Repurpose or reuse — we talk about it, think about it and explore ways to incorporate it into our everyday lives as much as possible. How, you wonder? For instance, if you’re a filter coffee lover, you probably have a good brew at home, a French press and warm, aromatic cuppa. But what do you do with the ground coffee after brewing? Why not add it to your skincare routine and exfoliate away? Ahead of the festive season, My Kolkata has three effortless and easy DIY TLC recipes using residual ground coffee. Take note...
TLC concoction of coffee X honey
Wet your palms and start gently exfoliating your skin in circular motion. Be gentle, as you do not want to bruise the skin barrier
The morning pot of French press has residue coffee grounds? Throw in some homely ingredients and just make an exfoliating pack.
Essentials:
- Residual ground coffee: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Rose water: 1 teaspoon
- Malai: 1 and ½ tablespoon
- Aloe vera gel: 1 tablespoon
Process:
- Mix the residual coffee, honey, rose water and malai in a bowl and make a smooth paste
- Now, add the aloe vera gel and control the quality so that the mask is gooey but not of flowing consistency
- Clean your face with a gentle face wash and pat it semi-dry. Apply the mask on your face and neck. Leave it on for 7-10 minutes
- Wet your palms and start gently exfoliating your skin in circular motion. Be gentle, as you do not want to bruise the skin barrier
- Wash the face with a gentle face wash and apply a supple moisturiser, preferably with ingredients that enhance skin barrier
Note:
- You can make a larger batch and use this scrub on your body for exfoliation. Don’t forget to rinse off well and follow up with extra virgin coconut oil and a body moisturiser
- If you have an acne-prone skin, it is best to skip malai
- Ensure the milk is at room temperature
- Do not use more than once a week
Coffee, milk and not latte but skincare
This scrub can be used on the neck and other body parts. It can be used as lip scrub too
It’s simple to put together. But if you turn it into a relaxing experience after a long day at work or on the weekends, it’s the care you’ve been wanting. Make the mask, light an aromatic candle, turn on the AC, position yourself comfortably on the couch with a pillow beneath your feet, watch your favourite film of all times — your skin and you will both feel better.
Essentials:
- Residual ground coffee: 2-3 tablespoons
- Full fat milk: 1 and ½ to 2 tablespoons
- Essential oil or rose water: ½ teaspoon
Process:
- Mix everything together to make a thick paste
- Double cleanse your face with a cleaning balm and a gentle face wash
- Apply the scrub — a thick coat please!
- Leave it on for 10 minutes
- Wet your palms and exfoliate in circular motions and clean your face well with water. Using a face wash is optional
- Take the gua sha and jade roller and give your face a light and gentle massage
- Apply a facial oil — extra virgin coconut, lavender, or anything you like — and massage well. Take some time here to focus on relaxing your facial muscles. Follow your everyday skincare routine after the massage
Tips:
- This scrub can be used on the neck and other body parts. It can be used as lip scrub too
- Ensure the milk is at room temperature
- Do not use more than once a week
Himalayan salt, coconut oil and coffee are equal to…
This mask is great for your monthly skincare session
…a good skincare pack that will remove the dead skin cells and give your skin a good shine. This mask is great for your monthly skincare session. You can simply collect coffee residue everyday to make it.
Essentials:
- Residual ground coffee: 1 medium-sized bowl
- Himalayan salt: 3 tablespoons
- Extra virgin coconut oil: ½ a (small) cup
Process:
- Mix all the ingredients together and make a thick paste. Apply it more on areas that are coarse or tanned
- Apply it all over before taking a shower and leave it on for 10-12 minutes
- Scrub off gently. Splash a little water if needed
- Take a long shower and avoid using loofah. Complete the bath with body oiling
