Marlborough RSA Olive Oil Check out the 12 most unexpected beauty uses for olive oil: Over the last decade, everyone has been harping on about the beauty benefits of olive oil, but the truth is this kitchen staple has been used on the body since ancient times (thank you, Cleopatra). Naturally, olive oil is packed with anti-ageing antioxidants and hydrating squalene, making it superb for hair, skin, and nails. Just like coconut oil, it's an essential in any DIY beauty maven's kit. 1. Pre-shampoo hair treatment Olive oil has been used as a hair treatment since ancient Egyptian times. First, warm olive oil in the microwave or under a hot water stream. Then apply generously to the ends of hair and scalp. Leave it in for up to 10 to 20 minutes, and then shampoo it out. 2. Lip scrub Combine coarse sugar with a teaspoon of olive oil for a chapped-lip fix. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for added flavour and acidic exfoliating properties. This scrub is good enough to eat (literally) plus, you can expand the recipe for your whole body. 3. Eye makeup remover We know what you're thinking - slathering olive oil all over your face would actually cause bigger problems and clog pores. But in actuality, the oil grabs on to other oil-based products (think: like attracts like), making it a great pre-cleansing step to remove stubborn eye makeup. Follow it up with warm water and a PH- balanced face wash. 4. Ear wax remedy If you often have ear wax build up, turn to olive oil to flush out the clog. For three or four nights, put a few drops into the ears before bed to help loosen excess wax. 5. Shine serum There's no need to buy a separate hair product to impart shine on second-day strands. Just rub in a few drops of olive oil to flyaway ends after styling for an extra-glossy finish. 6. Shaving cream Run out of shaving cream? Head to the kitchen, and slather legs with olive oil before applying the blade. You'll ward off razor burn and bumps with the help of this natural lubricant. 7. Antibacterial balm If you're into taking an all-natural approach to medicine, you can whip up this DIY recipe for a Neosporin knockoff. It includes antibacterial olive oil along with lavender, calendula, and tea tree oil to ward off germs and scarring.