I normally use a cream cleanser to remove my makeup and recently, wanted to try a homemade recipe as a substitute. I don’t use thick makeup and usually, it’s only foundation, eyeshadow and lipstick. This recipe probably won’t work for those using waterproof mascara but for my purpose, I’m pleased to say, it works! And it’s so simple to concoct for I only used three items from my fridge!
Beauty benefits of yogurt
The three ingredients in this simple homemade makeup remover are yogurt, honey and lime. If you’ve followed my DIY section, you know I have often said that yogurt is a great ingredient used in a number of the homemade beauty recipes because of its natural lactic acid and enzymes, which helps to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. The beauty benefits of yogurt include soothing, softening and hydrating the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. In addition, because yogurt has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it also provides excellent cleansing properties. I personally like the 99.8% fat free natural set yogurt from Pauls. However, I used the original formulation in this recipe because I have that in my fridge.
Beauty benefits of honey
I normally use manuka honey in my homemade recipes but because I also ran out of it, so I use the next available and that is clover honey. It works just as well too. However, manuka honey is better because it is renowed for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties and hence, makes a great cleanser or mask for our face too as it helps to hydrate our skin.
Beauty benefits of lime
I have combination skin and hence, I added lime juice for its natural astringent properties. Lime juice can also help with pimples and is known to help control oily skin, improve a dull and greasy complexion, as well as lightening pigmentation spots. However, it should be noted that lime juice is photosensitive and hence, you should always use a sunscreen if you use anything containing lime. Personally, I use this recipe only in the evening.
Make it creamier if you like
So all you need is to use 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lime juice. You can add more yogurt if you like it creamier. The concoction you see here will last me around three to four washes but I always make it a point to discard my DIY mixture after three days.
Use a cotton pad to remove eye makeup
You can use this as you would a facial cleanser. For eye makeup, I use a cotton pad to wipe over to gently remove the eye shadow. I follow on by using a foaming cleanser and I know this DIY concoction works because my cleanser foams very well after that. For those who use foam cleansers, you should realize by now that if your face is still full of impurities, your cleanser will not foam as well.
Double cleanse is important
Of course some ladies would consider using this as a facial cleanser too if they do not mind the feeling of a residue over their skin. If you’re using this alone to cleanse your face, then I suggest you do a double cleanse with the mixture. Personally, I find this works better for me as a makeup remover.
Gentle with a pH of 4.5
I have tested this recipe with a pH test strip and am happy to report that it is gentle with a pH of 4.5 (healthy skin has pH 4.5 – 5.5). However, while a pH 4.5 is gentle, it is also mildly acidic and hence, for those with sensitive skin, do use this recipe with caution. Perhaps you can consider reducing the amount of lime juice. And so do be careful using this around your eyes for lime juice will sting!
© www.vivawoman.net copyright notice ☺
_______________________________________________________
About Sesame
An established beauty blog dedicated to natural and holistic topics. Features skin care tips, sunscreen facts, product reviews, DIY beauty recipes, beauty food recommendations and much more. Founded in 2006 and consistently ranked a top 10 beauty blog globally.
Thank you for reading Viva Woman. Please note that all material on this blog is copyrighted and covered by a 
Liked what you've read here? Then don't miss a post by subscribing to Viva Woman! This blog is updated a few times a week and you can get alerted via
I once used a grounded coffee beans, sugar, evoo and salt as a body scrub. I found these combined ingredients left a sticky and oily residue on my skin. But I loved the smell of the heavenly coffee on my skin. Aint that cleanser left a sticky residue too?
Yes, I pointed out this will leave a residue, much similar to how commercial cream cleansers also leave a residue. That’s why I use this as a makeup remover follow on by a foaming cleaner. Some pple don’t mind the residue though.
After i remove makeup with a cleansing oil, i like to mix yogurt with my usual TTO cleansing gel and some green bean powder. my skin feels very soft and clean afterwards!
Oh, mixing yogurt with cleansing gel and green bean powder? Sounds interesting! I have green bean powder…will give it a try cos I love using the powder as a mask.
You could also leave it while showering your body to give it more time to work on your skin! Enjoy!
My favourite natural eyemakeup remover is simply virgin coconut oil
It takes a time to get used to it. But now I wouldn’t want to replace it with anything else.
It’s quite oily isn’t it? I tried using oil around my face to cleanse but found I took more time washing the oilies away. But I guess if it’s just the eye area, it’s easier. I’m also guessing the skin around your eyes are improving cos virgin coconut oil is good stuff!
Where can I buy virgin coconut oil? I use black gel eyeliner from MAC and find it rather difficult to remove cleanly with the eye makeup remover I am using now.
You might be able to find this in the organic section of supermarkets. However if you want cosmetic grade, which is advisable since you’re going to use on the eyes, then you got to get it from a DIY ingredient supplier. Where are you based?
If in Singapore, try whoopeekiddies.com and if in US, try Garden of Wisdom.
Many people prefer the one from Garden of Wisdom as Sesame mentioned. I bought my from the organic store here in Europe. There are also many other online shops who sell it. Just google for “Virgin Coconut oil”.
I love homemade beauty stuff!! I wonder if lemon would work the same instead of lime though…?!
Yes, it would.
Yogurt is good for skin. I love using it for home remedies, but the one I bought is too large for me to finish using it within days (I can’t eat it because I get bumps under my chin when I consume milk-related products). But this recipe is a good try, though I am yet to try it out. I hope I can incorporate more natural skin care methods in my regimen in the coming months.
Same here…I don’t eat yogurt at all and a tub is usually too much. So I try to use it on my hands,etc. I don’t quite like the smell though.
Your post is pretty illuminating and practical,I completely agree with the above comment. Thanks for the sharing.
Can those home made yogurt be use for the mask?
Hmm…as long as it’s not sweetened and flavored I guess yes.
Wow, this seems interesting. Am gonna try it out. I always use olive oil if my makeup remover runs out.
Olive oil is a nice idea to remove eye makeup…just that it’s pretty oily so must use a foaming cleanser to cleanse properly.
I’m trying this receipt. I’m not sure whether it can control my oiliness (I have combination skin) or not but I hope that it can help reduce the pigmentation spots (due to the acne) on my forehead
Hi sesame, love your post especially this one! Do you know where I can buy the pH test strips?
If you are based in Singapore, you can get it from Guardian Pharmacy. Cost between $11 and $14.
i’m wondering about the yogurt expiring since it won’t be kept refrigerated?
how long does your mixture last? do you keep it in your shower?
Sorry but why can’t it be refrigerated? I keep mine in the fridge…about 3 days maximum.
do u hv to keep this in the fridge?
Yes, if you make more than you need. 3 days max.
I’m not really like removal oil. This is good idea. I will try. thank you for share your DIY idea.
Hope you’ll like it.
Thank you! I’ve been searching for a non-oil based natural make-up remover. I’m afraid the oil will cause a breakout! I put coconut oil on my hair and sat in the bath while I left it on. The oil dripped down my back and I got a massive breakout! Love coconut oil for removing eye make-up, though.
You can try using a cream cleanser to remove your makeup too.