You may like to smell your coffee and get going, and it may also be the first thing in the

morning which perks you up. But, coffee which is your loyal friend can be your best friend

when it comes to including it in your skincare routine. Here's how -


Use it to exfoliate: Grind those coffee beans to a coarse powder and mix in with coconut or

almond oil. Rub it all your face and see how it removes all that dry skin.

Use it as a face mask: Right after you exfoliate, use a coffee face mask. Just mix yogurt with
fine coffee powder and apply it on the face. Keep it for 15 minutes and wash it off to get a

bright skin tone.

Use it to remove under eye circles: To reduce puffiness of the eyes and remove those dark


 cirlces under your eyes, take a soft cloth, dip it in lukewarm coffee and place it under your eyes.

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special days of your life. This is probably that one day where you can be the center of attention and doll up to your hearts content. If you're getting married in the romantic season of monsoon, there are certain challenges you could face, and as the bride you will obviously want to look your gorgeous best and not let the rains affect you. Follow these simple steps to ensure you look your finest best without worrying about your make up.


The base: Before starting your make up procedure, it is important that you get the base right. Wash and clean the face well before applying any products. Meghna Butani, make-up professional says, "Use a high quality oil free, luminating primer as a base before your make up, this helps immensely in keeping the sweat at bay in this humid weather. It also helps the make up to last longer than it usually does."


Foundation: Experts advise against using cream based foundations, use a water based foundation as a better alternative. Always remember to use your foundation with a clean brush, avoid using your bare fingers as that can only aggravate the problem of stickiness and dirt, you can also use a blotting paper to avoid the make up from getting caked.


Feet (and hands): Hands and feet are always the most exposed and usually tend to get forgotten with all the rush in getting the wedding minutes perfect. Nail fungal infections are common this season, so it is important that you tend to your nails and hands. To keep your hands and feet soft and supple, you can make a scrub of some water, lime juice and some soft moisturising hand wash and soak your hands and feet in it. Not only is this effortless, you will easily find all the ingredients in your kitchen cupboard.


For your eyes: Dermatologist Dr Aparna Santhanam says, "First and foremost, considering the climate, waterproof mascara and eye-liner is an absolute must-have, this helps in keeping the make up intact. It also helps in preventing the make up from draining. Also, avoid too much glitter on your lips as it tends to give you an oily appearance."


Lips: This could debatably be the most neglected in the body. But like the rest of you, they also need some TLC. For your lips, use a lip balm before applying a lipstick with a matt finish. Also, you can use a clear gloss only in the center of the lips to give your lips a fuller effect.

However, there are reasons beyond the obvious that show how coffee permeates through our lives. While it is scientifically proven that this 'wonder drink', when consumed in moderation, promotes good health and contains properties that help you keep illness at bay, coffee lovers now have a reason to rejoice as we decipher its numerous benefits for the skin!


Delving deeper into the benefits of coffee, it has also been noted that coffee is great for the skin. While drinking a cup gets you that internal coffee boost, rubbing your skin with a soap or cream that contains coffee also promises a whole set of benefits that make coffee a favourite skin 'drink.'

Here are some reasons your skin will thank you for an external coffee boost :

It's a rich source of antioxidants: The environment is full of free radicals (pollution particles, etc.) that wreak havoc on the skin. However, loading up skin with the antioxidants in coffee protects it and bolsters its natural defences. In fact, a study showed that coffee bean extracts can be responsible for skin cell energy preservation due to its free-radical properties."

It protects against harsh sun rays: UVB is harmful and may even lead to more complicated and life-threatening skin diseases. Protecting your skin with caffeine may protect it against UV carcinogens. According to another study, caffeine actually inhibits the DNA damage response, thus protecting skin against the adverse effects of UVB. The inhibition of DNA damage response may offer a therapeutic option for non-melanoma skin cancer.


It makes skin smooth and bright: Because of its qualities that signal tissue repair, coffee plays a crucial role in regulating cell re-growth, leading to retained hydration (increased

collagen) and increased skin elasticity.

It enhances circulation: When coffee promotes blood circulation, it leads to healthy and energised skin, effectively reducing the swelling of tissues and de-puffing areas of the skin.You can also make coffee ice cubes in advance and trace it over the affected are.
Apart from drinking coffee, you can also use coffee in many beauty recipes for gorgeous skin and hair. This genius ingredient works great as an exfoliator and a genius hack for puffy eyes.

Here are 5 Amazing Benefits of Coffee for Skin :

1. Face scrub

This ingredient works great as a scrub as it is not harsh on the skin. Try a natural scrub by mixing ground coffee, brown sugar, and olive oil. Once you have mixed it well, massage it on your face in circular motions to buff away the dead skin cells.


2. Scalp exfoliator

Coffee is also a great exfoliator for your scalp. Take a half cup of ground coffee and massage on your wet hair for two minutes. Rinse it off with your regular shampoo and conditioner. This will help to get rid of excess product build up and dead skin cells.
3. Anti-cellulite body scrub

This genius ingredient is also known a good body scrub to minimize cellulite. Coffee helps to tighten skin and also reduce the appearance of dimply cellulite. For the DIY body scrub, mix ground coffee with a spoon of olive oil and sugar. Use this mixture and massage on the affected area in circular motions. You can follow this routine on daily basis, depending on your skin type

4. Skin brightener

For a radiant and glowing complexion, you can try a coffee mask. Take half cup of coffee and mix it with few spoons of milk for thick consistency. Use this mixture as a face pack for 10-15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. This face mask will help to get rid of dead skin cells, leaving behind a glowing skin.


5. Reduce puffy eyes


Coffee increases circulation and also helps to reduce puffiness as it is high in antioxidant properties. It helps to shrink blood vessels and works great to reduce eye puffiness. Whenever you make a cup of coffee, keep the grounds aside and let them cool for some time. Apply the leftover under the eyes and eyelid area for a few minutes and later rinse it off with cold water. For puffy eyes, you can also try the coffee ice cubes hack.

The monsoon is here. While you're gearing up to welcome the season with the latest rain

gear and monsoon fashion trends, why not also go for waterproof make-up? Since the

weather is humid, it's best to let your skin breathe. So go minimal and avoid subjecting your


face to layers of make-up. If you still want to wear make-up, there are many brands of

water-proof make-up available in the market. Here's how to apply make-up the right way, so

that it lasts longer and doesn't drip, even when the rain Gods aren't in your favour.


Whether you have patchy or clear skin, apply a make-up primer to your face, as it's good for

heavy coverage. The primer will flatten out the surface of your skin and help your make-up stay on.

Apply a light coat of an oil-free tinted moisturiser, like a BB cream. Don't go for liquid or

creamy foundations, as these can melt in humid weather. For touch-ups, use a lightweight finishing powder.


To cover up dark circles and blemishes, use an oil-free concealer. Make sure that there is no oil content in your make-up.

Once you've prepped your face and applied a light moisturiser, lightly dust your face with

pressed or loose powder to absorb all the excess oil and moisture.


Next, apply a light-coloured powder blush to the apples of your cheeks.

If you plan to do eye make-up and don't want your eye shadow to crease, use an eyelid

primer to your lids before you apply the eye shadow.


For a simple bold liner look, use a liquid eyeliner; as compared to wax-based pencil

eyeliners, these are more likely to resist smearing.


Use water-proof mascara for your eyelashes.


To finish off, moisturise you lips with a lip balm and apply lipstick.

What to avoid

Over washing the skin is not the best way to get rid of pollutants. Wash your face with a facewash, not more than three times a day. Use wet wipes with aloe or tea tree oil to wipe


 clean your face in between washes. Shop for a summer face wash. Pick one with salicylic acid, as it helps to unclog your pores and removes excess oil. And needless to say, use a sunscreen, as 70-80 per cent of ageing is caused by exposure to sun.


Home remedies


While there are several creams and lotions for skincare, there is nothing like good ol' home remedies. Here are five homecare tips for all summer skin-related issues

.
For excess oil: Use Fuller's earth aka multani mitti as it soaks up excess oil.

Mix a spoonful of the mitti with water. Keep for five minutes and wash it off.


For sweaty underarms: Make a mixture of 4 tbsp water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1 tbsp tomato juice. Apply it on your underarms twice a day.


For making an astringent: Mix a drop of apple cider vinegar and 4-5 drops of witch hazel extract in half a bowl of water. Use it to dab your face. It acts as a gentle toner. Be careful not to overdo the apple cider vinegar, as it can cause a burn.


For removing tan: Mix a glass of buttermilk and 2-3 tbsp sugar crystals. Apply on your face, keep it for five minutes and wash off with water.

For dry skin: Make your own body wash by mixing coconut oil (half a bowl) and 3-4 tbsp sugar crystals.

Here's a list of 5 summer skincare products you need right now:

1. Cooling foot spray

While you cover your face with a pair sunglasses and hat, your body might get tortured in the sunny days. The hot summer can make your feet sweaty, smelly and vulnerable to infection. Also, flats can make your feet extra dry and tired in summers. To combat odour and refresh your feet, use a cooling foot spray.

The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray)

2. Face mist

Who doesn't love to splash some water on their face in the sweltering summer? And that's why you need a face mist in your bag, so you can refresh anytime during the day! Rosewater face mist is the best pick for summers. It is refreshing and as rose is anti-inflammatory, it helps to soothe the heat induced irritation.

(Kama Ayurveda Pure Rosewater)

3. Aloe gel

The one product that you need in your beauty first aid kid is aloe gel. From sun burns to rashes, aloe gel can help to calm down redness and irritation.

(Ananda Hydrating Aloe Vera & Rose Face Mask)

4. Antiperspirant

Sweat patches on your shirts can be a major faux pas. A good antiperspirant or deodorant can keep the odour away and control excess sweating. Apply it on your underarms, back of the knees and even your decolletage.


(Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream)

5. Sunscreen

There's no question on how important sunscreen is for summers. Make sure you apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before you head out. This helps the sunscreen to get absorbed better and protect from the harmful sun rays.

1. Exfoliate your body

The ground rule of basic skincare is to exfoliate your skin. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. If you don't get rid of them, they'll just set in on your skin making you look dull and dry. No matter how much lotion you use, you're never going to have glowing skin if you don't exfoliate. Grab a body scrub and hit the shower. Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your entire body from the shoulders down (you'll want a facial exfoliator for your face and neck) and rinse clean. Continue to do this 2-3 times a week for year-round beautiful skin.

2. Sunscreen is a must

Throw away last year's unused sunscreen for a new bottle. Sunscreens aren't meant to last forever, and seeing most people don't use as much as they should. Buy a new sunscreen that has UVA and UVB products and comes in SPF 30 and SPF 70. You should be using a shot glass full for your body and a full teaspoon just on your face. Reapply it every 1-2 hours that you are in the sun to ensure a summer full of safe sun fun.

3. Go for minimal make-up

During summers less make-up is best. Under the intolerant sun, natural looks are best. If you intend to use foundation then also apply face powder with SPF to avoid patchy skin. To protect your lips always use a gloss or a lip balm with an SPF of 15 to make your lips fresher. Eye make is something which should be very much avoided in summers.

4. Make water your best friend

At least 8 glasses of water are needed. If possible, carry a water bottle with you and remember to drink at least once every 30 min. Water not only helps you feel fresh, but it also prevents dehydration and will help wash out a lot of toxins.

5. Hydrate your body with a lotion

Find a summery lotion that you won't forget to put on. It's time to pack away your thick winter body butters for more light summery lotions. You don't have time to wait for your lotion to sink in, so look for something light fast absorbing. Gels and purees are perfect fast absorbers. Nothing spells summer more than a light refreshing fruity lotion. Make sure you apply right after you dry off from your shower. You need to seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

. Summer glow

You have so many choices when it comes to adding a little summer tint to your skin, and the tanning bed shouldn't be one of them. Using a sunless tanner will give your skin a beautiful start to summer. Even if you're not a fan of sunless tanners all over your body, you can happily use them on your face. If you alternate your facial moisturizer with one that builds a bit of colour, you'll have a healthy glow that will make it look as though you just spent the weekend on the beach. Most facial tanners build colour gradually, by alternating with your regular moisturiser; you'll never get too dark.

7. Don't forget your feet

Winter boots have long since been packed away; it's sandal season ladies. Either go or get a pedicure (try a beauty school if cost is a factor), or give yourself an at-home pedicure. You scrub off the dead dry skin to reveal your sandal ready feet. Nothing is worse than seeing dull dry feet inside cute sandals. It doesn't have to be a big ordeal. Keep a foot scrub and file in your shower and scrub your feet a few times a week. You'll notice a big difference in the softness of your feet.

8. Look for a summery polish

Buy a bold new polish for your toes. Toe nails can be painted a much bolder colour than you would usually put on your fingernails. Pick out something that screams summer. Polish tends to stay on your toes much longer than your hands because you don't abuse your toe nails like you do your finger nails. Apply a clear base coat, two applications of colour and a clear top coat to protect. Go barefoot or put on your flip-flops for at least a couple hours to make sure your polish won't dent.