Get Gorgeous with Coconut Oil!

 

There are so many reasons to start incorporating Coconut Oil into your beauty routine!  

It is a natural anti bacterial(which I find amazing in itself), has incredible moisturizing properties, it's packed with antioxidants, smells great and has the ability to replace many of the other beautifying products you would typically buy. I just want to clarify that saving money is not the main reason your going to opt to switch your current products out for coconut oil, but the fact that it works so much better than what your already using and that it is 100 percent natural!(By the way this information is coming from a reformed..... ok somewhat reformed product junkie!) Many cosmetic and beauty products do contain some percent of coconut oil, so why not eliminate all the potentially harmful ingredients and convert to pure coconut oil?   I discovered coconut oil when I was pregnant with my daughter Emily.  I was in search of a serious moisturizer to aid in preventing stretch marks but at no cost to the baby. In the process I was amazed to learn about the countless other uses it provides.  My beauty routine is now completely focused around Coconut Oil and here is my Get Gorgeous Guide!

First you'll need to buy some Coconut Oil!  I buy mine in the organic section where I food shop. I prefer the brand Nutiva.  It is great quality and offers a pleasant scent.  

1. In place of Face Wash!

Coconut Oil is a natural antibacterial which makes it a powerful acne fighting component.  I know what your thinking.  The fact that it's oil you can't imagine how it could benefit acne prone skin but trust me on this one.  You just have to try it.  My skin has a tendency to breakout here and there. Nothing major but it seems to be especially worse when I am expecting.  I started using it in replace of face wash on my not so glowing pregnancy skin and I was so surprised at the results!  My skin was breakout free within a week or so and very well moisturized. I continue to use it today because I love it.  Once a week I mix in a tiny bit of baking soda to make it exfoliating.  To cleanse your face with coconut oil all you need to do is take a small dab (about the size of a pencil eraser) and rub it into you skin.  Rinse well and your done. 

2.A Super Efficient Eye Makeup remover!

Glide on some coconut oil to efficiently remove all traces of eye makeup.

3Get Fuller Lashes!

Before you go to sleep apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your lashes using a clean dry mascara wand.

Wash off in the morning.  This is thought to work by increasing the health of your lashes by nourishing them and preventing fall out.  

4.Heavy Duty Eye Cream!

Combine Coconut Oil with Vitamin E (Cut open the vitamin capsules) for a serious eye cream at less than half the cost of the store bought version.  

5Oil Pulling! 

Oil pulling is a process of basically swishing a high quality oil around in your mouth(like you would with mouthwash) with the objective to detox and rejuvenate.  Coconut oil contains lauric acid which makes it a natural anti bacterial, anti microbial and anti fungal. The process is said to remove toxins and will kill any harmful bacteria.  If your interested in trying this take anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 5-20 minutes. Then spit it out and rinse well with water. Follow by flossing and brushing.  The benefits are super shiny clean teeth, strengthened gums, naturally whiter teeth, and improved overall oral health.  Similar to replacing face wash with coconut oil you are going to have to try it for yourself. There are some claims that it acts as a decongestant as well and helps to prevent and improve gingivitis.  This is recommended to do each day but at least aim for a few times a week.

5Lip Exfoliant!      

For super smooth lips gently rub them with a mixture of coconut oil and sugar.  Rinse and apply your favorite lip balm.

6DIY Lip Balm!

Make your own natural  lip balm by melting coconut oil and natural beeswax together with a few drops of vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil.  You can add a tiny bit of eyeshadow powder if you'd prefer some color! Store in a mini altoids tin.

I plan on doing a post about this soon with some suggestions.  

7Clean your makeup brushes! 

 Clean and sanitize your makeup brushes with melted coconut oil.

8 DIY Sugar Scrub!

Combine Coconut oil and sugar with the addition of vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil for a super moisturizing scrub.   

9 Replace your shaving cream!

 Trade out your shaving cream for coconut oil for amazingly silky legs.

You can also add coconut oil to your daily moisturizer to give it a boost. It can also be used to clear yeast related skin conditions as well as eczema.

 10 Prevent Stretch Marks

This is indefinitely the best way to prevent stretch marks that I have found.  Apply a generous amount after taking a shower in the morning and reapply nightly.  Do this every single day of your pregnancy in order to completely avoid stretch marks or at the least deeply impact the severity of them.(There are other factors involved)For the best stretch mark preventative tips I have to offer click below!