“If the bees go we go.” Albert Einstein

Part 1 (because I am obsessed with BEES!! And you should be too! )

Alexander McQueen’s Sara Burton certainly knows what is up, (checkout these images!) her spring 13 show clearly foreshadowing this highly important discussion that was to come.

Over the past decade, bee populations have been dropping, partly as a result of a disease called colony collapse disorder. Why am I freaking out? Because bees are a crucial part of the reproductive cycle of many of our favorite foods, including apples and avocados (two of my favs!).

Whole Foods created this image to show what we would lose if the world lost bees. When a life form goes extinct, it can also cause knock-on extinctions in its ecosystem. Without bees to fertilize fruit and other crops, we lose many species. Oh man. SO that’s what it means to be part of an ecosystem in the first place: other life forms depend on you, just as you depend on them.

I thought about bees and honey and the way in which they are incorporated into the world of beauty. According to CNN, “Honey is an ancient treatment for wounds because it has antiseptic properties and creates a breathable, skin-like barrier. It is often used in recipes for acne treatment, reducing eye puffiness, exfoliating scrubs and eczema.”

The substance’s extraordinary soothing and humectant properties are what gives honey so much traction as an ingredient in beauty products. Even Tata Harper (my beauty love!) says, “Our Raw Honey, sourced from our Vermont farm, is a powerful antioxidant that helps reinforce and protect the skin’s natural defense mechanisms against oxidative and environmental stressors. It’s also a natural humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture from the environment around it. As an active moisturizing ingredient, it helps the skin stay at optimal hydration levels throughout the dry. Rich in Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, raw honey nourishes the skin and helps it heal quickly.”

Interestingly enough, the ingredient generating the most buzz comes from the insect’s sting. Ever since Kate Middleton received a bee-venom-laced facial prior to the royal wedding, the beauty world has been head over heels for bees. The venom stimulates the production of collagen and elastin while relaxing muscles to provide a “Botox-like” effect. Maybe this is why I feel like Tata’s Rebuilding Moisturizer gives me that botox look?! Her products contain honey!

It seems like everyone on board with this whole bee trend – beauty brands aren’t the only ones obsessed. There are even hives atop Manhattan’s hipster Ace Hotel and Louis Vuitton’s Champs-Élysées headquarters. In some areas of New York City, you can buy honey from bees that live in your own neighborhood, which is believed to alleviate allergies.

OK, so what can we do to help support the beloved bees? Nation Honey Bee Day is August 17th! Support organic farms, plant flowers that attract bees, buy local honey, take part in iPhone apps like Bee Friendly and of course use products containing honey.

These products truly are the bees knees:

Suave Naturals Creamy Body Wash in Milk & Honey Splash, $3 – This is a good one. My skin always feels fresh and moisturized afterwards. Plus, it smells amazing.

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balms, $4 – This staple comes in a variety of flavors and shades. It adds just the right amount of shine and provides instant relief from the awful sting of chapped lips.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Soap, $5 – This product cleanses like a dream and helps SAVE THE BEES.

Burt’s Bees Radiant Body Lotion, $9 – Formulated with Royal Jelly, this lotion gives a natural glowy radiance and is perfect when applied after shaving. It’s thickness (is just right, I promise!) hydrates and softens.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Honey Hand Cream, $10 – This hand cream is limited addition and feels like the most luxurious silk. A must have.

Lush Mr. Bumble, $15.95 – When you need to unwind and relax, take a bath with this delicious honey packed bath bomb. How cute!

Bee Yummy Lip & Eye Cream, $18 – Love this…esp for the lippies!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, Rose Tinted, $22.50 – Lip treatments are essential. This one gives you the prettiest tint (esp on paler skin) and smells amazing. All colors are dope.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Honey Bath, $40 – THIS SMELLS INSANE. That’s all you need to know, obvi.

Tata Harper Rebuilding Moisturizer, $100 – I use this puppy twice daily! It features raw Vermont honey and a blend of revitalizing essential oils.

Guerlain Abeille Royale Up-Lifting Eye Cream, $120- Heal skin from within by harnessing the restorative power of the hive with this velvety cream. I am all over this eye cream.

Rodial Bee Venom Moisturizer, $190 – This cream may be pricey, but it’s rare to use a moisturizer that produces visible results. You’ll look glowing and refreshed—and just a dab will do the trick!