J.R. Watkins Natural Beeswax Lip Balm

J.R. Watkins Natural Beeswax Lip Balm has become my go to lip balm for when my lips feels like they need some deep conditioning or soothing.  I use it before I go to bed and in the mornings when I'm putting on my makeup, prior to whatever lipstick or gloss I'm wearing for the day.

When I first got this, I wasn't that impressed.  The balm seemed hard to me, but now I know it's because the outer layer will harden if not used for a while.  If you rub off that dried outer layer, the balm is actually soft and emollient.  The formula is 100% natural and certified as such by the Natural Products Association.

I got this balm as part of a sampler pack with various J.R. Watkins products, which was a great way to get a feel for the brand.  Overall, I really like their products and appreciate the brand commitment to be:

• 95% Natural and above
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate Free
• Paraben Free
• Phthalate Free
• Mineral Oil, Petrolatum free
• Dye Free

Furthermore, J.R. Watkins is a very reasonably priced brand.  The beeswax lip balm is $2.99, and I believe I paid about $15 for the sampler pack above.

Ingredients:  Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, Euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, beeswax, Oryza sativa (rice) bran wax, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), tocopheryl acetate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil

Disclosure:  I purchased this.

J.R. Watkins Lemon Hand & Cuticle Salve

I don't think I was aware of how much conditioning my cuticles needed until I started photographing my hands for nail of the day posts.  Goodness gracious, they need some help!  Now that I'm more aware, I've tried several different products such as Lush's Lemony Flutter and OPI's Avoplex Oil - both good.   However, if you want a product that's 99.5% natural with no parabens, is relatively inexpensive, and works - then J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve should be on your radar. 

It's generously sized at 2.1 oz and can also be used as a hand or foot cream, although it's recommended for use at night due to it's greasy texture.  It's not a heavy salve though - the texture is surprisingly light and emollient.  I got the lemon scented one, which I love, but it also comes in Lavendar and Aloe & Green Tea.  I really like this salve and will be checking out more of the J.R. Watkins products.  I bought this for $7.99 from Birchbox, but I've also seen J.R. Watkins at Rite Aid.  According to their web site, the J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary line of personal care contains only natural, environmentally friendly ingredients from renewable resources, avoiding chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and more and, is one of very few lines to be certified by the Natural Products Association.  Plus, it's been around since 1868.  Gotta love that!