Honey, the doc is in: Manuka Doctor review

​After hearing so many incredible things about the company Manuka Doctor, as well as the many benefits manuka honey and purified bee venom (you read that right) has on skin, I knew I just had to try some products from their range.
So, I did a bit of research (mostly on their website) and took the plunge...
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And my skin is oh-so-happy I did!

Instead of running to my nearest CVS, I decided to order my products online. At the time of my purchase, I ended up getting a free gift (yay!) after passing the $30 mark on skincare (and it looks like this promotion is still going on, or is a permanent perk at Manuka Doctor). I ended up ordering the Replenishing Facial Oil, the ApiRefine Illusionist Rapid Lift Mask, the ApiRefine Lip Enhancer, and was gifted the ApiRefine Targeted Wrinkle Filler.
Here are my first impressions and thoughts on the products after using them daily for about a week...
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+ I have tried quite a few facial oils, and the Repleneshing Facial Oil has been a definite fave. The packaging is cute and pretty minimalist, being the only product of the four I purchased having the pink bee logo instead of the gold. This product has manuka oil, along with a bunch of other plant extracts and oils, but is the only one in my mini-haul that doesn't have purified bee venom. I have been applying just a couple drops of this Repleneshing oil after cleansing, rubbing the product into my skin with my clean hands. My skin has been in dewy, glowing heaven, feeling completely hydrated, smooth, and firm. I also have been getting into the habit of putting a drop or two on top of my foundation while it is still on my brush and buffing and blending it into my face and neck. I love a hydrated and ultra-highlighted makeup look, and though I tend to get a bit oily towards the end of the day, this product doesn't make me overly-shiny or greasy. Obsessed.

+ This ApiRefine Illusionist Rapid Lift Mask is totally different than what I expected, but a complete skincare powerhouse. After cleansing and before applying my oil, I have been rubbing this product into my skin once every couple of days. It's not your typical face mask. Instead of washing it off, it acts just like a moisturizer but with more intense hydration. At first, the opaque white cream takes a while to completely rub in and become clear on my skin, but because of the warmth from the pads of my fingers, it becomes invisible after a few moments of massaging it into my face. The jar says to wipe off any excess after about 10 minutes or so, but I never seem to have any. I do notice how tight my skin feels (probably from that venom), and am reaaally starting to get used that whole "dewy, glowing heaven" thing...

​+ Next up, the ApiRefine Lip Enhancer. This lip balm is colorless, smooth, and glides nicely on my lips. My lips have been a bit dry lately, but this product definitely has moisturized and healed them completely. The bee venom feels stronger in this product as opposed to others (or maybe that's the peppermint?), making them tingly for the first couple of minutes after I put it on. I have been using this as a base for my lip liners and lipsticks, making my pout completely smooth and kissable all day long. Though my lips are pretty full on their own, I do notice that they get a little more plump after applying. So far, I'm in love.

+ Of all the products, the ApiRefine Targeted Wrinkle Filler is one that I'm not quite sure what to do with. Though I don't have any wrinkles yet, my makeup can sometimes crease in certain wrinkle-prone areas if my skin isn't properly hydrated (mainly the outer-corners of my eyes and my smile lines). While using this range, hydration has hardly been an issue. However, I figured I would use this product before my foundation as a sort of "spot-treatment" for those wrinkle-prone areas. It is hard to give a proper review, though there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it either. This probably wouldn't be something I would have purchased if they didn't gift it to me, though this may be something I use in the future.

Overall, I am most definitely a new-found Manuka Doctor lover! I can't wait to try more products from their range - especially the Gold Dust Firming Serum and the Drops of Crystal Cashmere Touch Serum.

Have you tried Manuka Doctor?
Let me know your faves!