Beef tallow has become a popular choice for people looking for a rich, simple moisturizer for dry skin. But one of the most common questions is also the most practical:
How do you actually use beef tallow on your face?
The short answer is simple: start with a very small amount, warm it between your fingertips, and gently press it onto clean skin as the final step in your routine.
Because tallow is rich and occlusive, you usually need much less than you would with a traditional lotion.
How Much Beef Tallow Should You Use on Your Face?
Start with approximately a pea-sized amount for your entire face.
Using more does not necessarily make it work better. Too much tallow can leave the skin feeling excessively oily or heavy.
A good rule is:
- Start small
- Warm it between your fingertips
- Apply a thin layer
- Add a little more only where your skin feels especially dry
If you are new to tallow skincare, it is easier to add more product than to remove too much.
How to Apply Beef Tallow to Your Face

Here is a simple routine.
Step 1: Start With Clean Skin
Wash your face as you normally would and gently dry it.
Your skin does not have to be completely stripped of moisture. Some people prefer applying their moisturizer while the skin still feels slightly hydrated after cleansing.
Step 2: Use a Small Amount
Take approximately a pea-sized amount of tallow balm.
If you are only treating a small dry area, you may need even less.
Step 3: Warm It Between Your Fingertips
Rub the balm gently between your fingertips for a few seconds.
The warmth from your hands helps soften the balm and makes it easier to spread in a thin, even layer.
Step 4: Press It Onto Your Skin
Instead of applying a thick layer, gently press and smooth the balm over your face.
Focus especially on areas that tend to feel:
- Dry
- Tight
- Flaky
- Rough
You can also use it around the cheeks, forehead, jawline, or other areas where your skin needs extra moisture.
Step 5: Use It as the Last Step in Your Routine
Tallow balm is best used toward the end of your skincare routine.
If you use a serum or another lightweight skincare product, apply those first.
Then apply the tallow balm last to help seal moisture into the skin.
Should You Use Beef Tallow in the Morning or at Night?

You can use beef tallow either in the morning or at night.
The best time depends on your skin and personal preference.
Morning
A small amount can work well in the morning, especially if your skin tends to feel dry during the day.
Because tallow is rich, start with a very thin layer.
Give it a few minutes to settle before applying makeup or other products.
Night
Many people prefer using tallow at night because they can apply a slightly richer layer and allow it to sit on the skin overnight.
For very dry areas, nighttime can be an especially convenient time to use a balm.
Can You Wear Makeup Over Beef Tallow?
Yes, but the amount you use matters.
If you plan to wear makeup, apply a very small amount of tallow and allow it to settle into your skin first.
Using too much can make foundation or concealer move around.
For daytime use:
- Apply a thin layer of tallow
- Wait several minutes
- Continue with your normal makeup routine
If the skin still feels very oily, you probably used more balm than necessary.
Can You Use Beef Tallow Every Day?
Many people use tallow daily, but how often you use it depends on your skin type and routine.
People with very dry skin may enjoy using it every day.
Others may prefer using it:
- Only at night
- During colder weather
- On particularly dry areas
- A few times per week
If your skin naturally produces a lot of oil, you may prefer using a smaller amount or applying it only where needed.
Is Beef Tallow Good for Dry Skin?
Beef tallow is popular among people with dry skin because of its rich, oil-based texture.
Unlike many lightweight lotions that contain a large amount of water, a tallow balm creates a more substantial layer on the skin.
This can be useful when your goal is to help reduce the feeling of dryness and keep moisture from escaping too quickly.
That is also why a little goes a long way.
Beef Tallow vs Lotion for the Face
Traditional lotions and tallow balms feel very different.
A lotion is usually lighter and often contains water along with oils and other ingredients.
A tallow balm is much richer and more occlusive.
For someone who prefers lightweight hydration, lotion may feel more comfortable.
For someone dealing with very dry or tight-feeling skin, a richer balm may be more appealing.
Some people even use both.
For example, you can apply a lighter moisturizer first, then use a small amount of tallow balm over especially dry areas.
What Is Tallow Honey Balm?

Tallow honey balm combines beef tallow with additional skincare oils and ingredients.
Ashton Care Whipped Tallow Honey Balm is made with four ingredients:
- 100% grass-fed beef tallow
- Raw honey
- Jojoba oil
- Infused calendula
The formula is whipped to create a softer texture that is easy to pick up and spread across the skin.
It is also completely unscented, with no added perfume or essential oils.
How to Use Ashton Care Whipped Tallow Honey Balm
Using Ashton Care Whipped Tallow Honey Balm is simple.
Start with clean skin and take a small amount of balm.
Warm it gently between your fingertips until it begins to soften.
Press a thin layer onto your face, hands, or other dry areas.
For your face, a pea-sized amount is usually enough.
You can use it:
- In the morning
- At night
- After serums
- On dry facial areas
- On hands and other dry areas of the body
Because the balm is rich, start with less than you think you need.
Shop Ashton Care Whipped Tallow Honey Balm on Amazon
Can You Use Beef Tallow on Your Body?
Yes.
Although beef tallow is often discussed as a facial moisturizer, it can also be used on dry areas of the body.
Common areas include:
- Hands
- Elbows
- Knees
- Cuticles
- Dry patches
A balm can be particularly useful during cold or dry weather when these areas tend to lose moisture quickly.
Common Mistakes When Using Beef Tallow
Using Too Much
This is the most common mistake.
A thick layer can feel unnecessarily greasy.
Start with a pea-sized amount for the face.
Applying It Before Lightweight Products
Because tallow is rich and occlusive, use lighter products such as serums first.
Apply the balm toward the end of your routine.
Expecting It to Feel Like Lotion
Tallow does not feel like a lightweight water-based lotion.
It naturally feels richer and more oil-based.
That texture is part of the reason people choose it for dry skin routines.
Not Giving It Time to Settle
After applying your balm, give it a few minutes before adding makeup or touching your face frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much beef tallow should I use on my face?
Start with approximately a pea-sized amount for your entire face.
You can always add a little more to especially dry areas.
Can I use beef tallow on my face every night?
Yes, if it works well with your skin.
Some people prefer nightly use while others use it only when their skin feels dry.
Should beef tallow go before or after serum?
Apply serum first.
Tallow balm should generally be one of the final steps because of its richer texture.
Can I put lotion over beef tallow?
You can, but most people would normally apply the lighter lotion first and the richer balm afterward.
Can I use beef tallow under makeup?
Yes.
Use a very small amount and allow it to settle before applying makeup.
Is beef tallow only for the face?
No.
It can also be used on dry areas of the hands and body.
A Simple Tallow Skincare Routine
If you want to keep things simple:
Morning
- Cleanse
- Apply serum if desired
- Apply a small amount of tallow balm
- Continue with the rest of your daytime routine
Night
- Cleanse
- Apply your normal lightweight skincare products
- Finish with a thin layer of tallow balm
There is no need to overcomplicate it.
When using a rich balm, starting with a small amount is usually the best approach.
Try Ashton Care Whipped Tallow Honey Balm
Ashton Care Whipped Tallow Honey Balm is a simple, unscented face and body balm made with just four ingredients: grass-fed beef tallow, raw honey, jojoba oil, and infused calendula.
A pea-sized amount is usually enough for the entire face.
Shop Ashton Care Whipped Tallow Honey Balm on Amazon
Written by Ashton Care