Uses for coconut oil, aka, the jack-of-all-trades, are almost endless and with its price averaging about $4-10 for a 14 ounce jar and its long shelf life, which is approximately 18 months, the value of always having a jar of coconut oil in your home is tremendous and well worth it.
When shopping for coconut oil, you will find that you can purchase "refined" or "unrefined" coconut oil. Refined coconut oil goes through bleaching and deodorizing processes before it hits the shelf whereas unrefined coconut oil, also known as virgin coconut oil does not go through any processing therefore, it retains more of its natural components.
Though refined coconut oil is cheaper, unrefined may be the better choice for consumption. The Academy of Nutrition actually recommends avoiding refined coconut oil completely.
Here, we share 12 of our favorite ways to use a gleaming jar of coconut oil.
As a Makeup Brush Cleaner:
To avoid breakouts, you should clean your concealer and foundation brushes at least once a week and all other brushes around one to two times a month. One part coconut oil and two parts antibacterial soap creates a DIY makeup brush cleaner for you.
As a Lip Balm:
Grab some mini jars and create some lip balm and place these jars all over your house and at work so that you never suffer from chapped lips again. Would you like some tint? Grab some bits of old lipstick and combine it in the jar with your coconut oil!
As a Whitening Toothpaste:
Mix coconut oil and baking soda together and brush away for a bright smile.
As a Cheekbone Highlighter:
Nothing is better than highlighted cheekbones and you don’t have to purchase an expensive highlighter to capture this effect. Simply sweep a bit of coconut oil along your cheekbones on top of your makeup for a highlighted look.
As an Eye Cream for Dark Circles:
Spread a small amount of coconut oil under your eyes overnight to help brighten dark circles for the next day.
As an Energy Booster:
A spoonful of coconut oil a day keeps tiredness at bay- the MCTs in coconut oil turn into ketones, which then can substitute as an alternative energy source for the brain. Now that is a healthier energy option than an energy drink!
As a Cough Drop:
Sooth a sore throat by swallowing a spoonful of coconut oil by itself or adding some to a warm drink.
As a Waist Size Reducer:
Two tablespoons of coconut oil per day can help you decrease your waist size and adding two tablespoons of coconut oil to your life daily is simple- hide it in food, add it to a drink or simply swallow those spoonfuls full on your way out the door!
As a Stain Remover:
Combine one part coconut oil and one part baking soda and apply to a stain. Wait about five minutes and wipe away.
As a Floor Scuff Remover:
Wipe scuff marks with a tiny amount of coconut oil on a cloth. Wipe completely to avoid slipping.
As a Non-Stick Coating for Kitchenware:
Rub coconut oil in any pan with a napkin to create a non-stick surface for cookware and bakeware.
As a Coffee Sweetener:
Put that cream, sugar and honey down! Add some coconut oil to your coffee for a natural sweetener.
How else do you use your coconut oil? Share with us below!
