9 ways to use coconut oil for beauty because this stuff works for everything
Coconut oil is a modern day cure-all. Remember how the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding used Windex for every ailment? Likewise, coconut oil is a must-use for all beauty fanatics due to its many purposes. Not only does it offer a great substitute for other cooking oils, it also cleanses, moisturizes, and detangles. It really is a panacea for all beauty struggles. If you don’t already have a jar of coconut oil in your bedroom it’s time to stalk up because your life is about to be ~changed~ for the better. Get ready to embrace your tropical island goddess self.
1. Use it as makeup remover
You’ll be amazed how easily it rubs off with a little coconut oil! Okay maybe not Disney-level ease but nothing is (we wish we knew what fabric Mulan’s magical sleeve is).
2. A moisturizing hair mask
According to Self, coconut oil can penetrate your hair’s cortex to strengthen and improve its flexibility.
3. Cleanse your mouth with it
This traditional Indian Ayurvedic practice called oil pulling involves swishing coconut oil around your mouth for 20 minutes a day. It reportedly has incredible cleansing benefits for your mouth, which can impact other bodily functions like cardiovascular strength. Some report that it helps whiten teeth and cures gingivitis, but it does take a lot of mouth-strength.
4. Use it to moisturize your skin
You can use it as a base for mixing with other lotions or oils or use it as it is. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins so it’s safe—better yet, good— to use on your face and body.
5. DIY body scrub
Mix coconut oil with sugar, salt, or ground up coffee for a luxurious exfoliating scrub. You’ll feel fresh once you wash it off and are rid of all the dead skin. (RIP.)
6. Moisturize your lips with it
All it takes is a bit of the super-rich oil to make your lips smooth n luscious. The best part? It’s totally edible.
7. Shaving cream (if you’re into that kind of thing)
Your legs will never be smoother after using coconut oil to shave your legs, pits, or whatever!
8. Soften your cuticles
Dashing a bit of coconut oil on your cuticles immediately upgrades any at-home-mani from ‘fine’ to FOYNE. Your nails will look and feel great thanks to the healing powers of ~moisture~.
9. Replace your under-eye cream
Under-eye skin is a special brand of sensitive that it can often be hard to take care of. According to Health, coconut oil can be a great for inflammation or puffiness and it doesn’t cost a fortune like many eye creams do.
Once you start using coconut oil, you’ll find it can help almost any beauty snafu. You’ll be singing “I’m in love with the coco-nut oil” in no time.
