<a href="http://beautyeditor.ca/wp-content/uploads/avocado_face-mask.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-4378 alignleft" title="avocado_face mask" src="http://beautyeditor.ca/wp-content/uploads/avocado_face-mask.jpg" alt="avocado_face mask" width="300" height="443" /></a>One of the absolute BEST parts of being a beauty editor or writer is the fact that people want to send you beauty products in the mail. And not only that, but they also come wrapped in all kinds of wonderful packages, sometimes with accessories. For example, one brand sent their new argan oil-based line with some super-cute Moroccan teacups, another housed its new makeup collection in a to-die-for makeup case, and of course, the cosy robe/slippers is an old standby for any company launching spa products. (Disclaimer: as I explained <a href="http://beautyeditor.ca/2009/10/06/full-disclosure/" target="_blank">here</a>, I'm on the receiving end of most of this stuff because of my day job as a beauty writer... it's not the motivating factor behind what I blog about.) (Oh, and refer to <a href="http://beautyeditor.ca/2009/09/01/just-in-case-this-blog-has-you-thinking-about-a-career-in-magazines/" target="_blank">this</a> if the mention of beauty freebies made you jealous. Trust me, this profession isn't exactly <em>secure</em> these days<em>.</em>)

<a href="http://beautyeditor.ca/wp-content/uploads/Avocado.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-4380" title="Avocado" src="http://beautyeditor.ca/wp-content/uploads/Avocado.jpg" alt="Avocado" width="350" height="227" /></a>Anyway! One of the more memorable packages I've received lately was an "Avocado Pack" from <a href="http://missavacado.com/" target="_blank">an organization promoting avocados from Mexico</a>. Food always make me happy, and this mailing came with the most perfect, delectable avocados I've ever tasted (along with some yummy guacamole, corn chips and even chocolate-avocado muffins).

So what does this have to do with beauty, you ask? GOOD QUESTION. Although I cheated and ATE the ones I was sent, avocados are actually amazing if you put them on your skin and hair. Think about it: instead of buying lab-derived products with so-called "active" ingredients, you can reap the benefits of using real, live, fresh fruit (yes, avocado is technically a fruit). And without all the chemicals, I might add!

Some avocado beauty benefits:<!--more-->
<ul>
	<li>Avocado oil increases collagen in the skin, which can reduce wrinkles</li>
	<li>Avocados contain sterolin, a protein that reduces age spots and helps heal sun damage and scars</li>
	<li>They also contain vitamin B3, which soothes rashes and irritations</li>
</ul>
I'll leave you with a few avocado recipes for your beauty inspiration... perhaps to try this weekend?

Avocado Oily Skin Mask: In blender, combine 1/2 a ripe avocado with 1 egg white and 1 tsp lemon juice. Whirl until smooth. Apply evenly to face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Avocado Enriching Hair Mask: In shallow bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado until smooth. Add 1 egg yolk and 1/2 tsp olive oil and stir until combined. Divide dry hair into sections and massage the mixture to each section, concentrating on ends. Allow to set for 30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Avocado Moisturizing Face Mask: In shallow bowl, mash 1/2 a ripe avocado until smooth. Add 1 tbsp plain yogurt and 1 tbsp honey; stir until combined. Apply evenly to face and leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Avocado Hand Treatment: In shallow bowl, mash 1/4 a ripe avocado until smooth. Add 1 egg white, 2 tbsp rolled oats and 1 tbsp lemon juice; stir until combined. Massage into hands and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

You can also check out <a href="http://missavacado.com/" target="_blank">missavocado.com</a> for a whole whack of avocado good stuff, including recipes!