I don't know why, but I always seem to be asked what my skincare routine is.
I think it's one of those things that women love to chat about, since it's about as close as you can get to having a rummage through someone's bathroom cabinet, without actually doing it.
However, truth be told, my bathroom cabinet really isn't that exciting. In fact, it's pretty empty, save for one or two emergency products (see this post on Pinks Boutique to see what's worked its way into my heart).
You see, nine times out of ten, the only thing that I use on my face is Lucy Bee Coconut Oil. That's it. Nothing else, not even a night cream, or an eye make-up remover.
After years of spending hundreds of pounds on luxe creams with eye-watering price tags, the joy of discovering that coconut oil does it all - and better - was immense. I now use Lucy Bee (my brand of choice) to moisturise my skin gently and effectively, to take off heavy-duty eye make-up, to strengthen and lengthen lashes, condition the hair, soften the lips, and even create my own DIY exfoliators and masks.
Better still, coconut oil is ideal for skin conditions (it's renowned for treating acne, psoriasis and eczema) and also gentle enough to nourish even the most delicate of skins, such as those on a newborn baby.
It's a miracle worker - and I promise that it will give you softer, suppler, more glowing skin. Anyway, if you want to know more about using coconut oil as a beauty product, read on to find out how to use coconut oil in your skincare regime.
Sam x
WHY IS COCONUT OIL SO EFFECTIVE AS A BEAUTY PRODUCT?
Coconut oil lovers may know that this miracle oil is also high in Capric, Caprylic and Lauric Acid. These are also fatty acids, but help to make coconut oil a fantastic product to treat skin conditions such as acne. You see, they each have antimicrobial properties, meaning that coconut oil can protect the skin from infections and even help to heal wounds.
Another reason why coconut oil is so great for your skin is its Vitamin E content. Beauty lovers will probably have tried an anti-ageing cream or two that's high in Vitamin E - and for good reason. Not only is this vitamin essential for healthy skin growth, but it can also help to repair the skin, prevent ageing and fine lines, and even boost our antioxidant levels.
Finally, coconut oil is rich in proteins, all of which work to rejuvenate and repair the skin and tissue. It also helps to heal skin damage and scarring.
HOW CAN I USE COCONUT OIL IN MY SKINCARE REGIME?
So far, so good, right? But how do you actually use coconut oil in your skincare regime? Well, the answer is - the world is your oyster! You can use coconut oil for pretty much anything as it's gentle and perfect for sensitive or delicate skin.
Here are my favourite uses:
Lip Balm: The cooler winter months can be a pain for giving us cracked and dry lips. Not great for puckering up and kissing under the mistletoe with, right? However, coconut oil makes for the best lip balm you'll ever try. It acts ridiculously quickly and will make lips more kissable than ever.
Moisturiser: This is how I use my coconut oil each and every single day, morning and night. I simply warm about half a teaspoon's worth between my palms, then press into my face and neck. Amazingly, it doesn't leave the skin greasy or oily, and it gives an incredible glow. It also seems to erase fine lines and wrinkles - just apply ten minutes before make-up for the perfect smooth base!
Eye Make-Up Remover: There is no better eye make-up remover in the world. Seriously, I don't care what you say - coconut oil removes even the most stubborn waterproof make-up in the world. Since it's so gentle, it's perfect for the delicate eye area - plus, it even helps to lengthen the lashes! What's not to love?
DIY Exfoliator: When combined with sugar, coconut oil makes a fantastic body scrub that leaves skin soft and rejuvenated. Simply combine:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Lucy Bee coconut oil
1 drop essential oil (to scent)
Smooth across the body, then rinse off for soft and glowing skin!
