More than just a sweet topping for your porridge, honey has a plethora of beauty-boosting benefits.
The sweet and sticky pantry staple has major anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits and is one of the most hydrating substances on the planet (who knew?).
Just like lemon, it can be used to fade blemishes and even lighten hair.
We’ve rounded up all the brilliant ways you can use honey in your beauty regime. Are you buzzing? ‘Cause we are.
For better lips: DIY sweet lip balm
Honey works wonders to soothe dry skin and chapped lips. Along with beeswax, it is often an ingredient in balms and lotions. Mix one tablespoon of honey with three tablespoons of beeswax, and three to five tablespoons of oil (it can be almond, lavender, jojoba, or even sunflower) to achieve the preferred consistency of your balm. And remember, you’re putting this on your skin, so make sure you buy raw honey, preferably organic and local.
Honey, I ain’t got time for that…
Then try: Ultra nourishing lip balm, £9.50, Nuxe Paris; Honey lip balm, £3.99, Burt’s Bees; Vitamin E lip conditioner, £23, Jo Malone
For a better complexion: DIY the Queen Bee of exfoliants
Bacterial build-up can lead to a troubled complexion, which is why exfoliating once to three times a week is ideal for healthy-looking skin. Honey has anti-bacterial properties that will prevent buildup, while its enzymes can naturally clarify and brighten complexion.
Make your own exfoliant by pouring honey onto a plate – the usual amount you’d use of regular exfoliant – and mixing it with sugar – 1/3 of the amount of honey you’ve used. Apply the mixture onto your skin with circular movements; leave it for an extra 5-10 minutes as a mask and rinse.
Honey, I ain’t got time for that…
Then try: Honey and camelina facial exfoliator, £10.50, Bee Good; Almond and honey face scrub, £13, Mario Badescu
For better skin: DIY hydro-boosting moisturiser
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it easily retains water by drawing moisture from the air. Make your own hydro-boosting moisturiser, by simply applying raw honey as a face or body mask and letting it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Honey, I ain’t got time for that…
Then try: Skin renewing cream with Manuka honey, £49, Kiehl’s at Feel Unique; Milk and honey body lotion, £10.99, Burt’s Bees
For better hair: DIY natural balayage
Just like lemon, the enzymes of honey can clarify and brighten the complexion – and also hair! The effect is super natural and works best on light-haired ladies, but it does get results on darker hair, too – if you’re patient.
If you’re going for a shade blonder, choose yellow-coloured honey and mix with 2 tablespoons of lemon. If you’re looking for caramel or red undertones, choose amber-like honey and mix with a good 2 spoons of cinnamon. Apply onto hair and leave it throughout the night (shower cap on, of course). The process may need to be repeated if you have dark hair.
Honey, I ain’t got time for that…
The moisturising effects that honey has on your skin can be beneficial for your hair as well – especially for dry ends. The moisture-rich properties of honey will restore smoothness and for fans of organic beauty products, this is your ultimate shampoo. Dissolve two tablespoons of honey in a cup of warm water and apply to the scalp and work through your hair in circular movements; let it rest as a mask for at least 10 minutes, and rinse. The gorgeous smell is just a perk.
