Badger Sleep Balm, $10

Badger Sleep Balm is something different, something you might be skeptical about, but it is definitely worth trying. The balm comes in a nice tin that seems to be the standard packaging for balms. The tin is adorned with a resting little badger and a soothing promise as a sleeping aid.

The Badger Sleep Balm is lavender and bergamot scented, offering a nice soothing herbal smell. The smell is so soothing that even if you think that a balm won't help you sleep it will definitely relax you. I've been using this balm for the past few nights, rubbing some on my temples, neck, lips, eyelids, and even on my hands and cuticles. I can't get enough of the fresh herbal smell so I end up slathering it on all over. It is not too oily and thick.

Though I can't tell you this will knock you out like you took too much cold medicine, I can say that it is a nice addition to winding down before bed. It can be compared to aromatherapy, the smell just takes you to another place and prepares you to clear your mind.

Final verdict:
Cost: You can find this for around $10 in stores like Whole Foods or on Amazon. There are different balms you can try as well!
Do you think it actually helps you sleep?: For me it helps me relax, clear my mind, and prepare for sleep. I don't think that the balm actually aids in my physical sleeping though.
Repeat offender?: I would definitely buy this again. I think that I will keep this balm by my bedside for a long time because of its serious soothing quality.

-M

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Solid Perfume, $9

Have you ever had a blood orange? They're really awesome--looks like a typical orange on the outside but is blood red on the inside. They taste like a tangy orange mixed with a hint of grapefruit. I love them, so I got really excited when I saw a perfume by Pacifica that promised to capture their scent.

The minute I smelled it I was in love. The other scents they had at Whole Foods smelled great (fig, gardenia, hibiscus) but I kept coming back to this one. The smell kind of sneaks up on you--at first it just smells like orange but then you get the grapefruit, strawberry, and raspberry. It's sweet and subtle and, at least in my case, addicting.

PS, don't you love the idea of a solid perfume? It just seems so feminine and subtle. It's also really convenient to carry around because you don't have to worry about it spilling in your purse. Although, I think I'll wait until it's not 100 degrees outside to do that! This one's great because it's completely vegan and is made with natural oils.

So, I really love this scent, I love that it's eco-friendly, and I love the idea of a perfume solid. The only problem is that the scent doesn't last. I put it on and a little while later I can't smell it on my skin (boyfriend couldn't either). But, since it's just a balm, really, I could just use it on my cuticles, lips, or other dry skin areas. Maybe I'll just focus on it as a balm that smells good, rather than a perfume that's in a solid form.

Final verdict
Cost: $9 seemed a little high at first, but I know it's going to last me forever. Plus, I couldn't resist the scent. Their other products are a little more pricey ($18-$20) but from the good reviews it seems like they're worth it.
Smell: Oh em gee, it smells really good. If you love oranges (especially blood oranges) I highly recommend checking this out.
Does it last?: Unfortunately, no. While it smells really subtle and sweet at first, the scent doesn't last on your skin very long.
Repeat offender: I wouldn't buy the perfume solid again because the scent dissipates so quickly. But, I will definitely use it as a balm until it's done. And I will also check out the other products in the blood orange collection--the body butter seems like it would be really nice. And hey, if oranges aren't your thing, check out their other scents! They have a ton, I know you'll find one you like.

-T

Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $6

Rosebud Salve is marketed as an all-purpose ointment used to treat dry hands, diaper rash, and burns. Yawn. So what is it doing on our beauty blog? It’s actually one of those rare, incredible finds: a really awesome product with a million different uses that costs barely more than $5. Hell yes.

The texture is like a high-quality lip balm: solid in the tin, creamy to the touch, and never ever sticky. It has a very light rosy fragrance that’s youthful without being sugary sweet and mature without being overpowering. It comes in a durable, airtight, vintage-styled metal tin adorned with adorable little retro roses.



This is the kind of thing you can be creative with. Here’s a list of what I’ve used it as, but I’m sure there are more uses just waiting to be discovered:

1. Lip balm, obvs. It has a smooth texture and will leave your lips subtly shiny (don’t worry, it won’t have your date looking like he has been stealing your lip gloss). It’s not the best lip balm ever, but it will do in a pinch.
2. Moisturizer for extra-dry cuticles, hands, feet, elbows, etc. It soaks into your skin nicely but leaves a kind of protectant shield, so you’ll probably want to use it only as a spot treatment in the winter.
3. A soothing ointment for irritated skin, like razor burn, regular burns, rug burn (it happens), boob itch (also happens), oh-my-gosh-this-new-acne-medicine-burned-my-skin burn, etc.
4. Added glow to cheeks—for reals. One time I went to a football game in the dead of winter and the wind chapped my cheeks so bad I couldn’t even wash my face afterwards. Every moisturizer I had hurt and burned and irritated the hell out of my skin. Out of desperation, I put on some Rosebud Salve. Not only did my cheeks calm down, but they also glowed with a gentle pink shine. To do this, remember that less is definitely more. Getting your hair stuck on your cheek-gloss is a bit more awkward than on your lipgloss. Use just the soft pads of your fingertips to dab a little on your apples and you’re set.
5. Perfume solid. Put a little on your wrist for the tiniest hint of fragrance.
6. Keeps crazy eyebrows in line. Again, don’t use too much!
7. You know when you have a cold and you blow your nose a thousand times and man, it just sucks so much cuz your nose hurts AND you’re sick? Rub some Rosebud on the painful parts, outside and in (the scent is light enough that it won’t give you a perfume headache).

Final verdict:
Cost: $6
Uses: Endless.
How long the actual product lasts: Forever. I’ve had the same tin for years!
Repeat Offender?: I’ll have a tin of this near me for the rest of my life. I’m always finding new uses.

-T