Naturally . . . why I love multipurpose balms

M ultipurpose balms are effective, easy to use and economical. They’re a beauty basic for any minimalist, and a handy household staple for doctoring everything from dry patches, damaged cuticles and chapped lips to grazes, burns and bites. There is no better time to invest in one than now, before we head into colder months.

While creams hydrate the skin, actually adding moisture to it, balms are better at protecting the skin by locking in existing moisture. They are generally made from plant oils, butters, fats and waxes, but don’t contain water, which means they don’t require the same preservatives as creams.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to avoid facial balms, but otherwise, enjoy.

Lanolips 101 Ointment (€14.99, Boots) comes in a handy tube that's easy to use on the go. It's made with pure, medical-grade lanolin, a completely natural fatty substance found on sheep's wool (it helps keep their coats dry). Use it to treat and prevent dry, itchy, cracked skin. And it's a great lip balm. There's no stickiness, fragrance or flavour, so you can wear it under or over lipstick. This is one for the handbag.

Just launched in Ireland, Pommade Divine Nature's Remedy Balm (€27.99, misebeauty.com) is a serious multitasker with a long history of healing. The original "pommade divine" was made by French monks (hence the "divine") in the 1500s. Marie Antoinette's great grandmother Princess Elizabeth Charlotte mentioned the balm in letters in 1720 recommending it for burns and that it be carried in one's bag at all times. The current version is faithful to the 1800 formulation, a base of lanolin, shea butter and jojoba, combined with essential oils, spices and plant resins. It absorbs quickly, leaves a light, dewy sheen on the skin and smells like spiced apple pie.

If you prefer to avoid animal ingredients like lanolin, check out Nía, an Irish all-natural skincare company that specialises in beauty balms (€9.95-24.95, stockists on nia.ie) handmade in Limerick. The facial balm is vegan, and the only animal product in the range of body balms is honey. They are light as air and look like whipped cream. Just Balm (€12.95) is my favourite. It takes a while to absorb, but it's simple, effective and fragrance free, with ingredients like shea and mango butters and coconut, olive and avocado oils. Founder Celia O'Grady tells me it's found a following among sufferers of eczema, psoriasis and shaving rash.

For those who prefer organic ingredients and something a bit more luxe – and don't mind splashing out for it – there's Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm (about €45, some pharmacies), an all-in-one body balm, facial cleanser, mask and make-up remover that comes with a muslin cloth. It's 99 per cent organic and loaded with rosehip and jojoba oils, beeswax and shea butter. As the name implies, rosehip oil is the star ingredient. It's rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Rub it into dry patches to soothe and soften, or massage onto your face with warm water and remove with a hot cloth to cleanse and exfoliate.

kharris@irishtimes.com