup remover. Most of these products, however, include chemicals. For those who prefer not to use chemicals or non-organic products on their face, these products are not an option for makeup removal. In order to cater to such customers, some natural and organic beauty product companies sell natural makeup remover. The product is made with all-natural ingredients and does not include any chemicals or fragrances.

A paste made of bananas can be used to remove makeup.
A paste made of bananas can be used to remove makeup.

Instead of purchasing natural makeup remover, some women use a product that most people can find right in their own kitchens. Olive oil is very effective at removing makeup and is also great for the skin. Just a little bit of olive oil on a cotton pad or cotton ball can be used to remove even thick layers of mascara and eyeliner. Once the makeup is all removed, the excess olive oil can be washed away with warm water. In addition to removing makeup, olive oil is also great at moisturizing the skin and conditioning the lashes.

Olive oil is a natural makeup remover.
Olive oil is a natural makeup remover.

Another natural makeup remover that can be found right in the kitchen is yogurt. By spreading plain yogurt all over the face, a woman can lift makeup from her skin and remove it when the yogurt is washed away. Yogurt is better for all-over makeup removal when, for one reason or another, facial cleanser won't do. Some people prefer to use yogurt on their faces instead of natural facial cleanser because even some products that claim to use organic ingredients do include a small percentage of ingredients that include chemicals or non-organic products.

Plain yogurt is a natural makeup remover.
Plain yogurt is a natural makeup remover.

Mashed banana is another great natural makeup remover. A ripe banana, mashed to a fine paste, can be spread all over the facial skin to help remove makeup and dirt from the skin. To improve the consistency, a few drops of milk can be added. The mixture can be applied to the face as a masque for eight to ten minutes, then removed with a warm wash cloth. In addition to removing makeup, mashed banana will also help to soften and refresh the skin.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

ddljohn

You can also use jojoba or mineral oil to remove makeup. Oils are also a great moisturizer for dry skin and can help prevent wrinkles. The bad part about oils is that it leaves a greasy residue afterward. I always wash my face with a good cleanser after I use remove makeup with oil.

Have you guys noticed how some brands are coming up with their versions of natural makeup removers? I haven't tried any of them but I don't see any logic in purchasing a processed product if my intention is to use something natural. I'd say, don't fall for these products. You will be wasting money when you can do the same thing with a completely natural ingredient you have at home.

burcinc

Another gentle and natural makeup remover is almond oil. I apply it on a cotton ball and wipe my eye makeup off with it. Not only does it remove makeup quickly and easily, it's also beneficial for your eyelashes. I noticed that store bought eye makeup removers are harsh and cause my eyelashes to fall out while I cleanse them. I've never seen this happen with almond oil. I heard that Arab women also apply almond oil to their eyelashes to make them grow longer!

Another great tip that I have, as a cleanser and moisturizer, is yogurt and honey. You will have the softest skin ever after you apply this mixture! It smells and tastes delicious too, you can eat any that's remaining!

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    • A paste made of bananas can be used to remove makeup.
      By: Nikolai Sorokin
      A paste made of bananas can be used to remove makeup.
    • Olive oil is a natural makeup remover.
      By: volff
      Olive oil is a natural makeup remover.
    • Plain yogurt is a natural makeup remover.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Plain yogurt is a natural makeup remover.