CG Beauty Essential: Coconut Oil

I got into the coconut oil fad back when it first shot off as the new "miracle ingredient". Since then I have cooked, baked, and cleaned with coconut oil, but my favorite uses are definitely in the beauty department. Coconut oil appears in many all-natural and organic beauty products (including makeup) because it is an excellent moisturizer, as well as being both antibacterial and antifungal. Chock full of antioxidants like vitamin E, coconut oil can help your skin retain moisture, increase elasticity, and decrease inflammation. 

All of the beauty essentials I profile are multitasking marvels, but coconut oil gives some of my favorite products a run for their money. There are dozens of uses for this amazing oil on your face and body, but I have compiled my five favorite beauty uses for coconut oil. Give them a try and let me know what you think!

1. The most obvious use for coconut oil in your beauty regime is as a moisturizer. After cleansing, apply the oil in circular motions. Consider it a mini massage. Remember that with coconut oil, a little goes a long way. The solid oil will easily melt once it makes contact with the warmth of your skin and you will end up with more than you need. Coconut oil makes a great overall moisturizer and can replace such diverse products as cuticle oil, hand lotion, and lip balm. Unlike store bought moisturizing products that can contain lots of water and petroleum based ingredients, coconut oil offers a complete and natural moisture. I highly recommend applying it as a body oil while your skin is still wet after a shower or bath.

2. I haven't used gel or body wash since I discovered shaving with oil. It completely revolutionized shaving for me! And of all the oils I've shaved with (olive, safflower, sunflower) coconut oil is one of my favorites. Not only does it smell delicious, but after shaving you'll find your legs, etc. are softer than they've been since you started using a razor. Generally I leave shaving for last when I'm in the shower and exfoliate everywhere my razor will touch. Exfoliating before you shave, especially with a body or facial wash that includes salicylic acid, helps to removes dead skin and prevents ingrown hairs from forming. After you've exfoliated spread the oil across your skin so it is evenly distributed. Once again, you'll probably need less than you take. Your skin doesn't need to be thickly coated with oil, rather you are going for an even sheen. Use a sharp, wet razor (the more blades the better), and shave as you normally would. The first thing you'll notice is that your razor quickly fills with oil. I generally use a bowl or cup filled with hot water to rinse the razor out every few passes. Make sure you store your cleaned razor in a dry place to extend the life of the blades and avoid bacteria. I have a theory that shaving with oil actually extends the life of your razor by preventing rust and protecting the blades.

3. You can even use coconut oil as a general facial cleanser. I wouldn't advise using it daily if you have acne prone skin, but it can be a valuable tool against winter dryness for all skin types. While highly moisturizing, coconut oil also offers anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties and will help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. To cleanse your skin with coconut oil simply apply it to your face in circular motions, then apply a warm washcloth. Keep the washcloth on for as long as you can to help open up your pores, then wipe away. Unless my skin is feeling especially dry, I opt out of using moisturizer after cleansing my face with this method because it just seems like overkill.

4. I never used makeup remover or eye makeup remover until I tried using coconut oil. It always seemed like a superfluous product that I could simply replace with a good cleanser. The truth is that most cleansers aren't going to remove all of your makeup, especially not that waterproof mascara. Coconut oil, however, does a superb job of breaking down your makeup (even the waterproof stuff) and leaving your skin hydrated. You can remove your eye makeup by melting some coconut oil in your hand or in a dish  and using cotton balls or kleenex to wipe your eyes clean. Once I've gotten most of my eye makeup off I use the rest of the oil on my face, taking time to massage my skin in a circular motion. I then use a warm washcloth and a gentle cleanser to remove the coconut oil and the makeup. Instantly you'll notice that your skin is silky smooth and makeup free! 

5. Coconut oil can also help you with your hair. If you find your tresses are in need of a moisture boost try a coconut oil overnight hair mask. Before bed wet your hair and coat your locks in the oil from root to tip. I generally use a wet brush to dampen my hair and then apply the oil just as I would a leave in conditioner, taking the time to massage it into my scalp.After, I wrap my hair up in a scarf and put a towel down over my pillow (just in case). In the morning you can skip the conditioner and simply wash your hair with a mild shampoo. As coconut oil penetrates hair better than most oils, you'll instantly notice that your hair is stronger, shinier, and less frizzy. 

Stay tuned for more ideas on how you can incorporate coconut oil into your skin and haircare.

Coffee Hair Mask

I know, it sounds weird to put coffee grounds in your hair. However, the caffeine is an excellent stimulant for your scalp that boosts shine, repairs damage, and increases hair growth. You can achieve these benefits two ways. The first is by adding some coffee grounds (unused) to your shampoo or you can create a mask.

I created a mask using four ingredients: my regular shampoo, unused coffee grounds, Epsom salts, and baking soda. The baking soda and Epsom salts are optional, but both have added benefits for your scalp and locks. Baking soda will help rid your hair of product build up, while Epsom salts add volume and build shine.

Materials

1 Tablespoon of Coffee Grounds

1 Tablespoon of Shampoo

1/2 Tablespoon of Epsom Salts

1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

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I leave the mask on 5-10 minutes while I shower, remove, then condition as usual. As someone with extremely fine and flat hair, there was a noticeable difference in volume after I blew my hair out. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

The finished product should look something like this.

Stinky Man Foot Spray

I know, not the best subject I've broached thus far, but still a reality many of us face. This spray is perfect for the manly, aka stinky, men in your life, but it is also really great for just pampering and maintaining beautiful feet. It only requires four ingredients and an empty spray bottle that can hold at least 16 ounces (2 cups). I've gotten into the habit of reusing any spray bottle I buy, so if you have an empty bottle of household cleaner simply rinse it out with water and soap. All the other ingredients are easy to come by and relatively inexpensive.

Mint tea is something you may already have, but you can substitute it for actual mint out of the garden or mint essential oil. Peppermint is another option you may choose to use. When I made this I actually used mint green tea rather than just herbal tea which provides the added benefits of green tea (antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties). Witch hazel is an awesome astringent that comes from a sweet little shrub. If you don't own any already, head out to the closest drug store and pick up a bottle. Besides this recipe, I frequently use witch hazel as a toner. Tea tree oil is the most expensive ingredient you need for this spray, but once you make the initial purchase you'll be able to use it for a thousand things. Tea tree oil is a valuable antiseptic that can be used to treat everything from dandruff to tick removal. I use it predominately on my face, as it is great for treating acne without over drying.

 Materials

1 Cup of Water

4 Mint Teabags

1 Cup of Witch Hazel 

1/4 Teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil

16 oz. Spray Bottle

Boil 1 cup of water.

Add the 4 bags of mint tea and let steep for 30 minutes.

Remove tea bags and add the water to a clean spray bottle.

Add 1 cup of witch hazel and 1/4 teaspoon of tea tree oil.

Shake before use, as the tea tree oil will separate in the bottle.

 This spray is great because it can be used to both prevent and combat foot odor, without the use of harsh chemicals. All the ingredients in this spray are generally great for your skin, so you can use is to pamper and soften your feet even if you don't have stinky feet!

DIY Teeth Whitening

I'm a huge proponent of DIY tooth whitening because it is super easy and the store bought stuff is insanely expensive. If you buy the whitener and trays from your dentist the price is even worse! I'm a coffee addict and this simple recipe does the trick, keeping my ivories looking white and sparkly.

I try to whiten my teeth at least once every two weeks and always before special occasions. You may choose to start out whitening your teeth once a week until you get the desired results, then begin to ease back to less.

There are two variations of this recipe that I've used, but I tend to favor the Baking Soda + Peroxide + Toothpaste mixture because I learned it first. The other recipe features only baking soda and lemon.

Recipe #1

One teaspoon of baking soda

One teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide

Pea-sized amount of toothpaste

1/2 teaspoon of H20

In a small bowl mix the ingredients together. Apply to your toothbrush and scrub for up to two minutes. 

Spit and Rinse.

Recipe #2

 One teaspoon of baking soda

One teaspoon of lemon juice

In a small bowl mix the ingredients together. Once the mixture has finished foaming, apply it to your toothbrush and scrub for one minute.

Spit and Rinse.

Please note that these recipes may be too harsh for people with tooth sensitivity.

Aspirin & Lemon Facial Mask and Scrub

Before you head out tonight in anticipation of the New Year give this easy face mask and scrub a try. You only need three inexpensive ingredients: uncoated aspirin tablets, lemon juice, and baking soda.

Aspirin can be a tremendously valuable tool in a girl's medicine cabinet as it contains salicylic acid, a powerful acne fighter and exfoliant. I personally make an aspirin paste every time I have to do battle with my acne.

Lemon juice is one of my favorite skin care items because it contains Vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acid, and smells fantastic. Even when I just use lemon juice as a toner, my skin instantly looks brighter.

Baking soda is another valuable item in my skin care arsenal. I use it all the time with my cleanser to create an easy, gentler exfoliant. In this recipe however, baking soda is used to rinse off the aspirin and lemon and neutralize the acid.

**Please note that if you have sensitive skin or an aspirin allergy you should not use this recipe.**

Ingredients

 

6-10 Uncoated Aspirin
1/2 Tablespoon of 100% Lemon Juice, or Half a Lemon

Baking Soda Dissolved in Water

1. In a small dish, dissolve the aspirin in the lemon juice. I use a spoon to help break up the aspirin and create a paste. 

2. Apply the paste to your freshly washed face using gentle circles to exfoliate. 

3. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.

4. Remove the dry mask using cotton balls dipped in your solution of dissolved baking soda. It is normal to experience a slight burning sensation as you remove the mask, followed by some skin redness. 

5. Apply a moisturizer and enjoy brighter, softer skin!

Party Eyes and Nails

New Years Eve is nearly upon us, and as such I wanted to share my ideas for party eyes and nails. My goal for these ideas was to add sparkle without being overly sparkly. Nobody wants to be the girl with glitter all over her face.

Black & Gold Eyeliner

Supplies: Black and gold liquid eyeliner, black mascara.

I love this look for its subtly and sparkle. Plus, it's super simple. All you need to do is fill in your top waterline with a thin line of black liquid eyeliner. Keep your eyes mostly shut while it dries or speed it up by standing in front of a fan or using your hairdryer on 'cool'. Follow the black line with gold liquid eyeliner, only with a slightly thicker line. After the gold has dried, curl your eyelashes with a warm eyelash curler (heat with your hairdryer for a few seconds and test the temperature before you curl your lashes) and add two layers of black mascara. A good trick to know is to apply the first layer of mascara and dust your lashes lightly with baby powder before you add the second coat. The baby powder adds to the thickness of your lashes, but you may need to comb through them a little more with a metal eyelash brush.

Glitter Nails

 

Supplies: Loose glitter (I used multicolored craft glitter), base coat, top coat.

After you've prepped your nails, add the first layer of base and let dry. Then, one nail at a time, add a second layer of base and cover with a thin layer of glitter. Work over a container so the glitter doesn't go everywhere. Once you have covered all your nails go back and fill in any spaces with a dot of base and some well-placed glitter. I happened to use bigger pieces of glitter, so it was necessary for me to wet my finger and smooth the glitter polish down after I had filled in all the spaces. Then just top it off with a layer of top coat. Let dry, and apply another.

"The Natural Look"

 Step One

 WASH YO FACE!

             

 Step Two

 Brush your brows into the natural arch, set with a brow gel, and color in gaps with your bronzer. The gel set is optional, but using a color for your eyebrows that is lighter than your actual hair color is key (hence the use of bronzer)! When filling in your eyebrows it is helpful to begin in the middle and work your way out. After I fill in the holes I usually like to brush the color through.

Step Three

 Use concealer to cover up any blemishes, zits, tattoos, etc. I usually draw triangles under my eyes for any bags as well as a line down my nose for redness.

 Step Four

 In the palm of your hand or a seperate container put a dime sized dollop of SPF moisturizer and foundation. Less is more, as we are trying to be subtle. Mix it around until it is one solid shade, like so:  

 Step Five

Using your fingers or a foundation brush begin to work the mixture onto your face just as you would regular foundation. The key is to begin in the very center of your face and work your way out, right on top of the concealer. Avoid pushing the foundation/moisturizer up into your hair by moving out rather than up. When you're all done your skin should be one stationary color. At this point I usually set it with a loose powder, blotting the excess off with kleenex.

 Step Six

Now comes the fun part! Suck your cheeks in and brush bronzer in a light line beneath your cheekbones as shown. This is one of the fundamentals of contouring. Follow with a light sweep along both sides of your nose and along your hairline. Especially if you are new to contouring, less is more.

Step Seven

 When I'm going for the natural look I try to use blush sparingly, reserving it for just the outsides of my cheekbones and using a paler pink. I use the same color, along with bronzer, on my eyelids. This really makes your eyes pop.

Step Eight

If you are afraid of curling your eyelashes, get over it and give them a squeeze. If you really want to make them curl hit your curler with a hairdryer for a few seconds, test the temperature of the metal for safety, and give them another squeeze. 

When you take the wand out of your mascara DO NOT pump it up and down. Can you say bacteria!? Instead swish it back and forth. Using paper towel, roll any excess mascara of the wand. Brush one coat of mascara through your lashes and comb out any clumps using a eyelash brush.

Give your t-zone another light layer of loose powder and anyplace else your makeup has trouble staying (zits may need another coat of concealer and powder to stay hidden).

BAM! YOU'RE DONE!

BEFORE

AFTER