I’m a huge fan of balms, mainly the multi-tasking kind of balm which you can do almost anything skin-related with. The ones I’m writing about here today are for the most part quite targeted compared to the usual balms I use, but nevertheless still great for their area of expertise!
Mary Elizabeth Spearmint & Tea Tree Nurture Balm
This balm is full of moisturising ingredients from all-natural ingredients, the list reads like a dream-
Nourishing shea butter
Moisturising olive wax
Omega-rich hemp seed oil
Rejuvenating meadowfoam flower extract
Vitamin E-rich avocado oil
Vitamin E itself
Essential oils of spearmint, peppermint, and tea tree between them offering strengthening of the skin and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Using Mary Elizabeth Spearmint & Tea Tree Nurture Balm was a joy, I love spearmint far more than peppermint. I find it warmer and more grounding. The balm itself feels a little spongy when you first dip your fingers in, not quite as you would expect but if anything this makes the product easier to work into the skin, and it is quickly gone.
The balm won best multi-tasking balm in the Ultimate Natural Beauty Bible Awards, as judged by Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey.
I just read that you can apply as a nail strengthener, so I will be giving this use a go but I’ve been using on my lips, dry skin patches (elbows) and also hands and feet.
Speaking of hands and feet, that brings me nicely onto my next featured brand…. Badger Balm! I was really disappointed when these tins came to an end, for the product inside was really effective. Very rich, and taking a long time to absorb, so the Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands isn’t really an apply-and-go product, more a stop what you’re doing, apply and relax kind of product! I used to apply before going to bed as an overnight restorative treatment for my hands, and I’d also put the Badger Balm Foot Balm on my feet!
The Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands works had itself to relieve dry, cracked hands, and I see it as a great product for gardeners, those who work outdoors a lot or are creative with their hands. It’s certified organic by the USDA, and contains wintergreen essential oil, traditionally used as an antiseptic, muscle soother and even for psoriasis and eczema! It also contains moisturising extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, castor oil and soothing aloe extract.
The Badger Foot Balm helps to moisturise, soothe and repair cracked heels and dry skin on feet. Peppermint oil is a great one for stimulating feet and bring blood flow and nutrients back to them at the end of a long day. The other essential oils contained are a blend of cardamom, tea tree, eucalyptus and balsam fir oils have both antibacterial and antimicrobial effects – perfect for anyone who suffers from any fungal infections on their feet. After applying I would slip on a pair of socks before bedtime and sleep with them on till the next morning. I’d awaken the next morning to refreshed and softened feet!
From empty tins to almost full ones – Liquorice Balm from Skin Shop. Not empty because it’s unenjoyable, but I simply didn’t get round to using last year. I don’t really apply that much lip balm, unless it’s tinted and therefore part of my makeup look. This balm has a gorgeous liquorice flavour (and I LOVE liquorice), thanks to the extract of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice root. It can be used if you have a cold sore without creating soreness or irritation. This is because liquorice is also known as nature’s cortisone, and may even help reduce swelling and inflammation. Looking at the ingredients list, there are few ingredients – sweet almond oil, avocado oil, beeswax, star anise, liquorice extract and vitamin E. From the looks of things, this balm could also be used as a topical product for patches of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis too.
Last but not least, Saaf Organic Foot Softening Balm. This has the beautiful lemon myrtle essential oil in it, but you can just smell an earthy (curry?) tone coming through from the rosemary I think, although it may be the nigella seed or neem oil. Like the Badger Balm Foot Balm (in fact, this product replaced the Badger) I have been putting this on before bedtime and putting my little socks on. Along with the aforementioned ingredients, there’s also safflower seed oil, olive oil, beeswax and cocoa butter. The curry smell aside, this is a great product and effective at remedying dry neglected feet. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE curry, but perhaps not in my beauty products!
