Beginning in the early 2000’s, there has been a drastic die off of honey bees that’s got beekeepers and scientists worried all around the world. Ranging from 40-70%, bees have been dying off at an alarming rate every year, and while beekeepers can work to curb such a detrimental shift, their techniques are far from sustainable. Thankfully, some people have noticed what’s going on and have decided to come together to start a movement, which first begins with a shift in awareness, well before results can be seen. As with any movement, there is a long period to go as the fire starts to catch on and spread. This particular shift in consciousness is still in its infancy, however, especially when you consider what’s happening all across the globe, but companies like Simply Bee Organics are working overtime to make a difference.
“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.” –Albert Einstein
It amazes me, but to this day I still encounter people who have little understanding of what role honey bees play in our lives. Well, it’s a big one. Perhaps the biggest. Since bees pollinate flowers all over the world, it wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that our entire existence relies on their wellbeing. Bees assist over 100 types of crops, so much so that according to Simply Bee Organics, ‘you can thank a pollinator for one out of every three bites you eat.’ That’s huge. They provide an invaluable role in the growth of clover and alfalfa, which in turn feed beef and dairy cows. It can’t be understated how vital the honey bee is to our lives, and the lives of a large number of other species.
Okay, so you’re probably asking what the problem is? Well, it’s pesticides (seriously, ditch the RoundUp), mono-cropping, habitat loss (stop destroying the last of our natural areas, or else our children will know only concrete and pavement as nature), mite infestations, virus and fungus invasion, residential extermination of dandelions, and from weak immune systems; explained best here. Now dubbed a full on disorder, Colony Collapse Disorder is caused by a type of pesticide that affects the nerve system of insects. Point is, it’s time to start thinking about the bees, and to stop using neonicotinoids pesticides. Then start creating places for them to flourish, like a flower garden or food garden, or create a wildflower meadow.
It amazes me, but to this day I still encounter people who have little understanding of what role honey bees play in our lives. Well, it’s a big one. Perhaps the biggest. Since bees pollinate flowers all over the world, it wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that our entire existence relies on their wellbeing. Bees assist over 100 types of crops, so much so that according to Simply Bee Organics, ‘you can thank a pollinator for one out of every three bites you eat.’ That’s huge. They provide an invaluable role in the growth of clover and alfalfa, which in turn feed beef and dairy cows. It can’t be understated how vital the honey bee is to our lives, and the lives of a large number of other species.
Okay, so you’re probably asking what the problem is? Well, it’s pesticides (seriously, ditch the RoundUp), mono-cropping, habitat loss (stop destroying the last of our natural areas, or else our children will know only concrete and pavement as nature), mite infestations, virus and fungus invasion, residential extermination of dandelions, and from weak immune systems; explained best here. Now dubbed a full on disorder, Colony Collapse Disorder is caused by a type of pesticide that affects the nerve system of insects. Point is, it’s time to start thinking about the bees, and to stop using neonicotinoids pesticides. Then start creating places for them to flourish, like a flower garden or food garden, or create a wildflower meadow.
Simply Bee Organics is a beekeeping company who specializes in building wildflower meadows, and creating hair and body botanicals that fund their life-saving endeavor. With every order of one of their beard, body and shave products, they include a seed pack with a variety of wildflower seeds which were specifically chosen to help feed, shelter and promote growth in the bee community. They are non-GMO and pesticide free, and contain the following wildflower seeds: Butterfly Milkweed, Patridge Pea, Lance Leaved Coreopsis, Plains Coreopsis, Cosmos Sensation Mix, Purple Coneflower, California Poppy, Blanket Flower, Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower, Meadow Foam, Dwarf Lupinie, Arroyo Lupine, Bee Balm, Lacy Phacelia, Mexican Hat, Crimson Clover. Other ways to help the honey bees are as follows: Learn to love dandelions. Build a habitat, like one of Simply Bee’s houses or simply a bee friendly garden, full of diverse plants that bloom every season.
To assist with this message, I reached out to Simply Bee Organics to test out their bee-assisted body care products. They sent over their beard oil, pre shave oil, beard balm, pomade, after shave balm, shave soap hand and foot balm, moustache wax, lip balm and their razor and lather brush set. I was blown away upon initial inspection, because the scents and textures were so intoxicating and inviting, so much so that the quality and purity of their products was immediately evident. I spent some weeks testing their products so that I may review them for you here, but first, it’s important to understand why it’s best to use organic products… Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, we’re bombarded by advertisements for mainstream products that are full of toxins from mysterious chemicals, parabens, synthetic colorings, fragrances, and other harmful substances; some of which are known to cause allergies and hormone imbalances, among other even scarier effects.
To assist with this message, I reached out to Simply Bee Organics to test out their bee-assisted body care products. They sent over their beard oil, pre shave oil, beard balm, pomade, after shave balm, shave soap hand and foot balm, moustache wax, lip balm and their razor and lather brush set. I was blown away upon initial inspection, because the scents and textures were so intoxicating and inviting, so much so that the quality and purity of their products was immediately evident. I spent some weeks testing their products so that I may review them for you here, but first, it’s important to understand why it’s best to use organic products… Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, we’re bombarded by advertisements for mainstream products that are full of toxins from mysterious chemicals, parabens, synthetic colorings, fragrances, and other harmful substances; some of which are known to cause allergies and hormone imbalances, among other even scarier effects.
Here’s what I tried, as well as what I thought…
Simply Bee Organics’ Beard Oil is soothing yellow oil made up of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, organ oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and has an uplifting scent of eucalyptus and pine. The oil goes a long way and works great at soothing my beard itch, and conditioning my hair, while also stimulating new and thicker growth.
Their Beard Balm, which marries their bee’s wax with shea butter, mango butter and oils similar to the oil, and is a lovely way to moisten dry skin, reduce flaking, promote a healthy and full beard, while offering the capability of wrangling the wilder hairs; so styling comes easy unlike most beard oils. My regimen goes like this: Wash beard every other day, condition, towel dry, massage oil into damp beard, use balm to moisturize and style then with a boar brush, comb and stimulate the hair follicles. It’s been working wonders for me.
The Pomade is perhaps a stronger substance than many that I’ve used in the past due to the beeswax included in it, but for those of whom (like my younger self) still wear faux hawks and mohawks, this is perfect. But unlike most waxy hair products, it helps to keep your hair softer at the end of the day, rather than greasy and thick with product. Otherwise, I found that it works nicely for adding a little hold to the styling of my hair, without sopping it down and making it greasy and/or shiny.
Simply Bee Organics’ Beard Oil is soothing yellow oil made up of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, organ oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and has an uplifting scent of eucalyptus and pine. The oil goes a long way and works great at soothing my beard itch, and conditioning my hair, while also stimulating new and thicker growth.
Their Beard Balm, which marries their bee’s wax with shea butter, mango butter and oils similar to the oil, and is a lovely way to moisten dry skin, reduce flaking, promote a healthy and full beard, while offering the capability of wrangling the wilder hairs; so styling comes easy unlike most beard oils. My regimen goes like this: Wash beard every other day, condition, towel dry, massage oil into damp beard, use balm to moisturize and style then with a boar brush, comb and stimulate the hair follicles. It’s been working wonders for me.
The Pomade is perhaps a stronger substance than many that I’ve used in the past due to the beeswax included in it, but for those of whom (like my younger self) still wear faux hawks and mohawks, this is perfect. But unlike most waxy hair products, it helps to keep your hair softer at the end of the day, rather than greasy and thick with product. Otherwise, I found that it works nicely for adding a little hold to the styling of my hair, without sopping it down and making it greasy and/or shiny.
The Pre Shave Oil was a new experience for me. Since I am indeed cultivating a beard for my upcoming wedding, I am shaving little, but I am still shaving my neck and cheeks. The oil worked great at reducing razor burn, which seems to always plague me around my neck line, while also creating a slick surface to shave against.
One of the most impressive aspects of Simply Bee Organics’ gift set is their razor and lather brush set, which comes on a little silver stand. Both pieces have wood handles that have been finished in beeswax and mineral oil, and simply look so luxurious and sharp. Both pieces are made really well, and work really great. The lathering brush is super soft, made of badger hair (sustainably sourced from commercially raised badgers in China), which works impressively well. The shaver fits Mach3 blades and is a nice reusable razor that looks dynamite and classy. Pairing with the brush is their Shave Soap which has been formulated to give a rich lather that moisturizes, conditions and protects the skin during straight razor cuts as well as use with conventional blades. One of my least favorite parts of shaving is the after effects of razor burn, but who does? Simply Bee Organics answered the need with their After Shave Balm, fragranced with the most intoxicating Sandalwood essential oil. I found the balm to be soothing on my sensitive skin, helping to ease irritation and redness while taking away the discomfort.
The Mustache Wax worked like a charm, helping me to train the hairs to either side, rather than having to cut them away from covering my upper lip. The lip balm is heavenly, as is just about everything Simply Bee Organics sent me. They are mostly organic, free of additives, toxins, and other harmful chemicals, and they work as great as they smell.
If you would like to learn more about Simply Bee Organics, click here.
One of the most impressive aspects of Simply Bee Organics’ gift set is their razor and lather brush set, which comes on a little silver stand. Both pieces have wood handles that have been finished in beeswax and mineral oil, and simply look so luxurious and sharp. Both pieces are made really well, and work really great. The lathering brush is super soft, made of badger hair (sustainably sourced from commercially raised badgers in China), which works impressively well. The shaver fits Mach3 blades and is a nice reusable razor that looks dynamite and classy. Pairing with the brush is their Shave Soap which has been formulated to give a rich lather that moisturizes, conditions and protects the skin during straight razor cuts as well as use with conventional blades. One of my least favorite parts of shaving is the after effects of razor burn, but who does? Simply Bee Organics answered the need with their After Shave Balm, fragranced with the most intoxicating Sandalwood essential oil. I found the balm to be soothing on my sensitive skin, helping to ease irritation and redness while taking away the discomfort.
The Mustache Wax worked like a charm, helping me to train the hairs to either side, rather than having to cut them away from covering my upper lip. The lip balm is heavenly, as is just about everything Simply Bee Organics sent me. They are mostly organic, free of additives, toxins, and other harmful chemicals, and they work as great as they smell.
If you would like to learn more about Simply Bee Organics, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
(Bee photo by puzzler4879 via Flickr)
(Bee photo by puzzler4879 via Flickr)
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