Although the natural healing properties of honey have been used in skincare for centuries, there’s still a lot of buzz around honey bees in the beauty industry. Here are some ways you can use the versatile insect’s beautifying power.
Go out on a limb
It’s said Cleopatra would soak in a bath of milk and honey, such was the beautiful afterglow these ingredients gave her. The lactic-acid content in the milk would have smoothed her skin, while the honey’s ability to attract and lock in moisture would have left the queen’s limbs soft and hydrated.
To treat yourself to your own Cleopatra-style pampering, try Burt’s Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion, $25, or Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish, $44.
Treat your tresses
Because of honey’s nourishing effects, it’s no surprise it can help to prevent dryness, tangles and breakage. You could try mixing a little honey and olive oil with your regular shampoo to boost softness and shine, but there are also products that use both honey and royal jelly, a worker-bee secretion that is full of vitamins and minerals.
Try L’Oreal Paris Elvive Re-Nutrition Shampoo, $4, or Clairol Herbal Essences Honey I’m Strong Rinse Off Treatment, $6.43.
Humble healer
Honey has been heralded for its healing powers for thousands of years. Today, the super-antibacterial nature of manuka honey in particular is sought after for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory qualities, as well as its ability to repair skin. It’s a natural, go-to ingredient for treating acne and pimples, and research suggests some manuka honey contains active compounds that may help slow the signs of ageing.
Try Comvita MediHoney Antibacterial Wound Gel, from $33.50, or Manuka Doctor ApiClear Blemish Cream, $19.
Lip service
Another by-product of our clever, winged friends is beeswax. Found in the hive of honey bees, its knack for forming a breathable film on the surface of the skin offers prtotection from environmental factors, such as wind and water, as well as helping to limit moisture loss. That’s why it’s a popular ingredient in many lip products.
Hydrate and protect your lips with Apicare Revive Me Beeswax Lip Balm, $7, or Living Nature Manuka Honey Lip Balm, $17.
Sting stars
Ever since the Duchess of Cambridge was revealed to be a fan of bee-venom facials, this substance has gained cult status (though it’s not recommended for people who are allergic to bee stings). Now stings are collected, purified and used in anti-ageing skincare, from serums, to face masks and even makeup. The venom is said to encourage cell regeneration and boost collagen formation, and has even been hyped as nature’s answer to Botox, thanks to its tightening effect. Some people report a tingling sensation on applying the more potent venom products, such as serums.
Try Bee Pure Bee Venom Face Mask, $99, or SAViQ Bee Venom Brightening Serum, $90.
