DIY Two-Phase Makeup Remover That Eats Waterproof Mascara Alive (For $4)

okay so here's the thing — I was at Target at 11 PM (as one does) staring at the makeup remover section and getting actually angry. $32 for some L'Oréal Bi-Facil. $28 for Clinique. $24 for the Glossier one that everyone's obsessed with.

And I'm standing there like... I can see the ingredients. It's literally oil + water + an emulsifier. That's the whole formula. We're all out here paying Sephora prices for something that takes 30 seconds to mix in your bathroom.

So I went home and got unhinged with it. And now I have a DIY two-phase makeup remover that takes off waterproof mascara in ONE swipe, doesn't sting my eyes, and costs $4 to make enough for like 3 months.

What You Actually Need

Here's your shopping list — everything's at Target, CVS, or any drugstore:

Witch hazel (alcohol-free): $3-4 for a big bottle
I use Thayers but the store brand works fine
Fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil: $5-8 for a bottle that lasts forever
If you already have oil cleanser, use that
Distilled water: $1
Tap water works short-term but distilled keeps it fresh longer
An old makeup remover bottle or small spray bottle: free (you have one in your recycling, I know you do)

Total cost for first batch: $9-13
Cost per bottle after that: basically pennies

The "Recipe" (If You Can Even Call It That)

This is so easy it's embarrassing that we pay $30 for it.

Fill your bottle 1/3 of the way with oil — fractionated coconut oil is my go-to because it's liquid at room temp and doesn't smell like a tropical vacation exploded on your face
Add 1/3 witch hazel — this is the "water phase" that actually cleans, and it helps the oil emulsify when you shake it
Fill the last 1/3 with distilled water
Shake it like it owes you money — it'll turn milky and that's how you know it's working

That's it. That's the whole thing.

Why This Actually Slaps

The expensive two-phase removers work because oil dissolves makeup (especially waterproof stuff) and the water phase actually cleans your skin. When you shake them together, they temporarily emulsify and you get the best of both worlds.

My DIY version? Same mechanism. The witch hazel has natural surfactants that let the oil and water play nice for just long enough to melt your makeup off, then they separate again so the oil can actually dissolve the waterproof stuff.

I tested it against my friend's $32 Bi-Facil. Same results. Actually, mine was a little gentler on my eyes because I know exactly what's in it.

How To Actually Use It

Shake the bottle HARD until it looks like a melted vanilla milkshake
Soak a cotton round (I use the Target Up & Up ones, $3 for 100)
Hold it on your eye for like 10 seconds — don't scrub, just let it sit there
Wipe once. Your waterproof mascara should just... slide off.
Follow with your regular cleanser (this is a first step, not a replacement for washing your face — I know some of you are about to try to get away with just this, and I'm begging you to still cleanse after)

The Real Talk (What Could Go Wrong)

Don't use regular coconut oil (the solid kind). It'll harden in your bathroom if it gets below 76°F and then you're shaking a solid block. Fractionated stays liquid.
If you have very oily skin, maybe use less oil and more witch hazel — experiment with the ratio
This isn't sterile — make small batches (enough for 2-3 weeks) and keep it in a cool place
Patch test first — I shouldn't have to say this but I'm saying it. If your skin hates witch hazel, use rose water instead

The Verdict

I'm not saying the $32 removers are a scam. They work. They're lovely. The bottles are pretty on your counter.

But this DIY version? It does the EXACT same thing. It melts waterproof everything. It doesn't sting. It costs $4 instead of $32.

And honestly? There's something deeply satisfying about looking at that $32 bottle on the shelf now and knowing you've hacked the system.

Make It Your Own

Add a few drops of vitamin E oil for extra skin love
Use rose water instead of distilled water if you want fancy vibes
Throw in a drop of lavender essential oil if you're that kind of person (I'm not but you do you)
Store it in the fridge for a cooling eye treatment moment

Cost breakdown:
Store-bought two-phase remover: $24-32
DIY version: ~$4 for 3+ months of supply
Money saved: Enough for like 3 indie lip glosses

Try it. Report back. And if anyone asks why you're shaking a suspicious bottle in your bathroom, just tell them you're a chemist now.

this post has no affiliate links because honestly the drugstore doesn't need me to sell witch hazel. just go get some.