...olive oil! The same thing you use to whip up a delicious dinner can be used to whip your skin back into shape before summer gets here. It's a natural cleanser and moisturizer minus all the harsh and unnecessary chemicals that brand name lotions contain...and it's cheap. You can also use other oils such as grapeseed and coconut (although they're more expensive) and even fish oil. I'd suggest staying away from things like peanut and vegetable oil because you'll end up smelling like a french fry.
For dry hands apply a few drops (about 5) to your hands and rub, rub, rub. I like to do this at night right before bed. Don't forget to massage it into your cuticles. You can even keep some in a pretty little pump on your nightstand!
If you have dry skin on your face from enjoying the slopes rub 1 - 3 drops onto your cheeks and lips. If you have sensitive, acne prone skin you should exercise caution before trying this by testing on a small patch of skin on your jawline.
To get your tootsies ready for sandals, rub a several drops onto each foot. Massage it in until absorbed and then put on some socks to ensure your feet get all that moisture...and so that you don't wipe out in the kitchen!
You can also use olive oil to moisturize dry elbows and rough knees. And adding a touch of olive oil to the center of your legs - on the shin bone - adds definition and makes your legs look slimmer. A great trick when wearing skirts or shorts!
For a homemade body scrub mix 1/2 cup olive oil with either salt, sugar or brown sugar. Add enough salt, sugar, brown sugar to achieve the consistency you like, then if you want, add a few drops of essential oil (lavender, vanilla, chamomile, ginger root, anything yummy smelling) and you've got a fantastic body scrub without spending $20. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and it'll last you just as long.
If you have the time for a relaxing soak in the tub, drizzle a small amount in the bath.
Suffering from dried out, frizzy hair? Use olive oil as a conditioner. Wrap your hair in a plastic bag and then a warm towel. Let it soak in for 10 - 20 minutes.
Try out these different uses for olive oil and you'll emerge from your winter hibernation looking radiant!
