Thursday, August 1, 2013

Chemical free beauty product: Coconut Oil [a story]

Wow, it’s been a long time since the last time I wrote. Unlike before, I will make no promises of persistent entries this time around, I will write when I feel like it and when I have time... yes, aren’t we all crazed by life. So much has happened since last time


Although time continues to pass despite all, my pursuit for beauty remains. Today, I am no longer the newbie I once was, who Woo and Ahhed at the sight of a NYC tri-colour pallet (it is the first eye shadow I ever bought over 7 years ago, surprisingly, I still have it today!) Today, my interests has changed slightly, I have challenged myself to use healthy beauty products.


I am a health conscious person, I take pride in cooking healthy food at home and only indulge in insanely unhealthy food occasionally (i.e. chips). I freaked out a little when I accidentally came across an article that details the harmful chemicals found in our beauty products, found in the products I use everyday! Parabens, BHT, parfum, just spelling it out feels toxic.


During a recent trip to Chicago, a colleague introduced me to Trader Joe's,  a specialty grocer that carries organic beauty products, although I did not manage to purchase anything that day, it certainly sparked an interest.


Back in good old Canada, another colleague invited me to visit Whole Foods during lunch with her with the promise that they sell organic beauty products. I jumped at the idea and visited the infamously expensive Whole Foods. Yes, until recently, I have never visited Whole Foods and yes, it is a little surprising considering my unwavering interest in all things new/exciting.  At the time I was actually aiming to purchase a hair mask because my unruly long hair has become somewhat unattainable and I had hoped that a good hair mask treatment would make them nice and soft. I was later proven wrong and caved into the fact that nothing can beat the strength of genetically thick and stiff hair.


During that trip I purchased coconut oil, the sales staff promised great things, and $15 dollars later, I was the proud owner of 375 ml of organic, virgin coconut oil. AH! a milestone! It was the first all natural, organic beauty product I have ever bought! Sure it was a little expensive in terms of oils, but insanely cheap in terms of cosmetics. I later jumped on the internet surfing board and discovered a million great things coconut oil can do.



Scroll down to read 30 ways coconut oil can benefit you! (sure coconut oil has loads of health benefits when eaten, but I am still skeptical on eating it due to its high fat content.)


Since that fateful day, I use the coconut oil as a eye makeup remover, hand moisturizer, cuticle oil, lip balm and hair mask. I have even packaged them into different containers to be used for different purposes. Just thought I should put it out there, It is perhaps the best waterproof eye makeup remover ever!!! even better than Lancome! And my cuticles have never looked good better!


Perhaps the best property of coconut oil is that it solidify at 25 degree Celsius, it liquefies through the temperature of your hands, otherwise has the texture of room temperature butter.


Without a doubt this is just the beginning of my pursuit for natural beauty products, have your heard of cocoa butter?

Stay beautiful~


1
On the skin as a basic lotion
2
In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
3
In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
4
As an eye-makeup remover
5
To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
6
To support healthy thyroid function
7
To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
8
As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
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In homemade lotion recipes
10
As a delicious tropical massage oil
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A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
12
As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
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Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
14
Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
15
Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
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As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours.
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On cuticles to help nails grow
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In natural Homemade Sunscreen
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Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
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After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
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Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn't stored as fat
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As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
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When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
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It's anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
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Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
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Can help resolve acne when used regularly
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Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
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Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
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On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
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Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer

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