Two posts in less than a week?! A miracle, I know. Much like the presence of this post, the content is about a miracle product. Coconut Oil! I really cannot rave enough about coconut oil. It has so many great applications, from beauty to cooking. In addition, it is very affordable and natural. No ingredients you can't pronounce, just coconut oil.
 |
| Trader Joe's Coconut Oil ($6) As usual, like my last stock image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit. |
The Basics:
Coconut oil is made from extracting the oils out of a coconut. It is a solid at room temperature, but easily turns into a liquid with just body heat, a hot day, or a zap in the microwave. Not all coconut oils are created equal, some coconut oil is extracted using high heat, chemicals and even bleach. This is why I suggest a virgin and organic coconut oil. Much like the Trader Joe's one shown above. That huge jar costs around $6 and will last forever!
Benefits List:
Ms. Sparkles, why should I consider adding coconut oil to my beauty routines? Well dear reader, I'm glad you asked.
- Antibacterial and Antimicrobial- As a result of the saturated fats in coconut oil, it aids in killing bacteria and fungi (gross but cool right?) This is great for treating skin conditions such as eczema and dandruff.
- Low Molecular Weight- Why do you care about this? Unlike other oils (almond, caster, jojoba, olive, etc) used in beauty applications, coconut oil is very light. This means that it does the best job at absorbing into the hair shaft.
- Moisturizing- This oil is great for replacing oils lost in skin, hair, and nails. Oils are great for locking in moisture right after a bath or shower as well.
- Economical Luxury- Many high end beauty products (especially the more natural ones) often use some derivative of coconut oil. Why not jump directly to the source? And hey, it doesn't hurt that it smells like fruity cocktails on the beach right?
Sparkles Tested and Approved Uses:
Now you have been convinced to get some organic virgin coconut oil, you have this jar and you don't know where to start. Well here are some of my favorite uses for coconut oil.
- Make-Up Remover: This is my #1 make-up remover method. I simply take a baby wipe (I like all natural, ones like Seventh Generation Free & Clear Baby Wipes) and run a part of it in the still solid coconut oil. I use the babywipe + coconut oil (which liquifies upon contact with the warmth of your skin) to remove all traces of eye/face make-up in a jiffy. The antimicrobial properties help reduce the chances of a break out and add moisture to my skin as it takes away even the most waterproof mascaras. Win all around! If you don't have a baby wipe, any cotton pad + coconut oil will work as well. I just like the extra cleaning power/surface area that comes with the baby wipe. Warning: Try not to get it IN your eye, it isn't pleasant but it is not as bad as some of those super chemically products out there (which don't work nearly as well if you ask me).
- Eyelash Growth/Eye-Brightening Serum: I have puny eyelashes. I have found that taking a really tiny bit of coconut oil on a Q-tip and running along my eyelash line and lightly coating my lashes has really helped them grow fuller. I have also noticed that if I simply run a cotton pad with a small amount the oil over my whole eye area before bed, they look much brighter the next day (2 results for the price of 1 action!) I am not sure how this works on wrinkles, but hey it is way more economical than eye creams and is worth a try. If you have more fine lines/wrinkles and try this, let me know how it goes! Being all natural, I'm sure you could also use coconut oil in conjunction with your favorite eye creams.
- Cuticle Oil/Nail Conditioner: Obsessive nail painting can leave nails and cuticles dry. My favorite thing to do when I'm wearing my natural nails (to give them a break) is to apply coconut oil to my nails and cuticles before bed. Hey, while you are at it, might as well put some on your whole hands as a hand moisturizer too.
- Rough Patch/All Over Skin Moisturizer: If you are planning on going out, I would just use this on your rough patches (knees, elbows etc.) to avoid looking greasy. If you have having an at home spa day, go ahead and put a light coat of this on your whole body after you get out of the shower. You wont regret it.
- Hair Oil/Dandruff Treatment : I find it easiest to warm a tablespoon or two of the oil in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Brush/comb out any hair tangles. Then I use my fingers to rub the oil into my scalp in sections. Lastly I run my hands through my ends with any remaining oil. I put on a shower cap (or plastic bag) and sit around for as long as I can stand (or over night if you are more tolerant of things on your head than me). Shampoo out the oil (you will probably have to shampoo twice to make sure your hair is not greasy). I like to use a very light conditioner afterwards, but this is not necessary. I do this once every 2 weeks but if you have severely dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, once a week is fine too. Though this may seem labor intensive, if you have dry or damaged hair, you will be shocked at how amazing the results are. Oh the smoothness!
- Hair Shine Serum: Not feeling the heavy silicone shine products in your hair? I can understand. Silicone is one of the most debated beauty ingredients (let me know if you are interested in a post about the great silicone debates). A great alternative is a TINY amount of coconut oil. Either before or after drying, take 1/2 a dime sized amount and emulsify it in your hands. Apply to hair and let the magic happen.
Shine & Sparkle!
Love these products as I use them too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBy
Marisha Wick
Extra dark Jamaican black castor oil
Thank you for reading!
Delete