When it comes to skincare, multi-tasking products are our favourites. Whether it’s a lip balm that doubles as a cuticle cream, or an oil that works on both your body and your face; if it has more than one use, we’re sold. Believe it or not, your pantry is actually a treasure trove of multi-tasking products, especially for skin and hair and it’s one of our most favourite simple living hacks. From avocado to olive, these are our favourite pantry staples that work wonders in the kitchen and beyond.

OLIVE OIL

A staple of the much-touted mediterrannean diet, it’s probably the first thing you’d reach for when dressing a salad and  the last thing on your mind when it comes to skincare. However, olive oil is surprisingly versatile and really nourishing, especially on dry skin. Ideal if you’re ever caught short, it’s also great for hair, cuticles, cracked heels and to remove eye makeup. 

COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil has long caused a buzz (good and bad) in both natural beauty and healthy eating circles. It’s antibacterial and antifungal, great for dry hair, makeup removal or used as a carrier oil if essential oils are your jam. You can also add it to coffee grinds, sugar or salt for a DIY scrub or oatmeal for a zero-waste facemask. 

MACADAMIA OIL

Macadamia oil (along with Jojoba oil) is considered one of the closest matches to the natural properties of our skin. It contains squalene and oleic acid that assists with cell regeneration, which means it’s a great option for dry or chapped skin as it softens, moisturises and repairs. It contains phytosterols that assist with itchiness and redness, plus it is also widely spruiked as an anti-ageing oil.

AVOCADO OIL

Turns out avo isn’t just great smashed on your sourdough, it’s good for skin too! It’s lighter than coconut oil but just as hydrating and absorbs faster. Power nutrients include beta carotene, lecithin, and it’s high in vitamin E. And like macadamia it contains phytosterols which can assist in the production of collagen. Look for it in the supermarket as a single blend oil.

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