HOMEMADE TALLOW FACE CREAM: DIY MOISTURIZER RECIPE

This homemade face moisturizer is the purest, most natural skincare product you can make. It’s a nutrient-rich, whipped tallow cream that provides deep hydration, soothing relief, and powerful anti-aging benefits.

What is tallow? What is tallow cream?

Tallow is simply rendered beef fat, with “rendered” meaning the process of cooking down animal fat.

I explain more about tallow in this post and show how to make it step-by-step in my guide on rendering tallow.

On its own, tallow tends to be stiff and difficult to spread on the skin. To create a smoother tallow face and body cream, you mix melted tallow with a liquid oil like olive or jojoba. This results in a cream with the perfect consistency for easy application.

You can keep tallow cream plain, or enhance it with essential oils for added benefits. Including essential oils with anti-aging properties turns the tallow face cream into the ultimate DIY moisturizer.

You can either whip the tallow face cream or leave it as a solid balm. I personally prefer the whipped version—it’s light, fluffy, and so enjoyable to use!

Easy tallow face cream recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Melt tallow until liquid.
  • Add liquid oil and stir to combine.
  • Allow mixture to chill in freezer until just barely solidified, not liquid and soft enough to easily whip.
  • Whip with hand mixer until fluffy.
  • Add essential oils and whip to combine.
  • Store in a glass jar.

    Why use tallow on your skin? Is tallow good for skin?

    What are the benefits of tallow? As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, tallow is incredible for our skin. You can read more about its amazing properties in detail here and here.

    In short, 100% grass-fed tallow is so beneficial because it’s highly biocompatible with our skin cells. You can feel the difference as soon as you apply it—your skin seems to instantly recognize and absorb it! Bison tallow offers similar benefits as well.

    Grass-fed tallow makes an excellent face cream due to the rich array of skin-friendly nutrients it contains (source). Here are some of the key nutrients found in grass-fed tallow:

    • Vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K: This unique combination of vitamins, only found together in animal products, deeply nourishes the skin and promotes healthy cell function.
    • Omega-3 (Alpha-linolenic acid) and Omega-6 (Linoleic acid): These essential fatty acids are present in an almost perfect 1:1 ratio. They maintain the structure and barrier function of the skin, support anti-inflammatory responses, and help manage conditions like eczema and rosacea.
    • Stearic and Oleic acids: These fatty acids, found in the outer layer of the skin and sebum, soften, moisturize, and regenerate the skin. Stearic acid repairs and improves skin flexibility and strengthens the skin barrier, while oleic acid aids in nutrient absorption deep into the skin.
    • Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, CLA helps soothe and protect the skin.
    • Palmitoleic acid: A potent antimicrobial that forms one of the building blocks of our skin, but its levels decline with age.
    • Palmitic acid: Enhances skin smoothness, supports the skin’s barrier function, and also decreases with age.

    Is tallow good for your face?

    Absolutely! Here are some of the amazing benefits that 100% grass-fed tallow provides for the skin, especially on the face:

    • Nutrient-rich repair: Tallow is packed with the nutrients our skin needs to repair itself, making it an excellent moisturizer for achieving healthy, radiant skin.
    • Promotes youthful skin: Many of the nutrients in grass-fed tallow replenish substances our skin loses as we age, helping to maintain a youthful appearance.
    • Biocompatibility with skin: Tallow closely mimics the natural oils our skin produces, which makes it highly compatible and easily absorbed by the skin.
    • Intense hydration: Tallow offers deeper, more intense moisture compared to plant-based oils. You’ll notice how soothing and hydrating it is right away, especially for dry skin.
    • Skin protection and repair: Beyond repairing damaged skin, tallow also helps prevent future damage. Its antioxidants and other nutrients keep skin healthy, strong, and resilient.
    • Prevents acne and breakouts: The natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tallow help prevent acne while calming and soothing skin inflammation.

    How often to use tallow face cream

    If your skin is too dry or too oily, how much tallow face cream to use depends on your skin type and its current needs.

    • For dry or mature skin, using your DIY face cream twice a day is ideal to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
    • For oily skin, it’s best to use the cream once a day, every other day, or even less frequently, depending on how your skin responds.

    It’s important to experiment and find the right balance for your skin. Keep in mind, a little bit of tallow cream goes a long way, so start with a small amount. If you accidentally apply too much, simply use a dry towel to gently remove the excess.

    Will tallow clog pores?

    No, tallow is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores (source). Its compatibility with our skin’s natural sebum allows it to work harmoniously, moisturizing, soothing, and repairing the skin without causing breakouts.

    If you notice any issues with your pores, you’re likely using too much. A little tallow goes a long way, so applying just the right amount will give you all the benefits without any problems.

    Does tallow contain collagen?

    Not exactly, but several antioxidants in tallow do support collagen production and maintenance in the skin, helping to keep it firm and smooth.

    Two key antioxidants found in grass-fed tallow are vitamin E and vitamin A. Vitamin E helps prevent the breakdown of collagen, while vitamin A promotes collagen production in the skin (source). Together, these vitamins contribute to maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

    Which is better: lard or tallow?

    Sometimes people wonder if they can use lard for skin care like they can with tallow. While you can use lard, tallow is a far better option.

    Lard from free-range, naturally raised pork does provide some vitamin D, but that’s about it. In contrast, tallow boasts a wide array of fat-soluble vitamins and an abundance of other beneficial nutrients. Overall, tallow is the clear winner for skincare.

    Also use it as a whipped tallow facial cleanser

    That’s right! This DIY face moisturizer also works wonderfully as an oil cleansing balm. In fact, it’s my absolute favorite product to use when I practice the oil cleansing method.

    You might be wondering: What is oil cleansing? If you’re new to the oil cleansing method and its many benefits, be sure to check out my post on oil cleansing with tallow here—it’s incredible!

    Another fantastic way I love to use tallow is as a deep conditioning treatment for my hair. You can read all about how I incorporate tallow into my hair care routine here.

    conclusion

    In conclusion, 100% grass-fed tallow is a remarkable ingredient for skin and hair care, offering a wealth of nutrients and benefits. Its biocompatibility with our skin makes it an effective moisturizer, while its rich array of vitamins and fatty acids promotes skin repair, hydration, and overall health. Whether used as a face cream, oil cleansing balm, or deep conditioning treatment for hair, tallow stands out as a versatile and powerful natural product. Embracing tallow in your skincare routine can lead to healthier, more radiant skin and revitalized hair. Experiment with the right amounts for your specific skin type, and enjoy the incredible results that come with this primal goodness!

    HERE ARE THE 18 BEST CONCEALERS FOR OILY SKIN THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

    Are you struggling with oily skin and looking for a long-lasting concealer? The downside to shiny skin is that concealer easily rubs off or wrinkles throughout the day. But don’t be afraid! Here’s a guide to the 18 best concealers for oily skin, specifically formulated to combat shine and provide flawless coverage. We already know about primer products for oily skin that give a long-lasting base. So, in this article, get ready to discover new divine concealers for oily skin!

    OUR TOP PICKS 

    AMI COLÉ SKIN-ENHANCING CONCEALER

    The Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Concealer is a great option for those seeking a natural, radiant finish. This lightweight formula is breathable and won’t clog pores, making it suitable for oily skin types. It offers buildable coverage to target blemishes and hyperpigmentation, while still allowing your natural glow to peek through. The concealer is also infused with nourishing ingredients like baobab seed extract, hibiscus flower extract, and pumpkin seed extract to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.

    REVLON COLORSTAY SKIN AWAKEN™ 5-IN-1 CONCEALER

    Revlon’s ColorStay Skin Awaken™ 5-in-1 Concealer promises to be your daily dose of wakeup for your face. This multi-tasking formula is designed to not only hide imperfections and dark circles, but also brighten, hydrate, and refresh your skin. Infused with caffeine and vitamin C, it aims to tackle puffiness and signs of fatigue. With a lightweight, buildable texture that offers transfer-resistant natural coverage, this concealer claims to stay put for a full 24 hours.

    SAIE BEAUTY HYDRABEAM BRIGHTENING + HYDRATING CREAMY UNDER EYE CONCEALER

    Saie Beauty’s Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Creamy Under Eye Concealer is ideal for those who prioritize hydration and a natural look. This concealer offers light to medium, buildable coverage that evens out under-eye darkness while leaving a dewy, radiant finish. Packed with ingredients like cucumber extract and olive-derived squalane, it hydrates and soothes the delicate under-eye area, aiming to prevent creasing throughout the day.

    REVOLUTION CONCEAL & DEFINE CONCEALER

    Revolution’s Conceal & Define Concealer is a cult-favorite for a reason. This drugstore option offers full coverage at an incredibly affordable price. The matte formula makes it ideal for oily skin, controlling shine and providing long-lasting wear. The creamy texture blends seamlessly to conceal blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. Plus, it comes in a whopping 50 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones.

    MILK MAKEUP FUTURE FLUID ALL OVER MEDIUM COVERAGE HYDRATING CONCEALER

    Milk Makeup Future Fluid All Over Medium Coverage Hydrating Concealer is a multi-tasking product that offers the best of both worlds for oily skin. The creamy formula provides medium coverage to conceal blemishes and even skin tone, while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear. Hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day, and the blendable texture ensures a natural, crease-proof finish. This is a great option for those who want a concealer that conceals imperfections without looking cakey or feeling heavy on oily skin.

    IT COSMETICS BYE BYE UNDER EYE CONCEALER

    IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer is a popular choice for those seeking a full-coverage solution for dark circles and imperfections. Thistarte concealer offers highly pigmented, creamy formula that conceals blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and even wrinkles. It’s infused with anti-aging ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and vitamins to target signs of aging around the eyes. The waterproof formula ensures it stays put all day, even through tears, sweat, and humidity.

    ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK FACE AND UNDER-EYE CONCEALER

    Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer is a luxurious option that offers radiant, medium coverage. The lightweight, buildable formula blends seamlessly to camouflage blemishes and dark circles, leaving a dewy, luminous finish. It’s formulated with ingredients like glycerin, caffeine, and vitamin E to hydrate and brighten the under-eye area, aiming to reduce puffiness and diminish the appearance of fine lines. This concealer is perfect for those who want a natural, glowing look that lasts all day.

    17. SECOND SKIN ENHANCING CONCEALER

    Rounding out our list is the budget-friendly 17. Second Skin Enhancing Concealer from Boots. This drugstore favorite is a great option for beginners seeking a balance between coverage and affordability. Thanks to its high pigmentation, it offers medium to full coverage to tackle dark circles and blemishes, yet reviewers say the formula feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Plus, it’s dermatologically tested, suggesting it should be suitable for most skin types.

    MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER DARK CIRCLE TREATMENT CONCEALER

    Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer is a drugstore favorite known for its multitasking abilities. This lightweight, clickable concealer offers buildable coverage to address dark circles and imperfections. It’s formulated with a cooling micro-swivel tip that massages the under-eye area, aiming to de-puff and brighten. Blended with Haloxyl, a trademarked ingredient, it claims to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, younger-looking appearance.

    FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R INSTANT RETOUCH CONCEALER

    Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer is a cult-favorite for a reason. This creamy, long-wearing formula offers light-as-air, medium to full coverage that seamlessly evens skin tone and targets blemishes. The impressive 50-shade range ensures a perfect color match for all complexions, making it a strong contender for inclusivity. It boasts a lightweight, crease-proof formula that sets to a soft matte finish, ideal for oily skin types who want a concealer that lasts all day.

    ROSE INC. SOFTLIGHT CLEAN DEWY HYDRATING CONCEALER

    The ROSE INC. Softlight Clean Dewy Hydrating Concealer is a standout product designed to provide seamless coverage with a radiant finish. Infused with skin-loving ingredients, it offers a hydrating formula that ensures a smooth and dewy complexion. This concealer is ideal for those with oily skin, as it balances hydration without adding excess shine. Additionally, its clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulation makes it a conscientious choice for beauty enthusiasts. The Softlight Concealer effectively conceals imperfections while promoting a naturally luminous look.

    NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER

    NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a multi-award winning favorite for a reason. This luxurious concealer offers buildable, medium coverage that goes beyond just concealing. It features unique light-diffusing powders that blur imperfections without looking heavy. The formula is infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients to keep skin comfortable and radiant throughout the day. This concealer is perfect for those who desire a flawless, yet natural-looking finish that lasts.

    DIOR BACKSTAGE CONCEALER

    Dior Backstage Face & Body Flash Perfector Concealer is a luxurious option for those seeking full coverage with a radiant finish. This high-end concealer boasts a whopping 22 shades with 4 undertones to ensure a perfect match for various skin tones. Packed with caffeine, it aims to energize the skin and visibly de-puff under-eye circles. The innovative brush applicator allows for precise application, while the waterproof and crease-proof formula guarantees your flawless look stays put all day.

    BOBBI BROWN SKIN CONCEALER STICK

    Bobbi Brown’s Skin Concealer Stick is a hydrating, long-lasting formula that caters specifically to dry and under-eye skin. This creamy concealer offers buildable, medium coverage, letting you target dark circles and blemishes without looking cakey. The key here is its hydrating properties – it aims to reduce the look of dryness throughout the day, making it ideal for those who struggle with creasing or flakiness in concealers. This Bobbi Brown concealer is a great choice for achieving a natural, fresh look on areas that need a little extra TLC.

    TARTE SHAPE TAPE FULL COVERAGE CONCEALER

    Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer is a cult-favorite for its high-performance formula. This full-coverage concealer offers exceptional pigmentation to camouflage blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. It boasts a long-wearing, crease-proof formula that stays put throughout the day without feeling heavy on the skin. However, it’s recommended to apply a hydrating moisturizer underneath for drier skin types to prevent cakiness.

    M.A.C PRO LONGWEAR CONCEALER

    M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer is a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike for its full-coverage, long-lasting formula. This liquid concealer offers exceptional pigmentation to completely conceal blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. It boasts a waterproof and transfer-resistant finish that stays put for up to 24 hours, making it ideal for oily skin types or those seeking budge-proof coverage. However, the formula can be drying on some skin types, so applying a hydrating moisturizer underneath is recommended for a more comfortable wear.

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP 24HR FULL COVERAGE MATTE CONCEALER

    NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop 24HR Full Coverage Matte Concealer is a drugstore favorite known for its impressive staying power. This full-coverage concealer offers excellent pigmentation to tackle blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. The matte formula is ideal for oily skin types, controlling shine and ensuring your makeup stays put throughout the day. However, for drier skin types, applying a hydrating moisturizer underneath is recommended to prevent cakiness.

    BENEFIT BOI-ING CAKELESS CONCEALER FULL COVERAGE LIQUID CONCEALER

    Benefit’s Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer Full Coverage Liquid Concealer is a popular choice for those seeking a full-coverage concealer that won’t feel heavy or cakey. This creamy formula offers exceptional pigmentation to address blemishes, dark circles, and discoloration. It boasts a lightweight, yet long-wearing finish that stays put throughout the day without creasing. The unique flexible cushion tip applicator allows for easy and precise application, making it a great option for both beginners and makeup pros.

    WHAT A DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDS FOR OILY SKIN

    COVERAGE

    Coverage level: Consider how much coverage you need. For dark circles and blemishes, you might opt for a full-coverage concealer, while for a more natural look, a sheer or medium coverage formula might be sufficient.

    FORMULA

    Skin type: Those with oily skin will benefit from matte or water-based concealers that control shine. Dry skin types might prefer creamier, hydrating formulas.

    Finish: Consider the desired finish. A matte finish offers full coverage and shine control, while a dewy finish provides a more natural, radiant look.

    SHADE

    Matching your skin tone: This is crucial! Ideally, choose a concealer that exactly matches your foundation shade. For the under-eye area, you might go one shade lighter to brighten and counteract darkness.

    Undertone: Look for concealers that consider your skin’s undertone, whether cool, warm, or neutral. Choosing the right undertone will ensure a natural, seamless blend.

    HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER IN THE RIGHT WAY

    While mastering concealer application takes practice, there are pro tips that can elevate your results. Celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell suggests a strategic approach for blemishes: apply concealer after foundation, target the specific blemish only (“spot concealing”), and let it set for a minute or two before blending. This allows the concealer to fully adhere, maximizing coverage and minimizing the risk of the product moving around during blending. “This allows the concealer to almost ‘bake’ on your face and gives you maximum payoff and additional coverage,” she explains. 

    For under-eye circles, celebrity makeup artist Daniel Beecham, whose work has graced the covers of GQ, Vanity Fair, and Essence Magazine, recommends applying a few dots of concealer and letting them sit for a minute before blending them outwards. This short waiting period allows the product to settle and potentially improve its ability to brighten and conceal darkness. “If you want to hide a deep under-eye bag, use your regular color concealer, but then take a color a few shades brighter with a thin brush and dab right into the crease and feather away the edges,” she says. “This will catch the light and make the bag appear less visible.” Once you’ve blended in your concealer, use a damp sponge or a fluffy brush to apply a light layer of setting powder to make sure it lasts.

    CONCLUSION

    So there you have it – the 18 best concealers specifically formulated to combat shine and provide flawless coverage for oily skin types! Whether you seek full-on camouflage, a dewy radiance, or a budget-friendly option, this list offers a range of formulas and finishes to suit your needs. Remember, considering coverage level, formula type, and shade are key factors in finding your perfect match. With a little trial and error and the application tips from the pros, you can achieve a flawless, shine-free base that lasts all day. Happy concealing!