Are you looking to reduce your waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle? One way to do this is by making DIY reusable cotton pads. These reusable makeup pads are easy to make, gentle on the skin, and can help reduce your carbon footprint.
This beginner-friendly tutorial will show you how to make ten reusable makeup pads in under 20 minutes using an overlocker or sewing machine.
Not only are reusable makeup pads better for the environment, but they can also save you money in the long run. Instead of buying single-use cotton pads, you can create a set of reusable ones that can be washed and reused time and time again.
Using DIY reusable cotton pads is not only good for the planet, but it’s also a great way to take care of your skin. Many disposable options contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, whereas reusable makeup pads can be made with gentle fabrics that are less likely to cause irritation.
If you love using natural homemade products, check out some of my favourite recipes to make your own natural shampoo with Castile soap, a nourishing sugar lip scrub, or my go-to exfoliating coffee scrub.
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Why You Will Love These DIY Reusable Cotton Pads
There are several benefits of using reusable makeup pads, including:
- Sustainability – Reusable makeup pads are eco-friendly and help reduce waste in landfills.
- Save money – Continuously purchasing packets of makeup pads is expensive and adds up to wasted money. By making these affordable reusable cotton makeup pads, you will save money.
- Natural and Chemical Free – Most disposable makeup pads contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin. Reusable makeup pads made from organic cotton or bamboo are chemical-free and much better for our skin and bodies.
- Convenient – Having reusable cotton pads on hand makes removing your makeup or applying skincare products easier without buying disposable products.
Materials and Tools You Will Need
0.5m organic cotton combed fabric (or bamboo)
Fabric shears
A round item for tracing around (about 8cm diameter)
Pins
White thread
Overlocker or Sewing machine
If you own a Cricut Maker 3, you can cut out your fabric with my free project on Cricut design space to save time!
The Best Fabrics to Use
Using organic materials for this project is important for several reasons. Firstly, organic cotton and bamboo combed cloth are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, making them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. By choosing organic materials, you can reduce your environmental impact and support more sustainable farming practices.
Organic materials are typically softer and gentler on the skin compared to non-organic options. This is especially important for reusable makeup pads, as they will be in direct contact with your skin. Choosing organic materials can help reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions, making them a safer and more comfortable option.
Read my blog Sustainable Fabrics, to learn more.
How to Make DIY Reusable Cotton Pads
Note: I made these using my overlocker, but if you don’t have an overlocker, use your sewing machine and set the stitch to an overlocking option or zigzag stitch.
Step One: Cut out the makeup pads
Fold the fabric in half so the uncut edges touch.
Place the round item down and trace around it with a fabric marking tool. Mark 10 circles. Pin both layers together in the centre of the circles to hold them together.
Cut the circles out. You should have 10 pairs (20 circles cut altogether).
Step Two: Sew them together
Under the presser foot of the overlocker, place one pair and slowly begin overlocking around the outer edge of the fabric.
Overlock about 1.5cm sections slowly, then stop with the needle down in the fabric. Reposition the fabric, so the circle’s edge is close to the needle by lifting up the presser foot.
Continue until you reach the beginning of the stitching. Take the piece out of the overlocker after running a few stitches past the beginning.
Whenever I overlock, I pull the overlock threads separately to form a knot. As a result, the threads will not unravel.
Step Three: Repeat
Repeat steps one and two until you have 10 reusable makeup pads. If you have more fabric to use up, I encourage you to make more to keep on hand.
Step Four: Wash them in the washing machine
Once you are finished, wash them in the washing machine inside a delicate bag and dry them before the first use.
How to Care for Reusable Cotton Makeup Pads
When caring for your DIY reusable makeup pads, there are a few things to remember to ensure they last as long as possible. Firstly, washing them carefully is important to avoid damaging the fabric. One way to do this is by washing them inside a delicate bag, which can protect them from getting caught or tangled in the washing machine.
It’s important to choose the right washing cycle and detergent to avoid damaging the fabric or causing any irritation to the skin. Gentle, natural, fragrance-free detergents are usually the best option for washing reusable makeup pads.
Once your reusable makeup pads are clean and dry, it’s time to store them properly. Many people prefer to store them in a drawstring bag or a jar in the bathroom for easy access. Storing them in a designated container helps keep them organised and prevents them from getting lost or damaged.
If you’re using a jar, choose one large enough to fit all of them comfortably. You can also decorate the jar with labels or markers to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
If you’d prefer a drawstring bag, look for one made from breathable materials like cotton or mesh. This can help prevent bacteria build-up and keep them fresh and clean.
To Sum Up – Reusable Makeup Pads
In conclusion, creating your own reusable makeup pads is an easy and practical way to reduce waste, save money, and take care of your skin. With just a few simple materials and a little bit of time, you can make a set of makeup pads that are not only eco-friendly but also customisable to your individual preferences. So why not give it a try and start your journey towards a more sustainable future today?
DIY Reusable Cotton Pads - Reusable Makeup Pads
This beginner-friendly tutorial will show you how to make ten reusable makeup pads in under 20 minutes using an overlocker or sewing machine.
Tools
- Fabric shears
- Round item to trace (8cm diameter)
- Pins
- Overlocker or Sewing machine
Instructions
- Cut out the makeup pads
Fold the combed cotton in half so the uncut edges touch. Place the round item down and trace around it with a fabric marking tool. Mark 10 circles. Pin both layers together in the centre of the circles to hold them together. Cut the circles out. You should have 10 pairs (20 circles cut altogether). - Sew them together
Under the presser foot of the overlocker, place one pair and slowly begin overlocking around the outer edge of the fabric. Overlock about 1.5cm sections slowly, then stop with the needle down in the fabric. Reposition the fabric, so the circle's edge is close to the needle by lifting up the presser foot. Continue until you reach the beginning of the stitching. Take the piece out of the overlocker after running a few stitches past the beginning. Whenever I overlock, I trim it about 1cm from the fabric and pull the overlock threads separately to form a knot. As a result, the threads will not unravel. - Repeat
Repeat steps one and two until you have 10
reusable makeup pads. If you have more fabric to use up, I encourage you to make more to keep on hand. - Wash them in the washing machine
Once you are finished, wash them in the washing machine inside a delicate bag and dry them before the first use.
Notes
How to Care for Reusable Cotton Makeup Pads
When caring for your DIY reusable makeup pads, there are a few things to remember to ensure they last as long as possible. Firstly, washing them carefully is important to avoid damaging the fabric. One way to do this is by washing them inside a delicate bag, which can protect them from getting caught or tangled in the washing machine.
It’s important to choose the right washing cycle and detergent to avoid damaging the fabric or causing any irritation to the skin. Gentle, natural, fragrance-free detergents are usually the best option for washing reusable makeup pads.
Once your reusable makeup pads are clean and dry, it's time to store them properly. Many people prefer to store them in a drawstring bag or a jar in the bathroom for easy access. Storing them in a designated container helps keep them organised and prevents them from getting lost or damaged.
If you're using a jar, choose one large enough to fit all of them comfortably. You can also decorate the jar with labels or markers to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
If you’d prefer a drawstring bag, look for one made from breathable materials like cotton or mesh. This can help prevent bacteria build-up and keep them fresh and clean.