Banila Co is best known for its cost-effective makeup and sunscreen melting Clean It Zero cleansing balm. The lightweight, sherbet-like solution comes in four different formulas, works brilliantly, and is very well-deserving of its status as cult favorite. Earlier this fall, the clever K-beauty brand brought us the Miss Flower & Mr. Honey collection, which had originally launched exclusively in the Asia Pacific a decade ago.
Newly reformulated, the products are now available Stateside and the four-piece line up boasts Cream, Ampoule, Lip Balm, and Essence Stick. Spoiler alert: the lip balm is great, so is the essence stick, the ampoule is fantastic, and the cream is a shape-shifting miracle my skin cannot get enough of now that the weather has become colder. More below.
Why Honey?
Our knowledge of the benefits of honey dates to ancient Egypt. Embraced by all skin types, but particularly those prone to breakouts or sensitivities, it is a soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory gem within the beauty world. From DIY recipes to some of the most sophisticated and luxurious formulas available, this key ingredient has been touted in self-care for… ever.
In its raw form, honey is not cosmetically elegant so I personally choose to keep the jar in the pantry, not in the vanity. And those of us who have attempted a DIY honey mask, we’ve lived to tell: the mess is just not worth it. If you’re going to splurge on that *really* good honey (can be absurdly expensive), bear in mind that eating a teaspoon full each day will do your body more good than any topical application. My non-expert opinion.
Ampoule
Since my skincare routine isn’t complete without a hydrating serum, I tried the Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Propolis Rejuvenating Ampoule first. The clear, slightly viscous serum is juicier than most of my go-to picks but it applies smoothly and sinks right in. Since the label proudly states the formula is packed with 82% Propolis (the glue that holds hives together), I worried about stickiness. There was none. In addition to the hero ingredient, which is known for its nourishing, healing, hydrating, and antimicrobial properties, the Ampoule is also infused with pore-refining Niacinamide, as well as antioxidant-rich Arginine, Chinaberry, and Turmeric Extracts. Yes, there is added fragrance, but it’s light and treks toward the end of the INCI list.
Since the Propolis Rejuvenating Ampoule is both lightweight and fast absorbing, it is versatile enough to work during your AM or PM routine. The visible dent in my bottle is a result of many mornings of use–my complexion needs all the rejuvenation it can get since I’m not a great sleeper. My combination skin can be finicky with certain serums under sunscreen, so I am happy to report the Banila Co Ampoule hasn’t caused any pilling after an SPF application. Two thumbs up. $52 (50ml)
Cream
This is where things get really interesting. I first received the new Miss Flower & Mr Honey Launches in September. A very warm September. At first glance, the Cream seemed way too rich and dense for my combination skin. Dare I say it reminded me of Aquaphor. And while I do love Aquaphor, it is not exactly my pick for an all over face moisturizer. Hear me out though. October rolled around, the temperatures dropped, and I began a new prescription retinoid. In short, I needed to try the cream again and holy mother of honeys I am so glad that I did.
The honey hexagon cube of a jar that houses the Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Cream almost looks a bit… young? For this forty year old anyway. Onto the more important balm-like consistency. If I were to share one piece of advice it would be not to judge this cream by its texture. While it glides on the skin it can give off slight vaseline lite vibes. Except that it smells absolutely amazing. What’s most impressive about the application process is that within one minute flat, the cream completely melts into the skin. There is no greasy afterfeel nor oily sheen. In a mind blowing turn of events, the product becomes borderline traceless.
Why am I so impressed?
The formula boasts Honey, Beeswax, Honey Hydrop, Propolis, Royal Jelly, and Honey Butter, which, though sounding extremely rich, results in an absolutely sublime user experience. In addition to all the nourishing and soothing bee-given goodness, the Cream also contains Camellia Seed Oil as well as Chamomile, Holy Basil, and Red Algae Extracts. Since I find the Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Cream only suitable for night time use, I am thrilled that it counteracts any potential retinoid-related dryness. My skin feels consistently soft and bouncy by morning. This is a solid K-beauty find and one I will certainly be relying on often this winter. $42 (2.3 oz)
Available at ulta.com
