Coconut cleansing

I know that a lot of readers aren't on Instagram/twitter so won't have seen me talking about the Neal's Yard Coconut Oil and using it for cleansing so thought I'd quickly mention it here.

Back in January I posted about the RMS Coconut Cream Cleanser and received a lot of questions about appropriate skin types/what makes it so different from other coconut oils etc.

Last week I came across the Neal's Yard Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and tried cleansing with it for a few days. Suffice to say I've added it to my usual arsenal of cleansers - there are some differences though so I thought a few quick tips may help.

• A lot of the original commentors were of the opinion that there was no difference between the RMS and 'any coconut oil you can buy from Lidl'. That's not the case - in my opinion. It's a bit like balsamic vinegar. Some are soft and delicious and some taste like sour rancid vinegar. 
• The RMS version is more expensive and is obviously sold as a beauty product - as opposed to something you would cook with. I find the formula to be much more like a beauty product and thus more pleasant to use. It's very refined, not gritty and doesn't separate.
• The Neal's Yard coconut oil is designed for cooking and it shows. It's very 'raw' and while it isn't as nice to use as the RMS - it still does the job perfectly well for a fraction of the price (although neither is £££)

 If you are interested in cleansing with natural oils such as the above:

• Apply a small amount to your fingertips and get it on to the face quickly - it starts to melt as soon as you touch it.
• Apply to dry skin.
• You have to remove this with a flannel/washcloth. A muslin is no match for these oils. They are hardcore grease - albeit natural.
• Give at least two rinses/four swipes with the flannel (rinse the cloth, swipe, turn over, swipe, rinse, swipe, turn over, swipe again).
• They are suitable for all skin types - I did have some comments from people saying that the RMS had broken them out - but that wasn't my experience - good to know/be aware and know to wash it off correctly though. 
• If you do decide to give these a go I doubt you'll be disappointed. They leave the skin incredibly soft and smooth.
• Pure coconut oil is around 50% lauric acid. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-microbial - so a good option if you have skin problems including random breakouts/dry skin/eczema/cold sores. The only other substance that high in lauric acid is breast milk.
• And obviously...coconut is budget friendly. The RMS cleanser is £12.50 for 70ml and the Neal's Yard coconut oil is £9.00 for 300ml (comparatively - Eve Lom is £84.00 for 200ml and is mineral oil based - just a reminder)

If you do try the Neal's Yard version and don't like it - it's not a very expensive mistake to make - and you can always make some cracking roast potatoes with it instead. 

Neal's Yard Coconut Oil

My original RMS Coconut Cream Cleanser post

rms beauty Raw Coconut Cream

I suspect it would be easier to get a great picture of Elvis Presley (alive) than of this product. White tub, white product, so much white. So allow me to hand over to someone who clearly has the patience of a saint:

Photo courtesy of the gorgeous Vivianna Does Makeup - Thank you Anna!

Raw Coconut Cream is exactly that. 100% organic coconut oil cold-pressed with no added ingredients.

Coconut is high in lauric acid which is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal making this agreeable for all skin types. My only word of caution to those with active, cystic acne (not the odd spot) is to make sure you rinse this off thoroughly. 

Other than that, this is really, really lovely to use:

• It annihilates makeup. All of it, including eyes/mascara. 
• You need a tiny amount so it will last you a good while. 
• I only use it in the evenings at the moment but if I was particularly dry I would tail end and use it AM too. 
• It's perfect for this weather (UK - cold, wet, windy).
• Your skin feels really soft and beautiful after use - even upon waking in the mornings.

It's like washing your face with a Bounty. Lush.

rms Raw Coconut Cream is £12.50. I bought mine from Beauty Works West..