On top of creating the perfect cup of liquid magic, coffee is one of the best things to incorporate into your beauty regimen. Why, you ask? Well, quite simply, it’s an antioxidant powerhouse with more than just a single use. For all of you coffee enthusiasts and naturalists alike, check out some of the best beauty hacks utilizing coffee:
Increase Circulation Try a massage that utilizes the power of coffee grinds to get your blood circulating. This super quick 4 ingredient recipe for the massage oil scrub calls for:
- ½ ounce almond oil
- 2 tablespoons coffee grinds
- 5 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¾ cup arrowroot powder
For this application the coffee grinds should definitely be from caffeinated beans. Take a look at the complete recipe instructions from The Spa Index here.
Another neat trick : prepare coffee ice cubes. Simply fill ice cube trays with leftover coffee and freeze. Trace your under eye with one cube every morning and benefit from reduced puffiness and tighter skin. Be careful to press gently because the goal is to soothe the skin, not burn it!
Exfoliate We all need a great exfoliator and coffee grinds happen to be both abrasive and gentle enough to use on your skin. And as a bonus, get an extra boost of collagen thanks to coffee’s natural caffeic acid. Mix:
- 3 tablespoons coffee grinds
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of a natural oil of your choice, such as almond, apricot or olive.
Combine all ingredients and massage gently in circular motions for about one to two minutes then rinse with warm water.
Dark Circles & Under-Eye Puffiness Put the leftover grounds from your morning pot of coffee to good use. Once cool, apply them to the under eye area and if you’re careful enough, your eyelids. Keep it on for about twenty minutes then rinse off with cool water.
Remove Buildup From Hair & Scalp Your scalp needs TLC too. Get rid of dead skin cells and other buildup by applying 1/3 cup of coffee grinds onto your wet scalp. Massage with your fingertips in a circular motion for about one minute, rinse then wash and condition your hair as usual.
Revive / Tint Your Hair Want to give that brunet color a boost? All you need is:
- ½ cup conditioner
- 4 tablespoons of instant coffee
Mix until the coffee dissolves then apply as you would normally do with hair dye. Rinse and repeat the following day or 2 to allow the coffee to penetrate your hair. Check out the complete directions here.
Interested in learning about some other awesome home remedies for dying hair? Check out this awesome article from Tips Bulletin!
Natural Tan If you’re a fan of having bronze skin but want to avoid tanning in the sun or going to tanning booths, then this hack is for you: lightly tint your skin with coffee. All natural, this recipe calls for:
- 3 cups of room temperature coffee
- ¼ cup almond oil
- 2 cups of water
Mix everything in a large spray bottle and shake; that’s it! Spritz the mixture over clean skin then rub in with your hands. Let your skin dry and repeat and you will see gradual darkening. Careful, this is not a tanning supplement. Do not use this hack and go out in the sun to tan with it. Remember to always wear sunblock.
Looking for some other cool ideas that utilize coffee? Check out fun tips on how to get creative with coffee here!