Happy Monday: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm (review)

Hello everyone! I hope you had (or are still having) a wonderful holiday. I had a great Easter weekend, and today begins the second year of a very wonderful relationship. And since we’re closed for Passover at work, I’m still in weekend mode. But that doesn’t mean I can’t momentarily pull it together to talk about something pretty. Today it’s from Burt's Bees.

Tinted Lip Balm

Blurb: Care for your lips with beautiful, sheer color. Our new tinted balms give you a hint of color with a soft, sweet flavor and natural ingredients that moisturize and condition your lips. Available in six flirty shades – Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Tiger Lily, Pink Blossom, Red Dahlia and Rose.

It takes a lot to get me excited about lip balm, but these are fabulous. They’re all natural, and they feel wonderful. They’re smooth, very soothing, and stay on for a long time without feeling waxy or sticky. And when they do wear off, my lips are definitely softer.

I tried “Rose” and “Hibiscus.” Each had a light (yummy) fruity scent, and a tiny bit of sweet flavor. Nothing overpowering – it was very nice. Of course the best thing about these balms is the lovely pigment. Each has a sheer, shiny wash of color that gives my lips a pretty tint while keeping them soft. I also tried layering one of the shades (“Hibiscus”) over a lip stain I have, and got a really nice effect. These are perfect to keep in your desk or purse.

Check out all the shades (6) on the website. There’s even a Tinted Lip Balm video. And if you’re in the mood, you can learn about actual bees by visiting the be good to bees page. Burt’s Bees products are also available in grocery stores, drug stores, natural food stores, ULTA, and drugstore.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Burtify Me! Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme (review and sweepstakes)

Sandal weather – Yay! Sandal feet - um…need attention.

Yup. It’s true. I’m going out of town for a bit and am planning to wear my very favorite shoes: the cutest red and white polka dot wedge sandals ever. So I need me some cute feet. Some cute soft feet. And after wearing sandals all week, that means a nice pedicure and some serious softening. And yet, this is not a problem. Thanks to Burt’s Bees.

Coconut Foot Creme

Blurb: Go nuts for incredibly soft feet. This pampering natural foot cream combines coconut oil, lanolin and vegetable glycerin to revive and rejuvenate even the driest, most neglected feet. There's also a hint of natural rosemary and peppermint oils to refresh tired feet. Apply liberally and allow the cream to fully absorb.

This is another one of those products where I don’t have to say much. But when I come across something this fabulous, I just need to go on a bit.

This is one of the best products around for anyone whose feet need a whole lot of TLC - it totally delivers! The combination of oils (coconut, olive, lanolin) soothe, soften, heal and lock in moisture. For a serious foot pampering; soak, exfoliate and then pat dry. Massage the creme into each foot, then cover with cotton socks overnight to seal in the hydration. You will wake up with gorgeously soft tootsies. The fragrance (coconut with a touch of peppermint) is soothing and luxurious too.

Now is a great time to visit their website. Besides their reputation for creating amazing products, Burt’s Bees is also known for their commitment to “The Greater Good.” Burt was at the first Earth Day 40 years ago and is encouraging you to find your “Inner Burt” (meaning your earth friendly side). Click on the Find Your Inner Burt link where you can “Burtify” yourself and enter an awesome sweeptstakes!

Here’s me all “Burtified” (nice, huh?)

Happy Burtification (and Happy Thursday too)!
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Cool! Burt's Bees Invites You To Win a Trip to the Amazon!

This Spring, the folks at Burt's Bees are launching two new lip balms: NEW Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry and NEW Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter. To help celebrate the launch of the Açaí Berry balm; you get a chance to win a fabulous eco-getaway to the Amazon (home of the açaí berry). The sweepstakes runs from May 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Read, then enter here…

Win A Trip To The Amazon!
Celebrating Burt’s Bees® Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry

For over 25 years, Burt’s Bees has been dedicated to providing earth-friendly personal care products made with wholesome, natural ingredients. To celebrate the debut of Burt’s Bees® NEW Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry this May, Burt’s Bees is giving fans the chance to win a once in a lifetime eco-getaway to the Amazon—home of the exotic, antioxidant-rich superfruit.

One grand prize winner will win a one-week trip for two to one of three Brazilian Rainforest destinations. The all-expense-paid trip includes all transportation, lodging, flights, food and beverages, as well as eco-tours, activities, and excursions. Discover the lush, green haven that inspired Burt’s Bees’ Rejuvenating Lip Balm in one of these exotic Brazilian Rainforest destinations:

- Tropical Manaus – A luxury Brazilian eco-resort located at the gateway to the majestic Amazon rainforest

- Ariau Amazon Towers – The largest treetop hotel in the world with luxury accommodations in the middle of the Brazilian Amazon

- Jungle Othon Palace Boat – A hotel boat in the Amazon designed to offer comfort and entertainment as it sails down the Rio Negro

To enter to win the grand prize trip and other Burt’s Bees prizes, just visit www.burtsbees.com to sign up from May 1st, 2010 through the end of the year. When you tell a friend to enter, you can gain additional contest entries—the more friends you tell, the better your chance of winning.

Burt’s Bees products are free of petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients such as Phthalates, Parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and they are never tested on animals.

Burt’s Bees has been offering distinctive earth-friendly, natural personal care products for 25 years. From a beekeeper’s backyard in Maine to the leading edge of natural, Burt’s Bees knows natural body care solutions from head-to-toe. The brand creates products for total skin health that keep The Greater Good™ top of mind.

Burt’s Bees® Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry will be available starting June 2010 at select national grocery, drug, and mass retailers, and via www.burtsbees.com. The sweepstakes runs May 1, 2010 –December 31, 2010.
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May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

You know I don't need any kind of special month to yammer on about the importance of sun protection. But my obsession aside; you will be your prettiest and healthiest if you take care of and protect your largest organ (skin).

To tempt you into fine skin stewardship, here is some product info I received about fabulous products to protect and prettify (all under $30). There are also some skin cancer facts to promote health awareness. Start reading (and take notes)…

Sun Protection Facts

Skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects again heat, sunlight, injury and infection. It also helps control body temperature, stores water and fat and produces vitamin D. Cancer of the skin is the most common of all cancers.

Skin Cancer Facts:

· The American Cancer Society estimated that 62,720 men and women were diagnosed and 8,650 men and women died from melanoma in 2009

· Approximately 91.4% of people diagnosed with melanoma live at least five years – early detection is important!

Skin Protection Facts:

· The best way to lower the risk of skin cancer is to limit exposure to the sun

· For sun-exposed areas, sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher and sunglasses should be used

· Protection is equally important during childhood, since severe sunburns in childhood may be associated with an increased risk of melanoma later in life

Products That Aid in Prevention:

California Baby Everyday/Year Round SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick: Pop this convenient PABA free, non-chemical sunblock stick into your pocket, purse or diaper bag. The whole family will love this easy-to-use stick that gives those "hot spots" a boost of extra protection. California Baby non-chemical sunblock stick employs a highly micronized, non-whitening titanium dioxide that scatters and reflects dangerous UV rays, offering UVA-UVB broad-spectrum protection. Non-staining formula. It glides on smoothly for easy application. May be used in combination with SPF30+ sunscreen lotions. www.californiababy.com, Target and Wholefoods

Korres WATERMELON Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30: Ideal for photosensitive complexions, this lightweight, oil-free foundation cream imparts a radiant, tanned look and provides broad-spectrum sun protection. The formula delivers uniform color and medium coverage with a fresh and smooth texture, while allowing the skin to breathe. Watermelon extract, rich in naturally occurring vitamins, carbohydrates and amino acids, prevents photo-aging and decreases erythema. At the same time, the extracts of Vanilla and Curcuma longa provide essential antioxidant protection. AVAILABLE SHADES: Light Sand, Medium Honey, Dark Tan. www.sephora.com

Miss Oops Goblet Goop: Sunshine doesn't stop when it reaches your neck- neither should your sunscreen. A moisturizing and firming neck cream, Goblet Goop protects and firms the delicate skin of the neck with SPF 30, algae, yeast, rosemary and Echinacea extracts, helping skin retain moisture while enhancing firmness and promoting collagen. Protect your goblet and keep the dreaded turkey neck at bay with Goblet Goop. www.missoops.com

Surv-Vival Natural SPF 30+ SunBlock: has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection formulated with Zinc oxide (5%) and titanium dioxide (7%) and fortified with green tea extract, pro-vitamin B5, C and Vitamin E. 4 oz. This SPF sunscreen is sweat resistant, water resistant, won't sting your eyes and is chemical free and paraben free. This is the best sunscreen for your body and it is environmentally friendly! Made in USA. 4 oz. www.smartgirlswhosurf.com

Burt’s Bees Sun-Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8: This all-natural balm provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and helps keep lips hydrated without using chemical sunscreen actives like octinoxate and oxybenzone. Instead, titanium dioxide, a naturally-occurring mineral creates a micro-fine barrier to reflect the sun's harmful rays. Meanwhile, passionfruit extract soothes, nourishes and rejuvenates lips so they're soft and healthy even after the sun goes down. www.BurtsBees.com.

So Cozy Protective Conditioning Mist: A breakthrough in hair protection. So Cozy, introduces an innovative, multi-tasking essential to protect kids’ hair and scalp from harmful UVA and UVB rays: So Cozy Protective Conditioning Mist With Sunscreen. The revolutionary formula is designed to help parents shield their children’s delicate hair and scalp from the harsh effects of the sun all summer long.

Davines SU Sun Protective Moisturizing Crème: To care for the well-being of hair exposed to the sun, salt water and chlorine, Davines sourced ingredients with powerful protective, anti-aging and moisturizing properties. This lightweight, non-greasy cream-gel provides hair with ultimate hydration. Consisting of powerful anti-oxidants, the formula creates a protective film that shield hair from UV rays and environmental pollution. www.davines.com

Of course, the best form of sun protect is to stay out of the sun! To achieve that healthy glow without compromising your skin there is:

Jergens natural glow REVITALIZING Daily Moisturizer: Your favorite gradual, glow moisturizer was just upgraded this spring –it now contains 50% more antioxidants and last 2x’s longer! Moisturize into an invigorated glow. Jergens® natural glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer delivers fabulous natural-looking color gradually that lasts twice as long as the leading lotion sunless tanner and infuses your skin with a blend of effective moisturizers, antioxidants and Vitamin E to keep it looking healthy. Also, 30 Rock star, Jane Krakowski has teamed up with Jergens skincare to help raise money for The Skin Cancer Foundation and help women get “In the Glow” when it comes to tanning. Now through the end of summer, log onto www.youtube.com/jergens to view a video she created for the cause that you can forward onto friends—every time the video is viewed, Jergens will donate $1 to The Skin Cancer Foundation!
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Sandal Time! Yay!

Being a native Southern Californian means I wear sandals whenever I can. I usually put my first pair on in mid-March and wear them as late as November. So I'm all about anything that makes my feet look good in revealing footwear. I'm also crazy about the scent of coconut (especially in the summer). Check out some suggestions I got for your pretty, pedicured feet…

Sandal Ready Feet

This spring put your best foot forward and get ready for the fashionable sandals. With the amazing sandal options, from jeweled flip flops, gladiator sandals and open toe platforms, you want to make sure that your feet look amazing. With the suggestions below your feet can look great in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Curél® Targeted Therapy Deep Penetrating Foot Cream: A spring essential. Soften and smooth dry, cracked winter feet in time for spring. The deeply penetrating formula contains ultra-moisturizing ingredients to smooth and hydrate dry, rough feet and heels. “After months of thick socks and harsh weather, feet can become dry, callused and cracked,” explains Dr. Sapna Westley, Curel® Skincare Consulting Dermatologist. “Curél® Targeted TherapyTM Deep Penetrating Foot Cream not only moisturizes and heals winter feet but also protects exposed feet during the summer.”

Targeted Therapy Foot Cream is formulated with Shea Butter to deeply moisturize dry skin. Coconut Milk is known to soften and smooth the skin and is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. Urea helps to remove the thickened, callused skin that can develop on dry feet, while Vitamin E is known to reduce dryness and flaking and aids in healthy cell reproduction. Apply Curél® Targeted TherapyTM Foot Cream to skin at night to soften and heal dry feet. In just two nights, the cream significantly improves the look and feel of even the driest feet. Available at drugstores nationwide. http://www.curel.com/foot.asp

Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Crème: a pampering natural foot cream that combines coconut oil, lanolin and vegetable glycerin to revive and rejuvenate even the driest, most neglected feet. There's also a hint of natural rosemary and peppermint oils to refresh tired feet. Apply liberally and allow the Coconut Foot Creme to fully absorb. For a luxurious way to treat your feet, soak feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes and rub gently with a pumice stone. Massage Coconut Foot Creme into feet, paying close attention to heels and calloused skin. Then cover your feet with cotton socks overnight to soothe and seal in moisture. Available in natural grocery, drug, gift and specialty stores, select mass retailers such as Target and Walmart, and via http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/body-hands-feet-foot-care/coconut-foot-creme.html
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Wednesday Random Lip Balm Post

I have no idea why, but I just felt a random need to discuss some of my favorite lip balms of the moment. Guess I’m just kind of hip to the lip (balm) vibe today.

Simply Organic Lip Balm

Formulated with certified organic ingredients. Makes my lips super soft almost immediately. I love it because it softens without being greasy or waxy. Has a slight orange fragrance. (And right now it’s free with any online purchase at the Simply Organic website.)

Philosophy Kiss Me High Emolient Lip Balm
It’s very dense, so it really hangs on. Lightly pigmented, SPF 20, glossy finish and peppermint!

Yu-Be (pronounced "you-bee") Moisturizing Skin Cream
I use a small tube of the cream instead of their lip balm. It’s formulated with glycerin, camphor, Vitamin E and Vitamin B2. It disappears completely into the lips, so I can apply my lip color right on top of it.

C.O. Bigelow - My Favorite Lip Balm
Shea butter and sweet almond make my lips soft and shiny. It lasts and has a lovely vanilla fragrance. I usually keep one of these in the car at all times.

Update from attentive reader, JenniferJ: They're on sale at Bath & Body Works right now for $5. Thanks, Jennifer!

Lypsyl Lypmoisturizer (original formula)
Has shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil. It also a little minty. What I really love is the packaging. There’s a little slider (shaped like a tiny bee) that moves the balm up and down. Perfect for your bag.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
First of all, THE TIN IS SO CUTE! But even if the tin wasn’t teeny and adorable, you would still have an awesome all natural lip balm. Beeswax, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and peppermint. And the TIN…!

Happy Wednesday!
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More Earth Week Buzz: Burt's Bees

Get it? Bees? Buzz?


Oh, me…I am cracking myself up here. Is it Earth Week or Hilarity Week? (Okay. Sorry. It’s Earth Week. I’ll stop now.)

One of the more consistently stellar companies in the eco-friendly world is Burt's Bees. They are earth-friendly, wallet-friendly, and super skin-friendly.

Here is some of what they have to say about their company's values: At Burt’s Bees, our goal is to help create a world where people have the information and tools they need to make the highest ethical choices and do the best for themselves, their families and the environment. That’s no short order, but it is attainable. We’ve started with a strong and on-going commitment to a set of values and activities that support the well-being of people and our planet. We call it The Greater Good.

They even have a "Greater Good Business Model" on their website. And just to be a little more helpful and awesome; they have placed a "guide to reading your labels" in several magazines as well as on their website here. In addition to their products, their website is full of great stuff. Some more things you can learn about: The Natural Standard for Personal Care Products, Community Initiatives and their Event Calendar.

But what about their stuff? Well, folks, it's good stuff. Real good. Made with good things. Natural products, free of petrochemicals and potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. Thoughtful, eco-friendly packaging. And of course no paraben would dream of setting foot anywhere near a Burt's Bees package!

I recently got a chance to try out two items from their "Radiance" line. Good thing, because this week I am definitely in need of some radiance. I loved them both.

Here's a blurb about the line: These natural skin care and lip formulas contain nature's most nourishing substance, Royal Jelly, to boost your skins natural glow. Very nourishing, royal jelly is made of nectar, pollen, flower parts, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients. It is a very precious, mysterious substance that honeybees produce for the queen bee.

The first item I tried was the Radiance Exfoliating Body Bar.


Blurb: This natural soap is specially blended with royal jelly, one of nature’s most nutritious substances, to enhance skin’s radiance and overall tone. Jojoba beads and fruit acids gently exfoliate to smooth and even skin tone for a naturally healthy, radiant glow.

I expected to like this, but instead I loved it! It had a nice, rich lather, a very light, natural scent and a soothing feel. I was thrilled at how well it cleaned my face and how balanced my skin felt afterwards. I also used it as a body soap with my Salux towel and my skin was extra baby smooth. It isn't a "scrub" soap, so I also tried it as a shaving lather and it was fabulous!

Wonderful Item #2 was the Radiance Serum
Blurb: Get a more radiant complexion in just 4 weeks! This clinically tested serum combines royal jelly, licorice root extract and glycerin to bring out skin’s natural radiance. These ingredients increase moisturization by 15% in only 2 weeks, while nourishing skin with 134 nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and K, minerals and 17 amino acids. In 4 weeks, you’ll notice your skin becoming more even toned. The result is more radiant beautiful looking skin, naturally.

I know it says to wait 4 weeks; but I wanted to write about it during Earth Week. And even though it hasn't been 4 weeks yet, I am already liking the results. I have been using it at night after cleansing, and in the morning, my skin is soft, smooth, calm and balanced. I think I may even be getting less blotchy as the days go by. That's about as close to "radiant" as I could possibly hope for before 10:00am. I can't wait to see what 4 whole weeks will bring, but for now I am giving it a "glowing" review. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Burt's Bees also has a Radiance Kit, which has a sampling of some of the other products. I am so impressed with what I tried, I may check out some of their Naturally Ageless products later on.
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