I had a box of plain green tea approaching its date and decided, knowing all the wonderful properties of green tea, to make some new skin food with it! I opted for a super simple body butter using green tea-infused coconut oil and vanilla essential oil for scent. It smells absolutely heavenly and, thanks to some lingering tea bits, has endearing specks like vanilla bean ice cream...hence the name! As a former Starbucks Green Tea Frappucino addict, I would absolutely compare the scent to that! Coconut oil shines as a fantastic moisturizer, and green tea is loaded with antioxidants and great for use after sun exposure, making this a great addition to your summer beauty regimen!
Whipped Green Tea Vanilla Bean Body Butter
1 cup virgin coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons loose green tea, organic preferred
20-30 drops vanilla essential oil
In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil gently over medium heat. Once melted, add tea leaves and stir. Simmer, covered, over low heat for one hour to infuse the oil.
Strain tea out using cheesecloth, over a large chilled bowl (you can place your bowl in the freezer when your begin the simmer and take it out when you're ready for it). Allow oil to cool to room temperature; it should become slightly solidified. Once it has cooled, whip for a few minutes using an electric mixer on lowest speed until fluffy.
Note: if your house is warm and the oil does not solidify, you can place the bowl in an ice bath to help it set up. Warm temperature will also cause difficulty in whipping and may melt your finished product. Store in the fridge to keep it set up, and keep in mind that tea is perishable...use your product within about a month of making it.
Make a pretty label, slather on, and enjoy!!
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