DIY Coffee Body Scrub!
3 ingredient DIY coffee scrub
~Lavender, Coffee and Coconut Oil Body Scrub~
I love this body coffee scrub and it’s so easy to make! It’s definitely an easy, lazy DIY coffee scrub. We’re going to approximate the amount of the 3 ingredients used. Play around with the consistency you like! If you’d like a more moisturizing scrub, add more coconut oil. If you prefer it like a sugar scrub, add more coffee grounds. It’s really that easy!
If you’re a coffee lover, this will put to use the leftover coffee grounds that are left in the coffee filter after you make your morning coffee!
The coffee grounds exfoliate, and the caffeine content in the coffee promotes blood flow.
The coconut oil moisturizes your skin.
The lavender essential oil adds an aromatherapy and relaxing experience to your scrub.
If you would like to stick with organic skincare, simply keep your 3 ingredients organic! :)
What you’ll need:
Organic coconut oil
Organic lavender essential oil
Organic coffee grounds
Coffee Maker
Jar
Directions:
Brew your morning coffee.
Add leftover coffee grounds to your jar.
Add about 1tbsp - 2tbsp of Coconut Oil to the jar with coffee grounds.
Add a few drops of lavender oil to the coconut oil and coffee grounds.
Mix all 3 ingredients together.
Each time you make coffee, keep adding the coffee grounds to the jar, and continue replenishing your coffee scrub jar.
I especially love the smell of coffee, lavender and coconut oil while I’m exfoliating with this scrub in the shower.
That’s it! Enjoy!!! :)
X O
Laura
Pin it! Save it to your collection.
Easy DIY Healthy Detox Tea Recipe!
Metabolism boosting. Detoxifying. Natural caffeine content. Simple vegan recipe for beginners!Oolong Tea Metabolism and Detox Recipe!
Save this recipe to your Pinterest!
This recipe makes 2 large mason jars to refrigerate for the whole week :) In this recipe we will brew the tea using a coffee maker!
This is a detoxing tea great to drink first thing in the morning to stimulate your metabolism. It also aids in digestion to drink before eating.
***This recipe is not a replacement solution for any health ailments. It is simply a metabolism boosting and detoxing drink with a high antioxidant content! :)
BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS USED:
Oolong Tea-Filled with antioxidants such as calcium, manganese, copper, carotin, selenium, potassium, and magnesium and detoxifying alkaloids. Helps improve mental alertness, helps manage stress, increases metabolism, and contains a natural caffeine, and more.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin. Helps detoxify your liver and lymphatic system. Great free radical protection from inside the body, and more.
Ginger- Improves digestion, reduces inflammation in the body, reduces blood sugar, anti-microbial properties, and more.
Lemon- Helps create digestive enzymes in your liver, high in vitamin C, high in antioxidants, and more.
Scroll down for a step-by-step gallery and the directions! Products are linked for your convenience.
What You’ll Need:
1) 3 Oolong tea packets.
2) 6 lemons
3) 2 large pieces of ginger
4) 2 shot glasses of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
1) Take your 3 Oolong tea packets and simply rip the tea bags open to use the tea inside the packet.
2) Sprinkle the oolong tea into your coffee maker, where you would normally put your coffee.
3) Fill the coffee maker with the maximum amount of water it can hold.
4) Cut 2 large pieces of ginger and place inside the coffee maker before brewing.
5) Now turn on your coffee maker.
6) After the tea is finished brewing, allow the tea to cool down on the counter before adding the lemon and apple cider vinegar.
7) Once cooled, distribute the brewed tea into 2 large mason jars.
8) Now, squeeze 3 lemons into one jar and 3 lemons into the other.
9) Add a shot glass of apple cider vinegar to each jar.
10) Shake each jar. You’re done! Place the jars in the refrigerator for the week.
Enjoy!
X O,
Laura
Chia Seed Pudding! Easy Vegan Breakfast Recipe!
Vegan. Low carb. Could be a breakfast or dessert! Make individuals for the whole week! :)Chia Seed Pudding DIY Vegan Recipe
Vegan, Low Carb and Sweet
Perfect for breakfast, or even a dessert
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board!
I just made Chia Seed Pudding for the first time this week and already know this will be a daily breakfast and dessert for me. Since I don’t like eggs, and I’m vegetarian, my go-to breakfast has been oatmeal for the last 2 years. But, I needed a change, and something that wasn’t too heavy, but where I still felt full.
Ok, so this whole recipe of throwing it together took me about 15 minutes to make.
Ingredients (1 serving):
Chia Seed Pudding:
-Coconut Milk, unsweetened (3/4 Cup)
-Coconut Nectar (1 tbsp) *or maple syrup/fav sweetener
-Chia Seeds (1/8 Cup)
-Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Toppings:
-1 Apple
-Cinnamon (not measured)
-Cocoa Nibs (not measured)
Directions:
Add coconut milk into each bowl.
Add chia seeds into each bowl.
Add vanilla extract and coconut nectar. Stir mixture.
Allow the pudding to sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes and stir mixture every few minutes.
Finally, cover each bowl with foil, or a top, and place in refrigerator overnight.
Tip: If the mixture is too liquid-y, you can add more chia seeds to thicken it.
Tip: In the morning, you can put any toppings you want on top your pudding. I chose apples and cinnamon with cacao nibs. However, other ideas are strawberries, blueberries, your favorite fruits, shredded coconut flakes, or granola.
Scroll down for linked products used in this recipe and a gallery!
Chia Seed pudding and morning coffee <3
Healthy lifestyle and wellness tip—>
If you’re wondering what Coconut Nectar is, it is the sap from the flower of a coconut tree. Coconut nectar has a low glycemic index, which means it does not spike your blood sugar compared to agave, or maple syrup, or processed sugar. Coconut nectar has 17 amino acids and a ton of other beneficial minerals in it. I buy mine at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Pavilions. It comes in 2 flavors, Blonde or Amber…I use both! (For this chia seed pudding I used Amber just because that’s what was in my cupboard at the time :) )
Hope you love chia pudding as much as I do!!!
XO XO,
Laura
Raiding Products in the Pharmacy in France!
Scroll through and see my French pharmacy product picks! :)
One of my favorite parts of France is visiting their pharmacy.
French FDA regulations for cosmetics in France are different than in the United States. So, certain skincare ingredients are found in French products, but these ingredients are not found in the U.S. version of the same product.
Here are the products I picked and why….
La Roche Posay Sunscreen, Anthelios line
Star ingredients: Mexoryl, other names for Mexoryl…. Mexoryl SX (Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or ecamsule), Mexoryl XL (drometrizole trisiloxane)
In Europe, skin care manufacturers have the option to choose out of 7 UVA-ray filtering ingredients that deliver better performance advantages than UVA filters available in the United States. The sun’s UVA rays cause premature ageing while its UVB rays cause sunburn. Mexoryl, protects against both UVA-1 and UVA-2 rays.
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone are UVA-ray filters used in the United States which don’t compare to the UVA protection offered by Mexoryl. **Mexoryl is a safe ingredient as far as I know, and is currently under FDA review in the United States **
“Research data has shown that Mexoryl in particular is more effective than either zinc oxide or titanium oxide alone in blocking UVA/UVB rays, and in fact blocks in a similar range to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in combination. Mexoryl, available as SX (water soluble) and XL (lipid soluble), is very effective for two reasons: one, it is very stable [as a benzylidene camphor derivative], and two, because it absorbs light at a broader range of UVA wavelengths than many other chemical sunscreens. ”
My first choice for the La Roche-Posay, Anthelios line was Dermo-Pediatrics SPF50+ since its formula is sensitive enough for children, while still containing full UVA protection. I just prefer sensitive skin formulas in sunscreen.
The second choice was Anthelios XL 50+ since it contains Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX, and nice for everyday use, but also still perfect for the beach since it’s waterproof. It also comes in a 250ml bottle as opposed to the smaller bottle!!
Caudalie Vine[Activ] eye cream
Star ingredient: Resveratrol
Caudalie uses the antioxidant found in red wine, resveratrol, which is the highly coveted anti-aging antioxidant found in red wine. Researchers have found that topical resveratrol has a 17-fold greater antioxidant content than idebenone, which is also an expensive and powerful antioxidant used in anti-aging products. What better way than to invest in some anti-aging resveratrol when it’s sourced right from one of the main wine regions in France, Bordeaux and is at a bargain price when compared to the price sold in the U.S.!
Vine[Active] is amazing because it uses a high concentration of grape polyphenols, I like to apply this antioxidant defense in the morning lightly patting under my eyes, under my eyes and under my brow bone.
Caudalie Masque Purifiant
Star ingredients: Kaolin clay and Bentonite clay
I love Caudalie’s Masque Purifiant because it’s purifying with Kaolin (the second ingredient used) and Bentonite clay and also delivers a high concentration of antioxidants from plant origin. You can use this mask 2-3 times a week, and I like to apply to my face and décolletage. **All the ingredients are the same in this formula as in the United States’ formula, but the price is lower!
Nuxe Paris Huile Prodigieuse, a shimmering dry oil
Star ingredients: Camellia Oil, Argan Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Olive Oil, Rosemary extract, Tomato fruit extract
The next product I had to snag is by Nuxe Paris, Huile Prodigieuse. Not only does the bronze/gold oil contain shimmering gold particles, but it contains skin benefitting ingredients to nourish your skin at the same time. The finish is non-greasy and the scent is like wearing a perfume in itself. Definitely a favorite of mine, and of course, the price is unbeatable and cheaper than in the U.S.! The application is via a spray glass bottle accentuated by a beautiful gold cap. I love to apply it to my legs, arms, and décolletage when I’m wearing a dress or shorts on a night out. It can also be applied to your body or hair.
Savon Liquide de Marseille a’l’Huile d’ Argan
Star ingredients: Argan Oil, Rose essential oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Coconut Oil
The last product I grabbed on my pharmacy haul was Savon Liquide de Marseille a’ l’ Huile d’ Argan, for only 5 euros and at a 500ml bottle. With Argan Oil, Rose essential Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AND Coconut oil, the price for this body wash is a steal. I saw this product as I was checking out and was amazed at the price for the amount in the bottle and the quality of ingredients within this. What’s great about body washes like this is that they are moisturizing enough to use as a shaving gel.
Tip—> If you aren’t headed to France anytime soon, check pharmamundi.com or frenchcosmeticsforless.com to order products overseas. The shipping time could be up to a month.
XO
Laura
Laura Dern of "Big Little Lies" Shares Her Beauty Truths!
Laura Dern, of “Big Little Lies,” “Twin Peaks” and “Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi,” sits down with the New York Times and shares her beauty truths. Dern has access to the best-of-the-best in beauty tips, secrets, insights and treatments from around the world in her career as an A-list actress …..
Laura Dern’s interview in NY Times
Julie Hewett’s Organic Camellia Oil- Industry staple
Laura Dern, of “Big Little Lies,” “Twin Peaks” and “Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi,” sits down with the New York Times and shares her beauty truths.
Dern has had access to the best-of-the-best in beauty tips, secrets, insights and treatments from around the world in her career as an A-list actress for the past 40 years! It is safe to say that she is qualified to be one of the beauty influencers in Los Angeles. Dern says that Julie Hewett’s Camellia Oil is one of her secret weapons in her beauty arsenal! Let us explain the magnificence of this beauty secret of the Geishas—Camellia Oil.
In the NY Times interview, Dern says that Julie Hewett’s Camellia Oil, alongside Crème de la Mer and iS Clinical, is part of her nightly routine.
“At night, I might use this really beautiful camellia oil by Julie Hewett, the makeup artist.”
A few of the long list of benefits of this “nutritional powerhouse” Camellia Oil include:
anti-aging benefits,
anti-inflammation properties, and
skin healing benefits.
Due to camellia oil’s high antioxidant content of polyphenols and Oleic Acid (almost 82% of its fatty acid composition!) it helps slow DNA damage of the skin and protects from aging free-radicals.
Julie Hewett’s nourishing Camellia Oil pictures among Dern’s other favorites!
How can you wear Camellia Oil?
Camellia Oil can be worn any time and is multi-purpose beauty product. SHOP JULIE HEWETT CAMELLIA OIL HERE!
Julie Hewett’s Organic Camellia Oil- Industry staple
Camellia oil is an emulsifier, which means it can easily be mixed and added to other creams, oils or sunblock and deliver an added punch of antioxidants and nutrients.
Camellia Oil can be applied to the hair, a few drops applied through the ends to add shine and hydration, or a few dabs to fly aways to slick your hair back.
The oil can be lightly dabbed to the under-eye area for an intensive hydration treatment and can supplement any other eye treatment or is outstanding and healing on its own.
Some beauty enthusiasts like to cleanse with camellia oil, remove make-up, apply the oil to stretch marks or wounds.
Wear it under makeup, for a dewy base and added skin protection.
The molecule size of Camellia oil is small enough to penetrate the skin’s Natural Moisture Factor (NMF) in the Stratum Corneum Layer. This means that not only does Camellia Oil contain all these awesome long-lasting benefits for the skin, but its molecule is small enough to penetrate the pores and deliver them to the deeper layers! Furthermore, the Camellia Oil molecule is stable, which means that its beneficial, precious qualities will not break down to heat. (Thank goodness Camellia Oil properties stay intact during our long steamy spa sessions in the bathroom and hot Summer-time rays!)
SHOP JULIE HEWETT CAMELLIA OIL HERE.
XO
Laura
Cheekie pots! An Instant Face Lift with a Creamy Hue!
These multi-use Cheekie Pots by Julie Hewett are little pots full of creamy pigment also infused with Camellia Oil. The rich pigment in the Cheekie Pot is multi-use and can be swiped on your lips, cheeks, and/or lids. Hewett’s personal favorite is in shade “Destiny.” Cheekie Pots
Julie Hewett’s multi-use beauty product Cheekie Pots are little pots full of creamy pigment, infused with skin enhancing Camellia Oil. The rich pigment can be swiped on your lips, cheeks, and/or lids. This is a multi-use cosmetic with high antioxidant content via Camellia Oil!
Thandie Newton wears Julie Hewett’s cheekie pot in shade “Rosie.” She mentions she wears “Rosie” on the apples of her cheeks.
You may simply use your (clean!) dainty fingers to apply this rich pigment straight out of your Cheekie Pot. Or, you can dip Julie Hewett’s Perfect Chubby Cheekie Brush into the pot and apply to your cheeks. Hewett recommends applying it above the cheekbones in an “apostrophe” shape for a slimming and “face lift” effect! For lips, you can use a lip brush to dab onto your lips, and for eyes, a compact natural or synthetic bristle eye shadow brush for a smooth finish.
Gabrielle Union mentions Julie Hewett’s product and Julie Hewett’s cheekie pots once again! Love ya girl. So, what’s Gabrielle Union’s camp talking about now? Julie Hewett’s beloved Cheekie Pot in the shade “Destiny!” featured in InStyle’s March 2017 issue, make-up artist Malika James mentions that she has “found Union’s perfect neutral by matching the tawny-rose hue of the inside of her lip” with shade Destiny.
InStyle issue March 2017, Gabrielle Union mentions Julie Hewett’s cheekie pot in shade “Destiny”
Kristen Stewart wears “peachie” cheekie
Cheekie pot in shade “Posie” is a truly light and feminine shade in light pink. It reminds me of the color of ballerina shoes. “Posie” is a great burst of peony pink and is used to polish your cheek. “Posie” can be applied above the cheek bone all the way to the hairline in an apostrophe shape.
Thandie Newton, from Westworld mentions that she wears “Rosie” on the apples of her cheeks. “Rosie” is a vibrant raspberry hue that looks gorgeous on all skin tones. It’s a guaranteed “freshen-up-your-look” shade. It’s great on bare skin, and when you go to the gym you can apply some to your cheeks and lips for a lift.
Cheekie pot in shade“Jami” is a shy, tender, pink for those days you want to wear dramatic eyes or lips.
Try celebrity favorite Cheekie Pot in a hue that matches you! SHOP IT HERE!
OXO
Laura
Anti-Aging Mist from Italy You Need to Know About!
SKINUP is a device that mists an anti-aging and hydrating mist. It is formulated in Italy, and is now finally hitting the U.S. beauty market. SkinUp….the magic in the Mist
SKINUP is a compact, futuristically designed device that mists anti-aging and hydrating ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, soy and aloe stream out of the SKINUP device where you then mist the elixir all over your face and neck.
This is a multi-use beauty product with quality skincare ingredients!
You can mist this anti-aging and soothing mist over makeup, at any time of the day.
You can mist this anti-aging and soothing mist on top of your skincare routine.
You can mist this anti-aging and soothing mist any time you’d like hydration or a skin boost.
SKINUP is so easy to throw in your bag. It’s small and the face plate keeps the hole that the elixir mists out of clean and safe.
Use code ooohlalaSKINUP for 20% off ANYTHING on their whole website!
—-> Shop “Starter Kit” to get the exact kit I got!
Code: ooohlalaSKINUP for 20% off anything on their site including this starter kit.
Shop it—-> www.skinupusa.com
Let’s break down the ingredients in SkinUp’s “Starter Kit”…
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): The antioxidant highly tauted by Dr. Perricone, alpha lipoic acid has the ability to slow down the degeneration of collagen production. It is a fat soluble and water-soluble antioxidant, which means it can work not only on the cell membrane to protect it from damage, but also within the cell. ALA also works synergistically with other antioxidants such as vitamin C or E.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its molecular weight in water and is like a magnet for water, which in turn helps your skin stay hydrated. Hyaluronic acid also plays well with other ingredients, it can be used with retinol. Vitamin C, and AHA’s.
Coq10: Coq10 (or ubiquinone) is another powerful antioxidant that helps slow down the aging process of skin. Coq10 aids elastin and collagen production. Coq10’s molecule is also small enough to penetrate the skin cell’s membrane and deliver its benefits within the cell.
Soy: Soy is known to maximize the benefits of hyaluronic acid, so this is definitely a plus! Other benefits include brightening the skin, decreasing redness, boosting collagen production and improving skin tone.
Aloe: A very calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredient that also contains vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as magnesium, potassium and zinc.
SKINUP is super easy to put together. SKINUP arrives fully charged, and you just pour “Hydrating Elixir” into the device, and you’re ready to spray and throw it into your bag.
Colors are also available in black and blue. *Men approved, too!
XO
Laura
@skinup_usa and @ooohlalastone with #SKINUP