Whipped Tallow & Honey Balm

A cozy winter balm, a nervous camera moment, and a little skin-loving magic

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: Yes, I was nervous filming this. Greg was my camera guy and watched me forget my words every second, which enhanced my nervousness. BUT this year I made a promise to myself, to practice showing up, imperfectly, and to share the things I actually use and love. So here we are.

This Whipped Tallow & Honey Balm is one of my most trusted winter staples. It’s rich, fluffy, deeply nourishing, and made with ingredients humans have relied on for generations. No hype. No trends. Just old wisdom, whipped into a jar. If making this yourself isn't something you're into, then hope over to my Seasonal Alchemy shop and buy a Whipped Tallow & Honey Balm already made by me :)

(And if the video feels a little homemade… good. That’s exactly how this balm is made too.)

Why Tallow, Though?

Tallow is rendered beef fat, and I know that can stop people in their tracks. Years ago, I would’ve stopped myself too. I once believed the “best” skincare had to be plant-only, vegan, and ultra-modern, but the deeper I’ve gone into holistic wellness, ancestral practices, and real skin repair, the more I’ve come to appreciate balance.

Tallow is incredibly compatible with human skin. Its fatty acid profile closely resembles our own sebum, which makes it especially supportive for dry, compromised, or weather-beaten skin. It’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K and offers serious barrier support during the winter months.

This is the kind of ingredient our great-grandparents relied on because it worked.

What Makes This Balm Special

This isn’t just tallow in a jar. It’s intentionally blended and whipped for texture, scent, and function:

• Tallow for deep nourishment and skin repair

• Honey for its humectant and soothing properties

• Calendula-infused jojoba oil to calm and soften

• Beeswax to protect and seal in moisture

• Lavender essential oil to gently soften tallow’s earthy aroma

The result is a balm that melts into the skin, feels luxurious, and somehow manages to be both grounding and a little romantic. My partner uses it on long fishing days to protect against windburn—and yes, it makes his beard noticeably softer. Which I personally benefit from. 😉

Watch: How I Make My Whipped Tallow & Honey Balm

This video walks you through the full process—from melting and mixing to whipping and piping into jars. It’s very real-life, very kitchen-based, and proof that you don’t need a lab or fancy tools to make beautiful skincare.

Whipped Tallow & Honey Balm Recipe

Yield: Approximately 6–7 (2 oz) jars

Ingredients

• 455 g locally sourced tallow

• 52 g calendula-infused organic jojoba oil

• 8 g beeswax

• 46 g raw honey

• 4 ml lavender essential oil

Instructions

1. Melt the tallow and beeswax together using a double boiler over medium-low heat. This takes about 20 minutes, slow and gentle is best.

2. Once fully melted, carefully remove from heat and wipe away any condensation so no water drips into your mixture.

3. Combine the melted tallow and beeswax with the calendula-infused jojoba oil and honey in a large mixing bowl.

4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once it’s warm, but not hot, add the lavender essential oil.

5. Mix using a hand mixer or stand mixer until fully incorporated.

6. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, until the mixture is firm.

7. Remove from the fridge and whip on low speed for about 5 minutes, until light, fluffy, and airy.

8. Spoon the whipped balm into a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe into jars.

9. Gently tap jars on the counter to release any air bubbles. Cap, label, and enjoy.

How I Use It (And How You Might)

• Dry winter hands & cuticles

• Face balm for cold, windy days

• Body moisturizer after bathing

• Beard balm (apparently)

• Elbows, heels, knees, and anywhere that needs extra love

A little goes a long way because this is rich stuff.

A Note on Showing Up (Even When It’s Awkward)

This balm is part of my February theme of nourishment, for skin, for body, and honestly, for confidence. Filming myself is a skill I’m practicing, just like skincare formulation once was.

So if you’re trying something new too, whether that’s making your own balm, embracing traditional ingredients, or simply being seen, I hope this encourages you to start where you are.

Messy kitchen. Nervous energy. Good intentions. That’s usually where the best things begin.

If you try this recipe or have questions, leave a comment or send me a note. I’d love to hear how it lands for you.

With warmth,

Jayme