I like this facial mask recipe because it contains two of my favorite ingredients–coffee and chocolate. I used to work as a barista at a local coffee stand and one of the most popular drinks was an iced mocha, which provided the inspiration for this cleansing facial mask. The milk and coffee contain naturally occurring acids that help rid your skin of surface debris and dead skin cells, and the cocoa powder helps condition and soothe your complexion. This is a fun mask to give as a gift: Simply package the dry ingredients in a small cellophane bag and place it inside a cute espresso cup or coffee mug. Include directions for mixing the dry ingredients with milk and using the mask. It will definitely perk up your friend’s day. MAKES 4 OUNCES
• 1/4 cup finely ground coffee, preferably espresso roast
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
1. Stir all ingredients together until you have a smooth paste.
2. To use: After cleansing your face, spread the entire mixture over face and neck, avoiding the delicate areas around your eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse well with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Reprinted with permission from EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends. © 2009 by Lauren Cox and Janice Cox. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA. Photo Credit: Angie Cao.
Click here for the main article, Body & Soul: Shine Through to Spring with Natural Beauty Recipes.
