I’m on an infused oil kick – first with herbs and then most recently with green tea. Then it dawned on me, why not infuse coffee? Caffeine is the wonder element I’ve been wishin’ and hopin’ on to kick my cellulite to the curb. (At least temporarily.)
And why not add a bit of natural bronzer for a hint of color? Combine all those magic ingredients, along with the heavenly smell of cocoa butter, for a super feel good DIY bronzing body butter bar.
Caffeine Body Butter Bars
Caffeine Body Butter BarsI jokingly call these my ‘butt’er bars. They moisturize all over but make an especially blissful bottom rub to keep your tushie nice and taut with stimulating, caffeine-infused coconut oil and softening cocoa butter. And they help with chafing! If you have to wear tight clothes for exercise (like cycling), a quick rub down will reduce rubbing and friction. Plus, it leaves a nice hint of color and smells good, too!
How to infuse coconut oil
To infuse the oil, I followed the same technique as with this Nutty Coffee Body Oil, using 1 cup of coconut oil and about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh ground coffee. Instead of almond oil, I used coconut oil here because it’s more beneficial for stretch marks. Just be sure to strain the oil through cheesecloth while it’s still warm and liquid to remove all of the coffee grounds.
You can also make extra and use it as a body oil. Almond oil has amazing skin benefits and will remain liquid, unlike coconut oil. The caffeine helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, so feel free to immediately start slathering yourself all over.
How to make lotion bars
How to make lotion barsIf you can hold off long enough to make lotion bars, you’ll be rewarded with a really soft, lotion-y bar that smells out of this world. The awesome smell is thanks to cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer that deeply hydrates the skin and can help reduce the look of scars and stretch marks.
We added in just enough beeswax so the bar wouldn’t melt but would still stay soft and apply easily to your behind—or dry elbows, knees, feet, and hands.
How to add natural bronzing color
Yes, you can make your own bronzer! You can use a mixture of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cornstarch—like in this bronzing lotion—or try a dark, shimmery eyeshadow like this body oil. Bronzing powder would also work, though we haven’t tested that option (if you do, let us know in the comments!).
And you know what pairs perfectly with this butter bar? A butt scrub to keep your derriere pimple free!
Bronzing Caffeine Body Butter Bar
Equipment
- Double boiler
- Mold, muffin tin or ice cube tray
Materials
- 1/4 cup cocoa butter
- 1/4 cup coffee-infused coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon corn starch
- pinch cinnamon
Instructions
- Using a double boiler on low heat, melt the cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax together.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
- Pour the melted butter into a mold, muffin tin, or even an ice cube tray.
- Let the mixture cool until hardened.
- Pop out the bars and store them in a tin or jar.
- These should last 6 months to 1 year without the need for refrigeration.
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
99
so…where’s the caffeine?
Hi there, what would be the best storage solution?
Thank you.
I was thinking of using coffee beans instead of grounds. Any thoughts? Maybe just pound them a bit so they are still moreor less whole.
She never answered, but corn starch or arrowroot are used to cut some of the oily-ness in body butters and lotion sticks. It isn’t really needed.
My question is does this stain your clothes? I’ll just stick with the scrub in the meantime. Also saves the tedious job of straining. (or if you do infuse oil, save the grounds and make the scrub, too; it will still work.)
HTH
Cornstarch is a thickening agent
Is you cocoa butter a solid? The one I have is a cream.
Hi, just wondering why you used cornstarch and what effect it has. This is a great recipe!
This is great, but just a quick question, why did you use cornstarch in the mix? I haven’t used cornstarch in body butter bars before, so just curious.
Hi, I have all the same questions as above! Thanks!
Is it wrong to want to eat these gorgeous gems?
Could this be made into a liquid lotion by omitting the beeswax? Love this idea!
Also, will this rub off and stain clothes/furniture? Thanks!
Yes! You can definitely leave out the beeswax for a liquid lotion. And no, you won’t stain your furniture :)
Hi! :) Is there something else that can be used in place of beeswax to harden?
Thanks!
awesome! I love this idea!
But as a fair skinned redhead I need to ask, how much colour does this tend to give you?
Thanks!
You can customize the tint for your skin tone – just use less cocoa if you want a lighter tint!
I love this. Thank you.
oooooh I am loving this idea!
Trish