The surprising kitchen staples you can use to make upcycled beauty products

Anna Brightman is the co-founder of beauty brand UpCircle and has written a new book, UpCycled Beauty, packed full of brilliant recipes that transform everyday ingredients into smart skin, hair and body care.

‘We started our upcycled skincare business by making coffee scrubs from used coffee grounds, rescued from local coffee shops. Now, we rescue countless ingredients to make the UpCircle range. Some – such as spices, coffee grounds and rose petals – create physical texture; there are powders created from olive stones and apricot kernels, waxes made from fruit peels, even upcycled wood extracts that are byproducts of the furniture industry. In our book, we show some of the exact recipes we use, alongside a handful of new ideas that enable you to share the creativity of the rescue and reuse process. Experiment, get messy and enjoy finding beauty in everything,’ says Anna.

Here are some of her recipes for you to try…

Skin-soothing aftersun with watermelon rinds

‘Watermelon is my favourite fruit, no competition. It’s hydrating and refreshing when used on the skin; the rinds of watermelon, much like other fruit peels and pith, are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and nourish sun-exposed skin. We’ve also added some aloe vera gel for its cooling and soothing properties, and some coconut oil for extra moisture. Although, the best course of action is to protect your skin adequately from the sun in the first place and avoid getting burned at all costs.’

Makes 3-4 treatments, depending on the size of the affected area.

Ingredients:

• Watermelon rinds from a freshly cut watermelon, chopped into chunks
• 1tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1tsp coconut oil
• Few drops lavender essential oil

You will need:

• Blender/food processor
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Glass jar or container with a lid (such as a Kilner jar)

Method:

1. Place the watermelon rind chunks in a blender or food processor and blend until completely puréed. The mixture should have a smooth, gel-like consistency.
2. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the watermelon purée into a clean bowl. Press down on the purée with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
3. Add the aloe vera gel and coconut oil and stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. Add the lavender essential oil and mix again.
4. Transfer the mixture into a glass jar or container with a secure lid. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
5. To use, apply gently and liberally to the affected areas. Allow the gel to absorb and to naturally soothe your skin.

Cold coffee facial

‘The scrubs chapter in the book provides recipes that make use of coffee grounds, but what about any coffee left behind in your cafetière? Don’t worry, there’s a use for that, too!’ As for Prima’s beauty team, we love how caffeine brightens dull, tired skin and reduces puffiness. We’ll be using this first thing in the morning.

Ingredients:

• Leftover black coffee

You will need:

• Ice-cube tray
• Soft piece of muslin (cheesecloth)

Method:

1. Pour leftover coffee into an ice-cube tray and freeze.
2. To use, take a cube (or you could use a few) and wrap in the muslin cloth. I like to wait a couple of minutes for it to soften slightly and for the cube(s) to begin slightly melting through the cloth. When you’re ready, massage gently into your face in circular motions. If you want to rinse your face after, you can, but this is not essential.

Sweet oat & lime body scrub

‘This is a scrub to feed and replenish the uppermost layers of skin. I love it because it includes only four ingredients, all of which you probably have in your kitchen cabinets already. Oats are a real superhero ingredient as they contain natural ceramides that can soothe inflamed and irritated skin. If you’re not a coffee fan, oats are a great alternative for a scrub.’

Makes 3 treatments.

Ingredients:

• 8tbsp rolled oats
• Peel 1-2 limes
• 2tbsp brown sugar
• 2tbsp coconut oil

You will need:

• Heatproof bowl and saucepan to create a bain-marie/double-boiler
• Glass jar with a lid

Method:

1. Add the oats to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Next, add the peel and pulse a little more. Transfer to a bowl and add the sugar, then mix together.

2. Fill the saucepan with about 5cm (2in) water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Place the heatproof bowl on top of the pan, ensuring it fits securely without touching the water. Add the coconut oil to the bowl and stir occasionally until fully melted.

3. Pour the melted coconut oil into the bowl with the other ingredients and stir thoroughly. If the consistency is too dry, you can add another tablespoon of coconut oil. Transfer to a jar with a lid and store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

4. To use, apply the scrub to damp skin in the bath or shower. Massage it into the skin in circular motions. For the full effect, leave on skin for 3-5min before washing off.

Cucumber facial

‘I am definitely guilty of buying a cucumber almost solely for use as a G&T garnish. By the Thursday following my weekend, I worry that I won’t be able to use it up in time… That’s why there’s usually a part-used cucumber in my freezer! Luckily, it’s the perfect way to give yourself a cooling facial. I do this in the morning for glowy, soft skin that has that lovely dewy look.’

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber (or a part-used one!)

Method:

1.Place your cucumber into the freezer. Make sure it is stored somewhere clean – pop it in a plastic container if needs be. Freeze!

2. To use, cleanse your skin as normal, then slice the very end of the cucumber so you have a clean surface. Glide the cut-end of the cucumber slowly across your skin. Take as much time as you like, and use in the same way as you would use a gua sha stone (for example, upward motions along the jawline). You do not need to rinse it off and can continue with your usual skincare routine after your cucumber facial is complete.

3. When you’re finished, slice off the end that you’ve used so the cucumber is clean and fresh for your next facial, and return it to the freezer.

Extracted from UpCycledBeauty (Hardie Grant Books) by Anna Brightman. Photography by Lizzie Mayson.

UpCycled Beauty: Transform Everyday Ingredients into No-Waste Beauty Products

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