Are you hunting for a secret health and beauty weapon? Look no further than the grocery store—avocados are a small but mighty superfood! This velvety fruit adds a rich creaminess to a slew of savory and sweet meals, not to mention a dose of fiber, healthy fats and vitamins. The beauty benefits are bountiful, too! Try one of our favorite ways to incorporate avocados into your everyday routines.

Written and photographed by Erin Sousa

For your hair:
Soften and add shine to your mane with an avocado hair mask. Mix a ripe avocado with 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply mask to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo twice (to remove all residue) and rinse well, and you’ll enjoy smoother, more manageable locks!

On your skin:
Avocados will even soothe and improve your complexion. Mash one with 1 tablespoon of honey (which has antibacterial properties!) and apply as a face mask to boost your skin’s hydration and glow factor.

For breakfast:
Spread smashed avocado atop a toasted baguette half and layer on parmesan shavings, a poached egg, salt and pepper—yum!

In your smoothie:
Avocados will add an unmatched creaminess to your favorite smoothie (not to mention a boost of nutrients!). The healthy fats will also keep you feeling full for a longer amount of time.

As a salad:
Stuff a pitted avocado with a yummy combination of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and top with a drizzle of a balsamic glaze for an on-the-go lunch or snack.