First off, let me just say – this balm smells like a cozy vanilla candle you’d light on a rainy day. I was skeptical about beef tallow in skincare (sounds intense, right?), but the whipped texture won me over instantly. It glides on like butter (pun intended) and sinks in without that dreaded greasy film.

I tested it during a brutal winter week with my Sahara-dry cheeks. One night, I slathered it on after exfoliating, and woke up to skin that didn’t feel like parchment paper. The real shocker? My usual hormonal breakout zones stayed calm – no angry red bumps, just hydrated skin healing old acne scars.

Pro tip: The 4oz jar lasts forever because you only need a pea-sized amount. I’ve used it as an emergency lip balm during flights (worked better than my fancy Laneige) and even smoothed frizzies in my hair when I ran out of styling cream. That said, if you hate any hint of oiliness, maybe skip daytime use – it’s rich enough that I only use it at night.

The Manuka honey gives this subtle glow – not glittery, just that ‘I drank eight glasses of water’ look. Only con? The vanilla scent might be too sweet for some, though it fades after 10 minutes. After three weeks, my medicine-cabinet staples (La Mer dupes included) are gathering dust.