You can thank the BB cream frenzy for the arrival of cosmetic balms, and as Sarah Simpson discovers there is a balm for every beauty duty. Here's how they work.
How is a balm different to a cream?
Balms usually use entirely oil-based ingredients, they are rich in texture and extra hydrating, which makes them very good for dry skin. Being oil-based, balms don't require artificial preservatives to keep them fresh, whereas creams, which are an emulsified mixture of oil and water do have some preservative added to stop them going off. Balms are also great value, as a little goes a long way, but they can feel greasy if you use too much. Balms are multi purpose ideal for using on the lips, feet and for nourishing very dehydrated, dry skin.
What's the latest trend with balms?
From cleansing to blemish correcting, hair smoothing and hydrating, beauty balms are everywhere. Denser in their formulation (unless you're talking BB creams) they offer multi-purpose skin and hair benefits including nourishment, hydration and skin repair for just about every inch of the body.
Who can use a balm?
Anyone with any skin type can benefit from using a skin or hair balm. They are designed to nourish specific areas on the body all the way from the lips to the cuticles, hair, and feet. A skin salve, they are rich in antioxidants and depending on the formula you choose other skin-improving benefits which can instantly be seen.
Why we like beauty balms?
Packed with nourishing ingredients we consider a balm one of those products that deliver instant results to soothe and correct skin concerns and frizzy hair.
Here's our pick of hard-working beauty balms.
LIP BALMS
Clarins HydraQuench Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, $45. Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15, $48. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Cranberry, $18. Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm, $10.
CLEANSING BALMS
Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Balm, $75. Palmers Coconut Oil Formula with Vitamin E Cleansing Balm, $17. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $65. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm, $88.
MULTIPURPOSE BALMS
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm, $47. Trilogy Everything Balm, $40 Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm, $40. Natio Calendula & Avocado Soothing Body Balm, $18.50.
HAIR BALMS
R&Co Park Ave Blow Out Balm, $47. amika Straight Up Smoothing Balm, $33. Oribe Balm D'or, $72. Essential Oils Lavender Treatment Balm, $32.