Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle may not see eye to eye on many things. But, one thing they appear to agree on is the use of bee sting in their skin care routines. With the former a confirmed convert to the Bee Venom Facial and the latter, also a rumored fan.
While I won’t reveal whether I am team KM or MM, there’s no hiding my desire for the kind of complexion fit for a queen. Or at least a fallen princess! So, I booked an appointment with the almost-impossible-to-lock-in April Brodie – Melbourne’s leading integrated facialist and the first (and only) beauty practitioner in Australia with access to this revolutionary formulation favoured by Her Royal Highness. Here’s what happened.
As I settled in for my appointment at Sydney’s Intercontinental Double Bay (southern-state-based April makes monthly trips to Sydney to attend to the Harbour City’s most discerning complexion queens), you could say I was buzzing with anticipation.
The allure of a ‘facelift in a jar’ that would leave me with a royal glow beckoned. And, I was excited at the idea! April put me at ease with her expertise (40+ years of it to be precise). She assured me that no bees were harmed in the making of this treatment. Then, she commenced her methodical approach with a thorough cleansing ritual, laying the groundwork for the indulgent experience ahead.
“Cleansing is an often underrated step in modern skin care routines,” said April. “But in my opinion, one of the most important.”
April then proceeded to apply The Bee Polish to my congested skin. A gentle exfoliant enriched with the elusive Abeetoxin – Deborah Mitchell’s patented formula featuring bee venom. AKA the natural alternative to Botox.
More scientifically speaking, when a honeybee stings, it releases a clear odourless liquid known as bee venom. Bee venom contains more than 20 compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-rejuvenating properties. These compounds fool your skin into thinking it’s been stung by a honeybee. This then triggers a wound-healing response, prompting the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are essential structural proteins that promote younger, firmer, and plumper-looking skin.
The Willow Bee Mask followed. A balm which spotlighted the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of willow bark to soothe my skin in preparation for the main event. The application of the Gold Bee Venom Mask
With only 500 of them produced each year, and crafted out of the world’s rarest bee venom (the highly sought hero ingredient sourced only from the stingers of the queen bee – how fitting!), the mask made famous by the Royals’ UK beauty pioneer Deborah Mitchell, is available in Australia exclusively through April Brodie Facials.
Despite its formidable reputation and name, there was no pain. Only the magic of potent ingredients working their magic through a ‘mask’ that doesn’t wash off. Instead, I left it on overnight (fortunately, my only plans were binge-watching Bridgerton) so that the potent ingredients could work their magic. And, considering a jar retails for over $800 a pop, it made much more financial sense.
Another notable element of the Bee Venom Facial was April’s distinctive sculpting techniques. A fusion of expertise and intuition, that elevated the experience beyond skin care, and transformed it into something really special.
So, is Princess Katie onto something special with the Bee Venom Facial? Well, while the price of this treatment may sting, the results – lifted, glowing skin – are certainly worth buzzing about.
