Minimal Makeup: Coconut Oil

In a recent article posted on Man Repeller, the author went into great detail on the different uses for Coconut oil.  I too love coconut oil and use on a daily basis. Here are my top three favorite uses:

1. Body Butter // Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer. I have used it instead of lotion and even a post-shower hair conditioner. I also put coconut oil on my face every night before going to bed. I often mix it with a few drops of lavender essential oil (an anti-inflammatory) to help keep my skin clear.

2. Cooking // I use coconut oil to sauté kale, on bread instead of butter, but best of all, I use it to make a "hard-shell" sauce for ice cream. [Just mix some peanut butter or chocolate syrup with slightly warmed coconut oil. Simply drizzle it over ice cream. It's amazing!]

3. Oil Pulling // Ok. This one takes some courage but does wonders for your dental health. All that is involved is taking a spoonful of coconut oil and swishing it around in your mouth for 20 minutes. Yes, it seems like a long time, but if you find an activity (like folding laundry) it goes by fairly quickly.  Just make sure you don't brush your teeth or drink anything but water for a good hour after spitting it out.  The benefits? It is a deep clean for your mouth and strengthens your enamel.