As you know, I am always looking for natural cosmetics and moisturizers. In the spirit of Earth Day, I am shining a light on the cosmetic applications of olive oil.

Many people use olive oil for cooking because it is rich in vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants and can even help lower cholesterol. It is also found in many cosmetics and hair products because its ability to hydrate, cleanse, condition, and protect hair and skin.

Here are some of my favourite cosmetic applications for olive oil.

• Olive Oil as Makeup Remover
  • Add a few drops of olive oil to a cotton ball. Gently remove make up and rinse face with warm water.

• Olive Oil and Honey Hair Mask and Scalp Treatment
  • A healthy scalp is important to healthy hair. In addition to promoting hair growth, having a moisturized scalp will help reduce oil buildup on your hair. A weekly hair and scalp treatment will help your scalp and hair feel and look better.
  • Mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and the oil from 3 Vitamin E capsules together. If mixture is too sticky, add some more olive oil.
  • Use a paint brush or basting brush to distribute the mixture over damp hair.
  • Wrap hair in a plastic bag. Leave for 90 mins before rinsing with warm water. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
  • Hair will feel smooth and supple.
  • Depending on your hair texture, too much olive oil on your scalp may weigh your hair down. Try adding a few drops on the crown of your head and spreading it with your fingers. Leave on for 90 minutes, and shampoo as needed.

• Olive Oil “Cuticle Cream”
  • Gently massage nails and cuticles with a  few drops of olive oil.

• Olive Oil Bath
  • The fastest way to smooth, supple skin is with an olive oil bath.
  • Add 5 tablespoons of olive oil to a warm bath, and soak.
  • The warm water will open your pores and allow you to absorb the moisturizing oil.
  • Indulge your skin  post-bath by using a light application of olive oil as a full body moisturizer.

• Olive Oil on Salad
  • To get all the benefits of olive oil, make sure you take it internally, as well. Use it in raw applications such as on salads or finishing a pasta dish. Having olive oil raw ensures you are getting all the good nutrients that can otherwise be destroyed when oil is heated during cooking.

I hope this inspires you to incorporate olive oil into your beauty routine. Your skin will love you for it.

Switch up your regular moisturizer with olive oil! Your skin is drinking up the products you use – what better than something you eat?