I like to think I’m not a picky person. There is only one vegetable I don’t like, I happily go on adventures that others choose, and if you served me gas station coffee…I’d drink it. Maybe…unless I had another option, but that’s beside the point.
When it comes to beauty products I’m as challenged as an anesthetized cat. I wear some color on my eyebrows because I was not blessed with much of any, and I lightly brush my lashes with mascara when I have to work…because it’s fancy.
I keep things pretty simple in the beauty department, so the products I use follow suit. I’m slightly picky here as I try to avoid added chemicals, and buy vegan friendly options when I can find them. I recently discovered the LUSH shampoo bar and to put it bluntly, I’m obsessed. I guess this means I’ll actually wash my hair now.
While they’re not perfect, they’re simple and I love them. I would have never imagined washing my hair with a circular disk. I’m also in love with their mascara. I was sold when I discovered it was infused with wheatgrass. Plus, it’s vegan. 🙂
It’s pricey upfront, but lasts for a while. I love the non clumping aspect, and it stays put whether I’m pushing caffeine at work, or exploring the mountains after work.
However, because I can’t feel completely balanced until I use something 100% plain in its most natural state, I’ve been exfoliating in the shower with…coffee grounds. No combination scrubs of coffee and oils – JUST coffee, straight from my French press.
Once I finish my morning cup(s) I simply gather a shot glass full of the used grounds and bring them with me into the shower. The natural oils from the coffee beans are amazing for moisturizing! I don’t use lotion, so this has made my skin very happy.
Note: This is messy, but worth it. You’ll want coarse grounds, which is why grinding your beans for a French press is perfect. Most at home grinders grind the beans in the middle, but if you’re beans are ground too fine the exfoliation won’t be as good.
Long story short: I’m a simple kind of gal that lives a simple kind of life. I do what I can to keep things clean inside/outside of my body, and despite my desires to be “au naturel” sometimes it’s fun to splash a little color on my face. Color meaning black.
Like my soul.
Q: What’s your beauty routine?
Blissfulbritt 
87 thoughts on “Beautified”
briana1010
Do you just let the coffee grounds go down the drain? I’ve tried this before and was afraid it would clog the drain, so I gave up and bought a sugar scrub.
Brittany
Yes I do! I figure if other scrubs are safe for the drain with all the added oils, this should be too! Plus I think perhaps the acidity in the coffee may help break up clogs. Total guess, but so far I’ve had no issues!
Megasaurus
Oh very cool! I’ve never thought about doing this before, but it totally makes sense. 🙂 For body wash I just use Bath and Body Works. (I’ve been loving Japanese Cherry Blossom for the winter months.) Their stuff is cruelty free!
Jane Likes to Run
I’ve never heard of coffee grinds as an exfoliant. That’s awesome. Good way to lower your footprint as well. I consider myself to be low maintenance. But I do really like makeup. It’s fun. Like an art. I do wear it to work (blush, mascara, eyeliner and lipstick) but I keep it pretty simple and natural looking.
B
LOL at “my beauty routine.” I don’t have one! I try use moisturizer on my face because I get dry/red skin and lotion on my hands to help my nails but that’s about it. I only wear make up if I’m going out!
Brittany
Love it!!
skat
My beauty routine? I use vegan tea-tree oil soap on my face, vegan pine tar soap on my body (soaps made locally), Yes to Carrots on my hair, Every few days, I use Alba Botanica Hawaiian Conditioner, Morning and night I use raw shea butter as a moisturizer and eye-cream (I’m almost 54, and have minimal lines and wrinkles thanks to this). I use a cruelty free (Flower) eyebrow pencil, Alba Botanica lavender sunscreen, a bit of “Flower” concealer and some Burt’s Bees lip-shimmer (may not be vegan). That’s about it!
I tried a shampoo bar once, but it didn’t clean well enough for me. I couldn’t rinse off the residue to my liking.
Brittany
Oh wow!! I must try this eyebrow pencil it sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
skat
P.S. We always grind our own coffee beans and they must be organic and fair trade.
Amy @ A Desert Girl
My beauty routine is not over the top – but it’s certainly not as natural as yours! I like makeup because it’s fun, but I don’t have to have it on before I leave the house or anything.
David Lazar
I like your two nature shots in the middle of the post. Where were they taken?
Brittany
I did that for the male readers, or anyone uninterested in makeup haha!! Taken at Mt.Walker in the Olympic National Park area. Those are lovely views of neighboring Olympic Mountains. Swoon.
David Lazar
Very well played, BB – I walked right through the door 🙂
50statecanuck
OMG. I am howling with laughter and pure delight. OF COURSE you are exfoliating yourself with coffee grounds. I swear, if you could make yourself into a coffee bean, I think you would!! I just love it!!!
Faraday's Candle
Ha! Ha! Love it.
Britta
Oh I love Lush too! Like you said, they aren’t perfect but thats okay. I am OBSESSED with their ultrabland cleanser. I feel so plump and hydrated after using it – and it helps keep the ol’ face acne at bay… seriously.
I’ve heard about the coffee grounds thing, and I haven’t tried it for the mess factor but I better give it a whirl 😉 Especially during these scaly winter months.
Happy weekend my friend! Also.. who is that man friend I see?
Brittany
Oh goodness, that’s my coworker. No romantic ties there I assure you. 😉
mikeytbull
Great post as usual Britt – must try the mascara (only at weekends tho)! …joke …no, really… I’m joking! Honest!
Brittany
Hey, I don’t judge. Just kidding, I believe you. Oh and really I don’t judge! HAHA.
Heather P. at Fancy Alter Ego
This is the first time in my life I’ve lived anywhere near a Lush store, and I really enjoy myself every time I go in there! (Although my bank account will say otherwise…haha)
lizlicorish
I use coffee grounds in the shower too! Sometimes I mix them with a little coconut oil for extra moisturizing. Best. Exfoliation. Ever.
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy
There are 2 veggies I don’t like… mushrooms and cucumbers. I wish I did! It would make life a lot easier 🙂
Brittany
Yup, mushrooms are my one. Can’t handle the texture, and they taste like feet.
Angela
I actually read in a magazine that using coffee to exfoliate is one of the best ways to reduce the visibility of cellulite! Xo
Amy
Girl, you are WAY ahead of me in the beauty game! I only put on mascara if I have to leave the house, which means… A few times a week. (Oh the joys of being self-employed and working from home!) But anything else? Nope, definitely don’t have the time or patience for that. 😉 Once I’m allowed to drink coffee again (and that day cannot come soon enough), I will definitely have to try your coffee grounds trick!!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Hi Brittany! Happy Friday! I’ve never used Lush products but walked by the stores many times and thought of going on. My beauty routine is simple for sure. Wash, exfoliate and moisturize. I’m not picky either and move around from product line to product line. Now coffee on the face? Makes sense, and is probably a good way to wake up! 🙂
Heather
Such a great idea! I also think that mascara makes everything fancier 🙂 That being said, I only wear it to work or on a hot date. On the weekends, I put nothing on my face but sweat. I have a LUSH Body Bar. It’s made from almonds, shae butter and some other fun stuff. It slowly dissolves as you use it, as you rub it all over your body and the almonds act as an exfoliator and you don’t need lotion because it moisturizes you. Really cool. I’m totally trying the coffee grounds tho 🙂
themauritiangeographer
Oh my! I’m so trying this ASAP! Given that I’m not having coffee these days, it may take a while. As for my beauty routine, well I have none. I’m rubbish at makeup and hardly wear any other than some kohl (from Yves Rocher, 100% natural, vegan). It does help to have dark skin 😉
themauritiangeographer
AND I LOVE LUSH!!
BabetaRuns
Wohoo! I also love Lush!
I used to use the shampoo bar but it was leaving residue so now I’m using a “regular” Lush shampoo.
Have you tried “Retreat” hair conditioner? It’s amazing!!!
And so is the blueberry face mask!
And that’s about my beauty routine… although I have recently discovered Kiehl’s lavender midnight oil and it is AMAZING!
Brittany
I’ve not tried that conditioner, I will look for it next time I go! 🙂
katalysthealth
So basically if we ever met, I would just stand next to you and smell you at all times. Coffee grounds used as a scrub?? pleaseeee tell me you smell like a Starbucks. As for a beauty routine, well mine is pretty extensive!! I love makeup though 🙂
Christie @ The Weekday Table
I loved hearing about your natural beauty routine tips! Honestly have never tried the coffee before.. I definitely will!
http://www.theweekdaytable.wordpress.com
Jessica
Like my soul. bahaha. had to add that last laugh there. but umm. I’m definietly not natural when I go to work, I cake on the makeup. haha, and at home I look like dirt. lol.
oooh. Coffee, that sounds like an awesome idea,!!
herbieontherun
I’ve only been to a Lush one time and couldn’t get out of there fast enough. The smell of the entire store was completely overwhelming to me. I didn’t even know they sold things like mascara! I’ll have to check into that!
Aja
Would you recommend that lush shampoo? I wash my hair twice a week, but I still want to get a more natural shampoo and since I’ll be on the west side for spring break in a few weeks I can go to the Lush store and pick up some.
Brittany
I love the shampoo bars, but a few people have said it leaves a residue. I haven’t noticed that issue, and perhaps having shorter hair helps. If all else fails the bars are only $12 and last FOREVER, so if you try one and hate it then you’re not out too much $$.
Aja
Cool thanks! I think I’ll definitely pick one up over break.
annieemmy
Seriously?! Coffee grounds?! I never thought of such a thing! I’m totally going to have to try that… especially considering since my skin wages an all-out holy war on me anytime I use pretty much… anything. Any other tips?
Brittany
I know, it sounds totally bizarre. I don’t know what sparked me to try it, but I’m glad I did! I also like pure coconut oil on my skin, although it hasn’t been enough during these cold months!
Ellie
You use COFFEE in the SHOWER?!?!! Wow you are an addict! One time I ate a raw coffee bean because it smelled like vanilla and I thought it would taste like that as well…it didn’t 🙂
Brittany
HAHA, HEY it works! I’m all about reusing everything man! Yea beans do not taste like vanilla. Reminds me of the time I ate a dog biscuit..except there was no reason to eat it other than to weird out my friends. It worked. Maybe that’s why I spend a lot of time alone….HAHA.
I will note I was like 12 when that happened. Although it’s still something I’d do at my current age…
Pamplemousse
My routine used to consist on throwing water on my face until I started making my own face wash and cream, all organic and natural. And I’ve never loved caring for my skin so much!! And I barely wash my hair.
Jane
I love Lush products but often just use foods from the kitchen for my body. I have extremely sensitive skin so only use a touch of mascara and eyeliner and a little natural lip salve if I have to for make-up. Thanks for the coffee grounds hint. I’ve used them to clean my sink before but never to clean my skin! 🙂
The Sock Mistress
I never thought of coffee grounds, I have “made” my own exfoliator before – squeeze a lemon, add sugar, a bit of oil (almond, grape seed etc) and just use it as a scrub. It is a bit harsh for faces so I just add a bit to my usual face wash – works great!
Nicole Marie Story
wow seriously, I’ve never heard of exfoliating with coffee grounds!! i have a nespresso machine, and i’m just gonna extract that grounds from my next bud, rub on my body, and see what happens! my skin routine is this… for the face… phloretin CF by skinceuticals because the skin does not produce vitamin C naturally, and the skin is the last organ to absorb vitamin C from foods which is necessary to protect against UV rays. A retexturising activator (i swear it keeps my sun drenched face smooth). A sunscreen. All by skinceuticals. For the body, Lux Naturals Almond Dream. It makes me want to smell my skin all day long. Covered by sunscreen by skinceuticals. Chanel mascara! Shampoo by kerastase! Ta da!
Brittany
Ah your secrets are revealed! This must be why your skin glows so bright!!
Amanda Afield
Solid shampoo? I need to look into this. It would make my life at airports much better and less full of plastic bags. My beauty routine is pretty much limited to a bb cream that has some type of spf and mascara so it could use improvement haha.
Katie T
Coffee grounds?! I will have to give this a try. I must ask – does the coffee scent linger on your skin post-shower? Not that I wouldn’t mind giving off some roasty aroma throughout my day.
Similar to you, I follow a simple beauty routine. I’m a big fan of Burt’s Bees products (keep it local!), especially the face wash. I’m still searching for vegan make-up products that I LOVE – I have found a few that I like. I may indulge in another vegan cuts beauty box to keep shakng it up. All I want is a good foundation, mascara, and a little rouge. That’s enough for me! Have you tried Tarte? That seems to come up quite often in searches.
Brittany
I don’t notice the coffee smell once I get out of the shower which surprised me. Now, keep in mind I work with coffee, so there is a chance I am just numb to the smell because I always smell like coffee. HA. You’ll have to try it and let me know. 😉
I have not tried Tarte, I’ll have to check them out!
Rebecca@RunningFoodBaby
I wash my hair every other day and then it’s either up or down. Most of the time my hair ends up in a ponytail by noon.
For makeup – concealer and a bit of shadow/mascara and that’s it. I don’t wear lipstick or eye liner. I look like a silly monkey with that stuff on
P
Ahhh you have an authentic Bodum! I have a “knock-off” one from World Market that my friend got me, but it works pretty well 🙂
Brittany
Are you sure it’s a knock off?? World Market sells Bodum products!
Lucie Elizabeth (@CollectingLight)
Ive also recently discovered Lush products and have ONLY just discovered they are vegan (I know, I know, Im incredibly late to the party!)….have you tried their cleansers? If not….try them! They are amazing!
Brittany
I’ve used some of the soap bars, but no cleansers. I’ll have to try some!
sarahfoto
Say what?? I’ve never heard about using coffee grinds in the shower before but will try it tomorrow morning instead of just rinsing them down the drain in the kitchen…
danielle
i’ve been interested in that lush mascara but wasn’t sure, might have to try it now!
kimhoeltje
That sign is great!! Nothing beats a good cup of coffee!
di @ life of di.
Loving the idea of using coffee grounds for an exfoliator. I’ve been trying to think of what to use to exfoliate my uber-dry skin and I think this would be perfect. Trying it tomorrow morning 😉 Thanks for the tip lady!
Luv What You Do
My beauty treat is facials! They are the best!
I also just got a Birchbox subscription as a gift which is really fun and I’ve gotten to try lots of new stuff. That mascara looks awesome!
Choc Chip Uru
A shampoo BAR? Wow, they actually have everything now 😛
Sold!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Hannah
I looooooove Lush’s shampoo bars! I like to keep things pretty basic when I can. I make my own face wash out of oat flour, and I’ll never go back 🙂
Jess @hellotofit
YOU ARE AMAZING. To live a life of LUSH products and a body scrub of coffee grounds is a beautiful one! I’m a HUGE fan of LUSH’s No Drought dry shampoo – have you tried it?
Brittany
Ohh I saw that!! I haven’t tried it though, I’ll have to check it out again next time I go.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
And I’m pretty sure you just surpassed me in the hippy department. Not that I mind of course, although I’m certainly intrigued. I use my leftover coffee grinds for my house plants, my outdoor garden and of course the compost. I’m not sure why (maybe you can tell me), but they’re supposedly very good for the plants.
Happy Sunday Sunshine.
Brittany
Ah yes, we often give grounds away to gardeners! It does multiple things, the chemical properties and pH of the grounds help especially with fruit plants. It keeps slugs away, and helps prevent fungal growth. Along with other things I’m sure I could Google!
The Vegan 8
I actually do this with black tea…so very similar and yes, it does wonders to soften skin! I also love using brown rice flour since it is finer ground, but because of the texture, it works amazing! I definitely want to try that mascara now! I’ve heard great things about their products but never tried them yet. Thanks for sharing!
I’m very basic with makeup too. I don’t wear foundation, blush, eyeliner or that stuff. I only wear lipstick and mascara and sometimes a TEENY bit of eyeshawdow. That’s it. I don’t like all that heavy crap on my face, so I don’t use it.
avenuecamilla
I love all of the pictures here and this is such an interesting post! I know nothing about any sort of beauty products haha (my beauty routine is non-existant I’m a mess haha), so I loved reading this 🙂
xxx
Camilla
http://avenuecamilla.com
Sarah Pie
This is awesome! I’ve heard of using coffee in the shower, but I didn’t know it could be good enough for your skin to reduce the need for lotion, it might be worth getting some real coffee just to try this out.
willrunforpizza
I’m simple with my makeup too. And I try to stick to vegan makeup – or at least organic. I like the physician’s formula foundation, and then I like bare minerals powder and urban decay mascara/eyeliner. Unless I have eaten a lot of sugar and my face is all broken out, I don’t always wear foundation and powder, but I DO wear eyeliner everyday if nothing else. Never thought to try Lush mascara or hair product! I’ve used Nature’s Gate shampoo/conditioner for a while, but I like to change it up every once in a while.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m completely obsessed with LUSH products. Their solid shampoos have been staples in my shower for years and years now, and even though I like experimenting with different ones, I keep going back. Have you tried Seanik and Godiva? Definitely two of my favourites! Apparently they have one that’s coffee and cocoa? I NEED THAT!
Emma @em-poweredwellness
I made my family coffee sugar scrub for Christmas one year, and it smelled amazing. But yeah, super messy. I use baking soda in my shampoo–it does wonders.
Food, Booze, & Baggage
I tried the coffee grind thing once in the shower and it was a huge mess 🙂 It took me forever to get them washed down the drain, and then P complained there was still some on the wall…oops. I do sugar and oil (olive or sunflower) once a week, it has made skin happier for sure. I might have to try the LUSH mascara, still have not bought a natural brand yet that I’m 100% sold on. Do you use conditioner after the shampoo?
Brittany
I realized after I wrote this, I didn’t specify that I have a shower head that comes off the wall. This makes clean up MUCH easier. HA. LUSH also makes a conditioner bar that I use after the shampoo!
Shawna
GIRL! you do NOT have a black soul!! furthest from itttt, you darling lovebug you. although it did crack me up to read that. 🙂 coffee beans in the shower, hmm? can’t say i’ve heard that one before. my beauty routine includes lots of lotion & moisturizer (morning and night), a little powder/bronzer, some eye stuff…red or pink lips if i’m going out. i’m somewhere between “likes to get dolled up for a good reason and can look pretty put-together on a normal day” and “can get ready in 5 mins if need be.” all depends upon the occasion. 🙂
Melanie
I love all of your healthy beauty products! That shampoo bar sounds awesome!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
You’re such a cool person. I’ve been thinking about exfoliating with coffee grounds too, actually! Not a bad idea at all, plus I bet you smell pretty cool haha. I sometimes use coffee grounds under my eyes for puffiness too. That shampoo thing blows my mind though. Like, WHAT?! haha.
Kayse
I was just thinking of you today when I was out hiking. It was crazy cold but I went anyway, and of course, did not regret it.
I loooove using coffee grounds for exfoliation! Reuse what we can!! Hell yeah for being a granola! My morning beauty routine equals wake up, wash my face, toss my hair into a braid… Eat good food. I really love the makeup brands I use, I just rarely feel like spending the time to paint up my face. I’ve adopted my dad’s mantra of, “if you don’t like how I look, don’t look at me!” Which may or may not be a good thing.
Brittany
I love EVERYTHING about this comment.
amysrecipefordisaster
The coffee grounds idea is neato! I’m going to try it!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
I’m kind of obsessed with LUSH in general… all of their products are awesome! My favorite is their rose argan body conditioner. It smells amazing and is my #1 beauty product!
Christina Does It All
I suck at knowing things about beauty products as well. I mostly don’t buy them or buy these sorts of things from the dollar store haha. BUT I ALWAYS HAVE COFFEE! Must try this immediately.
jennifer prod
of course you would use coffee grounds as a body scrub – so very fitting of a bonafide coffee lover. i use (and love) brown sugar + honey as a face & body scrub. i’d definitely try it out if you ever happen to find yourself without coffee grounds 🙂
Rach @ This Italian Family
This has nothing to do with the content of your post, but… who’s the boy?
Also, I love that you use coffee as an exfoliater! What a good idea!
Brittany
HA, that’s my coworker. I assure you there is no romantic connection between us, trust me on that one. 😉
allieksmith
I was just researching facial scrubs today! I really want to start exfoliating, and I don’t want to use anything too rough, especially on my face. I think I need to give coffee a go 😉
Mellie Dee
oh my lush … circular disk? that sounds like more work. Do you sweat a lot when climbing mountains? … I’m always afraid of mascara running. haha