Recessionista Goes Natural

Two huge trends - actually I take that back I don't think they're trends anymore, rather they have crossed that great holy grail and become mainstay consumer consumption patterns. Thanks to the Bernie Madoff's and Sherry Lehman's (no not the wine store in Nyc! Although wouldn't it be a better place if we just had more wine? My dad swears by it!) of the world we have all traded in our fashionista status for a recessionista preference. We have learned to become savvier shoppers (hell I traded my Starbucks lattes for the McD's version - same great taste and a $1.50 cheaper) questioning each purchase and appreciating the value of saving. At the same time with all the food recalls and terrifying water contamination stories (see this Sunday's NY Times about high concentrations of weed killer being found in local water supplies), we, as eco-conscious consumers, have become aware of the benefits of returning back to the fundamentals. Back to the natural and untouched version of our foods, otherwise popularly called organic or all-natural. While these two patterns may seem counter intuitive you may be surprised that they can overlap! And this brings me to my next beauty favorite....are you ready for it?

Coconut Oil! Ok so I'm guessing this isn't what you imagined but just bear with me. This naturally produced, nutrient-rich oil has been used for generations by South Indian woman as an intricate part of their beauty regimen. I remember my Indian neighbor always telling me that as a child her mom was constantly slathering her hair and body with coconut oil. Fast forward 20 some odd years she's still practicing the same beauty ritual and has the dense, ravenous hair and petal soft skin to show for it. Why? This unique oil has a dual nature: it forms an invisible barrier on the skin's surface to lock-in moisture while it's molecular structure allows it to deeply penetrate skin for an inside-out hydration. As you've probably figured out by now, I'm from the crackberry-ing, let me please juggle one more think generation so I expect my products to work all sorts of wonders. Unrefined pure virgin coconut oil has been revered for it's high antioxidant properties helping fight free-radical damage leading to collagen breakdown (wrinkles) and discoloration (hyperpigmentation). Gotta love the anti-aging benefits! I'm especially appreciative of this hydrating oil in the Nyc winters when the delightful wind is a constant companion literally sucking any moisture out of my skin leaving it obnoxiously dry. With it's anti-inflammatory properties, the coconut oil soothes and restores the suppleness. Now here's the best part for $8.99 you can buy a 16oz tub of certified organic, un-filtered virgin coconut oil from the Whole Foods brand 365. Used daily this tub of love will last you months on end. Don't you just love it when the stars align and you can embrace both your inner recessionista and naturalite preferences?

Usage tip: Use sparingly! A little goes a long way. Apply on damp skin directly after the shower for optimal results. Wait a few minutes before putting on clothes to allow the oil to penetrate and avoid any product transfer. And for my favorite part: as you're applying deeply inhale the transfixingly delicious scent of the coconut oil...in the cold months it's the closest thing to a vacation I will get!

The results: Supple, silky, youthful skin all courtesy of the best natural hydrating ingredient!