Hey there Nurturers!
Are you guys obsessed with coconut products like I am? If you’re not, you should be. I keep a jar of coconut oil on hand at all times because it is just so darn useful…and natural!
Here at Nurture My Body we use coconut oil in our bar soaps, but there are endless other uses both in your beauty routine and beyond!
Personally, I use coconut oil as a mega-multi-tasker in my beauty routine:
- To soothe dry hands --> This won't work for dry digits when you're on the go, but at home, coconut oil can work wonders on your dishwashing-parched hands. And if you cook with coconut oil—you can sub it for butter in baking recipes because it’s solid at room temperature—scoop out a little extra for your hands, too.
- As a cheekbone highlighter --> Nothing perks up a tired face like a little highlighter, but you don't need store-bought products to achieve the same effect. Simply sweep a small amount of coconut oil on top of makeup and leave it alone. It looks like your skin but glowier, which is why many natural makeup brands use it as a base ingredient in their formulas.
- To shave my legs --> Conventional shaving cream is an expensive cocktail of chemicals that you don't need to get a nice clean shave on your legs or underarms. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is inexpensive, naturally antimicrobial, and smells divine :)
- As a deep-conditioner --> Apply a quarter-size dollop to your hair, comb it, and then pile it into a loose bun. You'll want to place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning, shampoo as usual with a gentle cleanser.
- To remove eye makeup --> Yes, coconut oil even works on waterproof mascara! Put a little on a cotton ball and gently sweep it over your eyes, paying attention to your under-eyes as well. The oil does a great job breaking down waxy, inky eye makeup, and leaves the delicate area hydrated, too. Once you're done, wash your face as usual.
- To add shine --> Smooth a tiny amount of coconut oil onto your ends to add a little shine, or on flyaways if you have dark hair. Remember that a dab will do you: Any more and your hair might appear greasy. (This goes especially for my blonde-haired sisters!)
- In a body scrub --> Melt 1/2 c of coconut oil at very low heat. Pour it over 1 c of brown sugar or salt and stir well. If you have some on hand, add in five drops of your favorite essential oil or some pure vanilla extract for a scrub so fragrant you'll want to eat it.
- As a massage oil --> Many store-bought massage oils have either coconut or jojoba oil as their base. Cut out the middleman and go straight to the bottle.
What are your favorite unconventional uses for coconut oil? I’d love to know :) so share in a comment below!
Until next time,
-Sally, Summer Intern