I skipped the December favorites because nothing WOW’ed me.

I have a set skincare routine (linked to part one and two) that makes me look healthy so I rarely stray from it.

There are only two products that stood out to me in January but I will definitely keep them around.

Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is so versatile! I initially purchased it from Trader Joe’s because I needed a good eye makeup remover. Manufactured removers are too harsh on my skin and baby oil messes with my eyesight. The coconut oil does not bleed into my eyes and it dissolves waterproof mascara, eyeshadow, everything! When heated, the solid melts within seconds and becomes so slick I cannot drag the delicate skin around the eye area.

Of course I purchased a pint of product but if I only removed makeup it would go bad long before I could use it up. It absorbs so quickly and is non-greasy. Unbelievable but true! I use it on my cuticles and hands for serious moisturizing. I also use it for shaving! Just WOW! It prevents razor burn and cuts. The razor slides smoothly and creates a close shave! And, unlike regular shaving creams, I can use coconut oil on dry skin!! Weee! I will never look back.

Time lapse: 3 seconds

LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub

I love LUSH’s solid shampoos and conditioners and I love mint chocolate EVERYTHING. The Pennsylvania brand Turkey Hill Mint Chocolate Chip is my favorite ice cream. So when I saw a mint chocolate flavored lip scrub at the LUSH store register I had to try it out!

Sure, I could use good old sugar to get the same results but this product is so yummy! It smells and tastes like mint chocolate and it is edible so I can just lick it off! (There is a bitter aftertaste if I ingest it – probably from the essential oils [vanilla, peppermint, jojoba, and tagetes]). When I use this before bed it removes the flakes from my lips and leaves them insanely smooth. I finish with thick lip balm and I wake up with incredibly soft lips.

Have you tried these products? What other uses can you get from coconut oil?

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.