Cuppa Joe, Two Ways
The daily grind sure does have a nasty habit of seeping into our personal lives. When around-the-clock schedules become the norm, it's hard to silence the chatter in our brains come bedtime. Those wheels keep spinning and our beauty sleep is compromised. But, this you already know. Too many restless nights can take a toll - the most obvious areas of impact? Our moods and our complexions (yikes!)
For the former, well.... that's nothing that a double shot of espresso can't fix! Instant mood boost. And for the latter? We've recently gotten hooked on DIY Coffee Lovers Face Mask. That's right, you can now get the caffeine kick you crave in a facial. Genius!
To celebrate the coffee beans that just keeping on giving... try this DIY facial at home using all-natural ingredients readily found in your kitchen!
- 1/2 cup ground organic coffee beans;
- 1/4 cup organic, unsweetened cocoa powder;
- 1 cup whole milk; for those who prefer not to use dairy products coconut milk works well and smells delicious;
- 2 Tbsp of lemon juice; if your skin is dry try 100% Greek virgin olive oil;
- 1 Tbsp of organic local honey; if your skin is oily add additional lemon juice;
- 1 all-purpose mixing bowl
Why have we carefully selected the above ingredients?
Coffee is known to reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. Due to the texture of ground coffee it makes for an excellent exfoliant and works to give you a brighter, lighter and less tired complexion.
Cocoa powder contains antioxidant properties; it aids in repairing damage caused by the free radicals and environmental pollutants we are exposed to daily. Cocoa powder also contains high levels of sulfur which is suggested for combating acne.
Milk has unique capabilities when it comes to the removal of oil-soluble impurities. It functions with the fat-soluble enzyme lipase. It also helps clear dead skin cells with the help of lactic acid. Milk is also a natural moisturizer and thanks to the enzymes, proteins, minerals and vitamins in milk it is also believed to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Lemon juice acts as an exfoliant. It also contains vitamin C which has been shown to tighten, brighten and lighten. Lemon juice also aids in regulating oil production.
Honey is a great moisturizer. Local honey is particular great because it can help with exposure to local pollen building up immunity with regard to seasonal allergies.
How to DIY...
Grab your all-purpose mixing bowl and add finely ground organic coffee beans and organic cocoa powder. Stir gently until well-mixed. Add in the milk and stir until you have a paste like mixture (for a thicker paste, add LESS milk). Add the honey and the lemon juice. Gently spread the mixture evenly onto the face concentrating on your T-zone. Let the paste dry on your skin for up to 20 minutes. Wash off and store any extra mask in the fridge in a sealed mason jar (you can store up to three days). Apply coffee mask up to two times a week.
