Let’s talk about that little cotton pad habit. You know the one – swipe off the day’s makeup, toss it in the bin, repeat tomorrow. Seems harmless enough, right? But think about how many you use in a week, a month, a year! It adds up, creating unnecessary waste and costing you money over time. The good news is there’s a simple, satisfying, and sustainable alternative: making your own reusable makeup remover pads. It’s easier than you might think, surprisingly fun, and a fantastic way to dip your toes into eco-conscious living and maybe even use up some fabric scraps you have lying around.
Switching to reusable pads means less landfill waste, fewer resources used in manufacturing disposables, and a little extra cash in your pocket. Plus, when you make them yourself, you get to choose the fabrics, the size, and the feel. Soft flannel? Exfoliating terry cloth? You decide! It’s a small change with a noticeable impact, both for the planet and your budget.
Why Bother Making Them Yourself?
Sure, you can buy reusable pads, but where’s the creative fun in that? Crafting your own offers several unique advantages:
Ultimate Customization: You control everything! Pick fabrics that feel amazing on your skin. Love super soft? Go for bamboo velour or organic cotton flannel. Need a bit more scrubbing power? Add a layer of cotton terry. You can make them precisely the size you prefer, maybe smaller ones for eye makeup and larger ones for your whole face.
Stash Busting Power: If you have even a small collection of fabric scraps from other projects, this is the perfect way to use them up. Old (but clean!) flannel shirts, baby blankets, soft t-shirts, or even thin towels can be given a new life. It feels great to turn potential waste into something useful.
Cost-Effective: While buying reusable pads is cheaper than disposables in the long run, making them is even more economical, especially if you’re using materials you already have. Your main cost might just be a spool of thread!
Skill Building & Satisfaction: It’s a simple sewing project, perfect for beginners looking to practice straight(ish) lines or sewing curves. Even if you opt for a no-sew method, there’s a definite sense of accomplishment in creating something practical and sustainable with your own hands.
Gathering Your Supplies
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll likely need. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; there are often substitutes.
- Fabric: This is key! Aim for soft, absorbent natural fibers. Good choices include:
- Cotton Flannel (new or from old shirts/pyjamas)
- Cotton Terry Cloth (like a thin towel or washcloth)
- Bamboo Velour or Fleece (super soft!)
- Organic Cotton Knit (like t-shirt material, use thicker types)
- Microfiber (can be effective but is synthetic)
- Thread: Cotton or polyester thread that coordinates reasonably well with your fabric.
- Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors make cutting much easier and cleaner. Pinking shears are needed for the no-sew version.
- Sewing Machine (Optional but Recommended): Makes the process much faster and stitches more durable.
- Needle: If you’re sewing by hand.
- Pins: To hold the fabric layers together while sewing.
- Round Object for Tracing: A small glass, jar lid, cookie cutter, or even a roll of tape works perfectly. Aim for something 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter.
- Marking Tool: A fabric pen, chalk, or even a regular pen (if it won’t bleed through significantly).
- Iron and Ironing Board: For pressing fabric flat and finishing the pads nicely.
Let’s Get Sewing: Step-by-Step Guide
This method creates durable, double-layered pads that wash well.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Always pre-wash and dry your fabric before starting. This prevents your finished pads from shrinking or warping strangely after their first wash. Once dry, give it a good press with your iron to remove wrinkles. Smooth fabric is much easier to work with.
Step 2: Trace and Cut Your Circles
Lay your fabric flat. Using your chosen round object and marking tool, trace circles onto the wrong side (or less patterned side) of your fabric. Remember, you need two circles for each pad you want to make. Carefully cut out the circles using your sharp fabric scissors. Take your time for neater edges.
Step 3: Pin the Layers
Take two fabric circles. If your fabric has a right side (e.g., a patterned flannel), place the circles together with the right sides facing inward. If you’re using the same fabric for both sides (like terry cloth), just stack them evenly. If using two different fabrics (like flannel and terry), place them right sides together. Pin the edges together in a few places to stop them from shifting while you sew.
Step 4: Sew Around the Edge
Time to sew! You can use a sewing machine or do this by hand with a simple backstitch.
Machine Sewing: Set your machine to a standard straight stitch. Start sewing about a quarter-inch (0.6 cm) from the edge. Sew almost all the way around the circle, but make sure to leave a small gap, about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide. This opening is crucial for turning the pad right-side out. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches.
Hand Sewing: Thread your needle and knot the end. Use a backstitch or a strong running stitch, keeping your stitches relatively small and close together for durability. Sew around the circle, about a quarter-inch from the edge, again leaving that important 1-1.5 inch gap for turning. Knot your thread securely when you finish.
Step 5: Clip Curves (Optional but Recommended)
To help the pad lie flat once turned, you can carefully snip small notches or triangles into the seam allowance around the curve. Be very careful not to cut through your stitching! Alternatively, you can use pinking shears to trim the seam allowance closer to the stitching (but not right up against it). This reduces bulk.
Step 6: Turn Right-Side Out
Carefully reach through the opening you left and gently pull the fabric through, turning the pad right-side out. Use your finger or a blunt tool (like a chopstick or a knitting needle) to gently push out the curved edges so they are smooth and round. Be gentle to avoid poking through the fabric or stitches.
Step 7: Press Flat
Once turned, tuck the raw edges of the opening neatly inside. Press the entire pad flat with your iron. This makes the next step much easier and gives a professional finish.
Step 8: Topstitch to Close and Finish
Now, you’ll sew around the entire edge of the pad one more time. This is called topstitching. It closes the opening you used for turning and adds durability. Sew close to the edge, about an eighth of an inch (0.3 cm) in. Go all the way around the circle. Again, backstitch at the start and end if using a machine, or knot securely if sewing by hand. Trim any excess threads.
Voila! Your first reusable makeup remover pad is complete! Repeat the process to make a whole batch.
Quick No-Sew Alternative
Don’t want to sew? You can make simpler, single-layer pads using pinking shears (those scissors with a zigzag edge).
Simply trace your circles onto a single layer of your chosen fabric (flannel works well for this). Carefully cut out the circles using the pinking shears. The zigzag edge helps to minimize fraying. These won’t be as plush or durable as the sewn version, and might fray eventually, but they are incredibly quick to make and still much better than disposables!
Choosing the Best Fabric
The fabric you choose makes a big difference in how your pads feel and perform. Here’s a quick rundown:
Cotton Flannel: A very popular choice. It’s soft, absorbent, washes well, and is readily available. Great for sensitive skin. Often comes in fun patterns.
Cotton Terry Cloth: Think thin towels or washcloths. Offers gentle exfoliation while removing makeup. Very absorbent but can feel a bit rougher than flannel. Combining one side flannel and one side terry is a great option.
Bamboo Fabrics (Velour, Fleece, Terry): Often blended with cotton or organic cotton. Bamboo is known for being incredibly soft, highly absorbent, and having some natural antimicrobial properties. A luxurious choice!
Microfiber: Excellent at grabbing makeup, but it’s a synthetic material (plastic). While effective, it can shed microplastics when washed, which isn’t ideal from an environmental perspective. If using, ensure it’s a high-quality type designed for cleaning.
Upcycled Materials: Don’t overlook old items! Clean, soft flannel shirts, pyjamas, receiving blankets, cotton t-shirts (use thicker ones or double layer), or even thin, soft towels can work wonderfully. Just ensure they are clean and free from holes or thin spots.
Fabric Check: Always test a small piece of your chosen fabric with water and perhaps a bit of makeup remover before cutting all your circles. Ensure it feels good on your skin and is absorbent enough for your needs. Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo generally perform best for absorbency and skin-friendliness.
Caring for Your Reusable Pads
Keeping your pads clean and long-lasting is easy:
Washing
Collect used pads in a small wet bag or container until laundry day. It’s highly recommended to wash them inside a mesh laundry bag. This prevents the small pads from getting lost in the washing machine or tangled with larger items. Wash them with your regular laundry load (towels or whites are often suitable) using your normal detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, as this can coat the fibers and reduce their absorbency over time.
Drying
You can either air dry your pads or tumble dry them on a low heat setting, preferably still inside the mesh bag. Air drying is gentler and saves energy. High heat can sometimes cause natural fibers to shrink slightly over time.
Dealing with Stains
Waterproof mascara or dark lipstick can sometimes leave stains. Rinse the pads immediately after use under cold water to help prevent stains from setting. For stubborn marks, you can pre-treat them with a bit of laundry soap, stain remover, or even some of your facial cleanser before washing. Soaking them briefly in cold water with a bit of oxygen bleach can also help lift stains.
Top Tips for DIY Pad Success
- Make a Batch: Since you have all the supplies out, make at least 10-15 pads at once. This gives you enough to last between washes.
- Start Simple: If you’re new to sewing, just use two layers of the same simple fabric like flannel.
- Vary Sizes: Consider making a few different sizes if you like – smaller for eyes, larger for face.
- Serger/Overlocker Option: If you own a serger, you can simply serge around the edges of two circles placed wrong sides together. This is super fast and creates a durable edge, though it looks different from the turned method.
- Have Fun!: Choose fabrics you love! Bright colours or cute patterns can make your skincare routine feel a little more cheerful.
Making your own reusable makeup remover pads is a small project with big benefits. You reduce waste, save money, get creative, and end up with a stash of soft, effective pads perfectly suited to your skin. It’s a simple switch that feels good to make. So grab some fabric scraps, thread a needle or fire up the sewing machine, and give it a try. You might just find yourself looking for more simple swaps to make your routine a little greener and more self-sufficient!
