Like many pastel artists, my hands get very dry from frequent washings while I’m working on a painting. I use regular hand lotion after I am finished for the day, but since I use my fingers to blend, I don’t want a greasy lotion smearing up my work.

The last two times I picked up some new pastels at Jerry’s, the checkout girl gave me a free sample of Gloves in a Bottle lotion. I finally used it this afternoon and wow. It goes on smooth and after it’s dry you don’t notice that anything is there—it looks like regular lotion and has no smell.

Interestingly, I have noticed a difference in my blending ability… because this stuff seals in natural oils, my hands are less likely to contaminate the paper.

The biggest benefit was the fact that the pastel chalk came off my hands much easier and my skin didn’t feel dry even after multiple washings. I am definitely going to have to pick up a full bottle of this stuff!