I’ve slathered more skincare products on my face than I can count, and my sensitive, acne-prone skin has borne the brunt of every “miracle” product on the market. Some have made me glow, others have made me break out like a hormonal teenager.
So, when Guerlain dropped its new Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum, promising deep repair, hydration, and a face that basically Benjamin Buttons itself, I (obviously) had to see if it lived up to the hype.
This “oil serum” is powered by the black bee’s finest honey, harvested from the pristine landscapes of Ouessant Island, Ireland’s Connemara region, and Norway’s wild terrains. Guerlain claims that these honeys work together to hydrate, firm, and make you look like you sleep eight hours a night (the good ‘ole days).
Here are a few more details about each of these elixirs:
Oh, and let’s not forget Guerlain’s exclusive royal jelly, which is chock full of over 100 phytochemical compounds. That’s just a fancy term for plant-derived
Guerlain takes its skincare very seriously. So much so that they’re basically the bee whisperers of the beauty world.
Straight out of the box, the packaging says luxe in a way that makes you feel like you should be applying this while wearing silk pajamas. So I did, every time. The texture? Some kind of alchemy between an oil and a serum — rich but not greasy, lightweight but deeply nourishing. It both prevented my combination skin from getting oily in the T-zone and dry everywhere else. And the dryness has been an actual feat for me this winter, so I’m beyond impressed with this formula’s ability to achieve both at once.
The scent? A subtle honey-floral dream that makes you feel like you’re at an overpriced spa. Usually, scented skincare would at least scare me before it had a chance to scare my skin, but I already trusted in Guerlain’s skincare performance for my sensitivities, so I dove right in — and even let myself enjoy the natural scent.
I drop this elixir onto my face, and it sinks in like my skin has been waiting for it its whole life. No sticky residue, no weird film, just instant, plumped-up hydration. I used it at first in the evening after a double cleanse with an oil cleanser and the Abeille Royale Cleansing Care-In Mousse.
An hour in, I do a double take in the mirror. My skin looks good — like I’ve been drinking my water (I haven’t) and making responsible life choices (ditto). My usual dry spots feel softer, and my skin looks brighter like I actually got some sleep. I let it sit on its own for a few hours in total before applying the Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Rich Cream.
It’s one week in, and, okay, Guerlain, do less. This oil serum is legit. My skin is firmer and bouncier. My fine lines? Blurred in a way that makes me consider skipping foundation. My usual acne-prone rebellion? Miraculously chill, considering I’m using a whole new routine. Whatever Guerlain has done with their bee-powered magic, it’s working for me.
Get the whole routine
A luxurious, honey-enriched foaming cleanser that gently removes impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier for a soft, radiant finish.
A lightweight yet potent serum powered by rare black bee honey, designed to plump, hydrate, and visibly smooth the skin from the first drop.
A deeply nourishing, honey-infused cream that melts into the skin to repair, firm, and deliver long-lasting hydration.
Beyond making my face look great, Guerlain also makes a strong case for sustainability. They’ve been championing bee conservation for over a decade, funding research and beekeeping programs worldwide. The Women for Bees program, in partnership with UNESCO, trains female beekeepers globally. Supporting women, saving the planet, and my skin? A win-win-win.
The only non-win? Perhaps the steep price point of these products, but keep in mind, they are luxury for a reason. You’re paying for meticulously sourced ingredients, cutting-edge research, and a skincare experience that feels like self-care with a side of indulgence. If your budget allows for the occasional splurge, this is one of those products that actually feels worth it. And let’s be honest, if I had a dollar for every so-so serum I’ve bought over the years, I could’ve just bought this in the first place.
If you’re looking for a serum that hydrates, firms, and calms this winter, Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum specifically is worth the splurge. It’s effective, and most importantly, it didn’t break me out. If my sensitive, temperamental skin can handle this, yours probably can too.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.