‘Miracle cure’, ‘Hope in a bottle’, ‘Younger looking skin’…We’re all guilty of falling for these beauty traps when it comes to trying out the next big thing in the world of skincare. Bathroom cabinets and vanities overrun with pills, potion, bottle and jars of ‘stuff’ containing ingredients that are full of promises to take years off our faces. It’s time to simplify! What if you could clear those shelves, uncomplicated your routine and save both time and money while still looking your absolute best – naturally? Read on…
Celebrities are already onto the secret, with beauties including Gisele Bundchen, Miranda Kerr and Kourtney Kardashian shunning complex and expensive routines and turning to the all-natural, purely organic fix of virgin, cold pressed coconut oil as their new favourite go-to beauty product.
Coconut guru and author of Going Coconuts, Brynley King, uses coconut oil for just about everything and here she shares her secrets on what this wonder oil can do for you, your face, body and even your man!
1. Hair treatment
Indulge lack-lustre, frazzled and over styled locks with a DIY coconut oil treatment that will leave hair soft, shiny and with that ‘just-stepped-out-of-the-salon’ look. Comb a dollop through the ends of your hair for a quick frizz fix, or coat the whole hair (including scalp), cover with a shower cap or towel and leave in for 30 minutes or overnight for an intensive, fragrant and super charged moisturising treatment.
2. Toothpaste
Coconut oil is perfect for promoting oral health due to the bevy of anti-bacterial and detoxifying properties it contains. If you are looking for a whiter, brighter and sweeter smelling smile simply combine 3 tablespoons of organic coconut oil with 3 tablespoons of aluminium free baking soda and 25 drops of natural peppermint oil to make your very own homemade toothpaste. It tastes great and is a fabulous natural alternative to toothpaste.
3. Moisturiser
Dump your collection of expensive lotions, creams and ointments, and cut your morning and night routine in half. Coconut oil is the perfect organic moisturiser as it is absorbed into the skin deeper than regular lotions and hydrates without feeling greasy or oily. Try massaging into skin after showering in the evening and wake up with baby soft skin at a fraction of the price.
4. Makeup remover
Unlike harsh makeup removers that seem to take off the top layer of skin along with your foundation, coconut oil is effective at cleansing the face but gentle enough to nourish the skin as well. Apply a small amount to your face, eyelids and eyelashes before gently wiping off with a moist cloth. And even those stubborn waterproof mascaras and long stay lipsticks – gone, with a smear of coconut oil and a gentle wipe.
5. Dandruff treatment
Instead of using chemical laden anti-dandruff shampoos, massage a dollop of coconut oil into your scalp and leave in overnight. The oil not only moisturises and soothes but protects the hair follicle, promoting hair growth for those long and luscious tresses you’ve always wanted without the flaking, itching or redness.
6. Eyebrow tamer
If your brows are looking a little less Cara Delevinge and a little more Jack Nicholson, smooth a tiny amount of coconut oil onto unkempt brows and sweep a comb through for all day stay put power. Use regularly and you will also discover over plucked brows can regain some fullness due to coconut oil’s hair growth-boosting properties.
7. Natural lubricant
Using this wonder product on your more sensitive areas may seem a bit strange; however coconut oil is a great natural alternative to other synthetic personal lubricants which can contain multiple parabens and other toxic nasties.
8. After-sun lotion
Spent a little too long soaking up the vitamin D? The anti-inflammatory properties in coconut oil will aid in repairing the damage done by the sun’s harmful rays, relieving any burns and redness, and preventing wrinkles caused by sun exposure.
9. Shaving cream
Achieve a clean shave by coating each leg in about a teaspoon of coconut oil before taking up the razor, for silky smooth pins without the cost of expensive shaving creams.
10. Exfoliator
Create an inexpensive DIY body and face exfoliator by mixing 1 1/2 cups of coconut oil with 1/3 cup coffee, salt or sugar for an all-natural solution to removing dead skin. Adding vanilla bean, cinnamon, chai tea or orange grind will create a subtle burst of flavour for delectably silky smooth skin that smells amazing.
To purchase Banaban Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and your copy of Going Coconuts head to naturepacific.com
What do you use coconut oil for? Tell us in the comments below!
