Ah, caffeine. I’ll be the first to admit that a jolt of java is fundamental to being functional at work. Alas, coffee critics have pointed to a whole latte problems associated with overindulgence; some evidence exists to suggest that caffeine consumption may cause dehydration, dull skin and puffy, inflamed eyes.
As it turns out, there’s hope yet. When applied topically, caffeine’s ability to constrict blood vessels actually helps to placate puffiness, making the stimulant superb for re-energising saggy skin. Want proof? Look out for caffeine on the labels of your depuffing eye creams; it’ll be there.
Having been on a DIY roll these past weekend, I’m pleased as punch to say I may have hit upon a miracle beauty worker – and coffee’s of the essence! This scrub avails itself of caffeine’s aforementioned astringent properties for a skin-firming effect that’s quite remarkable indeed: At a post-mask get-together, my group of girlfriends actually asked me point blank if I had treated myself to a little nip and tuck. (I hadn't.)
Wee caveat: Individual results vary, of course, but there’s no harm giving this a shot, especially if you have leftover coffee grounds lying about in the morning. Here’s how:
STEP 1. Grab a generous handful of wet coffee grounds (any blend will do!) and chuck it in a clean bowl.
STEP 2. Now for the genius bit. Add about a teaspoon of your favourite facial oil to the bowl and stir it into the mix until you get a sticky slurry that’s the consistency of oatmeal.
What oil to use? Product recommendation-wise, I’m obsessed with Origins’ new Plantscription Youth-renewing Face Oil, a carefully calibrated concoction of botanical blends – think anti-inflammatory argan, evening primrose and exotic African anogeissus tree extracts – designed to quench and plumpen parched skin with the bonus of being skin-tinglingly sensuous to the touch, too, like liquid cashmere caressing your face. This multi-purpose elixir can be applied as is, after your serum and before your moisturiser, or incorporated into novel recipes like this one.
STEP 3. Back to the scrub at hand. Next, apply the coffee-and-oil mask on damp, post-shower skin, massaging the mixture into your face and decolletage, avoiding the delicate eye area. Feel free to use moistened cotton pads to buff it in for an exfoliating boost.
STEP 4. Kick off your kitten heels, relax for 10 minutes, then splash off with warm water. Pat dry, then apply a drop or two of the same facial oil to seal in all the goodness. Follow up with your usual skincare regime and you’re good to go.
Now, I’ve been a fervent fan of a fatty face diet for as long as I can remember, so this mask is perfect for getting the most mileage out of my oils. Even better, you can make this express exfoliator in bigger batches and stash in a sealed tub in the fridge for use on an especially warm day. Super refreshing!
Or go one step further and try a coffee scrub for a miraculously “slimmer” waist – actually the result of caffeine draining off water retention, but that quibble’s just counting (coffee) beans. Hewing to the same coffee-and-facial-oil recipe, break an extra handful of vitamin E capsules into the moist mush for bulk, then use a loofah to scour away.
Have fun experimenting, and let me know if this works for you as brilliantly as it did for me!
Origins Plantscription Youth-renewing face oil, $86 for 30 ml, is available at all Origins stores. For more information, visit www.origins.com.sg and follow Origins Singapore on Facebook.