Category Archives: Coffee bean infused oil for skin

Whipped Hair & Body Butter (no Shea Butter & Coconut Oil)

Hello Maicurlies,

I am FINALLY back with a DIY!

I was requested to share a whipped butter recipe that doesn’t include Shea Butter or Coconut Oil but first, I have a few other whipped butter recipes which you can find below:

I replaced the Shea and Coconut Oil with alternative ingredients but the process of making the whipped butter follows the same pattern as the previous mixes I have shared above.

Ingredients/Tools:

  • 3oz Unrefined Cocoa Butter
  • 2.5oz Mango Butter
  • 2.5oz Coffee Butter
  • 4oz Coffee infused Grapeseed Oil
  • 3oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
  • 0.1oz Glycerin (optional)
  • 3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)
  • 3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (0.15oz)
  • 5 drops Chocolate Fragrance (optional)
  • Double Broiler
  • Spoon
  • Weighing scale
  • Containers
  • Gloves (optional)

(P.s I purchased all my butters from SheaButter Cottage – an awesome company that not only provides superb products but also gives back to local village women in Ghana with every purchase made!)

Ingredient Alternatives:

The EVOO and Grapeseed Oil can be replaced with any other carrier oil of choice. You can replace the butters as well, I suggest using at least one hard butter (if you live in warm climate). The Essential Oil can either be replaced with an oil of choice or omitted altogether. Keep in mind that EO’s MUST be diluted otherwise it can cause skin/scalp irritations and if you are pregnant please refrain from using any EO.

Mixing Process:

You want to first double broil the Cocoa Butter on low/medium heat for no more than 5 minutes. Once the butter melts (don’t melt all the way) remove it from the heat and add the mango & coffee butter along with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and stir. Place the bowl in the fridge for 15 – 20 minutes. Whip the mix and then add the remaining ingredients. I like to replace the bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes before I do a final whip till I get it to the consistency I like.

Benefits:

Unrefined Cocoa Butter: is an extremely popular natural ingredient that is used to help increase the hairs manageability and moisture. The butter is known to help reduce hair loss and breakage. Due to its highly moisturizing properties it can alleviate scalp itching and irritation which in turn can eliminate dandruff. Since it is a fat, it can be used to replenish lost oils due to chemical processes such as perms and dye. It is known to effectively strengthen hair, tame frizzy and flyaway hair.

Mango Butter: Mango butter contains high levels of antioxidants and beneficial vitamins A, C, and E. It is a highly moisturizing butter which is able to restore flexibility, effectively treat dry and itchy scalps and therefore aid in the growth of hair (due to a healthy scalp.) Because of its high content of fatty acids it is believed that it might actually be more moisturizing that Cocoa and Shea butter (I cannot attest to that as I have never used it before.)

Coffee Butter: caffeine helps with hair growth stimulation and it helps reduce shedding. The natural butter helps with sealing in moisture, provides shine, makes the hair soft and (p.s is incredible for the skin)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: can be used to help seal in moisture, aid hair manageability but can be a little “heavy” (especially for those with fine hair) therefore it is best to use it lightly so it does not weigh your hair down.

Grapeseed Oil: Another example of an oil that is easily absorbed into the hair and scalp without weighing down the hair or clogging up pores due to the fact that it is an extremely “light” oil. Although it is a “light” oil it gives hair a sheen so those with fine hair can use it without worrying about having greasy hair.  It is known to help heal alopecia areata as well dry and itchy scalps therefore helping fight dandruff. It is great and sealing in moisture and retaining the natural moisture in our hair.

Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable Glycerin is a humectant since it attracts water in the air (humidity) and directs it to the area applied (the hair.) Due to its oily nature it can also be used as a sealant and “trap in” moisture however should be used sparingly and should be diluted since it is thick and sticky. Vegetable Glycerin is better served when used in humid climate since it attracts that moisture however, if used when there is a lack of humidity in the air it can do the opposite (extract moisture from the hair to the air.)

Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E is a commonly used oil to help extend homemade products shelf life (however only extends products for a little bit.) This oil rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp and skin by nourishing both.

Peppermint Oil: Helps to stimulate blood flow to the scalp which results in hair growth as the root of the hair is being nourished.

Chocolate Fragrance: the scent of course!

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Whipped Double Coffee Butter

Hello Maicurlies,

The DIY freak is back and this shall be my last whipped butter as part of this “series” for now.

Whipped Double Coffee Butter

                                                              Whipped Double Coffee Butter

Fret not (I can hear you screaming whaaaat), I shall have 2 more tutorials that will be released within the next 2 months that will be strength based thanks to an inspiration from a YouTube viewer (thank you)! I am just taking a break to actually have time to use up the whips I already have. 

Anyways back to this whipped butter, I can honestly say that this Double Coffee Butter is my favorite (I have probably said this a few times but I truly love this) 😀

From all the mixes/recipes/concoctions I have made, this one has the highest concentration of coffee… coffee is my friend is my love. My curls seem to thrive on products that include coffee/caffeine so why would I not use use different types of coffee butter along with some coffee infused oil right?

I can go on and on about the benefits of coffee for the hair and skin and I of course already have, you can read all about it here where I introduce my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Butter and here my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil

Ingredients/Tools: (makes 10.3 oz whipped butter) 

  • 5.5 oz Coffee Bean Infused Butter (Cocoa/Shea Combination)
  • 3 oz Coffee Butter (I bought mine from SheaButter Cottage
  • 1.1 oz Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil
  • 0.5 oz Vanilla Bean Infused Almond Oil
  • 0.15 oz Glycerin (optional)
  • 3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
  • Heatproof Bowl 
  • Whisk
  • Gloves
  • Airtight Container
  • Spatula
  • Piping Bag (optional) – a sandwich bag can do the trick or a spoon/spatula to transfer the whip to your container) 

Note: I want to remind you that I live in the desert so normally during the summer I prefer my mix to be a little more firm therefore I use more butter than oil. If you live in colder climates and especially during autumn & winter I suggest that you add more oil that I do (see below).

Ratio Alternatives/Ingredient Alternatives:

In my opinion the infused coffee bean and the coffee butter are what makes this a double coffee butter however, should you not have any infused coffee bean butter (recipe) you can replace it with either Shea Butter or a Shea & Cocoa Butter combination (40% Cocoa 60% Shea butter). For a less firm whip particularly in autumn/winter I would suggest  using 2 oz – 3 oz carrier oils. Technically you can use any carrier oil you prefer, they do not have to be coffee bean or vanilla bean infused oils however again, to make this a coffee focused butter I would suggest using more coffee bean infused oil (recipe) such as 70% coffee oil 30% vanilla bean oil. Other oil alternatives could be: Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Pure Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil etc. Glycerin is an optional ingredient that does not need to be added especially if your hair does not like it. It can either be omitted or even replaced with raw honey. 

Method:

Once the coffee bean infused butter has been double broiled I add the coffee butter. The warmth from the melted butter will help melt down the coffee butter without the need of additional broiling. I then add 0.8 oz of the Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil  and 0.5 oz Vanilla Bean Infused Almond Oil and stir.

I then place it in my freezer for 10 – 15 minutes till it begins to thicken. Once this happens, I scrape the mix together and then begin to whisk. I whisk for a good 3 – 5 minutes and then add the remaining 0.3 oz of Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil, 0.15 oz Glycerin (optional) and 3 capsules Vitamin E  Oil. I continue to whisk for at least 3 – 5 minutes.

Depending on the consistency you prefer you can stop here and transfer it to an airtight container but I prefer mine to have a fluffy texture so I place it in my fridge, this time for 10 minutes till it becomes a little hard on the top. I then take it out and whisk for the last 5 – 7 minutes and I am happy with the texture. Using a spatula I scoop the whip into a piping bag (because I like being “extra”) and transfer to my container. (The piping bag really isn’t necessary but it makes the butter look extra pretty and is a nice touch if you are giving it away as a gift). 

Uses:

It is not just the inclusion of coffee and coffee butter that makes this an excellent choice for your hair and skin care but also the inclusion of  cocoa butter, Shea butter, almond oil, vitamin E oil and glycerin (read about the benefits of these ingredients for the Hair and Skin). I like to use this butter on damp/slightly damp hair  after I have moisturized to help seal in moisture for styles likes twists, twist outs, braid outs, Bantu knots, Straw Sets, Perm rod sets, Pin curls, Flexi rod sets… basically everything! Whenever I use Flax Seed Gel(FSG) which is full of nourishing benefits and is all natural, I actually like to seal in the FSG too by applying the butter as my last product. If however you are using a store bought commercial gel, you might find it more beneficial to apply the whip before you apply your gel. When it comes to the skin,  I like to apply this after a shower to slightly damp skin to help seal in the moisture. It makes my skin super soft, smooth and lush looking and also helps with faint marks!

I of course had to record my tutorial as well: 

I would love to hear from you if you try this delicious whipped butter! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

 

DIY Whipped Coffee Bean Infused Hair & Body Butter

Hello Lovely Maicurlies,

In my last video I demonstrated how I make my Coffee Bean Infused Butter and today I am using that butter to make a whipped butter for the hair and skin.

DIY Whipped Coffee Bean Infused Hair & Body Butter

DIY Whipped Coffee Bean Infused Hair & Body Butter

In case you missed the post on on how I make my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Butter please click here since that is the base of this recipe.

I have previously swooned about my love for all things coffee when it comes to my hair and skin (and yes it is a guilty drink pleasure too) and so this whipped butter is no exception. 

Benefits of Coffee for the Hair and Skin. 

Hair:

  • Reduces hair shedding and said to reduce excessive hair loss because of the antioxidants present in caffeine.
  • Increases hair growth since caffeine promotes blood circulation in the scalp which promotes growth.
  • Known to darken the hair and slowdown the early onset of grey hairs (with frequent and consistent use)*
  • Adds sine and dimension to the hair due to the darkening effect of the oil

*Should you have bleached/blond or dyed hair you do not want to darken, I suggest trying this with caution. The darkening is nothing drastic or overly evident however there is a potential that you will notice your hair getting a little darker so please keep that in mind. 

Skin:

  • The caffeine helps reduce puffy and dark circles under the eye.
  • Tightens the skin giving you a youthful fresh glow.
  • Its anti-inflammatory properties is said to reduces redness in the skin and inflammation.
  • Known to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
  • Known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
  • Fights free radicals thanks to the antioxidants contained in caffeine.

Apart from the benefits of coffee, the recipe is really simple to throw together and quick to make plus it smells great too! I have written (several times) about the benefits of each individual ingredient used in this particular recipe because I tend to integrate ingredients I know my hair likes over and over. So for a breakdown of each individual ingredient please read these  links Hair and Skin benefits. 

Products/Tools used:

  • 6 oz DIY Coffee Bean Infused Butter 
  • 0.4 oz DIY Vanilla Infused Almond Oil
  • 0.6 oz DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil
  • 2 capsules Vitamin E oil
  • 0.2 oz Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
  • Essential Oil (optional 3 – 5 drops max)
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Gloves
  • Airtight Container
  • Piping bag to transfer the whip to the container (not necessary)

Note: You can use any carrier oil you wish, I just like to reinforce the coffee with a little coffee infused oil. Glycerin is an optional ingredient that can be used (it is a humectant and not everyone’s hair plays well with it). You can also replace the glycerin with raw honey if your hair prefers that. 

I live in really warm weather practically 365 days a year therefore I prefer my butter mix to be more butter focused however, if you want a less firm mix (particularly in winter) then you can add more oil e.g. I suggest using a total of 2 oz  for 6 oz of butter. Keep in mind the more oil you use the more runny it will be particularly in the warm summer months 

Method:

Infused Coffee Bean Butter with carrier oils after being in the freezer for 15 minutes

 Melted Butter with carrier oils after 15 minutes in the freezer

I add the carrier oils to the melted infused butter, stir everything together and then place it in my freezer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes I mix everything together with a spatula, the butter will be harder on the top and softer underneath. I whisk for a good 3 – 5 minutes and then I add the Vitamin E Oil and Glycerin (Essential Oil if you choose to add it) and then place it in my fridge for 5 minutes.

This helps to thicken the whip a little and will help make it fluffier since I re-whip again. After 5 minutes in the fridge I whip for at least 5 minutes and that is it. I like using my spatula to get the whip out of the bowl and then a piping bag to transfer it because I like being “extra” but that is not necessary.

I as always have a video on my channel:

I hope you enjoy the recipe & video, please let me know what you think!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY Edge Regrowth & “Tame” Pomade/Balm

Hey Maicurlies,

I want to share my DIY Edge Regrowth & “Tame” Pomade/Balm. I put the tame in quotation marks just because I am not the biggest fan of people thinking they NEED/HAVE to have their edges “laid”. Personally I do not mind a little frizz but will admit there are times when I want a more “polished” look. If I want my edges “laid” I want to do so with a product that I know is not harming my delicate, fragile and super sensitive edges. So apart from using Flax Seed Gel (if I happen to have it on hand) then this is my “go to”. 

One of the the other reasons why I love this product is because it is a 2 in 1 mix. The most important aspect is that the ingredients used in the mix helps to grow healthy edges, takes care of your edges, is all natural and at the same time can help flyaways/edges (while not being damaging or containing chemicals & alcohols). It does not have a super hard hold but will definitely help with flyaways. 

Edge control and tame pomade-balm

Edge control and tame pomade/balm

I will point out that you will only need a little dab of this at a time since a little goes a LOOOONNG way, so you won’t have to remix again for a while. Those with fine hair (e.g. yours truly) will literally only need to glide their fingertip over the product and it will suffice. P.S you can actually use a tiny amount of this on the ends of your hair too to help keep your twists from unraveling & to seal in moisture on your ends too! (So I guess it is a 3 in one product!) 

If you are wondering why is it a pomade/balm, basically you can select how you want the mix to set and depending on which of the two options you go for, you end up with either a pomade or a balm! Personally I prefer using it as a pomade because it is easier to get out of the container, quickly melts upon contact with your skin and you don’t have to store it in the fridge. It will not go off if it’s not in the fridge because I do not mix liquids (e.g. water, aloe vera juice etc) with the oils and butters. The shelf life should be 6 months to 1 year but it will really depend on the shelf life of the oils and butters you use. I have been using my mix for 2 months now and it is still going strong  even though it is not stored in the fridge. 

Ingredients I use: (I use a 3oz container)

  • 0.9oz. Unrefined Shea Butter
  • 0.5oz. Unrefined Mango Butter (you can use any other semi-soft butter) 
  • 0.7oz. Virgin Coconut Oil 
  • 0.4oz. Coffee Bean infused Almond Oil (can be replaced with any carrier oil)
  • 4 Vitamin E Capsules (roughly 0.2oz.) 
  • 0.15oz. Castor Oil
  • 4 drop Citronella Essential Oil (Optional – you can use any Essential Oil of choice, Peppermint is a good choice to simulate  growth).

Ingredient details

  • Shea Butter – acts as an excellent sealant to help “trap in” moisture and moisturizing products applied to hair. Shea butter is highly moisturizing for the hair on its own as well and has the same affects for the scalp. It provides nourishment to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips; repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. Due to its moisturizing properties it gives hair a natural shine and has  smoothing effect. (“lays” the hair and helps with growth) 
  • Mango Butter –  contains high levels of antioxidants and beneficial vitamins A, C, and E. It is a highly moisturizing butter which is able to restore flexibility, effectively treat dry and itchy scalps and therefore is said to aid the growth of hair. Because of its high content of fatty acids it is believed that it might actually be more moisturizing that Cocoa and even Shea butter! (“lays” your hair and helps with growth).
  • Virgin Coconut Oil –  provides shine and strength to the hair, has conditioning properties and even helps promote a healthy scalp which can result in healthy hair growth. It does not make the hair feel greasy and since it is penetrates into the hair shaft, the oil strengthens from within. Aids in sealing in moisture and works well to stop frizz as well. (“lays” your hair and helps with growth).
  • Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil – reduces hair shedding and said to reduce excessive hair loss because of the antioxidants present in caffeine. Increases hair growth since caffeine promotes blood circulation in the scalp which promotes growth and is known to darken the hair and slowdown the early onset of grey hairs with frequent and consistent use*. (helps with growth). 
  • Vitamin E Oil – commonly used oil to help extend homemade products shelf life (however only for a little bit.) This oil rejuvenates and offers protection to the scalp because of its nourishing properties which can lead to hair growth. (helps with growth). 
  • Castor Oil (Jamaican Black Castor Oil) – considered as a humectant that also happens to hold anti-fungal properties. It helps thicken and grow the hair while working as an excellent sealant. Due to its thick and sticky nature a little goes a long way (which is why I use so little of it). (helps with growth). 

Mixing Instructions:

  1.  Melt down the butters in a double broiler (no more than 5 minutes required) then take it off the heat.
  2. Add the Virgin Coconut Oil to the melted butter (the warmth from the butters will melt the oil).
  3. Add the remaning ingredients: coffee infused almond oil, Vitamin E oil, castor oil & essential oil.
  4. Mix everything really well and pour into your container 

Letting it set/results:

Edge Regrowth and Tame mix before it sets

                                         Edge Regrowth and Tame mix before it sets

Pomade: To make it a pomade just let the mix set at room temperature overnight. Depending on how warm/cold your house is, the mix can become a little more runny or slightly thicker but it will not become extremely firm or liquid.

Edge Regrowth and Tame Pomade

                                               Edge Regrowth and Tame Pomade

Balm: To make a balm you will want to let it set in the fridge for a few hours (minimum 4 hours – best overnight). In order for it to remain a balm you might have to restore it in the fridge after use, however, depending on how warm/cold you house is it can retain a slightly soft “balmy” consistency outside of the fridge after you have let it set. 

Edge Regrowth and Tame Balm

                                                     Edge Regrowth and Tame Balm

DO NOT CARRY THIS PRODUCT IN YOUR BAG, IN YOUR CAR, POCKET ETC BECAUSE IT WILL MELT AND CAN SPILL OUT THE CONTAINER! 

NOTE: I am neither a doctor, a dermatologist or a medical professional. This recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a medical remedy to hair loss, skin disorders or be used as a replacement for anything provided to you by a professional!

How to use:

All you need to do is glide your finger over the product (lightly) and then rub the product on your fingertips to warm it up. Lightly and gently apply it to your edges with your fingertips and then either brush back your edges or tie down a scarf. 

I would really love to hear if you try this or make your own edge regrowth and tame product!

Maicurls

Maicurls

 

Glory Roots Product Review & my DIY Nighttime Under-eye Cream

Hey Maicurlies,

Glory Roots Product ReviewToday I wanted to do a 2 in 1 post (it’s a little long), but first let me set the scene. I was gawking at natural hair pictures on Instagram (IG), when I came across a page: Glory Roots. The products caught my attention because 1. there were a lot of organic/natural and/or unrefined products and 2. a lot of their products come from Africa, mainly Ghana.

After a little search I left a message along the lines of “all your products look awesome” on one of their pictures. Shortly thereafter I was contacted by the company and they very kindly offered to send me two products to try out. (THANK YOU Glory Roots!!) 

Please note, While I was sent the products I was not requested to write a review. I decided to do so on my own since I planned to use them in DIY experiments and wanted to share my results with all of you. I informed them that I planned to write a honest review based on my own personal opinions, which they encouraged since they wanted honest feedback.

The company is based in the Uk and I copied a snippet about Glory Roots from their Site:

Glory Roots is a specialist health & wellbeing online store offering a large range of organic and unrefined products. This includes our own Glory Roots range and many other trusted specialist imported brands that have been faithful staples over the years of many households and native lifestyles. Available products include: – body butters – herbal remedies – bitters – soaps – essential oils – creams & lotions – ointments – nuts & seeds, and many many more!

Source: http://www.gloryroots.com/

They offered to send me one product they recommend and I could select one of my choice. The 100% Pure Coconut Oil from Ghana (unrefined and unprocessed) was their selection and mine was the 100% Pure Cocoa Butter also sourced from Ghana (unrefined and unprocessed).

What I did was to try both products on their own and then in a DIY mix.

100% Pure Coconut Oil (100ml) – £5.00

100% Pure Coconut Oil - 100ml

100% Pure Coconut Oil – 100ml

Scent – It has a mild coconut scent to it. I will state that the Virgin Coconut Oil I normally use for both my hair and skin does seem to be a little more “coco-nutty”.

Colour – The Virgin Coconut Oil I normally use seems to be a little less yellow, (paler) compared to their oil. I am not sure but perhaps the type of coconut, how it is grown and where it grows makes a difference in the scent and colour (my Virgin Coconut Oil comes from India). Regardless,  I did see a slight colour difference between mine and theirs.

Package/Consistency/Feel The bottle was sturdy and the plastic used along with the lid did not let any of the oil spill out. When I first received the oil, the weather was still pretty warm so it was a fluid liquid. However, when I tested it out the weather had gotten colder and that of course started to turn the oil into more of a thick liquid state (which is normal). When applied, the oil was quickly absorbed into my skin leaving me with smooth, shiny (not greasy) as well as moisturized skin. I also used it to seal moisture in my hair and again my hair looked shiny without feeling greasy and I was left with a mild coconut scent, yum.

100% Pure Cocoa Butter 70g £3.50

100% Pure Cocoa Butter - 70g

100% Pure Cocoa Butter – 70g

Scent – There is a subtle chocolate smell to their 100% Pure Cocoa Butter. In comparison to my “normal” Unrefined Cocoa Butter I probably would have been happier if theirs had a stronger chocolate scent (since I love chocolate) however, for those that are sensitive to strong scents, it is not overpowering.

Colour – it has a slightly off white color similar to my “normal” Unrefined Cocoa Butter. (In the image the Cocoa butter looks a little white but it is off white in person).

Package/Consistency/Feel – Again the package is sturdy and you can tell it held the butter well because during transportation the butter must have melted a little bit (due to temperature differences) and at some point when it became a solid again the package was placed sideways which is why it solidified at an angle before I received it (notice the gap in the image). Keep in mind that does not impact its effectiveness or quality or the product. Due to the changes in temperature the butter was ever so slightly grainy but it melted down completely as soon as I rubbed a bit of it in my palms and left me with super moist skin that looked supple yet not greasy (no graininess either).

Overview: I enjoy using both of the products on their own and in DIY product mixes and think both work really when they are applied on my hair and skin. The only thing is my nose wishes the Cocoa Butter smelt a little more like chocolate and the Coconut Oil smelt a little more “coco-nutty”. As I mentioned I got the 70g Cocoa Butter and 100ml Coconut Oil which are ideal sizes if you want to see how your skin/hair likes them. They have different sized products available on Glory Roots Site but I would suggest going for the larger ones after you have tried them out. Then again, the little bottles might be sufficient for some, but since I am a DIY freak, little bottles are not enough for me :D. I really appreciate the fact that Glory Roots allowed me to try out their lovely products (thanks again!) and I would say if you are looking for raw products, check out their site.

DIY Under-Eye Cream (for the night)

DIY Under eye cream

DIY Under eye cream

Mix Instructions – (I used a 1.7oz container)

  1. I measure out 0.5oz Pure Cocoa Butter and 0.3 oz Pure Coconut Oil and placed them in a heat proof glass to double broil.
  2. I double broil for less than 5 minutes on medium heat, take it off the heat and add 0.1 oz of my DIY Coffee Infused Oil. (You do not have to use this particular carrier oil however coffee/caffeine is excellent for reducing puffiness).
  3. I place the mix in my freezer for 10 minutes to let it become a little thick and hard.
  4. I mix everything together with a spoon, add 3 capsules of Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz) and mix again for 5 minutes till it becomes a smooth yogurt like consistency. (You might need to rigorously mix).
  5. I transferred the mix into my container and let it rest. (In picture 5 the “cream” still has a yogurt-like consistency right after mixing.)
  6. After it has “set” the consistency resembles more of a thick cream which is a little firm but easily comes out of the jar with a simple pat with your finger over the cream.

Application

After you have washed your face and removed your makeup, make sure your hands are clean and dry before applying. You only need to use a tiny tiny dab under each eye at night and gently glide your finger over your skin. It will melt immediately upon contact and will absorb easily (just make sure not to use too much!) With frequent use it should help reduce puffy under eyes, dark circles as well as help reduce fine lines. Please keep in mind, in some cases puffy under-eyes and dark circles can be hereditary or a sign of illness and this cream is not meant to be a replacement for any medication/ointments provided from medical professionals. Do not get the cream in your eyes because it might sting and remember a little goes a LOOONG way!

TIP: This mix should last you a long time if you use it lightly and the shelf life should be at least 6 months (if not 1 year). Always use clean and dry hands when applying the product to avoid contamination in the jar since there are no preservatives and try to use an airtight container for longer shelf life. You can store the cream in your fridge during the summer, this will make the cream hard but it still will melt upon contact with your skin nonetheless. 

 *I have a list of all the benefits and properties of each ingredient used here*

Have you tried Glory Roots before, if so which products and what do you think? Have you made your own nighttime under-eye cream? I would love to hear if you try my mix!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY Body Butter Bars (2 recipes)

Hey Maicurlies,

At long last I have a skin care tutorial & video! This is going to be about my DIY Body Butter Bars, I LOVE these gems! They are excellent for the winter months when the weather is cold and dry resulting in dry and sensitive skin.

Body Butter Bars

Body Butter Bars

I have 2 different recipes my CoSheaCo Bars (I add some exfoliating ingredients to make a few exfoliating Body Bars) and my Simple CocoaCo Bars which only consists of 2 ingredients.

What are Body Butter Bars?

Literally they are bars made up of oils and melted butters to help moisturize and seal in moisture. You can add additional ingredients to make them super moisturizing e.g. glycerin/honey/agave nectar or coffee beans/dried roses/dried lavender/sea salt etc to make them exfoliating Body Butter Bars. They can be used in place of lotions or creams after a shower or bath.

Ingredients

CoSheaCo Bars (recipe yields 6 large and 3 small bars)

CoSheaCo body butter bars

  • 125ml Unrefined Cocoa butter (4.2oz)
  • 80ml Unrefined Shea Butter (2.7oz)
  • 60ml Virgin Coconut Oil (2oz)
  • 40ml Coffee infused almond oil (use any carrier oil of choice) (1.4oz)
  • 1 teaspoon glycerin (optional) – can replace with raw honey (my teaspoon is 0.1oz or 3ml)
  • 20 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional) – use any essential oil of choice. (If you are pregnant do not use essential oils!)

CocoaCo Bars (recipe yields 4 small bars)

CocoaCo Bars

Instructions

1. I slowly melt the butters using a double broiler in a heat proof glass bowl. 2. I take the melted butters off the heat and add the Virgin Coconut Oil. 3. I add the other ingredients (e.g. Glycerin, Coffee infused oil and Essential oil in the CoSheaCo bars) once I know the butters are not really warm. 4. If you are making exfoliating bars put your chosen ingredients (coffee beans and rose petals) in the molds and then pour the melted butters and oils into the mold. 5. I let the mixture sit on a counter for a few minutes and then place the molds in my fridge.  I prefer setting mine overnight (let them set for no less than 4 – 5 hours until they are completely firm, longer if possible). 6. Once they are set, gently pull back the edges of the molds and the bars will slide out.

I use silicon molds but for the purposes of this demo I also used metal molds in case you don’t have silicon ones. 

Storing the bars:

I always store my bars in the fridge in an airtight container. Since I do not use Beeswax in my recipe there is the potential of the bars melting in warm climates or hot households (more likely in summer) but I do not risk it so I store all but the one I will be using in the fridge*. The fridge and airtight container also helps to keep the bars from going “off” too quickly, but the general shelf life of the bars should be 6 months – 1 year since no bacteria inviting ingredients (e.g water, Aloe Vera juice etc) are used in combination with the oils and butters in the recipe. I keep the bar being used in an airtight container in a dark cupboard in my bathroom room.

* There is nothing “wrong” with beeswax, it is a natural ingredient but I choose not to use it simply because it tends to sit on my skin and I do not like that feeling (I have sensitive skin). There are thousands of Body Butter Bar recipes online that follow the same ingredients I use but also include beeswax.

How to use:

After a shower I don’t completely dry off all the water with a towel, I then rub the bar between my dry palms and apply like I would a body cream. The bar will help trap in moisture from the water and also add amazing benefits from the butters and oils. With the exfoliating bars I rub the bar itself onto my skin to get the additional scrubbing effect.

Benefits of the ingredients used:

Cocoa butter – is known for its deep hydrating and moisturizing properties due to its high fatty acid content. It is said that the butter can help reduce stretch marks and the fact that Cocoa butter is packed with antioxidants, means that it can help fight off free radicals and skin irritations such as eczema and dermatitis.

Coffee bean infused almond oil – is rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E, has been used to improve the skins complexion and its emollient properties soften the skin. Almond oil is quickly absorb into the skin and has healing and hydrating properties. The coffee bean infusion helps to tighten the skin giving you a youthful fresh glow, reduce the appearance of cellulite, reduce redness and skin inflammation and is known to fight free radicals thanks to the antioxidants contained in caffeine.

Coconut oil (Virgin) – is very good at re-hydrating the skin because it is absorbed into the skin and conditions, moisturizes, and softens the skin. Coconut oil naturally clears away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells and due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The oil acts as a good protectant against skin irritations and rashes. It is known to soothe insect bites, flaking skin and mildly sun damaged skin.

Glycerin (Vegetable) – is a natural humectant that draws moisture onto the skin by extracting it out of the air. Apart from its ability to draw in moisture, it is also known to help retain moisture in the skin. This makes Glycerin a great agent in fighting rough, dry, irritated and dull skin. It also makes it an excellent skin plumping product.

Grapefruit essential oil – aside from its delicious scent, it has antiseptic qualities and helps to clean and clear congested skin and to treat oily skin.

Rose petals & Coffee beans – used as exfoliating ingredients to help remove dead skin cells and stimulating blood flow.

Shea butter – is highly moisturizing, improves the skin’s softness, suppleness as well as soothes burns. Shea butter can also be used as a mild “sun protectant”, soothes, moisturizes and is an effective anti-aging & anti-wrinkling butter.

I have a video on my YouTube Channel (below) showing you exactly how I make both Body Butter Bars.

Have you used/made a Body Butter Bar before? What is your favorite? I would love to hear from you 🙂

Maicurls

Maicurls