28.03.2024

The genius ways you can use honey in your beauty regime for better hair, skin and nails

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?).

More than just a sweet topping for your porridge, honey has a plethora of beauty-boosting benefits.

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…

Then try: Sun lightening spray with chamomile and honey, £15, Klorane (available in the UK in shampoo and conditioner formulas)

For better hair: DIY scented cleanser

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.

Honey, I ain’t got time for that…

Then try: Manuka flower honey strengthening shampoo, £7.29, Palmer’s at Superdrug; Honey and hibiscus hair reconstructing shampoo, £26, John Masters Organics at FeelUnique; Gentle volumising honey shampoo, £20, Leonor Greyl at Space NK

For better hands & nails: DIY quick fix-up lotion

By now, you should know this by heart, honey = moisture. So if it’s dry, chapped or dull, put honey on it. That goes for your nails and hands as well. The same DIY mask you’ve used for dry skin can be mixed with a little coconut oil and used on cuticles and hands – perfect for a pre-mani treatment.

Honey, I ain’t got time for that…

Then try: 24K gold and Manuka honey hand oil, £19.99, Manuka Doctor; Hand treatment, £35, Eve Lom at Feel Unique

For better skin: DIY a luxurious bath oil

Detox your skin and your senses by dissolving two tablespoons of honey into a cup of warm water, and pouring onto your bath.

Our little magical condiment is full of antioxidants, making it ideal to detoxify your skin and prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, for those that don’t know, is a major cause of diseases and early ageing – it’s basically when your body is low on antioxidants, which can be found in certain foods.

Honey, I ain’t got time for that…

Then try: Nectarine blossom and honey bath oil, £42, Jo Malone; Ambre vanillé honey bath, £33, Laura Mercier; Indian rose and Himalaya honey bath bubbles, £13.50, Rituals

For a better complexion: DIY spot banisher

The clarifying properties of honey and its antibacterial compounds make it an ideal spot and scar fader. By mixing two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of a preferred oil and gently massaging the troubled area, you’ll help your skin to recover – increasing circulation and promoting cell turnover.

Honey, I ain’t got time for that…

Then try: Skin treatment serum, £13.85, Manuka Doctor; Manuka honey gel, £13, Living Nature at Botanical Brands

*Runs to the store to buy honey*

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