Estimated Monthly Savings: $50
The best beauty products are ones that do “double duty”. Combination eyeliners and brow gels, lip paints and blushers, and other multi-use cosmetics can save you time and money. However, the best cheap beauty product isn’t found in the makeup aisle, but in the grocery section: coconut oil. Besides being a delicious vegan option in the kitchen, coconut oil has natural moisturizing and antibacterial properties that make it great for your skin. A 54-ounce jar costs around $16, but can replace many of the expensive products you buy separately. You can do all the following with coconut oil:
Replace Your Moisturizer               Â
Body butter and moisturizers from cosmetics stores can cost over $40 per 2-ounce container. Skip the price tag and mystery chemicals by moisturizing with coconut oil instead! Either use coconut oil by itself or mix it with your favorite essential oils and apply directly to your skin.
Replace Deep Conditioning Masks
Store bought deep conditioning treatments and hair masks can cost $18 for an 8-ounce container. Instead, just work coconut oil into your hair, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse for healthy tresses.
Replace Makeup Remover
Makeup remover can cost $8 for as few as 25 towelettes. Instead, dip a cotton ball or pad in coconut oil and use it to remove your makeup. Â Coconut oil will clean your skin and also leave it feeling soft and moisturized.
Replace Shaving Cream
At some drugstores, shaving cream can cost $4.99 for a 6-ounce can. Instead, try shaving with coconut oil – especially for areas where you have thinner hair. Just apply a layer of oil to your skin, then shave like you normally would.
Replace Massage Oil
Some massage oils can cost over $3.00 an ounce. Next time you are giving a massage, try mixing coconut oil with lavender essential oil for relaxation at half the price.
Replace Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil can moisturize dry, cracked nail beds and stimulate nail growth. Unfortunately, cuticle oils made with natural ingredients can cost between $3 – $40 for less than an ounce. Try moisturizing your cuticles with coconut oil for beautiful nails at a fraction of the price.
Replace Makeup Brush Cleaner
While you could clean makeup brushes with dish soap or hand soap, these may contain harsh chemicals that are bad for your skin. Makeup brush cleaner can cost $7 for a 2-ounce bottle. Instead, try cleaning your makeup brushes with coconut oil and lemon. Just mix liquid coconut oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice, swirl your brushes in the mixture, rinse and let dry.
Some people also use coconut oil as toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant and more – in addition to its culinary and household uses (for example, coconut oil can also be used as a furniture polish!). For beauty, virgin or unrefined oils are best for the skin. At as little as 31 cents an ounce, coconut oil is worth the investment – replacing just some of your beauty products with coconut oil could save you as much as $50 a month. Slash your beauty budget with this natural, vegan alternative today!
