I’m so NOT ready for summer to be over! But, one of best things about fall (besides Halloween, lol) is harvest time. I grew up in Iowa, where farming was a way of life, and fresh, homegrown foods were the norm.
Now that I live in the south, I really miss the freshness of home, and I appreciate it all a lot more. One way to maintain a connection to that goodness is with natural skincare ingredients. Farmacy, although based in upstate New York, is one of those brands that help me feel closer to nature, and to home.
Farmacy is the brainchild of plantsman Mark Veeder and farming expert Robert Beyfuss. The scientists and lab behind the brand are innovative experts in cosmetics formulation and research who utilize nature’s most novel and effective ingredients.
The first time I experienced honey in a skincare product was with a cleanser, and I immediately fell in love! Not only did it smell absolutely divine, but it’s perfect for all skin types, including my oily skin! Needless to say, I was SO excited to get the opportunity to try out Farmacy’s new Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask.
This mask is one of the new massage masks that have become very popular. I love these because not only does it feel luxurious to massage my face, but it helps stimulate circulation for a healthy glow, and it helps my sinuses…lol!
Since I really, really like this product, I’ll get the negative out of the way first. If you’ve been keeping up with this blog, you likely know what that is- the clear jar packaging. Jar packaging can be unsanitary, but Farmacy includes a spatula, so repeatedly dipping one’s fingers into the product is a non-issue.
However, antioxidants degrade and are rendered ineffective when exposed to air or light. Therefore, products containing antioxidants should be packaged in a way to minimize this exposure (Kaur, Kapila & Agrawal, 2007). Since this is a honey product with a beautiful golden color, it’s easy to see why it’s packaged in this manner! As it’s such a great product, this isn’t a deal breaker- honey is exposed to light in nature anyway, plus you can simply the product into an opaque travel squeeze bottle. You can also keep this in the box, and store in a dark cabinet.
Farmacy’s Honey Potion mask is unique because it contains the trademarked Echinacea GreenEnvy Honey. This is a unique, patent-protected form of Echinacea Purpurea, and contains the highest known concentration of cichoric acid. This phytochemical is a potent antioxidant that helps protect and firm the skin by inhibiting enzymes that can break down collagen.
Another unique factor with Farmacy Honey Potion is that when you massage it into your skin, it actually warms up. This makes for the ultimate spa experience in the comfort of your own home. It’s easy to use, just cleanse and tone, then massage the mask into your face for a minute or two while it warms and transforms into a white cream. (If you’re worried about the warmth, no need to be afraid, it doesn’t get hot, it’s just a slight, comfortable warmth.) Leave on for 10-15 minutes, rinse off, and bask in the gorgeous glow!
Those who are sensitive to fragrance will be happy to know that Farmacy Honey Potion is not an overly fragrant product. It has very little scent, and any aromas you do pick up are natural. The formula is thick and a little sticky at first, since it’s made with real honey. But, once you start rubbing it onto your skin, it emulsifies and warms up, and is easy to spread. The experience is pure luxury, and the warmth is very relaxing. Once you rinse this off, I swear, you won’t want to stop touching your face!
If you’re still not sold on Farmacy Honey Potion, as I mentioned in our video, the company is very socially responsible. Not only do they utilize quality, sustainable ingredients (even their packaging is sustainable!), but $1 of every Honey Potion sold goes to City Growers. This nonprofit organization helps engage city kids in active learning about food, including the importance of bees, pollination, and honey production.
Farmacy Honey Potion retails for $56 for 4.1 oz. It’s a great deal considering the generous size will last a LONG time! Check it out at farmacybeauty.com.
If you don’t see a YouTube video above, click here.
Source:
Kaur, I., Kapila, M. & Agrawal, R. (2007). Role of novel delivery systems in developing topical antioxidants as therapeutics to combat photoageing. Aging Research Reviews, 6(4). Retrieved June 16, 2016, from www.sciencedirect.com.
