Green Monsters, I’m going to cut right to the chase here: if you’re interested in DIY beauty projects that will a) cut your exposure to harmful chemicals and b) save you money in the long run, then you must (I repeat, must) have on hand a big ol’ jar of coconut oil at home. There’s really nothing this stuff can’t do for your DIY beauty regime. We already know the health benefits of coconut oil well. But it’s a little less known for its ability to become a part of many of your DIY beauty mixtures — until now!

While a jar of organic coconut oil will cost you in the range of $5 – 10, it’s well worth it in your DIY beauty mission. Just consider all of the ways this stuff can be used:

1. Moisturizer 

This is the simplest application of coconut oil, but it’s tried and true. Slather on the coconut oil to any part of your skin that needs some moisture, and you’ll soon be greeted with supple and fresh skin!

2. Shaving Lotion

Put down that can of store-bought toxic foam. Just put a heavy layer of coconut oil on your legs, face, or whereever else you may want to shave, and you’ll create one great-smelling line of defense from your razor to your skin. What’s more is that you’ll be moisturizing as you shave too!

3. Wrinkle Cream

As we cover here, “coconut oil has the ability to soak deep into your skin. The medium-chain triglycerides penetrate deep into your skin and promote healing, hydration, and protection from free radical damage. Because of this, many believe coconut oil to be a natural alternative to fighting the aging process and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.” Heck yes! Slather this on any place you may see or develop wrinkles.

4. Sunscreen

What’s more, this stuff doubles as a light sunscreen that keeps you far away from chemical mixes — and you’ll smell just like the beach! As also covered here, “Also used in many homemade sunscreens, coconut oil screens up to 20 percent of ultraviolet rays. And the best part, it’s a gentle moisturizer safe for those with sensitive skin and babies.”

5. Makeup Base

Coconut oil is a great part of many DIY make-up mixes. You can mix coconut oil with a fruit or veg-colored powder to make a lip gloss, or mix up the same for a glossy eye shadow. You can even mix up blushes or foundations, all with coconut oil as a base. It’s pretty amazing the stuff you can make! Experiment with different mixes of coconut oil plus powder for application all over your face!

These are just a few of the many awesome applications of coconut oil in your DIY beauty routine. One jar will really go a long way — be sure to pick yourself up a jar next time you shop and let us know the endless ways you use it at home too! We always love to here how our Green Monsters use chemical-free, totally natural items to replace the many toxic and harmful products found in stores these days.

Image source: Colin Anderson/Blend Images/Corbis