while in new york a couple of months ago, i met a cat while shopping in a soho boutique (the cat belonged to the owner). anyhow, i couldn’t resist and pet the creature forgetting that i’m deathly allergic. a few minutes later, my chest started to itch like mad. my skin turned beet red and bumps began to emerge. not realizing what was happening, i aggravated the outbreak even more and scratched it with the hand that i pet the fur ball with. at this point, my skin was on fire and i swear i could have scratched through to the muscle layer. desperate for relief, i popped into the nearest store which was loccitane hoping that they would have something to help. i explained the situation to the sales girl and she was sweet enough to confess that she had no idea if they had anything to relieve my agony. however, she tried as best she could to find something. we finally found a cooling gel that subdued my itch until i got back to the hotel to shower. as i slathered the gel on my chest, the sales girl suggested that their honey shower gel would help soothe my skin. i was sold and that’s how i got on this honey kick.
what is my infatuation with honey products? well first, i guess it’s the notion of bathing in honey just sounds so luxurious and indulgent. also, in recent studies honey, royal jelly and propolis have been found to have natural antibiotics when ingested and antibacterial when applied topically. the chinese have always regarded royal jelly as a cure all of sorts and have rejuvenating properties (which have not been scientifically proven).
nevertheless, whatever the health benefits may or may not be from honey products, i just enjoy using it. my favorite product is the honey foaming jelly for body and hair from l’occitaine. i love the golden color and it’s velvety, thick, smooth consistency. i also love the fragrance, it’s a subtle, sweet, warm scent – different from your usual florally-soapy scented products.