Balms & Salves – Nightstand Real Estate

With the indoor heat officially on, it is time to bump up your moisturizing game. There is nothing more frustrating than dry hands and feet, ashy elbows, chapped lips and post shower skin tightness that can become red, itchy and pretty uncomfortable. Which is why thick, rich and dense multi-purpose balms and salves hit my rotation right around the pumpkin spice craze. Fall has a lot of perks: fireplaces, layering, infinity scarves… I dread my skin’s temperamental behavior during the change of seasons.

As a general rule, balms are rarely glamorous and are not daytime friendly. Most reached for at bedtime, these ultra nourishing formulas deliver overnight miracles to stressed and irritated skin in need of serious TLC.

The International Sensation – Egyptian Magic

Egyptian Magic is not from Egypt (it’s actually produced in the US) but it is indeed, very much magical. Basic in many ways, its packaging, which borders on cheap, contains a solid blend of Olive Oil, Beeswax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis Extract–a soothing, healing miracle. Is it elegant? Not really. Is it effective? Hell, yes. The quirky red, white and blue label sports some random symbols, quotes and the CEO’s name, which color me confused, is actually LordPharaoh ImHotepAmonRa. No joke.

Completely unscented, Egyptian Magic is an all purpose solution that every vanity needs. Too intense for nightly use, it has worked wonders on sunburn, post Retinol flakiness and transformed scaly hands and feet in a single application. Side note: it’s genius under the eyes. It doesn’t sink in immediately but it isn’t awfully greasy either. I spotted the travel size jars at Heathrow airport recently, proving that it’s in-flight friendly. Personally, I find the price accessible as the 2 oz. jar will last months. Less is more so use sparingly. $24 at Target.com or check out birchbox.com for the big daddy 4 oz. container at $39! Since you may not want to be without it, auto-delivery plans are available at egyptianmagic.com!

The Fancypants Original – Pommade Divine

I encountered this fabulous product m during the most recent Indie Beauty Expo where I learned firsthand about this ancient import. Dubbed Nature’s Remedy Balm, the formula is labeled London – Since 1800. Talk about legit. Topped with an intricate lid, the gorgeous glass jar is stately and luxurious. What’s inside? Lanolin, Shea Butter, Acacia, Jojoba, Sunflower Seed Oils, to name a few. Free of mineral oil, parabens, silicones and artificial dyes and fragrances, Pommade Divine has an unmistakable air of well-being.

The apothecary vibe is enhanced by a fantastic herbal aroma of warm Nutmeg, Clove and Cinnamon Leaf Extracts. A Godsend for burns, rashes or dry cuticles, this lush salve is a delicious bedtime top off to chapped lips. Those suffering from more serious conditions like Eczema, Dermatitis or Psoriasis, will find the sought after relief with the extremely comforting Pommade Divine. I’ve had great luck spot treating pesky zits to minimize the damage overnight. Surprisingly affordable, a posh jar is just $35 (30ml) and can be found at net-a-porter.com and pommadedivine.com.

OMGZZZ! – 1001 Remedies Good Night Balm

While in London last month, I passed a gorgeous 1001 Remedies display at a neighborhood pharmacy, John Bell & Croyden. The rest is history. All kidding aside, WHY in the world, is this phenomenal range not available in the US? Having received the brand’s iconic Good Night Sleep Relaxing Balm, I may want to spend the rest of my life in Morpheus’ arms (that would be the God of Dreams in Greek mythology, not my husband). Strictly an aromatherapy treatment, this balm is prime nightstand real estate.

The Jojoba and Olive Oil base of the 1001 Remedies Good Night balm is infused with a sense tripping blend of Melissa, Neroli, Chamomile and Lavender, which makes it officially my drug of choice. A tiny amount dabbed on the inside wrists and décolleté has me sleeping like a baby after only a few deep breaths. 99.96% organic, this indulgent treatment needs in-shower ancillaries like body wash or oil STAT! If you’re underslept like me, try this potion. You won’t regret it. £29 (30ml) at 1001remedies.com or cultbeauty.co.uk

Spa-mazing – Elemental Herbology Tree of Life Balm

This patent pending concoction of eight bio-oils has a vibrant orange hue but its citrus aroma features a slightly synthetic note that I am willing to overlook. Its name highlights one of the hero ingredients, the Buriti Fruit Oil (grown on the Peruvian ‘the tree of life), and the botanical medley also includes Castor, Argan, Rose, Macadamia and Sunflower Seed Oils among others. Recommended for stretch marks, lips, hands and feet, this spa treatment includes anti-inflammatory Calendula Flower Extract and antioxidant rich Vitamin C. Intensely hydrating, the Tree of Life Balm firms as it protects against free radical damage.

Not intended for the face, this Elemental Herbology formula is my post-shower or bath treat on evenings when dry skin requires prescription strength extra care. The extremely user friendly texture is solid but spreads softly and becomes an oil almost instantly. Wear comfy PJs to bed or a plush bathrobe as you linger watching TV because it will take some time to absorb completely. It is absolutely worth the wait. As with most Elemental Herbology items, this one is not the easiest to find Stateside. Try dermstore.com ($58 – 100ml).