Ladies, lets talk about coconut- the all-powerful source that proves to be the produce of all trades.

First let’s look at the benefits:

• Classified superfood
• Can increase your energy expenditure, helping you burn fat.
• Boosts your metabolism
• Supports immunity with the lauric acid found in the oil, which aids the bodies fight against bacteria, virus and infection.
• Cooks in high temperatures
• Stops sugar cravings (AMEN)
• Improves blood cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of heart disease
• Eases digestion
•  A natural source of moisture

So how do we reap these benefits you may ask?!
Upon research, we found that coconut oil has over 101 uses- we started going cross-eyed at around #56.

So we thought we would break it up into the top-ten NEED-TO-KNOW practices that cover all your cooking, cleaning and beauty desires.

1. HAIR MASK

Time to kiss your chemical filled conditioners goodbye. Coconut oil is the perfect serum to give your hair that glowing smoothness as it penetrates the hair shaft, bringing moisture and shine back into those lifeless locks. For the best results we advise giving yourself a hair mask at least one night a week by applying coconut oil to your hair, starting from your scalp in a massaging motion, allow the coconut oil to coat the entire hair strand. Sleep with it on overnight and shampoo and rinse like normal in the shower the next morning. Prepare yourself for some seriously shiny locks!

 

2. BODY OIL

Just like your hair, coconut oil can substitute your daily moisturiser as it provides a hefty dose of essential healthy fats and does wonders for our nails (cuticles) and skin. This method is best completed at nighttime (so it doesn’t stick to your clothing) straight after a warm shower to ensure it seeps into the skin. After drying, take a spoonful of the oil and lightly apply it to your skin whilst it is still damp.

Sleeping in the oil will give your body time to soak in all the moisture. Once you wake, jump back in the shower, exfoliate and remove any excess moisture. Trust us, your skin will love you for it!

 

3. MAKEUP REMOVER

If your like us and have sensitive skin that often reacts to harsh makeup removers, coconut oil could be just what your looking for. Apply with a cotton wool bud and smooth the oil over your eyes/face. Repeat this step until all the makeup is removed. No fuss, no chemicals and it will leave your skin softer and all the more youthful.
FYI-DIY! You can also pre-soak the cotton wool buds in the oil and place in a compact container. Perfect to take in your handbag when you are on the go!

 

4. HIGHLIGHTER

From makeup remover to makeup alternate, seriously is there anything this oil can’t do! Apply a small amount of the oil to the tip of your index finger and dab across the top of both cheekbones, your cupid’s bow (the skin above the top of your lip) and just above your eyebrows. This will give the look of hydrated skin, lit from within.

 

5. LEATHER TREATER

Just like your body, coconut oil can also bring moisture to your leather goods. Whether you’re sporting a leather jacket or your favourite pair of heels, apply the oil to the product to clean, condition and restore lost sheen. It is also great for bringing lost gloss to patent leather – which by definition should always be shiny and sleek.

 

6. CLEANING YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES

While it is known you should always keep your brushes as bacteria-free as possible. We’re guilty of forgetting to clean them as often as we should- once a week chicks! As discussed above, whilst you can now use coconut oil as a makeup remover and highlighter we really have no excuse not to look after our brushes in the process.

 

7. CLEAN YOUR SHOWER

Is it just us or is there nothing better than the smell of bleach from a freshly scrubbed bathroom?!

For those of you who would prefer a natural cleaning method, you can actually douse a rag with coconut oil and watch as it dissipates that mold before your very eyes.

 

8. UNSTICK A ZIPPER

You know when men talk about that WD40 stuff…well lets be honest, most of the time we don’t have WD40 lying around at our own expediency so let’s keep this as our little secret! Whether it’s a zipper on a jacket or your favourite bag, apply a generous amount of the oil to where it is stuck and jimmy the zip. This should effectively loosen the area and VIOLA, day saved.

Note: Be wary of the material of the product BEFORE you use the oil, as this can often leave an unforgiving stain. This is most suitable for leather.

 

9. ORAL HYGENE

This method right here is a lifesaver! I had a tooth infection last week that kept me awake until 2am. In a fit of frustration I began Googling and came across oil pulling. Here I thought I had come across a magicial treatment, but as it turns out, all the cool people are doing it – who knew! Ayurveda practice (oil pulling) is suggested to not only cure those mind-numbing tooth aches but also whiten your teeth, improve skin, and get rid of those toxins.

Swish two tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes per day. Yes, it is as uncomfortable as it sounds, but we cannot recommend this treatment enough!

 

10. COOKING

Last but not least, cooking! Oil is perfect for high-temperature cooking and needless to say, we actually cook anything and everything with coconut oil (it really does make your food taste better). It is especially good for any Thai, Vietnamese or Chinese cuisine.