Now, I hadn’t used Burt’s Bees lip balm for years and years (goes to show you how much of a fan I am of SoftLips!) and I was a little apprehensive about buying it again but one always needs to moisturize their lips!  I couldn’t decide between all the different varieties so I ended up getting a mixed trio that came with a super cute bee shaped eraser.

(Image: Burt's Bees)

The set included:

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm – The original lip balm. I really liked this one, especially the slight peppermint scent and tingle it left. I found myself re-applying often because I liked the cooling effect it had on my lips.

Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm – I was looking forward to this one because well, it’s honey and who doesn’t love honey? I hate to say it but I did not care for flavor this at all. The scent was over-whelming and ended up giving me a headache.

Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm – This is hand’s down my favourite out of the three. The Pomegranate scent is sweet but not in your face and it leaves a slight (not noticeable unless you have super pale lips) tint to your lips. I will re-purchase this one again when I’m out of it.

Overall, these lip balms are worth the money. They’re highly moisturizing, go on smooth, are long-lasting and you get a lot for your money. As with all of the products, these are all natural as well. Burt’s Bees lip balm is a staple for many beauty and skin care fans and now I know why. You might even say they’ve reached the cult-like status of oh, I don’t know, Carmex.

If you were to buy these individually, they’d be $3 each. The Mixed Lip Stash however is $5 (it’s on sale!) and thus is a better deal.  The set found on the Burt’s Bees website doesn’t include the cute bee eraser, but it does come with a Burt’s Bees lip balm in the classic tin.

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Review : Burt’s Bees Lip Stash ‘Mixed’

(Images: Burt's Bees)

Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8 ($4)
Finally an all-natural lip balm that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection!  Use this first before applying your lipstick or lipgloss to keep your lips hydrated.  It uses titanium dioxide which is a naturally-occurring mineral that forms a barrier deflect the sun’s harmful rays.  Your lips will look great and feel great with the added help of the  passion fruit extract.

Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 ($15)
Sunscreen can’t get any better than this!  This is a 100% natural, non-whitening formula that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.  Not many sunscreens on the market can claim that! It also helps keep your skin hydrated without all the chemical found in other sunscreens.  No need to apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure either, this works immediately upon application! Love that, especially when you’re in a hurry!

Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother ($10-$13)
After a long day of fun in the sun, your skin will need some TLC. This after sun soother works to hydrate the skin on your face and body. It’s loaded with natural aloe vera, soothing linden extract, coconut oil, bee pollen and glycerin. They all work together to nourish your skin and replenish natural moisture.

Next time I’m at the drugstore, I’m picking up this set for myself. You can purchase these through the Burt’s Bees official site as well.

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Sun Safe with Burt’s Bees

As you probably know Burt’s Bees uses natural ingredients to hydrate and nourish your skin. Inside this hand repair kit, you will find:

Image: Drugstore.com

• Beeswax & Banana Hand Creme (2 oz/57 g)
• Shea Butter Hand Repair Creme (.56 oz/16g)
• Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme (.60 oz/17g)
• 1 Pair Cotton Gloves
• Healthy Hands Instruction Booklet

These ultra emollient cremes will go to work fast to reduce the signs of aging, soothe dry skin and protect your hands. You can get the Burt’s Bees Healthy Hands set at drugstores and online retailers such as drugstore.com for just $12.99.

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Burt’s Bees Healthy Hands

Image: drugstore.com

Also look for ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin. For example, aloe vera penetrates the skin with its healing properties to to soothe and really moisturize dry skin. Products containing shea butter can reduce inflammation, as well as improve the appearance of age spots and scars while hydrating your skin.

Whether you are looking for bath soaps, body scrubs, lotions or other products, essential oils are always a big plus. Sunflower oil, jojoba oil and others protect and moisturize your skin with natural emollients.

One of my favorite natural products is Burt’s Bees Vitamin E Body and Bath Oil It contains Sweet Almond Oil, Lemon Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamin E and Rosemary Extract. You can get it at drugstore.com for just $7.99 for 4 oz.

This oil is not too greasy and can be applied directly to your body or added to the bath. A big plus is the scent is wonderful!

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Burt’s Bees Vitamin E Body and Bath Oil

Burts Bees Blemish Stick

The Burt’s Bees Blemish Stick ($9) is formulated with 10 natural herbal ingredients that include the following willow bark, tea tree and juniper oils and calendula. The willow bark is a natural form of salicylic acid which is found in most acne treatments on the market today. The tea tree and juniper oils work together as an antiseptic and astringent. Lastly, the calendula aids to reduce inflammation and redness. The Blemish Stick is super easy to use. Just apply it directly to the blemishes twice (or more) daily. You can find Burt’s Bees products at drugstores and online on the official Burt’s Bees website.

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Burts Bees Blemish Stick

When my kids were little, I used to splurge on Burt’s Bees Baby products from the Health Food Store.  Now you can find them all over in stores like Long’s Drugs or Target.  My favorite products were the Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil and a little Apricot solid scent that I don’t think that they carry anymore.

I got a big box of products to review for work and inside the box I found my old favorite, the Baby Bee Apricot oil.  Score!  I love to put it on my legs after shaving. It leaves them smooth and the subtle apricot scent enhances, instead of over-powering my new favorite perfume.

Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil
3oz for $8

Baby Bee is infused with the rich oil of apricot kernels, grape seeds, olives, and avocado. The “kernel” of the apricot is located within the pit of the apricot fruit.  It’s edibile and full of Vitamin A and E.  In addition Baby Bee Apricot Oil contains Lanolin which is good for baby’s skin. Even better, it’s free of Phthalate and Parabens.

I used to use this oil to give my little Sarah massages as a baby. I’m a Certified Massage Therapist and I’ve learned that there’s nothing like a good massage to prepare baby for bed time. If you’d like to give it a try, click here for some easy instructions.

Hayden Image Credit: Michelle Smith

Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil Image credit: Burts Bees.com

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The Fresh Scent of Apricot

Hello, my name is Michelle. If you are a regular reader of The Scented Life, then you know that this is my first post.  I’m very pleased that I’ve been given this opportunity, I think that this job is going to be a lot of fun.  I will admit that I don’t have Amy’s expertise, but I will do my best to offer you informative posts about what is new and exciting in the fragrance world.  In addition to this blog, I also write for Dating Dames, over at b5Media’s Lifestyles Channel. 

I’ve always loved scented body products. When I was a little girl, I had a grandma who sold Avon and she would buy these Small World themed bubble baths for my sister and me.  The bottle had a head that featured the face of a doll from a different place in the world.  We loved the bubbles, but I can remember Mom getting very upset and tossing them out when they aggravated my sister’s urinary tract issues.  (Note, little girls shouldn’t take too many baths and if they do, they should not soak very long). 

The first scent that I purchased for myself was Love’s Baby Soft and honestly, I enjoy the smell of it today.  I bought it for my daughter, but she doesn’t use it.  She prefers a fruity body spray – smells a bit like candy to me. When I was about 13, I received this trio of Love’s scents – there was a Lemon, a scent that I think was called Rain, and the original Baby Soft.  I was thrilled. I think it was the Lemon that began my love for lemon scented anything.  It’s so fresh. 

Burt’s Bees carries some great lemon-scented products - face wash, cuticle cream, and body oil. Yum.  I love that stuff. I appreciate that their lemon smells like an actual fruit and not odd or off as so many fruit scented items do. For example, I have yet to come across anything with a realistic peach scent.  Do you know of anything, because if you do, then I’d be happy to try it out. Additionally, if you have anything you’d like me to cover or any suggestions at all, I’d really like to hear/read them.  I’m a big fan of comments and I’d love to see this blog develop a vocal community feel to it. 

That’s it for my intro. I look forward to exploring the world of scent with you.

Image credit – Michelle Smith

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Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself………..

Were you a Burt’s Bees fan that feels betrayed?  Will you continue to support the products?  Do you think the recipes or quality of product will change?

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The Greening of Clorox?