I Tried Kate Middleton’s Favourite ‘Bee Venom’ Facial As It Finally Lands In Australia

It is true that Kate Middleton and I share the same taste in a lot of things. However, it’s rare that I actually get the opportunity to dabble in any of our shared common interests. After all, there is the all too real barrier of not being part of the royal family. 

From couture gowns to luxurious overseas travel, and exclusive beauty treatments, the Duchess of Cambridge has got access to things that I can only ever dream of trying. At least until yesterday that is, when our lives crossed over and I was able to treat my face to the luxury that is Kate’s favourite facial: the Bee Venom Facial AKA a ‘facelift in a jar’. 

To put into perspective just how coveted this unique Gold Bee Venom Mask is, only 500 of them are produced each year. Crafted out of the world’s rarest bee venom, this highly-sought after ingredient is sourced only from the stingers of the queen bee (how fitting, for the future queen consort herself) and until today, it hasn’t been available in Australia. 

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A post shared by April Brodie Facialist (@aprilbrodiefacialist)

Deborah Mitchell, the UK beauty mogul behind the innovative anti-ageing treatment (inspired by the healing powers of bee venom on arthritis and inflammatory conditions), has attracted an impressive following, including Kylie Minogue and even whispers of Meghan Markle.

Deborah has teamed up with April Brodie, Melbourne’s leading integrated facialist, who is the first (and only) beauty practitioner in Australia that has access to this revolutionary formulation.  

“After following the Bee Venom facial for many years and having treatments in the UK, I realised that this beautiful facial had not been shared with Australia,” said April. “I love to show people that you can get incredible results without harsh treatment, and still have a luxurious experience.”

So what is bee venom and what does it do for our skin?

When a honeybee stings, it releases a clear odourless liquid known as bee venom. There are more than 20 compounds in bee venom that are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and skin rejuvenating properties. ABEETOXIN, the revolutionary natural alternative to Botox, is an exceptionally powerful patented formula created by Heaven Skincare. 

Venom-containing products work by tricking 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. 

What are the benefits of a bee venom facial?

The bee venom facial will not only help to reverse visible signs of ageing, but it will also assist in combating sun damage, pigmentation, acne, and rosacea. 

The patented formula includes sustainably sourced natural and organic ingredients, combined with April Brodie’s signature facial sculpting techniques, to leave faces looking  firmer, smoother and more chiseled.

How are the products ‘sustainably sourced’?

It’s a well-known fact that when a bee stings a person, it results in the death of the bee. Which begs the question, how exactly are these products sustainably sourced? 

To extract the venom, Deborah (who works alongside her beekeeper sister), runs a small, harmless electrical current through a pane of glass, which entices the bees to sting the glass and deposit their venom.

However, unlike releasing a stinger into human flesh which results in death to the bee, the stinger can’t penetrate the glass. This sends a signal to the bees brain telling them they’ve stung, and not to sting again.

My Bee Venom facial review

Despite my initial fear, there was no ‘sting’ to be felt throughout this facial. Although I had partially envisioned a swarm of bees trying to sting me in the name of beauty, I can happily confirm there is no pain or discomfort involved — only 60 minutes of complete bliss. 

There are five seamlessly flowing and equally relaxing phases to April’s treatment (and I call it a ‘treatment’ rather than a facial as April does so much more than solely focus on your face). 

To begin, your skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove any dirt or makeup so your face is prepped, primed and ready to absorb Heaven Skincare’s active formulas. The first of these formulas is the Bee Polish, a non-abrasive exfoliant containing ABEETOXIN. ABEETOXIN brightens and de-puffs instantly and is gentle enough to apply across the delicate under eye area. Following this, April applies the anti-inflammatory Willow Bee Mask, before moving onto a heavenly foot and leg massage in preparation for the final act; the reason we’re all here, the Bee Venom Mask.

In spite of the name, this ‘mask’ doesn’t wash off. Instead, it’s to be left on throughout the day (or night, depending when your facial is) so that the potent ingredients can work their magic long after your treatment is finished. And considering it retails for over $800 a pop, you certainly won’t want to be washing it off. 

Now, although the treatment is likened to a “facelift without going under the knife,” I can’t personally say whether the results are one in the same (having never had a face lift). But through the combination of the products, April’s massage techniques and professional-grade LED Light Therapy, my  skin has been given its best shot to renew and rejuvenate. 

And hey, if I end up looking like Kate Middleton, I won’t be mad.

Main image credit: @_kate_middleton_royal

Have you heard of a bee venom facial? Would you like to try it?