Used as the primary ingredient in the Blür Beauty range of coffee scrubs, serums and oils, the caffeine from recycled coffee grinds acts as a powerful and safe stimulant to the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. 

Acquired from among the world’s best coffee shops, Truth in Cape Town, the recycled coffee grinds – obtained after making customers’ morning Cappuccinos or Americanos – is given a second life, becoming the active compound in Blür Beauty’s innovative, new product line.

“In our household, we believe in reusing materials wherever possible and while in our kitchen wondered if there was anything that could be done with the by-product of my morning coffee, the coffee grinds. It has a rough texture which I thought could make an excellent exfoliator. After researching the effects of coffee on the skin, we approached industry experts to help us develop and create the first of its kind in the country: beauty scrubs, serums and oils made primarily using upcycled coffee,” says Cleaver.

After undergoing drying the reused coffee is expertly blended with essential oils such as patchouli, broccoli and almond for the Body Scrub and with an apricot exfoliator in the Face Scrub, while the Body Oil and Face Serum uses an upcycled coffee oil. It is also acquired from recycled coffee grinds, and fuses with a number of other active oils including lemongrass, eucalyptus and grapefruit.

“Caffeic acid, an antioxidant, has been proven to boost collagen levels and reduce the premature aging of cells when applied topically,” says Cleaver. “For instance, when applied to certain areas of the body, such as the thighs and buttocks where cellulite is most present, the coffee by-product contains caffeine, which stimulates dilation when applied to the surface of the skin, while the scrubbing motion increases circulation. The intended effect is that it will plump the skin and make the appearance of cellulite less obvious.”

Rich in tocopherols, coffee oil is an effective anti-ageing product. It contains an antioxidant called polyphenols which is extremely powerful and has the advantage of being very well assimilated by the body. “These antioxidants protect us from ageing skin (wrinkles, dryness, loss of firmness, appearance of spots, irritations and fine lines). Its high concentration of palmitic and linoleic acids also helps to quickly penetrate the skin layers while supporting the skin in its hydration role and strengthening the skin barrier against external aggressions,” explains Cleaver.  

Encouraging body positivity is part and parcel of Blür Beauty’s unique make-up and Jamie encourages women to love the skin they’re in. “Feeling beautiful inside and out is about owning your body as it is, with all of its dimples and wrinkles. We only have one body to live our best life in and it starts by ‘Owning Your Beautiful’ each and every day.” 

Adhering to Clean Beauty principles is central to Blür Beauty’s and Jamie’s philosophy and sustainability is ensured throughout the product’s production: the range is vegan, uses organic ingredients, is committed to no animal testing which makes Blür Beauty cruelty-free and its packaging is eco-friendly by using FSC board and biodegradable laminate. 

Available at the new ARC Store in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town and Sandton City in Johannesburg Blür Beauty is for the woman who wants to live consciously and confidently in her own skin. 

The product’s RSPs range between R249.99 and R399.00 each. Visit the website to shop the range and for more information. 

Follow them on Instagram at @blurbeautysa