As long as I can remember I've had two favorite skincare ingredients. However, I'm not sure why but they are difficult to find. Perhaps they are more expensive to formulate into creams and perhaps more difficult to harvest in the first place.

Do you remember Jafra? It was that multi-level marketing skincare business from the 70's and 80's. I loved that line. I wonder if it's still available. Anyone know? Well Jafra is where I was first introduced to royal jelly and almond oil. Perhaps I got such fabulous results from these ingredients because of my extremely dry skin. I've been searching for that same relief over the years and have found many ingredients that have come close…but so far, no cigar!

Both royal jelly and almond oil are long time standing first line offense ingredients for those of us with indications of dry skin. Both can be used on any skin type (unless of course you're allergic to either) however, I've found they are ideal for dry to extremely dry skin.

I decided to search a couple of websites for products containing royal jelly and almond oil. I know I could find supplements, essential oils, etc. at my local health food store, but I'm not talking about internal use of royal jelly, nor do I want to compound my own creams and lotions. I want to find a results oriented anti-aging topical cream (which contains royal jelly and other cutting edge ingredients) for my face and a quality therapeutic blend with almond oil for my dehydrated skin on my body.

Why am I so impressed with royal jelly? Well check out the list of goodies that this precious substance is packed with. It's a one-item carrier of nature's most precious vitamins, minerals, and many other nutrients proven to extend the life of, protect and repair cells.

· B complex vitamins
· amino acids (building blocks of protein)
· minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc
· lipids, including fatty acids and phospholipids
· peptides
· carbohydrates (monosaccharides and disaccharides)
· nucleic acids
· 10-HDA (a compound unique to Royal Jelly)

Thank goodness I hit the jackpot! I've already been using them for a week and am thrilled with my results. I wouldn't say I’m surprised because I had already set the bar so high due to past use that I was virtually sure the products would work and work well. I wasn't disappointed. I practically want to buy a beehive and believe me that speaks volumes because I'm terrified of bees!

Check out these products for yourself the next time you're in the market for something new for your skin. You know I won't let you down and that's a promise straight from the queen. Not the typical matriarch type with the crown and throne; I'm talkin' about the yellow and black striped (with wings and a stinger) type!

June Jacobs Cranberry Body Balm. About 50 bucks for 6.7 ozs.

Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee Energizing Fluid. Around 60 bucks for 1.3 ozs. and well worth it! (Also comes in a cream)

Astara Age Defying Complex. $82 for 0.5oz. Gotta dig a little deep for this one; but you'll be glad you did!

Pevonia O2ptimal Dry Skin Care Cream.  Sevnty-five dollars for just under two ozs.

Sundari Gotu Kola and Kukui Body Lotion. A little over thirty dollars for close to seven ozs.