The thought of applying beef tallow to your face can be intimidating if you’ve never tried it. How much should you use? Should it be in the morning or at night? What if your skin is already oily? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through pro-level tips for incorporating beef tallow into your skincare routine. You’ll learn how to maximize its nourishing benefits while avoiding common pitfalls. We’ll also discuss why bone marrow tallow—like Bonemade’s—is even more potent, and how you can adapt your usage based on your unique skin type.

Why Beef Tallow? A Quick Refresher

• Bioidentical Fats: Tallow’s fatty acids closely mimic human sebum, allowing better absorption and fewer skin reactions.
• Rich in Vitamins: Grass-fed tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K—crucial for healing, cell turnover, and antioxidant protection.
• Mild Scent, Major Hydration: Properly rendered tallow often has a subtle, earthy aroma that dissipates quickly, leaving behind deep nourishment.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

• Cleanse Thoroughly: Use a gentle cleanser to remove surface oils, makeup, and impurities.
• Toning (Optional): A non-alcoholic toner or hydrosol can help balance your skin’s pH.
• Leave Some Moisture: Pat your skin mostly dry, leaving a bit of dampness to help lock in hydration.

Step 2: Warm the Tallow

Beef tallow balms are usually semi-solid at room temperature. To ease application:

• Scoop a Small Amount: A pea-sized dollop often suffices for the face.
• Warm Between Fingers: Rub your palms or fingertips together to soften the balm.
• Optional Water Drop: If you prefer a lighter texture, add a tiny drop of water for a lotion-like consistency.

Step 3: Apply with Intention

• Dot Method: Place small dots on the forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Massage in upward, circular motions.
• Focus on Problem Areas: Give extra attention to areas prone to dryness or fine lines.
• No Tugging: Be gentle around the eyes.
• Facial Massage: Consider using a jade roller or gua sha to boost circulation and distribute the product evenly.

Step 4: Layering Strategy

• Water-Based Products First: Apply any watery essences or serums before tallow to allow proper absorption.
• Tallow as Occlusive: Think of tallow as the “seal” locking in all the goodness from previous steps.
• Sunscreen in the Morning: If using tallow during the day, wait until it absorbs, then top with sunscreen.
• Makeup Considerations: Allow the tallow a few minutes to settle before makeup application to avoid slippage.

Step 5: Adjust to Your Skin Type

• Oily/Acne-Prone: A pea-sized amount once a day (preferably at night) may suffice.
• Dry/Dehydrated: Consider a slightly larger amount or both morning and night, especially in colder months.
• Combination: Apply more on dry areas (cheeks) and less on oily zones (T-zone).
• Sensitive: Patch test first. If tolerated well, gradually increase frequency.

Additional Tips & Tricks

• Spot Treatment: Use tallow on ultra-dry spots (elbows, knees) or flaking patches.

• Lip Balm Replacement: Many find tallow effective for chapped lips due to its nourishing properties.

• Mixing Medium: Blend with a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender) for a spa-like feel.

• Less Is More: Tallow is potent. Using too much can make skin appear shiny or feel heavy.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use beef tallow effectively is key to unlocking its full range of benefits—from improved hydration to a more resilient skin barrier. By prepping properly, applying with intention, and tailoring usage to your skin’s needs, you’ll see why tallow has endured as a trusted remedy across cultures and generations. If you’re ready to experience the difference bone marrow tallow can make, explore Bonemade’s product line for pure, sustainably sourced balms that respect both your skin and the environment.