To use tallow balm, scoop a pea-sized amount, warm it between your fingertips until it melts, then press and rub it into slightly damp skin. Use it every day, morning and night, and give it a couple of weeks. That's it. No ten-step routine required.
If you've just opened your first jar, welcome. I pack every order myself and there's a handwritten note in every box, so if you've found yours, hello from me. The number one question I get from new customers is some version of "so... how do I actually use this stuff?" Tallow doesn't behave like the pump-bottle lotions most of us grew up with, so here's everything I tell people, the same way I'd tell you if you were sitting across from me in the salon chair.
1. Warm it first
Tallow is a natural fat. It firms up when it's cool and softens when it's warm, which is exactly why it feels so rich on your skin. Straight out of the jar it can feel firm, especially on a cold morning. Scoop a little with your fingertip and rub it between your fingers for a few seconds until it melts and turns glossy. Now it'll glide on instead of dragging.
2. Less is more
This is the one everyone gets wrong at the start, me included. A pea-sized amount does a whole face. A little more does both hands. If your skin feels greasy, you've used too much, not the wrong product. Start small, and you can always add more. Your jar lasts a lot longer this way too.
3. Damp skin is your friend
The best time to put tallow on is straight after a shower or after washing your face, while your skin is still a little wet. Pat yourself mostly dry, then press the warmed balm in. It helps hold the moisture in and it spreads further. Dry skin works too, it just takes a touch more rubbing in.
4. Give it time
I'm not going to tell you it works overnight, because good skin doesn't change overnight. It changes with consistency. Some people notice a difference on day one. For others it takes a couple of weeks of showing up every day. Both are normal. Use it morning and night for two weeks, then check in with yourself. Twice a day, every day, beats a big dollop once a week.
5. Keep it cool
Keep the lid on tight and keep your jar out of direct sun. If it goes soft in the heat (hello, north Queensland summer), pop it in a cool cupboard and it'll firm right back up. Totally normal, and nothing's wrong with it. I've written a whole post on this one: Why does my tallow balm go soft?
Which jar should I start with?
All our tallow balms are used the same way, so these tips work whichever one you've got.
- PHAT Balm: our hero. A rich, unscented tallow balm for hardworking hands and the rough spots that cop it.
- Bootin' the Blues: our number one seller. Grass-fed beef tallow with blue tansy, a soft, creamy balm for skin that feels dry and tired.
- Whip Crackin': a lighter, whipped body moisturiser with tallow, for everyday use all over.
- The OG: where it all began. The original kitchen-bench tallow balm in a 10g slide tin for your pocket, bag or desk.
Still not sure? Read Which tallow balm is right for you?
Show me your first scoop
I love seeing your unboxing. The box, the note, the first scoop, your jar on the bathroom shelf or the bedside table. Snap a photo or video and tag us with #PhatChats on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. I reshare my favourites every week.
Frequently asked questions
How much tallow balm should I use?
About a pea-sized amount for your face, and a little more for both hands. If it feels greasy, use less next time.
Can I use tallow balm on my face?
Yes, lots of people use it on their face as a moisturiser. Everyone's skin is different, so patch test on a small area first.
Why is my tallow balm hard?
Tallow is a natural fat that firms up when it's cool. Warm a small amount between your fingers and it will soften and melt.
Should I put tallow balm on wet or dry skin?
Slightly damp skin is best, straight after a shower or washing your face. It spreads further and helps hold moisture in.
How often should I use it?
Morning and night, every day. Consistency is what counts.
