Coffee and rose petals body peeling

I have bought those dried rose petals some time ago and they have been patiently waiting in the jar to be put finally into use. They are great way of perfuming and adding the colour to your DIY beauty face masks or body scrubs. Best would be hand picked in your own garden. I got mines from the garden centre, here in London and they are quite aromatic and crisp, good enough for grinding into powder. 

  

Here comes the challenge. If you are a one happy owner of the electric herb grinder, you are done with it, otherwise a regular pestle and mortar would do, although it won’t be very fine, which is still ok.

  

Start by mixing together 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds and about the double amount of granulated sugar. I found the caster variety too small granules and melting too fast after adding the carrier oil like almond oil. Last come essential oils, just 1-2 drops of Rose absolute and optionally, just one drop of neroli dilution.

 

I like the pinky hues. Can’t wait to use it!

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Coffee and orange body peeling

Today’s recipes is quick and easy. After brewing your morning coffee you need to save coffee grounds, add sugar and any carrier oil. Voila, your DIY body peeling is ready. Enhance it with essential oils. Today I’m using orange essential oil, to combine energising coffee aroma and refreshing citrusy zing. And here is a beautiful botanical illustration of orange which I just could not to share with you.

From Wikipedia

To make this easy body scrub you will need

2 tablespoons of coffee grounds (after brewing)
4 tablespoons of sugar
2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil e.g. almond, olive, hemp oil
5-10 drops of orange essential oil

Mix coffee with sugar and gradually add the oil until you are happy with the consistence. Best is not too runny, resembling a paste, which works better in massage. Add the orange essential oil at the end. Voila!

Use it in a shower, on a damp skin and massage it with circular movements. The faster and smaller circles, the better massage effect. Pay special attention to cellulite prone areas as caffeine will improve circulation. Finish off with long upwards sweeping movements. Regular use of coffee peeling can help diminish the orange peel and improve skin appearance.

There is no excuse now to reuse your morning brew and turn it into quick DIY beauty fix.

Coffee and shea butter body polish

I have started drinking coffee some time ago and I am obviously completely hooked now. I love coffee smell and those black aromatic grains are perfect for another body scrub recipe. Coffee and sugar is a tested combination. Coffee aroma will awaken your senses and caffeine will improve metabolism and circulation, helping with cellulite. Save your morning brew next time and you will have a lovely scrub for the evening shower.

               

This time I am using shea butter for super creamy rich mixture, about 10-15g. As shea butter is quite hard in texture, start by whipping it up with a mini whisk.

               

Once softened up, add half of the cup of coffee grains and about same amount of granulated sugar. Combine all well together and now it is time for the essential oils.

               

I love using essential oils, I add them to face and hair masks, body scrubs, massage blends. My all time favourite is lemon essential oil as I love zingy, citrusy, uplifting scents. Lemon will blend well with a strong coffee aroma. Also vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, peppermint. Whatever takes your fancy. For this recipe, I am using warm and spicy black pepper essential oil and pungent stimulating cinnamon.

              

Black pepper essential oil is steam-distilled from dried, crushed peppercorns. It has got detoxifying properties so it is good in blends for the cellulite treatment. Its warming effects works well for muscle pains and aches as well. Great for massaging those cold hands and feet in winter too! Psychologically, it is said to strengthen physical and creative energy.

Cinnamon is steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs. Again, it will help with poor circulation or slow digestion. It is strongly antiseptic and makes a good remedy for treating cold and flu. Psychologically, it will bring back your interest and enthusiasm for life, if you have felt down or disappointed.

Regular scrubbing is especially essential in winter months when skin gets dry from cold weather and layers of clothing. Try also dry body brushing on a daily basis before shower. It will work as an exfoliation on its own, smoothing and toning your skin. Use long upwards strokes. Make sure you will find some time for a little home spa in a busy pre-festive period. Later, you can only celebrate and be merry.