If you want skin that glows with a capital “G,” it comes down to one thing: exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation. You’ve got options here: You could slather on an at-home peel with glycolic or lactic acids, pop the top on one of your favorite face scrubs, or whip up ascrubat home with a gentle exfoliant you’ve probably already got in your kitchen cabinet: coffee grounds.
Sure, there are other things you could use to make a DIY face scrub—sugar granules, baking soda, etc—but Java offers some pretty unique benefits. Coffee is excellent for the skin because it’s packed with antioxidants, which help to fight damage caused by free radicals. The caffeine also helps to tighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Down below are coffee scrub recipe that can easily be done at home which uses finely ground (“Exfoliation should never hurt!” can’t stress this enough) Kenyan Coffee—a variety that has a note of citrus, making it less bitter than other kinds. But, you can use any type of grounds you like or have—including instant coffee.
What I love about this simple take is that it can be adapted to address almost every skin type and concern. Add a few ingredients to optimize it for oily skin or super-dry complexions, swap out the coconut oil to make it work for acne-prone skin, or get an assist from some spices to help tighten and tone.
Here’s how to make a DIY coffee face scrub at home.
1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. 2. Apply in circular motions to face and neck, scrubbing for three minutes. 3. Rinse with lukewarm water and then rinse again with cool water. Pat dry.
For Oily Skin
Add three tablespoons of grated cucumber and the juice from half a lemon to the recipe. Cucumber helps to remove excess oil while lemon juice brightens the skin.
For Dry Skin
Add ¼ cup of organic plain yogurt and a few drops of your favorite face oil to the mixture. After massaging into the skin, leave on for an additional 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
For Puffiness
Add one tablespoon of turmeric powder to the recipe. “The coffee and turmeric work together to help calm skin inflammation.
For Acne
Omit coconut oil and add 1 tablespoon of honey. Packed with antibacterial properties, honey helps to keep breakouts in check.
Before you grab your tweezers and go ham plucking away at stray hairs in hopes to reshape and define your brows—there are some tips to keep in mind. Since seeing a professional isn’t an option at the moment, DIY is the next best method to get your brows in tip-top (OK, decent) shape. To guide you through this time, we are here to share our expertise on grooming your brows at home. Learn simple guidelines below.
Tip 1: Find yourGolden Ratio.
While the proportion known as the Golden Mean has always existed in mathematics and in the physical universe, it is unknown exactly when it was first discovered and applied by mankind. It is reasonable to assume that it has perhaps been discovered and rediscovered throughout history, which explains why it goes under several names. It appears that the Egyptians may have used both pi and phi in the design of the Great Pyramids. The Greeks are thought by some to have based the design of the Parthenon on this proportion, but this is subject to some conjecture
Anyways, for the beauty world, Anastasia recognized that this mathematical principle of thirds, known more modernly as the Golden Ratio, could influence not only centuries of art and architecture, but could be applied directly to the human face to create aesthetic harmony. Believing that brows should be shaped according to an individual’s bone structure, Anastasia developed a formula for the Golden Ratio’s application.
She created this patented method to determine where your brows should begin, arch, and end according to your bone structure. Using these three marks will help you to groom your brows to create better balance and symmetry.
How to find your Golden Ratio:
1) Your first mark will be where your brows should begin, which is directly above the center of the nostril. 2) Next, you will mark where the brow should end. Align the bottom outside corner of the nose with the outside of the eye. 3) Lastly, you will mark the highest point of the brow. This mark is from the center of the tip of the nose through the center of the iris.
Tip 2: Try using a stencil as a guide.
Lightly filling your brows with a stencil before grooming will create a guideline to help keep brows symmetrical when touching them up.
Make sure you have good quality tweezers and/or scissors to groom with. Dull tweezers and scissors can cause more painful grooming and can irritate the skin. Tweezers and scissors should be sharp and should close completely without any gaps between the points.
Why does the skin around the eyes always exhibit the first signs of aging? Well, this skin is incredibly thin – actually the thinnest in the body. Along with that fact, we are constantly squinting and smiling to form repetitive wrinkles. On top of that, the lack of oil glands around the eyes make this skin especially susceptible to damage from our lifestyle choices. Oil glands keep our skin moist and hydrated and stem cells from the follicles help the skin to repair.
8 EYE MASK RECIPES TO SOOTHE + REPAIR
Since the eye skin is deficient in this ability, it needs some extra TLC. So, let’s talk about how we can step up our eye game to avoid those pesky lines and crow’s feet. A few simple changes will benefit anyone who wants healthy skin around your eyes includes:
hydrate with water – increase your daily water intake. Water will keep your skin properly hydrated and allow your lymphatics under your eyes to drain impurities.
treat allergies – if you have inflammation around the eyes due to seasonal allergies, get to the root of the allergy. If you are itchy, it is especially important not to rub your eyes as this will lead to dark circles. Instead, apply a cool compress or cool chamomile tea bags to the area.
exercise regularly – increased blood flow delivers nutrients and removes waste build up and supports renewal.
get plenty of sleep – this is when it all happens. Your body needs a break to regenerate and repair.
eat whole foods – Processed foods with chemicals make you inflamed, bloated, and it shows with puffy eyes.
protect – wear sunglasses and an under-eye sunscreen. UV radiation is #1 cause of collagen breakdown and thin eye skin is especially susceptible.
use a nightly eye cream – nourish your skin from the inside AND from the outside.
All of the above tips are wonderful for overall under-eye health, but there’s even more we can do to treat this delicate area of the face! Weekly eye masks can help target different under-eye needs, from locking in moisture to de-puffing.
PUFFY EYE MASKS:
Rose + Cucumber Eye Mask
Ever wonder why sliced cucumbers are common additions in photos, television and movie scenes featuring face and eye masks? Rich in ascorbic acid and phytochemicals, cucumbers help tighten and soothe skin.
But instead of placing cucumber slices over your closed eyelids, this blended mask will reach the inner and outer corners of the eyes with concentrated vitamins and minerals.
Cut your cotton rounds into two half moon shapes. This mask should make quite a few pairs, so cut more than you think you’ll need.
In a blender, puree the cucumber and rosewater until liquified. Transfer to a bowl, then soak the cotton rounds in the mixture, squeezing out excess and then re-soaking for optimal absorption. Store the extra soaked cotton rounds in a Ziploc bag in the freezer for future use.
Thaw the eye pads for about 10 minutes before you use them, but make sure they are still cool as the temperature will also help with reducing puffiness. To apply, place the half moon eye pad underneath the eye, making sure to apply close to the bottom lash line. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
Coffee Mask
For a morning wake-me-up, in addition to coffee in your mug, try it under your eyes as well! For an easy mask, combine coffee grounds with the vitamins and proteins of egg white, which tighten and firm skin. Puffy eyes and pesky crow’s feet, be gone!
1 egg white
2 teaspoons unused coffee grounds
Beat mixture together with a fork until frothy, about 1 minute. With clean hands or a brush, apply the mask around and under the eyes. Let sit for 10 minutes. Use a soft, wet towel to gently clean off the mask. Follow with a caffeine-infused eye cream.
Soothing Chamomile Eye Mask
You can make chamomile tea anywhere, even in a hotel, as kettles are usually available in every room. Simply apply the tea bags to your tired eyes and enjoy a soothing warm mug before bed.
2 chamomile tea bags
mug
hot water
wash cloth
Steep two tea bags for 3 minutes in hot water, remove and set aside to cool to room temperature and then place over your eyes for 15 minutes. You can layer a cool washcloth over your eyes to keep the tea bags wet. Remove and follow with your moisturizer and eye oil.
WRINKLE & CROW’S FEET EYE MASKS
Egg White Eye Mask
You’ll find egg whites in many anti-wrinkle masks for the face, and the eye area is no exception. Egg whites have been known to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while antioxidant rich vitamin E fights free radicals.
Vitamin E is extremely hydrating and often is used to treat eczema or psoriasis, thus a great ingredient for the dryer area around the eyes. Vitamin E can be extracted from vitamin E capsules or purchase a separate vitamin E oil for the following eye mask recipe.
Beat the egg whites until they’re frothy and then mix in the vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture with your fingertips or a makeup brush to the under-eye area, careful not ignore the outer edges of the eyes where expression and squint lines form. Leave on for 10 minutes.
Carrot Eye Mask
This wrinkle-fighting eye mask uses carrots, egg white and aloe vera, which makes it a power combo of retinol, vitamins, and protein. All the fancy ingredients you would find in an expensive eye cream, but completely natural, and definitely on the cheap side. You can apply this mask to the rest of your face as well, or you can use it as part of a multi-masking combination.
Combine egg white, carrot and aloe vera in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until frothy (about 1 minute). Let the mask dry for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes. Use a soft, wet towel to gently clean off the mask. Finish with moisturizer.
Mega Moisturizing DIY Eye Mask
This mega moisturizing eye mask is made with coconut oil and vitamin E, to visibly smooth fine wrinkles and cool tired eyes right away. A trick for the long term is to avoid exposing your eyes directly to the daytime sun, by wearing sunglasses and hats, and applying SPF cream.
Combine ingredients in a bowl. Cut cotton pads to fit the under-eye area. Soak cotton pads in solution and freeze for a few minutes until icy cold. Apply to eye area and place eye cotton pad on top. Let sit for 15 minutes and remove. Follow with eye cream.
DARK CIRCLE EYE MASKS
A cure for dark circles that only costs 99 cents? Sold! Vitamin C, chlorophyll and vitamin K in parsley help lighten skin discoloration, diminish age spots and reduce puffiness. So go ahead and add that bunch of parsley to your shopping cart, even if you’re not planning on making soup any time soon.
Handful of fresh, organic parsley
1 tablespoon yogurt
Roughly chop parsley then grind with a wooden spoon until the leaves release their juice. Add yogurt and stir. Apply with fingers or cotton balls and let mask sit for 10-15 minutes. Repeat twice a week to reduce discoloration.
Milk & Turmeric Eye Mask
Turmeric masks are excellent for brightening complexions and evening out skin tone, and they even work on pesky dark circles. Combine with milk for a bit of gentle exfoliation.
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
Mix ingredients together in a small bowl and then use a brush to paint onto your under-eye area (avoiding the eyes). Leave on for 15 minutes and then carefully wipe off the mask.
Potato slices
Potato slices offer the same effect as cucumber—the cooling of the skin can reduce the vascular congestion to improve the appearance of this area, according to Dr. Ilyas. Her only concern surrounding the application of potatoes on the skin is that they may contain catecholase, which can actually darken the skin. “Catecholase is an enzyme that can promote melanin production,” she says.
What home remedies to you use for your eyes? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks!
I’m obsessed with DIYs and always have been since I was a teenager. This papaya and honey DIY mask is one of my all-time faves as it brightens, hydrates, improves tone and texture, and most importantly leaves your skin glowy AF. It’s also great for acne-prone skin as it can help reduce inflammation and fight acne-bacteria, which is perfect for me right now as my skin broke out recently and I needed something to bring it back to life. Plus, this mask takes less than five minutes to make!
Why this Papaya & Honey DIY Mask is the BOMB!
Papaya is the hero ingredient in this mask, and papaya contains the enzyme papain, which gently buffs away dead skin that can cause your skin to look dull and block your pores. It also helps hydrate and brighten the skin as papaya is a plentiful source of potassium, while it’s also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which help fight against aging free radicals. It’ll also work to improve the overall tone and texture of your skin… Like we said, hero!
Benefits of Papaya for Skin
Papaya contains anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, exfoliating and skin lightening & whitening properties that protect the skin from damage. Here are the benefits of papaya for skin listed down:
♡ Whitens skin due to its natural bleaching properties ♡ Fades away acne scars, blemishes & dark spots
♡ Firms, tones & tightens skin ♡ Shrinks large pores
♡ Prevents & heals acne ♡ Exfoliates skin due to its natural chemicals that dissolve & break down dead cells
♡ Soothes acne and skin inflammation ♡ Slows fine lines & wrinkles
Onto the next miracle ingredient: Honey! I always use honey in my DIYs as it has so many amazing properties. It’s a natural humectant, so it draws in moisture to hydrate the skin. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help to reduce redness and swelling and fight bacteria. It’s important to use raw honey, as it’s unprocessed and retains all its natural goodness – processed honey is often boiled, which means many of the natural benefits are destroyed.
Benefits of Honey for Skin
Honey is a natural humectant which means it draws moisture from the surroundings and helps plump up dry skin. It is rich in powerful anti-oxidants that will stave off pro-aging free radicals. Honey is antiseptic and will treat acne and prevent more acne. Check out more benefits of honey for skin:
♡ Shrinks large pores ♡ Hydrates & moisturizes skin ♡ Lightens acne scars, blemishes & dark marks
Ingredients
2 or 3 slices of papaya 1 tablespoon of raw honey
Chop ¼ a small papaya into 3 little pieces. Place them into a bowl and add ½ teaspoon of honey. Blend the papaya until it creates a smooth mixture, then add the honey in a bowl and mix well. Apply the mask onto cleansed skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash with warm water and follow with your fave moisture.
How to Apply the Papaya and Honey Face Mask
+ Start with a clean dry face. Using your fingers/ a face mask brush, apply the papaya and honey face mask mixture onto your face. Avoid the eye and mouth areas as skin here is thin and when stretched by the mask, can create fine lines.
+ Wait for the face mask to sink in and dry up for about 10 minutes.
+ When the time is up, rinse thoroughly with tepid water.
+ Pat dry with a clean towel and moisturize.
Finally, remember to always be careful when you’re doing treatments on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, we always recommend doing a patch test first to be extra safe.
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