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When the buzz about the uses and benefits of coconut oil first started up, lots of people just assumed it was either hype, or a bunch of nonsense from the “all-natural” advocates out there. Well, as it turns out, it’s neither. You can use it for everything from healthy cooking, to flavoring smoothies and coffee, to cleaning and conditioning wood! Coconut oil and what it can do really is remarkable. And in terms of its beauty uses? The possibilities are almost endless!

What to look for when buying coconut oil?

Once you decide to give this little miracle oil a try, you might be overwhelmed with your choices. To insure you’re using the best product for your skin, look for unrefined organic coconut oil. And also, you will want to get a large container of it, trust us. Not only will you be able to find more uses for it every day, but you’ll find that a little goes a long way.

So what are some of the ways coconut oil can be incorporated into your beauty routine?

• Body lotion – This one is probably the first use you’d suspect for using coconut oil as a beauty implement. Why not just use a regular store-bought lotion? Many, if not most, of them are petroleum or water-based. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is all natural and can moisturize your skin more effectively without any additives.
• Shaving cream – Constantly suffer from those tiny red bumps after shaving? Skin too sensitive to use with many shaving creams and lotions? Try coconut oil! Use it as you would any other shaving product. Wet the area, smooth on the oil, and shave. Your skin will be unbelievably soft and supple afterwards.
• Face mask – Coconut oil is naturally antiseptic, with many antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s also antioxidant rich, which works wonders for your skin. There loads of great face mask recipes online, all using coconut oil as the base. You are sure to find one or more that will address your skin concerns and skin type beautifully!
• Makeup remover – Many makeup removers use oils to breakdown the heavy-duty mascaras, shadows, and liners we use these days…but not all the oils they use are good for your skin. Coconut oil, though, being all natural, will remove all your eye makeup completely while not aggravating your skin. Simply apply a bit to a cotton pad, remove your eye makeup, and rinse the area clean of any remaining oil. Remove the rest of your makeup as usual.
• Makeup brush cleaner – You know that you risk a serious bacteria build-up by not cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a month. The good news is that by combining a little antibacterial soap with a little coconut oil, you can not only get your brushes clean and free from bacteria, but for those brushes made from natural hair, the oils will help to condition the bristles.

Every year, dozens of “new and amazing” beauty and makeup products are introduced onto the market. And every year, more than half of them fall by the weigh-side and are forgotten in months. Depending on the money behind the launch campaigns, they may have made you believe you absolutely, positively, could not live without forking over your hard-earned money to snap up their latest and greatest product…but that doesn’t mean you’ve ever bought the product again. Thankfully though, there are many products out there worthy of purchase, over and over. These are the classics. The “Holy Grail” makeup must-haves. Maybe your Mom introduced you to a few of them. Maybe you will introduce a few to young girls in your life. Either way, we found 20 true keepers…and here are the first 5!

• CND Stickey Base Coat – Those of us who constantly have to wage the war of peeling and chipping nail polish have experimented with every way possible to keep that polish on longer. Every base coat claims to help get the job done, but only one has ever really done so. This one. The tint might not be perfect for nude and sheer colors, but for every other color, it’s a definite go-to.
• Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque – Perhaps you remember this from your Mom’s (or even your Grandma’s) bathroom cabinet? Yep, it’s been around that long. Not only is it one of the most inexpensive beauty products you could hope for, but the mint and clay help to squash oil, nix shine, and clear out pores beautifully. Best yet, your skin won’t feel overly dry afterwards.
• Crest Whitestrips – Thanks to these little miracle strips, we’ve long said goodbye to harsh and messy bleach trays, as well as super-expensive dentist whitening visits. White teeth and a smile are always your two best ways to make a lovely statement every time you walk in the room. In just 30 minutes, your pearly whites will be even whiter. Perfect.
• LORAC ‘Front of the Line PRO’ Liquid Eye Liner – It’s ok to admit it if you’re not great with applying liquid eyeliner. It takes a skilled hand and lots of practice. That’s why this product made the must-have list. Since its introduction, it’s made those classy cat eyes and winged flicks flawless for us…the perfect blend of liquid liner and controlled applicator (bye-bye thin little brush).
• Maybelline Great Lash Mascara – The green and pink bottle is downright iconic! It’s inexpensive, found in every drugstore, and gives you long, defined lashes every time. If you are partial to more voluminous lashes, you can even use this mascara in a classic runway trick: Apply one coat of mascara, then using a Q-tip or a clean mascara wand, dredge each side of the lashes with a light coating of baby powder, then apply a second coat of mascara…and voilà!

Stay tuned for more from our list of 20 Beauty and Makeup Must-Haves!

One look through the latest lifestyle magazines and you’ll see that from L.A. to NYC, and everywhere in between, celebrities are donning the most adorable and festive fashions for the holidays. And best of all, it’s easy to add versions of these pieces to your own winter wardrobe without breaking the bank!

Embellished beanie – As spotted on Olivia Palermo, the embellished beanie is a great way to add a bit of holiday sparkle to an otherwise blah winter necessity. You can find one bedazzled with gems, or give some sparkle to a beanie you already own by adding sparkly pins and brooches to it.

Reversible plaid scarf – Who doesn’t love to be bundled in a cozy plaid scarf when the temps get chilly? Miranda Kerr is a big fan, as she’s been seen walking the London streets wrapped up in plaid on more than one occasion this winter. The latest trend however, is for scarves that are reversible, with either a plain or contrasting pattern on the opposite side. So chic!

Faux fur bobble hat – This hat is definitely not just for kids anymore, and a good thing too, because the grown-up version looks completely adorable, as Gwen Stefani has so fashionably shown this season. You can even get a fur pom-pom at any craft store and add it to a beanie hat of your own!

Colored faux fur – Faux fur gives you the all the warmth and glamour of real fur, and the synthetics allow for some fantastic color options. Take a page out of fierce fashionista Vanessa Hong’s book and add a brightly colored faux fur stole to a festive dress this season.

Poncho – The poncho has been a fashionable cold weather staple since the 70s, but today’s versions are much more detailed and interesting than the ol’ hole-cut-in-the-top-of-some-fabric style of the past. The trending ponchos of today add the flair of a wrap/blanket scarf, making the overall visual statement much more impactful, as beautifully illustrated by fashion mavens like Erin O’Connor.

Beret – Huge celebs like Rhianna have been spotted rocking a so-chic beret this winter, from the classic wool style to more cozy and casual chunky knitted styles. A beret can immediately dress-up an otherwise bland outfit, and they always add a touch of originality and quirkiness to your style. An easy and trendy way to keep your head warm this winter!