We could go on and on about the moisturizing properties of olive oil. It's so great, you can find it in many of your favorite beauty buys like shampoo, makeup removers, and body lotions. But you don't need to spend big bucks to reap its benefits. Instead, try one of these dermatologist-approved methods.
1. Remove makeup
Swipe a bit of olive oil along your face and eyes to remove the cosmetics you applied earlier in the day. Follow with your nightly face wash regimen for clean skin.
2. Shave legs
Olive oil is a perfect substitute for shaving cream. Simply rub a few drops on your legs before you begin to shave — just be careful you don't slip in your tub.
3. Soften cuticles
Joely Kaufman, MD, prefers olive oil over other cuticle creams because it instantly moisturizes the skin and nails.
4. Clean makeup brushes
Combine olive oil and two parts antibacterial soap on a plate. Swirl your makeup brushes into the solution — you should start to see residue coming off right away. Once the brushes are clean, rinse them in warm water and let them dry. Regularly cleaning your brushes helps prevent breakouts.
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5. Moisturize under eyes
The oil nourishes the skin around the eyes, and even softens fine lines.
6. Make a DIY scrub
Olive oil is the perfect base for both body and face exfoliators. Add sugar, salt, or coffee to olive oil to create a paste. Massage the scrub onto your face, arms, and legs to slough off dead skin.
7. Tame frizzy hair
Comb olive oil through dry or frizzy tresses in place of an anti-frizz serum. Just be sure to use an extremely small amount, and only add it from mid-length to the ends, or you could be left with oily roots.
8. Relieve sunburn
Add olive oil to vinegar and rub the solution along your sunburn to soothe the pain.
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9. Moisturize heels
Before bed each night, use olive oil on cracked or dry heels, or even add some to your regular foot moisturizer. Then, wear socks to avoid an oily mess, and in the morning your feet will feel refreshed.
10. Hydrate hair
Warm olive oil in the microwave for a few seconds until it's warm, but not too hot. Pour it over your scalp and hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Shampoo out the remaining oil in the shower. This pre-shampoo treatment can add moisture and life back to dry, damaged hair.
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11. Condition lashes and brows
Just like your scalp and hair, your lashes and brows need some love, too. Rub oil onto your lashes and brows to make them darker and shinier instantly.
12. Make a richer night cream
For extra healing power at night and during winter, add a few drops of olive oil to your favorite night cream.
13. Dab it on cheeks
The makeup-free look is in. Enhance your own natural coloring by adding a small amount on your cheekbones for an easy, dewy glow.
Photo credit: Frances Andrijich/Getty Images
