"Are Natural Alternatives the Secret to Better Beauty Products?"

In my opinion, yes! Natural is almost always better. It is better for your body and can often be found in your kitchen, making it convenient and less expensive. Something that I often find myself thinking about is how all beauty products, at one point, started out as natural resources that people used for different needs. Now, some reason, they pump all these extra chemicals into them, put it in small container, and charge a ridiculous amount of money for it. But is it actually better? Below are natural alternatives I use for popular beauty products.

Coconut oil for Face and Body Lotion

I've been using this one for a long time. I have eczema and am vegetarian so that has led me to be picky about what products I use. Being that I have eczema, my skin is really sensitive and sometimes reacts to different chemical-filled products. And being vegetarian, I don't use any products that have ingredients that are a result of an animal's death. My skin is very frequently dry, so I am in constant need of moisturization. Coconut oil is great because I can just buy a big tub of it at Costco and not have to worry about buying it again for a long time. I can also mix it with essential oils to create different scents. When I get out of the shower, I apply my coconut oil to everywhere that needs it and my skin is good to go. If you are new to this, however, I would strongly recommend only using a small amount at a time or you will end up very oily! A little can be applied and if more is needed then it can be reapplied as frequently as necessary.

Coconut oil for lip Balm

This is great because I always have coconut oil around for my skin and baking! Another bonus is that this also functions as a lip gloss and is isn't waxy/sticky. Of course, if it is being used on my lips, I do not use the same coconut oil that I have added the essential oils to as I stick only to what is edible. I only need a very small amount on my finger and then I apply it to my lips. If you are using coconut oil on your face that does not have any essential oils added to it, you can apply it to your face and your lips all in one go.

Honey for Face Mask

I have used store bought masks in the past that have caused my skin to have a reaction to them. It makes me wonder how beneficial it can actually be for my skin if my skin is rejecting it. Instead, I now use honey for a face mask. I put all my hair up in a ponytail so that my hair does not get stuck in the honey as much. Then, I warm up some honey in the microwave and apply it to my face. When I do this, I make sure to wear a shirt that I don't care much about as the honey sometimes drips. After I have applied my honey mask, I lay down and read a book. The honey will run so I just be sure to keep my head facing up so that it does not drip everywhere. After about an hour, I take a washcloth and warm water and wash the honey off my face. My skin feels so refreshed after this. Once it is all washed off, I apply some coconut oil to my face and am ready to go.

What natural alternatives to popular beauty products do you use?

• Coconut oil for face and body lotion
• Coconut oil for lip balm
• Honey for face mask
• Other

You can vote for more than one answer.