Bee Venom Facial

Although the treatment has been hyped as a needle-free alternative to Botox, in reality it acts as a natural skin plumper.

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The Scoop: The beauty world has been buzzing since Kate Middleton reportedly received a facial with bee venom prior to her royal wedding day (her stepmother-in-law, Camilla, is also a fan). Although the treatment has been hyped as a needle-free alternative to Botox, in reality it acts as a natural skin plumper. According to Dr. Jess Prischmann, who began offering the facial this fall at her Edina practice, the bee venom lightly “stings” the skin, temporarily increasing blood flow for a healthy English-rose glow. “Just like in nature, the body responds to the venom,” says Prischmann, “so the science makes sense.”

The Service: This isn’t the first time I’ve slathered something exotic on my face in the name of beauty (I’m looking at you, bird poop). A little bee venom couldn’t hurt. At Prischmann Facial Plastic Surgery, it’s administered as part of “The Royal Treatment” facial. After a luxurious cleansing balm and gentle exfoliation using British-based Organic Pharmacy products, my aesthetician applied the creamy bee venom mask using a brush.

I was almost disappointed when it didn’t sting. Right or wrong, over the years I’ve developed a no-pain-no-gain mentality about facial treatments. A few minutes later, I started to feel the slightest tingle and was told that my face was flushing nicely. Satisfied, I dozed off for a 20-minute hand and arm massage. The treatment finished with the Duchess’s favorite oxygen-infused moisturizer. So that was what it feels like to be queen bee for a day.

Our Take: My skin was plump and pink in all the right places when I emerged from my cocoon. In addition, the hydrating manuka honey in the mask has imparted a red carpet–level dewiness—the sign of a good facial. My skin looked even more radiant the next day, like a blushing bride’s.

Small Print: $95 for The Royal Treatment; $35 as an add-on to any facial service. Prischmann Facial Plastic Surgery, 5201 Eden Ave., Ste. 170, Edina, 952-567-7151, mnfacialplastics.com

Ask Elizabeth a beauty question at  elizabeth@beautybets.com or @beautybets on Twitter.