In the world of Nara Smith, nothing is ever just “bought” if it can be made from scratch—including the contents of her husband’s medicine cabinet. The TikTok sensation, famous for her soothing ASMR-style videos and “from-scratch” lifestyle, has sent the internet into a tailspin with a DIY beauty hack that is as traditional as it is controversial: beef tallow moisturizer.
The viral moment took off when Nara shared a video of her husband, supermodel Lucky Blue Smith, , taking matters into his own hands after running out of his usual face cream. “This morning, my husband ran out of some moisturizer that he usually uses and he didn’t love it enough to repurchase, so he just decided to make his own,” Nara narrated in her signature calm tone.
Since the video first dropped, it has racked up millions of views, sparking a massive wave of curiosity—and a few raised eyebrows—about using rendered animal fat as a luxury skincare substitute.
The Science Behind the Glow
So, why are people suddenly raiding the butcher shop for their beauty routine? Beef tallow is rendered fat from cows, specifically the suet found around the organs. While it might sound unappealing at first, dermatologists say there is a method to the madness.
“Beef tallow’s fatty acids closely resemble the natural oils of the skin, allowing it to effectively replenish moisture,” Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, recently told GQ. The fat is packed with vitamins A, D, K, E, and B, making it a nutrient-dense powerhouse for those brave enough to try it.
How to Make Nara’s “Secret Sauce”
The Smiths didn’t just stop at fat. Their kitchen-counter concoction is a sophisticated blend of hydrating heavy hitters. To make the moisturizer, Lucky Blue combined beef tallow and beeswax over a double boiler, later whisking in squalene, jojoba oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.
Nara explained that the recipe was a deliberate choice for their household. “Because I live with eczema and dry skin, the formulation deliberately skipped essential oils so the same batch my husband mixed would work on her face and body too,” she shared.
After the mixture thickened and set in the refrigerator, the couple gave it a test run post-shower and reported that they loved the results.
Why the Internet Is Divided
As with most of Nara’s content, the video sparked a heated debate in the comments. While many fans praised the couple for their “pioneer chic” approach to beauty, others were skeptical about the shelf life and scent of rubbing beef fat on their pores.
“I draw the line at homemade beef lotion,” one TikTok user joked, while another defended the trend, noting, “People have used tallow for centuries; she’s just bringing back the classics!”
The ingredient list does have some scientific backing. Beeswax acts as a protective barrier to seal in moisture, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin work as humectants to pull water into the skin. However, experts suggest that those with acne-prone skin should be cautious, as heavy fats can sometimes lead to breakouts.
Should You Try It?
While the Smiths make the process look like a high-fashion chemistry experiment, professionals recommend a bit of caution before you start melting down suet in your own kitchen. Everyone’s skin chemistry is different, and what works for a supermodel might not work for everyone.
Whether you’re ready to embrace the tallow trend or sticking to your drugstore favorites, Nara Smith has once again proven that she is the undisputed queen of making the “extraordinary” look like a daily household chore.
As the conversation continues to trend on TikTok and X, one thing is certain: Nara and Lucky Blue Smith have officially moved beef fat from the kitchen to the vanity.
