nss G-Club Beauty Secret: Avocado

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And what a better time to inaugurate a new column: holidays are the perfect opportunity to relax and take some time for yourself, trying something new and play with self-made beauty treatments! If you want something done, do it yourself they say, so why shouldn’t we apply this motto also to our beloved beauty routine as well?

Today's protagonist is avocado, a beauty secret already known back at the time of the ancient Mayan and Inca cultures and still used today by many women in different countries of the world. Called also 'green gold' this exotic fruit has exploded in the last decade, thanks to a renewed attention to healthy superfood. It led also to some controversies on its environmental implications due to intensive cultivation - exponentially increased to meet the demand - and for having captured the interest of organized crime. Not to mention that avocado seems to be the main reason behind housing problems that will afflict millennials. 

Milan could not be missing out on this trend and even here there is a new place dedicated to the magic fruit, yet there are many other ways to consume avocado and they will give you more satisfaction than a good avocado toast (which is not an easy task). It is no coincidence that many beauty brands have chosen it as the leading ingredient for some of their treatments, such as Kiehl's or Lush.

Avocado oil, in fact, contains fatty acids and is rich in vitamin E, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and potassium. It’s excellent for deeply moisturize the skin and reduce the first signs of ageing. It is also perfect to reduce sunburn and redness. Here are some simple (and cheap) beauty hacks, approved also by Kim Kardashian. 

1. 100% avocado mask: crush the pulp and apply to face (and body), leaving it to work for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently towel-dry, allowing the skin to breathe. Super easy!
   
   

2. Face mask with avocado honey and cane sugar: for extra nourishment plus exfoliation.
   
   

3. Avocado and aloe vera eye pack: keep the mixture in the freezer a few minutes before applying for an even more refreshing and draining effect. 
   
   

4. Hair mask with avocado and olive oil: Apply the mixture to the hair, lock by lock, and cover with plastic film or a cap. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, heating the hair with a hairdryer for a deeper effect. For extra softness, add two tablespoons of jojoba oil or coconut oil and few drops of lemon for a shiny touch.