Whoever thought that coconut oil would be found in a bathroom or near the Keurig? Well, coconut oil has become a major trend this year, especially when people want to eat healthy or organic. Most people don’t know that coconut oil has many purposes and uses. Being a lover of DIY projects, coconut oil makes it easy for me to make random concoctions and experiment with different skincare products. Coconut oil is used as such a versatile product and can be used in countless ways. Most people know coconut oil as a cooking spray or food enhancer, but it can also be used for many beauty hacks. Here are my five favorite perks of coconut oil!

1. Hair Mask

My favorite way to use coconut oil is as a moisturizing hair mask. After sitting out in the sun, coconut oil becomes my best friend. The mask works great to counteract sun and chlorine, since they can be drying to the hair. I take a large spoon full of the oil and lather from roots to the ends of my hair. Make sure to keep the oil in the fridge to make the consistency stay hard. As you run the product through the hair it will start to turn into a milky consistency. You can either leave the product in your hair for a couple hours or sleep with it. Make sure to put your hair in a plastic bag or shower cap to avoid spillage on your pillow. Follow up with a good shampoo. You will not need conditioner because the oil leaves your hair silky smooth. I have tried so many expensive and affordable hair masks and coconut oil works the best and is cheap. I recommend Trader Joe’s brand of coconut oil. It's affordable and lasts forever.

2. Whole Body Moisturizer

Being a skincare lover, I have tried my fair share of creams, moisturizers, and lotions. Yes, some are better than others, but those are typically more expensive. I love the smell of coconut oil, so I decided to try it as an all over moisturizer. I recommend using it at night, as it is oily and this gives the oil time to seep into the skin. It's very important to use natural products especially when they are going to seep into your skin.

3. Eye Makeup Remover

This use for coconut oil is honestly the weirdest one and I never thought it would actually work. I ran out of my eye makeup remover and my coconut oil was sitting on my counter, so I used it. The oil breaks down my eye makeup and removes every bit of stubborn makeup. I was shocked at how well it worked. It also moisturizes under my eyes. I follow up with my everyday cleanser, moisturizers, and serums with no irritation at all. 

4. Coffee Creamer

Adding a spoonful of coconut oil to your coffee adds a different sweetness to your coffee. It adds a creamier taste to the coffee and adds more energy to your day. If you are into the new coconut milk mocha macchiato at Starbucks, definitely try this one out.

5. Oil Pulling

I will admit, I am a user and believer of crest white strips and they work, but the price can add up. Oil pulling is a form of teeth whitening and the results are outstanding. Oil pulling is great to stop bad breath, kill bacteria, heal tooth decay and whiten teeth. One tablespoon of coconut oil is all you need to successfully swish around the product for 10 to 20 minutes.

There are so many uses for coconut oil and I only have listed five. Go buy some coconut oil and try out these hacks; the uses are endless!