Natural Beauty
Unexpected Beauty Item: Olive Oil
Taking Extra Virgin Olive Oil Out of the Kitchen
I am all about discovering unexpected beauty items in my kitchen, and with winter (slowly) approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect our skin from the drying cold. Olive oil is not only great for cooking, but try slathering it on your body to receive tons of added bonuses!
1. Remove Makeup
Say you are staying the night at your man’s house, and have nothing to remove your eye makeup before bed. No worries, all you gotta do is book it to the kitchen and grab some Extra Virgin Olive Oil, pour it on a cotton ball and gently rub off your makeup. Go lightly at first because if you use too much, it could get in your eye and sting. I use this tip in a pinch and find that it works even better than most removers, especially when dealing with stubborn mascaras.
2. Moisturize Dry Spots
Olive Oil is an awesome moisturizer. Period. It’s all natural, contains no chemicals, has no unpleasant scent and is packed with antioxidants. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, try rubbing some EVOO onto your feet before bed, cover with some socks, and wake up to smoother, softer heels. Sometimes I rub it on my face and chest before I go to sleep. It soaks in really fast, and leaves my skin feeling super moisturized in the morning. Try using Olive Oil to combat any dry spot, and notice how quick and efficiently it gets the job done!
3. Add it to your Bath
Add a few tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your bath, next time you have a night to yourself. It will give you a little extra softening power, and you will feel smooth and moisturized when you get out. Add some essential oils on top of it and you’ve got a night to remember haha 
4. Condition Your Hair
EVOO is amazing forgiving dry, damaged hair a little moisture and repair. Heat a cup of Olive Oil in the microwave and pour onto your head before your next shower. Massage the oil into your locks from root to tip, and cover with a plastic shower cap. Let the oil penetrate your hair for about half an hour, then rinse out. You might need to shampoo several times to get all the residue out, but it’s worth it because your hair will be so shiny and healthy when you’re done.
5. Soothe Chapped Lips
Because of the softening and moisturizing properties mentioned about, it is common sense that using Olive Oil on dry lips will do wonders for the chap. Rub in a small amount several times a day, and there’s no way your pucker will be dehydrated for long.
When Life Gives You Lemons..
Using Lemons As Part of Your Beauty Routine
My boyfriend and I got a random hair up our butts today to make homemade lemonade. I’m not sure why, maybe it was the 150 degree heat, maybe it was the huge bag of lemons on sale at Costco for $5 that peaked our curiosity, but the whole act inspired me to write about the benefits of lemons in the world of beauty..
Believe it or not, lemons can be used to provide many cheap and effective beauty treatments. Did anyone ever spritz their hair with lemon juice and sit in the sun with hopes blonder locks?? I spent many hours with this citrus juice on my head when I was young, and believe it or not it did work! Unfortunately, my dark haired lovelies should not try this at home because it could turn your hair orange.
Here are some other beauty rituals you can incorporate lemons into:
1. Lighten Dark/Ashy Elbows and Knees.
For some reason, elbows and knees can sometimes be a lot darker than the rest of your skin. Lemon are a natural bleach, and with some patience, they can help lighten the darkened areas. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on you elbows or knees twice a day. I’ve also heard that lemon juice can reduce the appearance of freckles and age spots!
2. Make Homemade Masks
My boyfriend was laughing at me today because while juicing, I started rubbing the rinds all over my face to see what it would do. He thought I was going crazy lol! I love finding natural, homemade skincare recipes, and am not afraid to test any fruit or veggie. Straight lemon juice might be too strong and acidic for sensitive skin, but mixing it with other items laying in your pantry will give you some awesome and cheap face masks!
Dry Skin: Mix lemon juice and honey together. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off for a smoother, brighter complexion!
Oily Skin: Mix one egg and half a lemon together in a small bowl. Apply to face (avoiding the eyes!) and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove Blackheads
Lemons contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid, which is found in most acne medications. Cut a lemon in half and rub over any blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, try a light wash. Mix 1 part lemon juice with 3 parts water and splash on your face. Rinse it off and you will notice reduction of blackheads in several weeks.
4. Brighten Your Nails
Lemons act as a natural astringent, and can effectively whiten yellow or discolored nail beds. What you need to do is squeeze several lemons into a small bowl, insert fingertips and soak for 5-7 minutes. This little beauty regimen strengthens nails too. Added bonus!
So when life gives you lemons, mash them up and rub em’ on your face and elbows!
