You probably reach for your jar of coconut oil each time your hands are dry, but while its creamy and nourishing consistency makes due for all those dry and rough patches, it’s also important to note that coconut oil goes beyond standard beauty purposes.
With an omega-rich formula that is easy to apply, coconut oil is one of those miracle products you can use for all sorts of beauty woes. But to actually prove that coconut oil really is the holy grail of all beauty staples, I decided to find obscure ways to incorporate the popular staple into my routine. Yes, we’re talking lip plumpers and lash treatments you don’t have to drop lots of cash for.
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Grabbing some CVS Cold Pressed Coconut Oil ($11), and channeling with my inner DIY genius, here’s what happened when I tried using coconut oil in six offbeat ways.
Hot Oil Treatment
When you have super fried double-processed locks, your hair is literally dying for any kind of moisture. And sure hydrating conditioners and deep treatment masks can keep your hair soft and smooth, but sometimes your unbearable split ends simply want something more.
Taking your hair regimen further comes using coconut oil as a hot oil treatment, which is apparently supposed to ward away dandruff while leaving your ends and strands super soft. I’ve tried this one or twice, and while I can’t exactly speak to the dandruff benefits, I can comment how soft and hydrated it makes my damaged hair feel.
To make your own treatment, simply melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil in a saucepan and apply it all over clean or dirty hair. Leave on for a few hours and then wash with a clarifying shampoo to ensure you’ve successfully removed all the product. Trust me, you’ll be amazed how soft and strong your tresses feel.
Lash Treatment
With all the torture (fiber mascaras and heated lash curlers) I put my lashes though, I rarely think to give them the TLC they deserve. But while I’m weary of those lash-enhancing treatments filled with unpronounceable ingredients, I was more than overjoyed to discover an online hack, stating that regular application of coconut oil can help keep your lashes strong (thanks to omega acids) and hydrated.
Testing this hack was super easy, as all I really had to do was apply some melted coconut oil onto my lashes. Of course I didn’t see any immediate benefits on the spot, but knowing that I could do something nice for my lashes definitely made me feel better, especially because breakage is something I’m repeatedly plagued with.
Shaving Cream
I’m all about natural alternatives for shaving creams, as some fragrance-filled buys leave my legs and underarms inflamed and in serious need of some aloe vera.
But to my relief, using coconut oil instead had a gentle yet effect on my legs and underarms, as the thick consistency kept me from nicking myself or dealing with super ashy legs afterward. I’ve used this trick once before, but testing it out again made me confident about using it all summer long.
Lip Gloss
Super sticky lip glosses remind me of all the beauty mistakes I made back in the early ‘00s, so I’m always on the prowl for a product that gives my pout a glossy finish without that superficial shine of course.
Thankfully, coconut oil gives my pucker a nice glossy look and doesn’t feel heavy on my lips. However, it’s staying power isn’t long enough, as I had to reapply frequently throughout the day. Good news is that my lips felt amazingly hydrated though, as most glosses leave my lips flaky and super dry.
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Lip Plumper
But if lip plumpers are more up your alley, coconut oil and a little cinnamon oil can also make a good alternative to those overly tingly products, which can leave your lips looking beyond irritated.
To try this out yourself, simply mix together a little coconut oil with a few drops of cinnamon oil (took me a few times to get your perfect combo!) to get a slightly plumped pucker. Just be sure not to use too much cinnamon oil, as it can be quite burning if you apply on too much.
Illuminator
Highlighting powders and creams are among my most favorite beauty products, so I was more than curious to see if applying some coconut oil on my complexion would give me that irresistibly dewy glow.
Of course it gave my cheeks a sheer shine, but much like coconut oil lip gloss, it didn’t last too long. However, the intensely moisturizing feeling you get from wearing it makes it much better than makeup. Definitely going to try this out when the heat and humidity strike.
What the Expert Says:
“Raw, organic coconut oil is a great natural beauty multitasker,” says makeup artist and natural beauty expert Rebecca Casciano. “ It makes a wonderful makeup remover, body moisturizer, cuticle cream and conditioner for dry hair. It’s also a delicious beauty food that can be used in smoothies or even coffee.”
However, with so many options on the market, finding your best product match can be a bit tricky. To get the one that can do the most for your routine, Casciano recommends finding formulas that are unrefined or virgin and cold-pressed. This can ensure that your oil is free of pesticides and will deliver maximum benefits to your skin, hair and nails. “While coconuts are not at high risk of pesticides, I would also choose organic if I had the option.”
