How to Use Tallow on Your Face: A Simple Morning and Night Routine

A little tallow goes a long way. Most people who say tallow felt "too greasy" simply used too much. Here is how to get the soft, glowy finish without the shine.

How much tallow should I use?

Start with an amount about the size of a small pea for your whole face. Warm it between your fingertips for a few seconds until it turns to oil, then press it into your skin rather than rubbing.

You can always add a little more to dry areas such as cheeks, around the nose or the corners of your mouth.

The evening routine

1. Cleanse. Use an oil cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen without stripping your skin — here is our guide to oil cleansing. Wipe it away with a warm, damp cloth.
2. Mist or leave skin slightly damp. Tallow spreads more easily and feels lighter over damp skin. A few sprays of Toner Mist work well.
3. Press in your tallow cream. Pea-sized, warmed, pressed. Night is the best time to use a richer layer.
4. Under the eyes. Use a tiny dab of Bright Eye and pat gently with your ring finger.

The morning routine

1. Rinse with water or a gentle splash of mist.
2. Apply a thinner layer of tallow cream — half what you use at night.
3. Protect. Finish with sun protection. Our Premium Tallow Sunblock SPF 35 is made with non-nano zinc oxide in a tallow base.
4. Makeup, if you wear it. Tallow makes a lovely base for cream makeup like our Bronzer and Lip-Cheek Tints.

Which Ivory Clay cream should I use?

• Dry or mature skin: Anti Aging Cream
• Normal skin, everyday moisture: Complete Cream
• Oily or blemish-prone skin: Purifying Cream, used at night
• Sensitive or easily irritated skin: Soothing Cream, or the travel-friendly Soothing Cream Stick

Tips for the first few weeks

• Patch-test any new product before using it on your face.
• Give it time. Skin often needs two to three weeks to adjust to a new routine.
• Less is more if you feel shiny — reduce the amount before giving up on it.
• Store it cool. Tallow softens in heat. In summer, keep the jar out of direct sun; a few minutes in the fridge firms it right back up.

Ready to try it? Shop tallow face creams — free US shipping on orders over $50.