Coconut oil is useful in the kitchen, but it can also give you smooth skin and hair that is easier to manage. Here are some ways to incorporate coconut oil in your daily beauty routine.
Solid coconut oil has a creamy texture that makes it great for moisturizing skin. Use a quarter-sized amount on your skin after you get out of the shower. You can add peppermint or lavender oil if you prefer those scents.
The skin under the eyes is thin and delicate and is prone to fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. You can replace your expensive eye cream with coconut oil. Rub it between your fingers to warm it up before spreading it under your eyes.
You can use coconut oil as a natural highlighter. Use a small amount of liquefied coconut oil on the tops of your cheekbones, the dip above your upper lip, and just above your eyebrows.
A teaspoon or less of coconut oil can easily remove makeup. Warm a dollop of coconut oil and massage it onto your skin, then rinse with warm water. You can make coconut oil makeup remover wipes by melting one teaspoon of coconut oil per cotton pad in a microwave-safe container, laying the cotton pads in an even layer, and letting them soak up the coconut oil overnight. Store them in a container or baggie.
Make a body scrub by mixing a half cup of sea salt or sugar with a half cup of coconut oil. Use your hands to rub it over rough skin. The mixture will remove dead skin cells and moisturize your skin. Use a little more salt or sugar for tough skin. You can add lavender oil if you prefer that scent.
Coconut oil also works as shaving cream. Warm the jar under water and smooth it onto your legs before shaving to get a close shave and smooth skin. It will be easier to hold the razor if your hands are dry, so shave outside the shower.
Use coconut oil to smooth your cuticles. It will strengthen your nails and hydrate the delicate skin for younger-looking hands.
Coconut oil can moisturize your lips. Put some into a spare contact lens holder and spread it on your lips with your fingers when necessary.
You can use coconut oil as a hair mask to add moisture and shine. Put some in a jar and hold it under warm water in the shower to melt it. Then apply a generous amount to your wet hair, twist it into a bun, leave it in for at least five minutes, and rinse it out.
Coconut oil can smooth frizzy, out-of-control hair. Rub a pea-sized amount between your fingers to warm it up and apply it to the bottom two inches of your hair. If your hair is thick and coarse, apply it from the mid-shaft to the ends. It will leave your hair soft and shiny.