I fricking love a good freebie! I got this Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Try Me set for just £2.50 postage (see here), so even though I had no previous knowledge of the brand or any of the products, I was really happy when they got delivered.
The main ingredients that are talked about by Manuka Doctor are manuka honey and bee venom. Honey is such a key ingredient in almost every skin and hair mask I make, thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and moisturising properties. It is also high in vitamin C, various B vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, meaning it nourishes your skin in every way possible, so anything with honey in is good for me!
I had to do a bit of research on bee venom as I’ve not had any experience of it in products before. Manuka Doctor claims that their purified bee venom can nurture cell regeneration, renew damaged skin, reduce scarring, treat and reduce fine lies and wrinkles, helps form collagen, reduce skin aging and prevent, heal and eliminate acne.
The ApiNourish range is anti-aging and refines, replenishes and hydrates the skin. The Try Me Kit contains mini versions of the rejuvenating face mask, age-defying serum and restoring night cream.
The rejuvenating face mask smells divine, of flowers and general yumminess. The instructions say to apply a thin layer and leave for up to 30 minutes. Fresh out of the tube, it feels like moisturiser so it seems like you’re not applying it in a layer as much as rubbig it in, but as it dries it forms a stiff layer to gently remind you that it is in face a face mask. I left it on for the full 30 minutes before washing it off. As I washed it, I noticed my skin felt incredibly smooth and, dare I say it, rejuvenated 
Next up was the age-defying serum. The serum smells pleasant but not very strong, and I found it wasn’t as silky/oily a texture as other serums I’ve used. It took a minute or two to absorb but my skin did feel really soft once it had sunk in. I’ve used this quite a few times and really like it: I find some serums can be too greasy to use in the morning but this is perfect 
I wasn’t sure if the restoring night cream is to be used instead of moisturiser: I found the formula was stiffer than moisturiser, meaning it didn’t spread as far so it worked better doing lots of small applications. My skin felt very nourished once it was on though, and looks plump and healthy.
Overall, I think these products have helped my skin look and feel incredibly healthy. Whether that’s the bee venom, the honey or the other ingredients popped in, I don’t know. I personally wouldn’t pay for full sized products from this range, as my skin is pretty youthful (for now), but I’d like to try products from their other ranges.
Have you tried any Manuka Doctor products? If so, what do you think?
