Coconut oil has recently become one of the most talked about “beauty” breakthroughs because of its countless uses, health benefits, and, of course, its inexpensive price tag. If you’re not already nuts for this delicious-smelling miracle oil, then it’s high time you see what all the fuss is about. Apparently coconut oil can be used for everything—from cooking to skincare and even in the bedroom (we’ll talk about that another day). For those unfamiliar, take note: Coconut oil is a solid that kinda looks like Crisco, but once it hits the warmth of your hands and skin, it quickly becomes liquid gold. We’ve pulled together some of the top beauty uses for the stuff below. Are you ready to hop onboard the coconut oil train/bandwagon?
1. Makeup Remover: Smooth a dollop of coconut oil over your eyes and watch as it breaks down stubborn eye makeup in a flash. Just a little dab goes a long way.
2. Moisturizer: From your face to your knees and toes, coconut oil is one of the best skin softeners. It glides on easily and soaks in quickly, leaving supple, beautifully moistened skin.
3. Breath Freshener/Teeth Whitener: Have you ever heard of oil pulling? It’s a thing. Swishing around a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes each morning will naturally clean your mouth, freshen your breath, and give you a pearly white smile. It has even been known to fight infection, ward off uncomfortable dental procedures, and cure headaches.
4. Shaving Cream: Ditch the shaving cream and slather your legs with some oil. You’ll get a super close shave without the irritation and red bumps. Plus, it moisturizes, which is reason enough to make the switch. A word of caution: Coconut oil can make the bottom of the tub slippery, so be careful.
5. Deep Conditioner: Before you shampoo, add a small amount of coconut oil to your ends. You’ll be surprised just how soft your tresses are in the finish.
6. Exfoliant: Just add sugar and you’ve got yourself an all-natural body scrub that could save you twenties—twenty dollar bills, that is. One of the leading oil and sugar scrubs on the market costs nearly $60. That’s a new pair of shoes!
7. Overnight Cream: Try rubbing a thin layer of coconut oil onto your face before hitting the hay. You’re guaranteed to awaken with soft and brightened skin. And, as a bonus, the oil won’t stain your white sheets.
8. Oil Cleanser: Say goodbye to fancy facial cleansers, and say hello to the oil. Sounds a little alarming, but those who cleanse with oil swear by it. Coconut oil has even been known to help prevent problem skin and acne because of its natural anti-bacterial components.
9. Bath Soak: Fill up the tub and add a scoop of the stuff. Not only will the pleasant and relaxing aroma help take you to another world, but it will also deliver a moisture-packed bath.
10. Cuticle Cream: Rub on a tiny bit of coconut oil to soften the rough skin around your nail beds. Works like a charm.
11. Dandruff Control: Suffer from itchy scalp or embarrassing flakes? Moisturize the top of your noggin with this wonder oil and watch as it heals the skin, restores balance, and prevents you from looking like you’ve been standing out in a snowstorm.