It's a friend's birthday coming up, so decided to try something new to give as a gift - lotion bars, a solid moisturising treat. I used the 'recipe' from Wellness Mama which also had a bronzing effect - using coffee!! I love that coffee has yet another use - good for daily java fix, the garden and now, in my moisturiser!
I've made two lots - one with coffee infused oil, the other with regular coconut oil and some essential oils (carrot seed, for the colour, lavender for the lovely smell).
To infuse the coconut oil you just put the oil you will need into a small saucepan along with about half that amount of coffee grinds. I used a cup of oil and a half cup of coffee and fresh grinds, but I don't see why you couldn't use used coffee grounds, saved from the morning's plunger. It's just for the pigment, after all. Simmer together on a low heat for a long time (I left it on the stove for a good couple of hours). Once finished, remove from heat and strain through some cheesecloth, or an old tee shirt or something.
For the bars themselves...
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup beeswax
1/4 cup shea butter
15 drops essential oil (if using)
- Combine all ingredients (except the essential oil) in a large jar and place in saucepan with water on stovetop (DIY double boiler).
- Stir ingredients until they are melted together.
- Remove from heat and add essential oil.
- Pour into molds - I used silicon muffin cups. Silicon is key, 'cause it means you can easily turn them out once completely cooled. Once I had taken them out of the molds I put them in the fridge for a few hours, then kept them in a dark, cool cupboard until it was time to give them away/use them.
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