As a self-confessed lipstick collector, nothing irritates me more than seeing how crusty my lips look under matte and semi-matte lipsticks. My fellow beauty lovers have recommended the Burt’s Bees Lip Balms and Overnight Lip Treatment as their holy grail products for combatting dry lips, and I was definitely interested to see how they will fare on me.
Read on to see if these products can retexturise my lips and keep them soft and smooth throughout the day.
*The products were sent as a press gift. The views and opinions of the reviewer are independent and purely editorial.
First impressions, claims, and packaging
From left to right: Burt’s Bees Moisturising Lip Balm in Vanilla Bean, Burt’s Bees Moisturising Lip Balm in Watermelon, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Zinnia, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Magnolia, and the Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment.
Burt's Bees has been part of my beauty vocabulary since my teenage years, but I was never religious in applying its lip balms. However, as a recent lip care convert, I was eager to rediscover its bestselling moisturising lip balms, tinted lip balms, and overnight lip treatment.
The Burt's Bees Moisturising Lip Balm contains sustainably sourced beeswax — a natural source of vitamin A (retinol) and an anti-inflammatory — and antioxidant vitamin E to moisturise and soften lips while giving off a matte finish. Meanwhile, the Tinted Lip Balms contain shea butter as well as botanical waxes and oils to keep your pout nourished for eight hours, and leaves a tint to naturally enhance your natural lip colour.
Given that I wanted to try and reduce the appearance of fine lines on my lips, I was most eager to try the Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment, a ceramide-rich lip care formula that promises to reduce fine lines and repair your lips' moisture barrier. Similar to a moisturiser for your lips, the waxy formula claims to leave your lips soft, smooth, and supple.
Some of the products do contain potential irritants such as peppermint oil, so it's best to do a patch test if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
The Burt's Bees lip balms and lip treatment come in bee-inspired plastic packaging that teases the beeswax-infused formulas within. The balms come in compact, twist-type bullets in yellow (moisturising) and brown (tinted) colours. Meanwhile, the Lip Treatment comes in a tiny pot that's big enough for two fingertips to gather the product.
Application and usage
(Left) Without lip balm. (Middle) Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Zinnia. (Right) Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Magnolia, which is slightly pinker. The sheer tint is not as visible when photographed as compared to in person.
I started by using the Moisturising Lip Balms immediately after my morning shower to help retain any moisture on my lips. The clear, waxy balm had distinct scents that fit the names Vanilla Bean (a strong sweet fragrance) and Watermelon (refreshing fruitiness). I felt that I needed to apply several coats for a day's use, yet the lip balms didn't feel heavy on the lips. I wouldn't call the finish matte, but it was less shiny compared to other lip balms I've tried in the past.
Meanwhile, the Tinted Lip Balms offer just enough colour to enhance your lips to boost your mood. The formula is richer compared to the classic Burt's Bees balms, but it also left a more slippery sensation upon application. I was able to try the shades Magnolia (a sheer light red) and Zinnia (a sheer coral), which were both flattering hues and came with a berry-like scent. However, I prefer Magnolia on my medium skin tone. As for wear, don’t expect longevity from this formula; the colour tends to fade as the hours go by. But it’s easy to reapply, so just set a reminder for your next application.
Since both lip balms contain beeswax, which is non-water soluble, I use an oil-based cleanser to remove the product at the end of the day and apply a less waxy lip product for the evening.
Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment has a balm-like texture.
At night, I applied the Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment. I first tried using my fingers to apply the product, which was sufficient enough to coat my lips. Its rich formula reminded me of a lightweight moisturiser in a balm-like texture. It also has a minty scent, since it contains peppermint oil, but it didn't leave a tingling sensation as expected. I appreciate that it didn't have any colour, so I had no worries about staining my pillowcases as I slept.
Final thoughts
Perfect for a starting lip care routine.
After two weeks of using the Burt's Bees Lip Balms and Overnight Lip Treatment, I've yet to see lasting results aside from softer lips. However, I'm planning to continue using the same routine to see if longer use will yield my desired smooth lips.
Of the three items, the Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment felt the most hydrating and its effect the most long-lasting. I've noticed my lips feel softer, especially in the morning, though I can still see the lip lines that become pronounced under regular lipstick formulas. I plan to combine the lip treatment and lip balm with a hydrating lip oil — perhaps one with hyaluronic acid — to speed up the lip-smoothing process.
The Burt's Bees Moisturising Lip Balms (USD3.59), Tinted Lip Balms (USD4.99), and Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment (USD8.99) are available in the Philippines through the Beauty Bar’s online store and physical boutiques. You can also shop it in Singapore and Malaysia through your local Sephora.
Speaking of hydrating skincare, read our review on the bestselling K-beauty staple: the innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum.
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