Buzz
If you're seeking an inexpensive, effortless, and entirely natural method to infuse your skin with a touch of color, consider the potential of coffee. Coffee serves as an excellent budget-friendly beauty solution, particularly for those desiring tan skin without resorting to harsh chemicals. You can achieve a coffee tan by crafting a coffee-based tanning lotion, blending coffee grounds with olive oil, or by simmering used coffee grounds.
Steps
Creating a Coffee-Based Tanning Lotion
Begin by pouring 8 ounces (250 milliliters) of water into a standard coffee maker. You'll need approximately a cup of highly concentrated coffee for your tanning lotion, so only add enough water to brew that quantity. Brewing an entire pot of coffee will result in a dilute mixture, as a standard coffee maker lacks the capacity to accommodate sufficient coffee grounds for such strong brews.
- If you typically use a different coffee maker, such as a French Press, it's still suitable for brewing your tanning coffee as long as you can add ample coffee grounds to brew an extra-strong concoction.
Measure out 6 tablespoons of coffee and place them in a coffee filter. Adjust the amount of coffee based on your preference for a stronger brew, which will yield a deeper color for your lotion.
- Opt for caffeinated coffee to potentially improve the appearance of cellulite.
- You can use either medium or dark roast coffee, with dark roast producing a more intense color.
- If you prefer not to measure precisely, fill the filter with enough coffee for a full pot but only add water for one cup.
Brew your coffee. Start your coffee maker and let it brew. Once the brewing cycle finishes, switch off the machine to prevent the coffee from staying too hot on the warming plate. Allow your coffee to cool down before proceeding with making your lotion.
Let the coffee cool to room temperature. Once the coffee is no longer hot, it's time to prepare your lotion mixture. Keep the coffee in the pot until you're ready to incorporate it into your lotion.
Pour 8 ounces (250 milliliters) of white lotion into a large bowl. Any white lotion will work; opt for a thick consistency as it will be diluted by the coffee.
- If you choose an all-natural lotion, your coffee tanning lotion becomes a chemical-free alternative to store-bought self-tanners.
Incorporate the coffee into the lotion. Add the cooled coffee to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Keep stirring until the lotion achieves a uniform color, ranging from dark beige to light brown depending on the coffee's strength.
Transfer your coffee tanning lotion into a suitable storage container. Ideal options include the original lotion bottle, a saved bottle or jar, or a food-grade storage container. Opt for a container that allows for easy dispensing of the lotion.
- Ensure the container is clean before transferring the lotion.
- If your lotion doesn't fit in one container, you can divide it into multiple containers.
Massage the lotion into your skin. Apply the lotion like you would a regular self-tanner or body lotion. Let it dry completely before putting on clothes. Your tan should become visible immediately.
- Wash your hands promptly after applying the lotion to avoid darker patches, as hands tend to absorb more color due to frequent contact with the lotion.
- Keep in mind that your tan may fade after showering or swimming.
Incorporate the coffee tanning lotion into your daily routine. Maintain your tan by using the lotion daily after showering.
- If you use the lotion quickly, storing it in the bathroom is convenient. For longer shelf life, store it in the refrigerator.
- To adjust the color, modify the amount of coffee used in your next batch of tanning lotion.
Blending Coffee Grounds and Olive Oil
Measure out 1 cup (250 milliliters) of freshly used coffee grounds. Warm grounds work best for optimal results.
Combine the coffee grounds with 1 cup (250 milliliters) of olive oil. Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
- You can adjust the quantities to make more or less tanning oil, ensuring equal parts coffee grounds and olive oil.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This allows the coffee to infuse the oil. Meanwhile, prepare your bathroom for your tanning routine by getting ready for a shower.
Enter your shower area. Stand in the shower without turning on the water. As you use the tanning oil, the mixture will flow down into the drain.
- You can also cover your floor with paper or plastic bags.
- After the treatment, clean your shower area.
Apply the mixture to your skin. Massage the oil and coffee into your skin for 5 minutes, focusing on areas with cellulite as the caffeine can help improve their appearance.
- Wearing gloves is advisable to avoid staining your hands.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Stay in the shower while the tanning solution works on your skin. Avoid moving around to prevent spills and stains on surfaces like bathroom rugs or towels.
Shower to remove the mixture. Rinse off the tanning oil with a warm shower, paying attention to areas like underarms and groin to remove any residual grounds.
- Avoid shaving or scrubbing your skin immediately after applying the coffee-oil mixture to preserve your tan.
Repeat every other week. Maintain your tan by following this routine bi-weekly.
- Prepare a fresh batch of tanning oil for each application.
Boiling Used Coffee Grounds
Transfer 1 cup (250 milliliters) of used coffee grounds into a medium-sized pot. Use recently brewed grounds for optimal results. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate two cups (500 milliliters) but not too large to avoid water evaporation.
Include 1 cup (250 milliliters) of water. Stir the mixture to blend the coffee and water, ensuring even color distribution and preventing coffee clumps from sticking to the pot's bottom.
- To make more tanning solution, increase both coffee grounds and water proportionally.
Bring the coffee grounds to a boil. Boil your water and let it boil for around two minutes. Avoid overboiling as it can lead to water evaporation.
Let the mixture cool down. Allow the coffee-water blend to cool to room temperature before using it.
- Do NOT apply the product if it's too hot to prevent burns.
Massage the cooled coffee-water onto your skin. Rub the mixture of water and grounds onto your body, ensuring even distribution of coffee grounds on your skin.
- Wearing gloves is recommended to avoid staining your hands.
Give it 15 minutes for the tan to develop. Set a timer and remain still to allow the coffee to penetrate your skin. Keep the coffee grounds on your skin during this time.
Rinse off the coffee grounds. Avoid washing or shaving immediately after to avoid removing your tan accidentally. Pat your skin dry gently with a towel when finished.
Helpful Tips
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Apply your coffee tanner on the day you want to achieve a tan.
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Opt for caffeinated coffee for potential cellulite benefits.
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Consider using a spray bottle for easier application.
Important Warnings
- Your tan may fade if you swim or get caught in the rain.
- Wait for the product to completely dry to avoid staining your clothes.
- Handle your products with care as they can cause stains.
- Be cautious to prevent burns; ensure your coffee has cooled before use.
