Cult-Classic Salve

Smith's Rosebud Salve 
7/25/13

This is one of those products that I keep all over the place. My makeup bag, one of many skincare-filled bathroom drawers, seemingly every handbag I own, my car, bedside tables, my carry-on toiletry bag...I think you get the idea. It's certainly the most multi-purpose and versatile beauty product I've ever used, and far from the fanciest. I discovered this gem many years ago at the natural pharmacy Pharmaca, which I recently learned has locations in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. I'm both a browser and an impulse buyer, which is how this cute tin of the original salve first ended up coming home with me. 

For the first year or so, I used it primarily as a lip balm. It's absolutely fantastic for this purpose. As the name implies, it's a rose shade and has a very mild scent which is pleasant. The salve leaves lips wonderfully hydrated and naturally shiny. They also offer a Minted Rose Lip Balm, but as you can see in the photo below I've yet to try it! The original is so good that I'm not certain why I even purchased the minted version. I imagine it would feel really great on sunburned lips. After applying to my lips, I found myself massaging the remainder onto my cuticles and nails. This quickly became my second favorite use. Dry and irritated cuticles and nails were instantly softened, and healed over time with regular use. 

Another great use of the salve is on dry skin. I keep a separate tin solely (no pun intended) for use on my toes and heels, which get dry during summer when I wear sandals and more open shoes. It also works wonders on dry hands, elbows, and anywhere else you need extra healing moisture. A little bit goes a really long way. 

(click photo to enlarge)

For many years I had my hair chemically straightened (thermal reconditioning), which left my scalp incredibly dry and irritated for about a week after each treatment. I massaged this salve onto my scalp after the torturous three-day period when my hair had to remain dry and untouched. This was the only thing that gave me relief from my itchy and irritated scalp. 

While doing my homework for this post, I was amazed to learn about many other uses, such as applying over lipstick for added shine, to tame eyebrows (I'm so trying that tomorrow), to manage fly-aways or frizz, and even as an eye shadow primer. Not to mention all the medicinal uses like soothing burns, insect bites, and even blemishes. 

My verdict? This gender-neutral product has been healing skin since 1892. Between the medicinal and beauty uses, I will always keep plenty of this cult-favorite on hand. 

- Smith's Original Rosebud Salve is $6 for a .8 oz. tin or a .5 oz tube. 

- Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm and Strawberry Lip Balm is $7 for a .8 oz tin. 

Available at Pharmaca, Sephora, C.O. Bigelow, & natural stores everywhere. 

Note: prices can vary by about a dollar at different stores.