What is a balm? Any why do you need one?
A balm is the ultimate slow beauty product.
A balm takes it back to the basics with no gimmicks, fads or fillers and is filled with so many hydrating, moisturizing, and soothing plant-based ingredients.
Balms are typically thick, contain no water, and have been used for centuries to create a protective barrier for skin. They can be used to moisturize skin on any part of your body and can be used on any skin type. We love balms so much that we decided to create our own.
We recently launched Florence Blue Tansy Balm, which is a rich, moisturizing balm infused with blue tansy, vitamin e, and ceramides, and this product has quickly become one of the store’s best seller.
This balm is suitable for all skin types, and was formulated specifically with dry, mature, and sensitive skin types in mind. I wanted a hydrating balm made without pore-clogging ingredients and with vegan-friendly ingredients.
I chose ingredients that are known for their moisturizing, antioxidant, soothing, and calming properties that will work to keep a healthy skin barrier.
I also wanted an enticing whipped texture (which proved to be much harder than I originally thought). An appealing scent was important to me as well but, without the use of synthetic fragrances, scent can be challenging.
Blue tansy is my favorite essential oil, so I knew I wanted it to be the main note. Blue tansy also provides the color of the product and is a great essential oil for skincare products. It is a potent oil, so only a small amount is needed to create a fragrant product, which was important to me in creating a product that is suitable for all skin types.
We wanted our first product to be a nod to my hometown of Florence, Alabama.
A place of simple comforts where your troubles melt away on the banks of the Tennessee River. Much like the familiar ease of home, Florence draws you in with its whipped texture and earthy, floral aromas of blue tansy.
Your skin will blossom, prosper and flourish with this cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, small batch and woman-owned product — all of our favorite things!
Let's break down the star ingredients that are in Florence:
Butters: Deeply moisturizing, antioxidant rich butters that aid in natural collagen production.
Blue Tansy Oil: Powerfully healing oil with regenerative properties, Blue Tansy works to alleviate redness and inflammation while improving skin’s strength and elasticity.
Ceramide NP: Works to maintain a healthy skin barrier and to keep skin hydrated.
Grape Seed Oil: Antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties and works to moisturize and balance the skin’s natural oil production.
Moringa Oil: Softens, tones and clarifies the skin, with an extraordinarily high concentration of antioxidants that help slow the skin’s aging process. Calendula: Soothing ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E: Powerful antioxidant to support the skin barrier.
Camellia Seed Oil: Plumps, hydrates, and protects the skin from damage.
Questions about our balm, Florence? Lucky for you, we have answers.
Q: What is a balm?
A rich, moisturizing product that is usually waterless and helps to lock in moisture. This is typically used as your last step in a skincare routine, and is the key to overnight hydration.
Q: Can I use this on my body?
Yes! This product can be used wherever your skin needs a little TLC whether that is your hands, elbows, or heels.
This is one of the reasons we started with a balm as our first product. It’s universal, can be easily gifted without knowing the person’s skin type, and is a simple, basic product that has stood the test of time.
Q: Which skin types can use Florence?
All skin types can benefit from this product. If you have oily skin, start with the tiniest amount. A little goes a long way since it’s a concentrated product with no water. If you have normal to dry skin, feel free to slather it on. We formulated this product with dry skin types in mind.
Q: Can I wear this under makeup?
Absolutely, but start with the tiniest amount and allow the product to soak in (typically 3-5 mins) before applying makeup.
Q: Will this replace my moisturizer?
It can, but it depends on your skin type and your skin's needs. Read our blog talking about oils vs. moisturizers to learn more about the different type of moisturizing products.
Florence may be able to replace your moisturizer at night, or you may need to layer it after using a typical water-based moisturizer that contains a humectant or after using an oil - again, read the blog to clear up any confusion around layering your moisturizing products.
If you decide to use Florence in the morning, start with the tiniest amount and allow it to absorb before applying makeup.
Q: Is this product ok to use after intense treatments or after using harsh topicals/actives?
Typically, you are instructed to repair your skin barrier after certain treatments or using certain topicals by applying all the moisture you can stand. This product was created to do that exact thing without any harsh fragrance or chemicals.
Think of Florence as an alternative to Vaseline-like products that are recommended to create the protective layer on the skin similar to a natural band-aid. While we would recommend this product to be used to restore your skin barrier, always discuss with your service or skincare provider before using Florence after treatments.
***This product is not intended to treat or cure disease and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (spoiler alert, only color cosmetics in the world or cosmetics must adhere to strict guidelines and approval before hitting the market — another blog on that later).
Customer Reviews:
“Absolutely love this balm! Leaves my skin so soft and hydrated. It’s become a regular in my skincare routine.”
"My skin is very sensitive and Florence is calming. I use it morning and night."
"Such a great product! My hands get extremely dry in the winter and Florence has been a lifesaver for my hands. The scent is beautiful and it melts in easily. Super moisturizing without being greasy."
I am so excited to introduce you to the world of balms and to start our very own skincare line. Great things are coming, and YOU are making it happen! If you have any questions, head to our website for more information on products or contact us at hello@madesimpleliving.com for a custom skincare routine.
Stay beautiful,
Kate
