Please note, this product was sent for my review.
With all the products available in supermarkets and drugstores these days it can become a little overwhelming. What I’ve been loving more and more lately is trying smaller indie brands and one of those is XO Balm.
If you’ve never heard of XO Balm below it’s a all natural treatment designed to soothe, strengthen and help dry, sensitive and damaged skin. And guest what, my skin is drier than the Dubai desert in the middle of summer. Living in London however, the water is ‘hard’, meaning that my skin becomes even drier than when I go to a country that has ‘normal’ water.
Read more: Musings: The Dubai Instagram Itinerary
Product features:
- XO Balm is free from preservatives, sulphates and fragrances to avoid triggering any sensitivity. The scent of the product is only from the natural beeswax and coconut oil.
- Unlike greasy prescription dry skin products, XO Balm sits on the skin with a matte finish, making it more practical and comfortable. The beeswax also helps the natural oils stick to the skin, offering longer protection.
- Each ingredient is key in XO Balm’s formula; beeswax helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and reduce cracking, coconut oil and olive oil hydrate and nourish the skin, while chia seed oil to reduce itching and inflammation, soothing discomfort and protecting the skin.
- The XO Balm tin is portable and features a mirror and applicator scoop, designed for frequent applications to help a proactive not reactive approach to skin health.
- XO Balm does not sacrifice product efficacy for texture, feel or fragrance. In cold temperatures the balm can be firmer; the scoop is included so a small amount can be removed from the tin and warmed in the palm for easier application.
Source
Here’s how I got on:
Context…
I tried out XO Balm throughout the hottest summer I have experienced in London and it really held up to the test. With the sun being out it meant my skin would be drier and extra showers to cool would make it a little worse. Not only that I’d been to Dubai back in late May and my skin keeps its tan for a while but as it does gradually begin to fade it too adds to the dryness.
The packaging
The packaging reminded me of the 21 Buttons logo first of all but looking closer I loved how the circles connected to the ‘X’. Best of all, as it was ‘flat’ it would mean it would be great to slide in your handbag or hand luggage, hence why you can see mine next to my passport here:
Not only that, the team at XO Balm has a mission for sustainability which is evident from the packaging which is designed to be recycled.
Playing with texture
The texture is clear and not ‘sticky’ in the slightest so it was really good to apply to areas like elbows, feet and knees. The last thing you want is for these places to feel ‘tacky’. What was really useful was the little spatula, meaning you don’t actually have to dig into the product with your hands. This is good for those who don’t really like to ‘touch’ their products.
How it dries (self-explanatory)…
All in all, XO Balm gets a thumbs up from me. It will be interesting to see how this works as the seasons change as I travel to different climates over the next year or so.
Where to buy?
You can purchase a sample here for only £2.50 or try the full-size here for £12.50 – effective and affordable. Best of all, it comes with free delivery for UK customers and will fit through your letterbox meaning no ‘Sorry we missed you’ visits to the Post Office.
XO Balm is a growing brand and you can help support by giving them a follow on Twitter here and Instagram here.
Would you try XO Balm?
Char xo
Please note, this product was sent for my review but all views are my own.
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