Friday, 2 August 2013

I am here for the second time with yet another Lipstick Review. Yeyi!  So I was looking for a nice coral lipstick which stays for a long time so that I don’t have to do regular touch-ups and covers my slightly pigmented lips too . I visited a colorbar store and the SA showed me this range of extra durable liquid lipsticks and the only shade I liked was Tempted , I found it appropriate according to my needs. So here is the review.


Price and Quantity:-

INR 675 for 4.5 ml X 2

Product Description:-

Extra Durable Lip Color is a long stay liquid lip colour that is rich in texture. It endures for more than 10 hours after application without feathering, bleeding or smudging. Its non-transferable and kiss proof formula not only locks the lip colour but also keeps the lips moisturized and nourished. The Extra Durable Lip Color is perfect for all occasions, especially a date!



Packaging:-

Colorbar’s extra durable lip colours are packed in a narrow tube with liquid lip colour at one end and the transparent gloss at other end. The liquid lip colour has a sponge tip applicator and the gloss has a brush.


Directions:
1. Apply a thin even layer of Lip Color
2. Wait until dry before applying the Gloss.
3. Remove with an oil based cleanser.
My experience with ColorbarExtra Durable Lip Color- Tempted

I was checking this lipstick on Colorbar’s website to find it’s ingredients as there were no ingredients mentioned on the lipstick. I was surprised about the fact that the price mentioned there was INR 750 and also this shade i.e. Tempted wasn’t even shown there. I thought the SA cheated me but she didn’t these lip colours are still available online and also at every Colorbar store. This liquid lip colour has a very creamy consistency and when I applied it on my lips it settled between the lines and also it kind of dries while applying so I couldn’t spread it evenly on my lips you have to be very quick while applying this.I am not a gloss person so I thought to apply the lip colour only without sporting it with a gloss in the daytime. As it is a liquid lipstick I applied Maybelline’s Baby Lips in Anti-oxidant Berry to prevent my lips from getting de-hydrated. Even though I applied the lip balm I felt my lips very dry after applying this lip colour. When I sported it with the gloss it didn’t give that dry feeling and also lasted long but the lines of my lips were still visible due the liquid lipstick settled there. You can see in the hand and the lip swatch as well that the lines of my skin are visible. The shade is very nice Coral with hints of pink. Also it is absolutely non-transferable, only the gloss transfers which isn’t visible and as the description says it is perfect for a date ;). When I removed it I felt a little sensation on my lips.

Pros of Colorbar Extra Durable Lip Color- Tempted

• Nice Coral shade with hints of pink.
• Lasts upto 8-9 hours
• Creamy consistency
• Non-transferable
• Looks glamorous after applying the gloss
• No fragrance
• Doesn’t feather or bleed.
• Comes in a easy to identify packaging.

Cons of Colorbar Extra Durable Lip Color- Tempted

• Very Expensive.
• Dries lips when applied without the gloss.
• Dehydrates lips and leaves them with a tingling sensation.
• Has to be removed with an oil based cleanser.
• Can’t be sported as a matte lip colour.
• Settles between the lines and makes them visible.
• Dries out while applying.
• No ingredients mentioned anywhere..


Will I repurchase Colorbar Extra Durable Lip Color – Tempted?

Never. You can also give this one a miss. Except for the pretty shade you don’t get anything for such an expensive price. You ladies saw the condition of my lips after the gloss was vanished and how the lip colour cracked, I am sure none of you will try this one now. Come on we have so many better options than this one. This is a complete disappointment for me from the brand I love
Srilaxmi Kamojwala says full coverage of Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm Review


Claims : A lightweight foundation alternative for dry, dehydrated skin, this formula is ultra-rich, and blends easily, giving skin a dewy look with light coverage. SPF 25 helps protect skin against damaging UVA/B rays. Dermatologist tested.

Price : It costed me around Rs 3,000 but it would be priced differently at different places. On website it says $50, which would be around Rs 2,250 for 30 ml product.

A few points to note :
This tinted moisturiser is suited only for dry to very dry skin. If you have normal, combination or oily skintype, don’t bother about picking up.
I have dry to very dry skin so I am heads over heels in love with it.
It gives sheer coverage. If you like your base product to provide you with good coverage , this might not be for you.
The shade I picked up is Medium to Dark tint.


Comes in a glass pot and has this little partition cap on top of it.

What I like about Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm
The texture is so creamy and it glides on like a dream. I apply it with my fingers to spread the the balm on my face and neck and my base makeup is dine within seconds. It also great for mature skin.
This moisurizing balm gives you ” my-face-but-better” kind of finish . It looks very dewy so I set it with powder to reduce the dewyness. I am all for dewy look but this is a little too much.
It amazing how well it stays on all day long.
It is very hydrating.
You barely need a pea sized amount to your full face and neck so this would last me for quite long.
Excellent product for winters. It is amazingly emollient.
Despite being so creamy, it does not feel heavy at all.
Never ever settles in fine lines or looks cakey. If you like natural looking skin, this is definitely a product for you. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines.
You have 8 shades to choose from. but this is the kind of product where a shade lighter or darker would not matter much. So you’d definitely be able to find one for your skin tone.

What I don’t like about Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm
I barely ever talk about price in my reviews but this is VERY expensive for what it is. I totally love the finish of this tinted moisturizing balm . Also, the fact that you do get a lot of product in the jar but for a tinted moisturiser it is too over priced.
It has that vicks sort of smell. It does fade away within seconds but it might bother a few people.
It comes in a bulky glass jar so you have to be careful with storing it. Forget about carrying with you anywhere.
It is very hydrating but you cannot skip a moisturiser.
You have to massage this product in your skin, just like you’d massage a balm. Or else it would just sit on top of you skin. Trust me, not good!
Not available in India.

Here is the swatch of the Bobbi Brown tinted moisturizing balm – medium to dark

And this is the blended version. You can see the shine and dewyness it gives.


Overall, I guess it has an equal share of its pros and cons. I do think it is quite a replaceable product. In fact, you can make one at your home by mixing ultra moisturizing cream and a hint of foundation.

I do loveeee it a lot but I may not repurchase it. It was an impulse buy and I definitely do not regret picking it up. ;)
How are you all? Shahnaz Husain products have always worked for my mom and now since I have started using them, I have the same experience too. This time, we ordered Shalife Plus Kit. Read on to know more about it.


Price:

INR 315 for 10 grams each of the three products.


Shelf Life:

3 years.


Shalife Plus Face and Body Scrub:



Ingredients:

Akhroot chhal powder 5.0%, jaitun tel 2.0%,badam tel 1.0%, aloe vera juice 2.0%, gajar beej extract 0.40%, nariyal tel 0.20%, khajoor extract 0.25%, wheat germ oil 0.50%, nimbu tel 1.0%, kheera beej extract 1.0%, base q.s. to make it 100%.

Indications:

An expert blend of organic extracts and oils, this advanced formulations helps to deep cleanse, exfoliate and renew the skin on face and body. Containing extracts of walnut, aloe vera, carrot seed and cucumber seed, along with lemon, coconut, almond, wheat germ and olive oils, it loosens and removes dead epithelial cells, refining , toning and polishing the skin. Natural antioxidants nourish the skin powerfully, leaving it clear, smooth, bright and glowing.

Directions For Use:

Apply on the face and rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Wash off with water.

My Experience with Shahnaz Husain Face and body Scrub:

This scrub has a very pleasant fragrance; almost all Shahnaz products have it. The ingredients and the fragrance are things that attract us the most to these products. The grains in this scrub, which I think are walnut powder, make it very effective. The grains are just apt for it to work as a scrub and not harsh at the same time. I rubbed for around 5-10 minutes in soft circular motions adding water time to time. It is an amazing product. All my dead skin cleared up and I had very soft and supple skin. After that, I removed it with a sponge.

Shalife Plus Skin Nourishing Program:


Ingredients: Tulsi ark 2.0%, chakarmard beej extract 1.0%, khas distillate 2.0%, mom 13%, tankana powder 0.75%, vitamin E 0.10%, malti pushp tel 0.05%, gulab ark 2.50%, chandan extract 0.50%, badam tel 0.50%, base q.s. to make it 100%.

Indications: Enhanced by precious plant ingredients and specialized techniques, this luxurious formula for normal to dry skin is the ultimate in skin nourishment. With a built-in emollient system, enriched with natural anti-oxidants, it strengthens the supportive tissues and improves skin elasticity. Designed to porcelain the skin, it improves moisture content and vitality, giving the skin a smooth youthful texture and radiant glow.

Directions For Use:

Apply on the face and massage on the skin with a few drops of water for three to five minutes, using outward and slightly upward strokes. Wipe off with moist cotton wool.

My Experience with Shahnaz Husain Shalife Plus Nourishing Skin Program:

This cream had an even more pleasant fragrance. It is a white thick cream which does its job very well I must say. I mean there are very few creams that suit me and this is one of them. It is soft, easily absorbed and does wonders to my skin, literally. I could not notice much of a difference with other creams in facial kits that I have used till date but this one is definitely going to be one of my favourites. I used this to massage my face and neck for around 5-10 minutes and then wiped off with the sponge. I loved the results.

Shalife Plus Rejuvenating Mask:


Ingredients: Gairika 30.0%, yashad bhasm 3.0%, khas distillate 2.0%, gulab ark 2.50%, masoorika extract 1.0%, base q.s. to make it 100%.

Indications: Reinforced with powerful plant extracts, the formulation is designed to protect the skin’s youthful properties and delay the visible signs of ageing. Based on an exclusive formula, it contains extracts of vetiver, rose and lentils, along with ingredients that help to tone, tighten and purify the skin. It revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin, leaving it radiant youthful.

Directions For Use:

Apply on the face, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. When it dries, moisten with milk and then wash off with water.

My Experience with Shalife Plus Rejuvenating Mask:

The mask was having a striking fragrance which was overpowering and it was in a very hard consistency. I could not apply it as such. I tried mixing it with rose water and then applying, but even then, I could not form a paste consistency and had to apply it in lumps. I was disappointed by the very sight of this mask. I don’t know whether it was the case with me or it comes like this only. I cannot comment if it worked good or not because as I applied it in patches, I was not expecting anything.

Final Verdict:

This kit worked the best for me till date. Though I have used only 3-4 different facial kits, so I cannot give you an expert comparison, but still there was a remarkable difference in my skin texture and skin tone after using this kit. I could notice the suppleness and glow too and I am very impressed with this one. This quantity would serve for four times of the facial routine which is quite nice. By the way, it worked the same way for my mom too. She is equally impressed. Next time, I would buy a full version of the scrub and the cream. May be with the full version, I will try the scrub for my body too. For the mask, I would look for another variant.
Writing after quite some time now. Today I’ll be reviewing about a Deo from Streax, of the feel fresh Fruit passion range.
Product Claims :
Feminine and delicate. The fresh magical essence of mandarin ,Amber and grapefruit is both soothing and calming.


We always look for a Deo that has a soothingly wonderful smell, but effective at it’s core function of banning body odour, that lasts for an approx of 6 hours. I am not that of a fan of body sprays/perfumes/EDTs ,but yeah, get myself one or two every once in a while. This time I bought the one from Streax. Although, as I said, I haven’t used too many varieties of bodysprays, but this one’s the best of all that I’ve owned. (wonder why this range is so under-marketed!! ). this range has three variants of deo; wild flower, nice spice and fruit passion.

My experience with Streax Feel Fresh Deo in Fruit Passion

This deo comes in a black cylindrical container(the usual  ) with green-white illustrations giving a mystic look to it. And has a translucent olive green plastic cap. The cap is a pretty strong and a tight one that doesn’t come off easily which makes this baby travel-friendly. Also the sprayer is good, seems like a little chunk has been carved out so that the finger sits in there perfectly during application.


This deo doesn’t have a flowery smell, it has a fruity scent, and that’s what has made it stand out, for me. It has the fragrance of Amber with undertones of grape fruit and it comes out just so lovely. It’s not at all overpowering to your senses but it stays on for around 4 hours . It’s a very girly scent, with a twist of fruity hint.

Price:

INR 160

Quantity:

100gm/150ml

Shelf life:

2 years

Ingredients :

alcohol, n-butane, iso-butane, propane, fragrance ,diethylphthalate, propylene glycol, triclosan.
Contents- alcohol (95% v/w), 45%w/w, denatured with 1%w/w, diethylphthalate.

Pros of Streax Feel Fresh Deo in Fruit Passion :

• Cheap
• Easy availability.
• Fruity fragrance.
• Lasts long, Upto 4 hours.
• Travel-friendly.
• Looks good, aesthetically .
• Available in 2 more variants.

Cons of Streax Feel Fresh Deo in Fruit Passion :

• Not well promoted.
• Contains alcohol.

Would I repurchase it/do I recommend Streax Feel Fresh Deo in Fruit Passion ?

I’ll definitely love to try out the other variants from this range.

If you ladies spot these anywhere, make sure you try it once. I definitely recommend this product to all of the beauties here.
It is hot and humid outside. In this weather, my hair likes to go wild and frizzy. This prevents me from spending time on styling my hair, but well, this is where beauty products come in. So, last year my friend introduced me to L’Oreal hair sprays. We bought the supreme hold one which is already reviewed 


Product Description:

Elnett Satin strong hold is the legendary hair spray of choice for red carpet events and cover photo shoots. Its micro-diffuser spray offers a clean, soft shiny finish. So fine, it disappears at the stroke of a brush. So strong, its hold lasts all day.


Ingredients:

Alcohol Denat., Hydrofluorocarbon 152A, VA, Vinyl Butyl Benzoate, Crotonates Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxycitronellal, EverniaPrunastri, Oakmoss Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Isoeugenol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, BIS-PEG, PPG-14, 14 Dimethicone, Citronellol, ButylphenylMethylpropional, Citral, Coumarin, Amyl Cinnamal.

How To Use:

Remove the security tab and shake can. Spray your style with Elnett in short bursts from about 35 cm away for an even distribution throughout.

Price:

15 GBP for 500 ml bottle. I got it during sale, so it might cost a little more.

Ingredients:

My Experience with L’Oreal Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hair Spray:

Last year, my friend introduced me to L’Oreal hair sprays. We bought the supreme hold one and I loved how it used to hold my style, but the problem was, for my hair, I needed to wash my hair the next day because maybe it was too intense for my hair. It made my hair feel crunchy if I didn’t wash it the next day. So, I went on a hunt to look if there was something similar but a little milder; and taadaa!! I spotted this baby.


This comes in a long cylindrical tin spray bottle with a built-in white coloured spray top. The top is unique as you can see in the pictures.

I got the non-scented version and I was super happy because I hated how the supreme hold one smelled. It literally felt like a mild stink  But then this one I got doesn’t have any smell. Like seriously guys, you won’t smell a thing. So, you can be very sure that the perfume you applied on your neck area is going to smell the same and is not going to be altered by the smell of the hair spray 



So, as it says, I hold this at a distance and spray in on styled hair. It is a good quality spray which spreads evenly and isn’t concentrated in a single diameter. I find that this even imparts some amount of long lasting shine to my hair which I feel is amazing.

Coming to the purpose, this is hands down the most amazing hair spray ever. It holds your style in place and controls fly aways to a great extent. You will not see random propping up of your baby hair every now and then. For me, this works for good 5-6 hours and after that the effects start going a little down the hill.

The best thing about this product is that it doesn’t make your hair feel crunchy at all. Like even on the second day, my hair will feel the same and if I want to restyle my hair the same day, I can use the product again and it gives me amazing results. What I am trying to say is that it doesn’t mould your hair into one style. It is flexible enough to give you the freedom to restyle your hair without washing at the same time, it holds the style very well. Overall, I am very happy with this variety and I cannot recommend this enough.
Pros of L’Oreal Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hair Spray:
Nice packaging.
No scent, so it is not going to mess with your perfume.
Sprays evenly and give a subtle shine.
Holds the style really well without making your hair crunchy.
You can restyle your hair the same day.
Doesn’t mould your hair into your previous hairstyle.
Doesn’t feel greasy or anything. It is very light unlike the other variants.
Cons of L’Oreal Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hair Spray:
Limited availability in India, only sold in certain beauty supply stores and salons.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my last LOTD. So today I’m going to review a product from the brand Clarins, I’m currently loving Clarins product and I’m using the full white plus range and got great results. So, today I’m going to share Clarins White Plus Brightening Pure Aqua Lotion (Toner)


Take a look:

Description:

The ideal skin care lotion for combination skin and in hot climates. Crystalline and invigorating, this is the essential skin care to soothe and purify skin and revive its brightness.
• Brightens the complexion and evens skin tone.
• Purifies and tightens pores, refines skin texture
• Tones and refreshes the skin.

Ingredients:

Price: Rs. 2100/- for 200ml
My Experience with Clarins White Plus Brightening Pure Aqua-Lotion :

The aqua lotion comes in a white sturdy plastic bottle, with a decent hole size.The fragrance is pleasant. This toner is water based with formula enriched with ingredients like alchemilla, red sandspurry, ginkgo biloba and white tea extracts. I’m very happy with the product I use it twice after cleansing my face with cleanse; I apply this and moisturize my face with serum and then moisturizer. This product brighten up my face instantly, the biggest advantage of this product is it tightens pores without feeling greasy or break outs. Rati thank you so much for recommending White Plus range. Girls if your skin is oily and need something to brighten up dull skin I recommend this toner.


Pros of Clarins White Plus Brightening Pure Aqua Lotion:

• Paraben free product
• Love the sturdy packaging.
• Gentle on skin.
• Brightens skin.
• Tightens pores (yay).
• Refreshes skin.

Cons of Clarins White Plus Brightening Pure Aqua Lotion:

• In humid climate sometimes it feels greasy.

Thursday, 1 August 2013

It was recently given a ringing endorsement by one of the most beautiful women in the world. So it comes as no surprise that coconut oil – favourite of Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr (along with Madonna and Demi Moore) – is the latest must-have beauty product. Even cosmetic companies like Clinique (their Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfectorand Correcting Serumare infused with coconut acid) are promoting its benefits. And for good reason: coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal, it’s an excellent moisturiser, it can penetrate hair better than other oils and, well, it smells like cookies.
However, you don’t need to consume coconut oil to reap the beauty benefits. Here are 50 topical skincare, bodycare and haircare uses for it in your very own home. All you need is virgin coconut oil (preferably organic) and you are all set to glow!
 
HAIR

1. Deep conditioner: When my locks feel more like straw than silk, I massage a few tablespoons of coconut oil into my hair and leave it overnight. Can’t do overnight? Massage in the oil and wrap your head in a warm towel for a couple of hours. Then shampoo and feel your hair turn silky smooth. How? Coconut oil rebalances hair proteins and its small molecular structure penetrates the hair shaft to moisturise and protect against environmental damage.

2. Intense deep conditioning: For an even more intense hair mask, remove the rind from half an avocado and put the fleshy part in a bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and blend with a fork to create a creamy paste. Massage into damp, towel dried hair and use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. Leave 20 minutes, then rinse out and shampoo as usual.

 
3. Hair strengthening mask: Coconut oil has a rich texture that does not require the addition of harsh chemicals to boost its beauty potential. Simply warm 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat; set aside and let it cool. Beat a raw egg and the lukewarm coconut oil together, then apply the mixture to your hair. Put a plastic bag or plastic wrap around your hair for one hour, then wash hair with shampoo and rinse thoroughly. This is excellent for treating split ends and prevent hair from breaking.

4. Frizzy or lacklustre hair: Take a tiny (smaller than pea-sized) drop of coconut oil and rub it between your palms. If you have curly hair, run your fingers through it and scrunch. If you have straight hair, just smooth over the top of your strands gently.

5. Dandruff: Because of its effective antibacterial and antifungal properties, coconut oil is excellent for banishing scalp problems. It also soaks into the scalp, moisturising dry skin and relieving symptoms of dandruff. Simply massage it into your scalp for 5 minutes. Let it sit for as long as you can and then shampoo thoroughly.

6. Premature greying: Take a bunch of curry leaves and grind them with a little water to make a paste. Add this paste to two cups of coconut oil and heat the mixture till all the moisture evaporates. After it cools, store in a bottle. Massage hair with it 2-3 times a fortnight, leaving it overnight for added potency.

7. Got gum in your hair? Slather with coconut oil, let it soak for a couple of hours and the sticky stuff will slide right out.
BODY

8. Body wash: Take 2 cups liquid castile soap (or any unscented body wash), 1 cup rose water, 4 tablespoons coconut oil and 20-30 drops lavender essential oil. Pour all the ingredients into a bottle and shake until everything is mixed well. Shake before every application and use as a body soap.t


9. Simple scrub: Skin feeling parched and flaky? Add some sea salt to coconut oil and use it as a body scrub.

10. Body scrub: This is my go-to recipe for leg or back-baring days. To make this scrub, you will need 50g coconut oil, 10ml macadamia oil, 10 drops orange essential oil, 10 drops lemon essential oil and 60g unrefined brown sugar. Put the coconut oil in a bowl and add the macadamia oil; stir until soft and fluffy. Add essential oils and stir. Add brown sugar gradually; stir. Pour into an airtight jar and store in the fridge. To use, massage into damp skin while in the shower, paying special attention to knees and elbows. Rinse off the scrub and you will be left with a light layer of coconut oil, which shall keep skin soft and supple.

11. Honey Lemon Sugar Scrub: Mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of salt in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon honey; mix well. Use 1-2 times a week for amazingly smooth skin!

12. Deep moisturiser: Parched, flaky skin? Stir together equal parts coconut oil and olive oil. Add a few drops of rose or frankincense essential oil and you will have a concoction that no store-bought lotion could ever rival!

13. It gets better: Slather the (above) concoction all over your body and drape yourself with warm bath towels. Stay that way until the towels have cooled. What do you have right there? A VERY luxurious full body moisturising mask.

14. Body moisturiser: Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil makes a superb moisturiser. Just pull it straight out of the jar (I decant it into a pretty bottle just for an added feel-good element) and smooth all over your body while skin is still wet after a shower. Poof… you are a soft skinned goddess!


15. Shaving cream: Use coconut oil instead of shaving cream – it will help smooth hair follicles for a closer, smoother shave.

16. After-shave lotion: Coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving and is especially great for razor burn!

17. Home wax: Use the oil to help prep your skin before and use it to remove wax from the skin afterwards.

18. Cellulite Cream: Mix together 1 cup of coconut oil, 1 cup of jojoba oil, 20 drops of cypress essential oil, 20 drops of juniper essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Massage into the affected areas of the body and leave overnight.

 
19. After-sun body lotion: Take 1 cup cocoa butter, 1/2 cup coconut oil and 4 teaspoons sweet almond oil. Place all ingredients in a double boiler over medium heat until the butter is melted. Pour into a jar and allow to cool. Massage a small amount over body immediately after sun exposure to soothe sun parched skin.

20. Muscle Soother: Take 4 teaspoons Shea butter, 3 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons jojoba oil, 6 drops peppermint essential oil, 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 4 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets. Melt the Shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil, then add the essential oils and pour into an airtight container.

21. Cuts and scrapes: Coconut oil forms a thin antiseptic and antibacterial layer that protects the wound from dust and germs. Plus, it speeds up the healing process by increasing cellular turnover and stimulating collagen. So, slather a bit of coconut oil on a scratch, scrape or small cut and your wound may heal faster and resist infections,. As a bonus, it also helps reduce the chances of scarring.

22. Warts: Take 1/4 cup coconut oil, 10 drops of lemon essential oil, 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and 2 drops of thyme essential oil. Mix the oils together and apply four times daily to the affected area. Do not wash area for at least 30 minutes after application.

23. Moles: When coconut oil is applied after an apple cider vinegar compress for a few weeks, moles have been known to “slide off” or just disappear.

24. Relaxing night balm: Place a cup of coconut oil in warm water until it softens. Mix in one cup of almond oil and 2-3 drops of rose essential oil. Store in an airtight container, using it as a full-body balm for when you are achy all over. Happy nights are ahead!

25. Illuminator: Massage coconut oil into your whole body to add a gorgeous glow to your skin. To enhance the glow, add some sparkling mica to your oil mix.
HANDS & FEET


26. Foot treatment: Dry, cracked feet? Rub some coconut oil and go over the flaky areas with a pumice stone. For an intense treatment, slather on the oil, put an old pair of socks and leave overnight.

27. Fungal infections: Coconut oil is rich in caprylic acid, which is a potent antifungal agent that’s superb for treating athlete’s foot, Candida and other fungal conditions. Rub the oil into your feet, concentrating on the affected areas (you can add some tea tree oil for extra benefit). Put on socks so you don’t slide around the room. Repeat 2-3 a day until the problem is gone.

28. De-odourising: Coconut oil has been known to freshen up the stinkiness with its antibacterial properties. Add a little lavender or lemon essential oil for extra deodorising effect.

29. Tired feet: Pop your feet into a warm footbath laced with three tablespoons of coconut oil and half a cup of mixed spice. The lauric acid in coconut oil will help bring balance to your hard working feet.

30. Dark patches: Mix the juice of one lemon with a teaspoon of coconut oil and rub into dry and dark elbows and knees to help with spots.


31. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fatty acid esters that absorb quickly and efficiently and help transport nutrients to the cells. Massage it into nails and cuticles to help strengthen them or rub into fingertips to soothe and prevent hangnails.

32. Hand cream: In a double boiler, melt together 10 tablespoons coconut oil, 3 tablespoons cold pressed sweet almond oil and 4 tablespoons grated beeswax. Remove pot from the burner and stir in 5 drops of lemon essential oil. After cooling, massage it into your hands to hydrate and banish dark spots. I put some into an empty lip balm or mini-mints tin and pop it into the purse for easy access.
FACE

33. Face mask: I am not all that keen on using coconut oil on your face, with one caveat: if you have dry, flaky skin that has no issues with pimples, this may be your ticket to softness. Take 1 egg, 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1 tablespoon honey. Beat the egg in a small bowl until frothy. Slowly add the coconut oil and honey, beating until your mask is the consistency of mayonnaise. Place in the freezer overnight. To use, cut out a small piece and smooth over your face; pop the rest back in the refrigerator. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. I use this one to counter sunburns and take away the pain.

34. Another face mask: Honey and coconut oil? Sounds messy but combine equal parts of both and slather onto your face for 10 minutes. It works wonders on dry skin, especially in winter!


35. Face scrub: Coconut oil is terrific at flushing away impurities; just mix equal amounts of oil and baking soda for a rejuvenating scrub.

36. Lip balm: Simply slather plain coconut oil on your lips for the ultimate in hydration. Again, I use a small mini-mints container and fill it with coconut oil to carry around. It’s solid at room temperature and melts with the body heat while applying.

37. Lip gloss: Plain coconut oil makes for a superb lip gloss as well – VERY shiny!

38. Makeup remover: Cleanse away the dirt and pollution by massaging coconut oil into your skin. The makeup – including waterproof mascara – just melts away, while the oil’s anti-bacterial and anti-microbial elements protect and enhance the skin’s natural flora.

 
39. Eczema: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of organic virgin coconut oil make it an excellent soother for eczema sufferers. Just apply it lightly on the affected area 3-4 times a day.

40. Colds: Rub a little coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help with runny noses, allergies and sore nostrils.

41. Acne: Mix some coconut oil with nutmeg and leave on your blemish for 10-15 minutes, then wash off.

42. After-sun soother: Forgot the sunscreen? Soothe your skin with a liberal application of aloe vera gel to which a few teaspoons of coconut oil is added. It’s high in antioxidants, prevents destructive free-radical activity (the primary cause of aging), and lessens skin spots caused by over-exposure to sunlight.

43. Cold sores: Coconut oil possesses an unusually high percentage of lauric acid (more than 50%), which is anti-viral (known to help treat cold sores, herpes, boils, acne and warts). Mix 2 tablespoons with 5 drops of oil of oregano and use at the first sight of a cold sore.

44. Eyelashes: Brush on to eyelashes to boost their growth and pigmentation.

45. Age spots: Applying coconut oil directly to the age spot will help it fade by preventing free-radical formation.

46. Highlighter: Simply sweep a small amount of coconut oil on top of makeup. It looks like your skin but glowier, which is why many natural makeup brands use it as a base ingredient in their formulas.
WELLNESS

 
47. Hot flashes: Coconut oil cools hot flashes and night sweats when you put a heavy coating on your scalp, hair (towel over pillow) and feet before bed. Wash it out in the morning.

48. PMS blend: Take 1/2 cup coconut oil, 15 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops chamomile essential oil and 3 drops cypress essential oil. Mix everything together and store in a bottle or jar. Apply to abdomen for relieving menstrual cramps.

49. Insect repellent: Take 1 cup coconut oil, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 20 drops of patchouli, citronella or eucalyptus essential oil. Mix all the ingredients together and store in a jar. Apply liberally all over body.

50. Mood lifter: To make a superbly indulgent mood-lifting massage oil, melt one cup of coconut oil on low heat and add a handful of basil or lavender. Simmer for 30 minutes on very low heat – do not allow to boil; stir frequently. Strain and pour into a jar and store in the refrigerator. Heat it up a little and use it in place of massage oil to instantly bust the blues!
WHAT DID I MISS?

I have spent weeks and weeks and weeks researching and testing these recipes, yet I still feel that I must’ve left out a hundred more things. So help me out here. Is there anything I skipped that you think everyone should know about?
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