Have you ever counted how many things you can do at once? I bet you’ve managed six, easily. In fact I’ll wager you’ve recently stirred something on the hob, talked to your mum on the phone, drunk a coffee and mouthed something at one of your kids, while wearing a face mask and writing a list of the next six things that need doing. (Which I realise suggests I don’t listen to my mum but I’m willing to live with that.)
Anyway, balms that are used for lots of different things are sometimes called ‘multi-tasking’. I refute this. ‘Multi-tasking’ is ours – it belongs to us women. So I’m going for ‘multi-purpose’, ‘universal’ or even ‘everything’ balms. And as for the balms themselves, here are of my recent favourites. Firstly, Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm (£29), which is my new by-the-sink choice, mainly due to its stylish retro tin. I also love its herbally scent, and the fact that it contains natural antibacterial and healing agents such as tea tree and Echinacea for everything from grazes to dry skin.
Next is a bold little number from Philosophy: 27 Wishes (£14.40). I say bold because this ‘Multi Purpose Skin Nurturing Balm’ professes to be able to solve 27 skin concerns. What I like about this one is the handy little tube, the fresh, Philosophy-ish smell and the fact – and this is a new one on me – you can use a layer of it under foundation if your skin is feeling dry. It launches on 12th April on QVC.
Egyptian Magic is another one I keep coming back to (£25). It uses olive oil and Royal Jelly and the result is an unctuous, almost runny concoction that is great on dry elbows and the baby’s dribble-rash chin.
More solid, but equally effective, is Connock London’s Kukui Oil Wonder Balm (£18.50), which comes in a handbag-friendly little pot. I love the light fragrance and tend to use it on cuticles and lips.
Finally, Propolis Balm (£15), the bestselling product from niche Italian brand Apodea. It comes in a weighty, old-fashioned screw-top jar and what’s wonderful about it – apart from it’s gunky, last-for-ages soothingness – is that propolis (a waxy substance produced by bees) has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and healing properties. Use on anything from cuticles or chapped skin to minor irritations. No, not your mum…
