Hello again everyone!

Well, we’re deep into the heat of summer now and I hope that you are all managing to stay cool and making sure to wear your sunscreen and hats!

To follow up on our previous coconut oil post, today’s blog is going to talk about an oil some of you may not of heard of called Tamanu oil.

Image via 911balsam.com

The oil is made from the nut of the Tamanu tree and mostly grows in the South Pacific, especially Vanuatu. Women of Vanuatu have been known to use this in their hair to protect it and prevent sun damage. Like coconut oil, it is also a great moisturizing agent. Make sure to cleanse the skin first then apply only a few drops for beautiful, glowing skin.

But the true magic of this oil comes from its healing properties and ability to promote new tissue growth. It is also an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. This is why the Tamanu oil is perfect for problems such as acne scars, cold sores, bug bits, burns, skin abrasions, wounds and sunburn. It can even be used for odour control on your feet and underarms.

And when winter comes around, keep Tamanu oil on hand to relieve your sore throat (by swallowing a few drops) or for sinus relief by inhaling.

It really is a magical product that no woman should be without.

* Please note, as the oil is derived from a nut, if you have any nut allergies, please avoid using or consult your doctor first.

Let us know your experience with it in a comment!

Until next week,

Lara

Image via randbeauty.com

Since the emergence of natural cosmetics into the mainstream, other at-home remedies involving basic ingredients have been becoming increasingly popular too. Among them (and a personal favorite of myself and Alenka) is cold-pressed virgin coconut oil.

Now, when buying your oil you have to make sure that the label reads natural, cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin coconut oil and/or butter. This means you are getting the purest form and it still keeps its amazing nutrients. You can buy it from most health food stores, online and in some grocery stores.

In the jar, the oil is usually solid due to its melting point but will become an oil as soon as it comes into contact with your skin or if it’s a hot day outside.

What to use coconut oil for:

Makeup Remover - Apply to face then massage and wipe off with a damp face towel.

Mascara and Eye Makeup Remover – Apply gently to lashes and using toilet paper, wipe down the lashes. Be careful when you do this ladies! We don’t want bald eyelids.

Cuticle Conditioner – Pre-manicure, apply the oil to your nail cuticles. For added effect, place your fingers in a warm bowel of water and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Hair Conditioner – This is best used for people with coarse hair. After shampooing, apply oil liberally to lengths of hair and tips. Leave it for  minutes then rinse out. There will be residue that remains but it will help control your hair a bit easier.

Hair Treatment – If you have finer hair, apply coconut oil to damp hair before washing and wrap in a warm towel. Leave to sit for 20 minutes then continue your regular shower routine. If you are prone to oily hair, avoid this method or only apply the oils to the lengths and tips.

Lip Moisturizer

Body Moisturizer

Eyelash/Eyebrow Conditioner – If you have course lashes and brows, apple some oil before bedtime. This has also been shown to stimulate hair growth in those areas.

Shaving Oil – Avoid razor burn by using oil as your shaving cream. Soften the leg hairs with a damp warm towel, apply oil and shave.

Cooking Oil – Coconut oil is also amazing for in the kitchen. It’s a very healthy oil and vegans can enjoy using it guilt-free. Just remember the boiling temperature is lower than olive oil so you don’t need to heat it up as long.

Let us know your coconut oil tips and tricks in a comment!

Lara

Happy New Year all! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and Christmas season. I know I did!

To start the year off, today I’m here to introduce another one of our fabulous stockists – InSPArations Day Spa in Tasmania.

I’ll let them describe themselves in their own words: “We provide a full day spa experience combining massage, skin and body treatments, Swiss Showers and even lunch and a complementary glass of champagne to help completely unwind, relax and revitalise your body and soul.” Now doesn’t that sound like a place that we all want to escape to? They also do hair and beauty services, if you so require it.

Alexami is stocked in their Launceston salon at 69A George Street, Launceston Tasmania 7250.

Go check them out and have a relaxing day for you with the other half or a best friend, perhaps?

Lara