Hey go-getters, dream chasers and mindfulness creators! Samantha here! I’ve rounded up my favorite “at-the-moment” products that are about to CHANGE your wellness & beauty game.
These are a few of my current life-hacks that will have you feeling good on the inside and looking good on the outside - the BEST part, they’re basically 100% natural and they’re dope AF. Shall we?
1. COFFEE FACE MASKS -
Yep, you read that right! Coffee isn’t just a beverage anymore and according to the American Chemical Society, coffee is the most popular source of antioxidants in the United States — even more so than other antioxidant-rich beverages, such as tea and wine!
Why you need coffee to the face, like now..
Reduced Inflammation - Anti-inflammatory effects may be attributed to chlorogenic acid (CGA) as well as melanoidins in coffee. CGA is also linked to reducing hyperpigmentation that may have a connection with inflammation.
Vitamin B-3 for skin cancer - Coffee is a rich source of vitamin B3 (niacin), thanks to a breakdown of a key compound called trigonelline. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, niacin may be helpful in preventing nonmelanoma skin cancers and can possibly prevent other skin growths.
Anti-aging benefits - Applying coffee directly to your skin may help decrease the appearance of sun spots, redness, and fine lines.
Dark circles - Coffee may also help treat stubborn dark circles under the eyes, according to Beverly Hills MD Cosmeceuticals. This is because the caffeine content in coffee is thought to help dilate blood vessels that contribute to dark circles.
Acne treatment - In the case of a wound or frequent skin infections, the regular use of coffee could help combat problems from harmful bacteria. The CGAs in coffee have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Combined with the natural exfoliation of coffee grounds, all these benefits can collectively fight acne.
Okay, okay! You want the recipe! Well, GET READY TO GLOW. Here’s a coffee mask DIY I’ve been obsessed with, lately.. Especially since these ingredients I already have in my kitchen! Ugh, so easy.
HOW TO:
1) Mix together equal parts olive oil and coffee grounds
2) Add in 1 TBSP of honey
3) Apply to your face in a circular motion
4) Leave the mask on between 15 and 60 minutes
5) Rinse off with warm water. Repeat up to three times per week
*Or if you tend to have oily skin to begin with.. substitute the olive oil for lemon juice (contains natural vitamin C to lighten, brighten, and tighten, all while regulating oil production) and nix the honey!
REMEMBER: Coffee is a multipurpose product that can potentially offer a variety of skincare benefits. Still, it’s a good idea to follow up with your dermatologist if you’re not seeing the desired results after several weeks of treatment. Be sure to give any new skin treatment at least a few weeks before moving on to another treatment, whether it’s coffee-based or not.
Get ready to be OBSESSED. I’ve tried numerous “high-end” mascaras.. and even the drugstore classics.. Anyone remember “Great Lash” by Maybelline? You know the one.. pink bottle with the green cap?
And if you’re like me, we somehow end up with 7 different mascaras claiming to do everything from lifting to thickening.. and we use all 7 until our lashes are crusty, clumpy and NOT CUTE. But no longer!
When it comes to makeup, I don’t like to take a long time.. Nor do I like reapplying in the middle of the day... I want to put on my face and GO!
So I just really need to give this mascara the attention it deserves..
The YOUTH 2-in-1 lash conditioner and mascara lengthens (like, for real), VOLUMIZES, and lifts your lashes to open up your eye (look alive!) and create fuller looking lashes. A LITERAL LASH DREAM COME TRUE.
Why you’ll be obsessed too:
- The formula is creamy AF and goes on so smoothly. (Like I said, no clumps)
- ½ of the brush has shorter bristles for creating volume, the other ½ has longer bristles for adding definition
- SMUDGE-FREE
- It doesn’t flake off during the day and end up under your eyes
- LONG-LASTING
- Has a natural-derived mineral pigment which provides a glossy-looking black finish (STUNNING)
- It washes off SO EASILY and doesn’t leave you losing lashes or looking like Marilyn Manson after your shower
- Strengthens lashes and roots and protects from environmental damage
I’ve noticed my lashes are longer and seem trained to stay lifted whereas before I had stubbly straight lashes from years of extensions. This has been a GAME CHANGER for me - DEF my favorite every day mascara. I HOPE YOU LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DO.
Kylie Jenner, who? Just kidding, we admire Ky’s hustle.. but Jessica Alba’s line HONEST BEAUTY has one of the top - if not, THE BEST - liquid lipsticks out there.
I’ll get straight to the point..
It’s a vegan (dope AF) matte liquid lipstick with a flexible feel in 8 high-pigment payoff shades - Totally obsessed with the shades HAPPINESS, GODDESS & FEARLESS right now.
The vegan formula nourishes (thanks, avocado oil), feels flexible (no more tight/dry lippies) and instantly hydrates (hello, hyaluronic acid) to keep that color power going strong and feeling fabulous.
I even carry the shade HAPPINESS in my gym bag for when I have a meeting or coffee with friends following barre class. Sleek (sweaty) low bun and a warm pink lip? Effortless.
Picture this: You just got home from a long day at work, you’re really not in the mood to do anything but pour a glass of wine, watch Netflix and scroll aimlessly through the ‘gram to “relax.” Sound just about right? WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE. But we’re all about making healthy habits here, right? (Who says people can’t change?)
Let’s rewind.. You come home from work, slip off your shoes and make yourself a delicious din-din and begin running the tub (“they say” you should wait 30 minutes after eating to bathe for proper digestion..) And life is all about the experience so go ahead, get a ‘lil fancy and light some candles and find that jazz playlist on Spotify you love because it gives total chic spa vibes (or opt for your favorite podcast!) Once the tub is ready, drop a BATH BAR in and get ready to indulge in all the self-care bennies. Hey! You could probably even do your coffee mask while you're in the tub! That's the kind of multi-tasking we support!
My fav “benefit” is definitely CALMING: Calming effervescent bath bars soften while infusing bathwater with a stress-relieving blend of sandalwood, amber, and vanilla. Rose clay gently purifies and prepares your skin to absorb the minerals from pink sea salts, while rich cocoa butter leaves your skin feeling soft and silky smooth. Perfect for all skin types. (description from website)
I so look forward to my night of relaxation (usually Mondays!) Not only does it help me relax and keep my sanity, but these BATH BARS are designed to bring all the benefits of natural ingredients, so you can shine from the GOODS, not the glitter. (Read their reasoning behind using the word BAR not BOMB.. I loled!)
Why these bars are top notch:
- They’re VEGAN/GLUTEN-FREE
formulated through experimentation with raw materials (such as butters, clays, botanicals, and essential oils)
- BSB is committed to sustainability by using paper and glass packaging where possible in an effort to reduce plastic production
- A portion of each sale goes to Sea Legacy, a BC-based non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation (SO COOL!)
- What’s neat is you can either purchase the bars separately, by “benefit” package OR as a SURPRISE BOX!
Pro tip: After your tub, put your phone away.. throw on some comfies.. turn on the kettle to make yourself some chamomile tea (GREAT for reducing inflammation and anxiety and treating insomnia..) grab that book you’ve been meaning to read (that’s been sitting on your shelf for like, ever.) I SWEAR, you’ll have one of the best night sleeps you’ve had in awhile and wake up feeling REFRESHED AF. You deserve it!
Well babes.. that’s the round-up! What do you think? Who doesn’t love a little bit of DIY/self-care/on-the-go goodies!? What are some of YOUR go-to’s right now? I’d love to try them out!
Xx,
Samantha Dahlborg, Blogger/Designer/Model
@SHEFEELSCITRINE - LIFESTYLE & BEAUTY BLOG