I love my beauty products, and tend to develop diehard brand loyalty to my favorite creams and face washes.
That said, I’m an equally big fan of shopping my kitchen cabinets for beauty (and general health) solutions, which means that I get plenty of bang for my buck where basic pantry staples are concerned.
Did you know, for example, that you can use ordinary lemon juice to clear your complexion and soothe a sore throat? Talk about value!
But the real unsung hero of your kitchen is actually a handy ingredient that just about everyone has on hand, even if your cooking repertoire is limited to pasta.
Olive oil is one of the most efficient and healthful products in any kitchen. As a bonus, all of those fatty acids and lipids can also work wonders for your health, home, and beauty regimen!
Scroll through the gallery to check out a few of our favorite tips and tricks!
Olive Oil Use #1: As Shaving Cream
It's always a struggle to find shaving cream you really like, especially if you struggle with sensitive skin.
Olive oil is an excellent solution that's suitable for all skin types, because the oil repels water and lubricates the skin.
In other words, it both helps your skin retain moisture that can be lost in a hot shower, and helps to protect the skin from nicks and cuts.
As a bonus, it's really handy in a pinch when you realize that you're out of shaving cream halfway through your shower.
Olive Oil Use #2: On Stray Polish
Unless you're a professional manicurist, you probably struggle with painting inside the lines when you do your own nails.
Fortunately, the next time you accidentally glop polish on a cuticle, you don't have to reach straight for the polish remover.
As long as you catch the drop before it's dry, a little olive oil on a Q-tip or cotton pad should clean that right up.
Olive Oil Use #3: On A Sticky Hinge
There are few things more irritating than a persistently squeaky hinge that just won't be silenced.
Next time your front door starts creaking, try swabbing it down with a little olive oil to lubricate the mechanism and prevent that grating sound.
You can also try putting olive oil in a squeeze bottle to drizzle into the hinge and make sure you get every noisy centimeter.
Olive Oil Use #4: In The Bath
Next time you schedule yourself a nice, long soak, make sure you bring a bottle of olive oil along.
Once you're done soaping and scrubbing, add a generous dollop of oil to the water to moisturize your skin while you soak.
Just make sure to turn the tap on first and add the oil underneath, so that the force of the stream mixes the oil into the water.
Olive Oil Use #5: On A Stuck Zipper
Have you ever yanked a zipper the wrong way and accidentally gotten it off its tracks? I know I have!
The next time this happens to you, don't despair; just use a cotton swab to apply a little oil to the problematic section of the zipper.
Then, carefully realign the mechanism and pull the zipper home, or gently tug it over the oil if it needs to be loosened.
Olive Oil Use #6: To Soothe Your Throat
Sore throats can be a real pain in the rear, and they're often difficult to effectively treat at home, especially if you aren't sure of the underlying cause.
Swallowing a little bit of oil — no more than a tablespoon — is great for soothing any aggravated spots and mellowing out painful sensations.
Similar logic applies to any kind of coughing caused by a tickle in the throat — a little olive oil should do the trick!
Olive Oil Use #7: For Gum Stuck In Hair
Don't even get us started on gum in the hair! It happens to everyone at least once, and it often ends in tears and missing chunks of hair.
We've all heard about the old-fashioned peanut butter hack that's supposed to help gum slip right out, but olive oil might work even better and is not quite as sticky.
As a bonus, it will leave your hair a bit greasy after, but will moisturize as it works, leaving you with ultra-shiny hair after a wash!
Olive Oil Use #8: As Lip Balm
Chapped lips can strike at any time, without warning.
Often, our instinct is to make them worse by licking our lips for some temporary moisture, but olive oil is the better way to go!
Olive oil moisturizes the chapped skin and helps it heal, plus you can add a little coarse sea salt if you need to exfoliate your lips too.
Would you ever try any of these off-label uses for this popular kitchen product?
Let us know in the comments and don't forget to SHARE with friends who love all-natural, simple beauty hacks!
