It all began when her husband was asked by a women's organisation in Tunbridge Wells to speak about the life and habits of the bee. To make the talk more interesting, they decided to show the various products that could be made from honey and beeswax.

Along with candles and mead, they also experimented with a hand cream foundation with honey. They put them into little containers and at the end of the lecture everyone was presented with a pot.

But it didn't end there. One by one, the ladies came back to ask for the best cream they had ever used!! It snowballed from there.

The creams have been credited with marvelous properties and their reputation has spread by word of mouth and Madeleine now has customers all over the world.

Honey and beeswax, say the authorities of the up and coming natural cosmetics "school", contain nourishment and minerals which heal, moisturise and soften the skin.

Hylda Conway's creams were well and truly launched by a prominent admirer, Barbara Cartland, when she met her at the National Honey Show in London and was so impressed that she wrote about them in her book "The Magic of Honey".

Hylda was then interviewed on BBC Radio and featured in many articles. Her innovative approach to natural skin care and commitment to quality was the beginning of has become New Zealand's most dynamic company.

Her daughter, now Mrs. Madeleine Ritchie, used to take over production during the winter months when her mother went south to Spain. When Madeleine emigrated to New Zealand with her New Zealand-born husband, she continued making her mother's famous creams.

Madeleine has continued to develop the recipes with the addition of natural plant extracts and honey varieties and in particular skin care creams and soap with Manuka Honey from the native Manuka Bush, which contains remarkable healing and cosmetic qualities. The addition of nutrient-rich Royal Jelly to a special face cream is a wonderful addition to her range of creams.

Honey and beeswax are natural moisturisers, rich in nutrients, which Madeleine has as the base for all her creams and believes that these wonderful gifts of nature keep the skin smooth and soft with a natural beauty. They are made with maximum honey for maximum results and are considered the finest Honey Creams available.

Madeleine is an authority on peak performance and skin health. She is often invited to address audiences throughout New Zealand and continues to attend the world's major health shows, promoting her inspired blend of beauty and science.

Madeleine Ritchie has devoted her life to providing proven products for enhancing skin health and beauty. She belongs to the esteemed Guild of Master Craftsmen of England and her innovation has been recognised by the New Zealand Beekeeping Association.

Creativity, panache, leadership and a commitment to quality … Madeleine Ritchie … providing skin care at its best, using nature's gift … the Magic of Honey!