Anti-Aging Coffee Facial Mask – lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness

CoffeeFM_header

Naturally, the best preventative of dark circles under the eyes is to sleep smarter. Once in a while (Sunday night classes anyone?) I don't get to bed as early as I wish and the morning reveals my secret – I didn't get enough sleep! Hey, I'm not 20 anymore…

One trick I found on my newsfeed was an under-eye mask that uses ground coffee and pepper. I am not adding pepper to this recipe (and I am adding other things she did not), but the concept of applying coffee to the face intrigued me. Not only is coffee anti-inflammatory and anti-aging, it can reduce (remove?) puffy eyes and lighten (eliminate?) dark circles.

I do have a coffee grinder (for herbs), but before I went through alllll that work 😉 I just picked up pre-ground coffee at the grocery store. What made me pick the one I did? Check out the name…

CoffeeClay

Yep…EyeOpener Blend sounded good to me!

It is inexpensive coffee, and was not as rich in aroma as I would have liked, but it has done the trick. My skin feels SO soft and looks glowy! I think once this bag is done, I will purchase beans and grind them fresh.

The other main part of the blend is bentonite clay (I like Redmond's bentonite clay). If you aren't aware of the wonderful uses for bentonite clay, you can read more about it via other sources (if I began discussing it, this post would be way too long!). In short, and for this recipe's purpose, it pulls toxins out of the skin.

The Recipe

To a 1 cup jar (I recycled a body polish jar) add the following:

1/3 cup ground coffee
1/3 cup bentonite clay
1/4 cup rosehip oil* (I like this one and this one)
12 drops anti-aging essential oils**

*Argan (I like this one) and Jojoba (I like this one) are also good choices

**I used Mandarin and Frankincense, but other good options include: Amyris, Cedarwood, Elemi, Geranium, Helichrysum, Lemon, Myrrh (not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding), Neroli, Palmarosa, Sandalwood (this is not an exhaustive list).

2. Stir until well mixed. It will be the consistency of brownie batter.

Coffeemask_browniebatter

3. Apply approximately two teaspoons to your face, being careful to add under the eyes without getting in the eyes. Cover the whole face, except the eyelids. Leave on your skin at least 5 minutes before wiping off with a wet facecloth. If you can apply as soon as you get in the shower, and then wipe off just before getting out, that might be the best length of time.

Copy of Coffeemask_Leaface

It is probably best not to use this mask in the evening, as it may contribute to insomnia if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Note: I find that this also exfoliates, so may be coined a “smask” or a “mrub” 😉 Applying it and removing it does gently exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating mask? That's better 😀