The Beauty Cabana

It’s a lipgloss! It’s a cuticle balm! No, it’s Smith’s Rosebud Salve!

Multitasking might be an understatement when it comes to this product. Besides it’s renowned use as a lip treatment, the packaging lists its uses to include soothing chapped skin and blemishes, relieving rough cuticles, softening hands, aiding with diaper rash and healing minor burns.  That’s quite a list for something that costs just $6 (at Sephora).

The vintage packaging isn’t just cute. It’s actually a testament to the product’s long history. The balm itself was originally created by a druggist in 1892 and the current packaging was introduced in 1962. Anything that has remained successful for that long deserves a try.

This is one of my desk drawer staples at work. My primary use is as a lip balm or lip shine. It goes on with a light scent of roses and leaves my naked lips feeling instantly smooth and supple. I’ve also applied it over lipstick, tinted balms and stains for that extra pretty little “oomph” of shine.

I have also attempted to unleash it’s powers as a blemish treatment and as a cuticle balm. For blemishes, it provided a little relief from itchiness and pain although I didn’t care much for the greasy residue on my skin.  It’s good for cuticles as long as I give it a while to soak in and start working it’s magic. I’ve found that it can leave greasy spots on my paperwork if I go back to handling that too quickly after applying.

My husband and I are expecting our first child in October. I think I’ll pick up a separate tin before I attempt the diaper rash thing.