How would you define high-quality makeup? If your definition of quality makeup is natural ingredients that benefit your skin as well as the environment, then it’s obvious why a Burt’s Bees makeup review would be of interest to you.
Today we’re not only conscious about the products we put on our skin, but we’ve also become more aware of how they make those products. Most of us do not want to put on our best face at the cost of animals suffering.
Nor do we want to put potentially toxic chemicals on our faces. The list of artificial and potentially harmful ingredients in makeup and cosmetic products gets longer each day.
Plus we’re also becoming aware that the best makeup and cosmetic products don’t always have to cost an entire paycheck. Today there are many affordable and effective makeup and cosmetic products available.
And speaking of dollars, did you know that in the United States, we spend $8 billion a year on cosmetics? Good grief! That’s a lot of Crème de la Mer.
That last bit of information must have Burt rolling over in his grave.
The Bee and the Hitchhiker
To start this Burt’s Bees makeup review, let’s first get to know a little bit about the company. The face and namesake of Burt’s Bees, Burt Shavitz (born Ingram Berg Shavitz), was a man who wanted to live simply, harmoniously, and responsibly with the natural world. Which is why he left the big city and photojournalism to become a beekeeper in Maine.
But in 1984, through a simple act of kindness, Burt’s beekeeping world was about to change and head in a new direction.
Roxanne Quimby was thumbing a ride home when Burt, in his bright yellow Datsun pickup truck (his favorite color), offered her a ride. She immediately recognized Burt, known locally as much for his beard as his honey stand.
The two of them hit it off, and before long, Roxanne was making candles with Burt’s unused wax from his beehives. The story goes that they made $200 at their first craft fair; and within a year, they’d made $20,000. And with that, a company was born.
In 1991, the company was incorporated. And then in 1994, Quimby relocated the business to Durham, North Carolina, to focus on health and beauty care. In the late 1990s, Burt left the company, although he agreed he would continue doing personal appearances. And the company could continue using his face on their products.
Upon Burt’s passing in 2015, the company said: “We remember him as a wild-bearded and free-spirited Maine man, a beekeeper, a wisecracker, a lover of golden retrievers, a reverent observer of nature, and the kind of face that smiles back at us from our Hand Salve.”
Plus, salt
In 2007, Clorox purchased Burt’s Bees with a commitment to maintaining Burt’s true-to-nature philosophy.
You might be surprised to know that Clorox started in 1913 as the Electro-Alkaline Company. They converted salty ocean water into sodium hypochlorite by using an electrolytic process, technologically advanced for its time.
In 2007, after the Clorox purchase, Burt’s Bees formalized The Greater Good™ — “part philosophy, part business model — which keeps us connected to our founders’ values even today. The greater good for you, for us, and for all.”
By sending zero waste to landfills, Burt’s Bees was named No. 1 in an Image Power® Green Brands Survey in 2011. Burt’s Bees turn their waste byproducts into biomass-based fuels, electricity, and even cement.
Under the Clorox umbrella, Burt’s Bees says that on average, their products are 99 percent natural, and over half are 100 percent natural.
To explain that 1 percent, they say preservation of natural formulas is challenging and natural preservatives aren’t effective in some formulas, especially when water is an ingredient.
In keeping with Burt’s true-to-nature philosophy, Burt’s Bees is making a proactive choice to adopt the first and only international consensus-based guidelines for natural and organic cosmetic products.
Is This a High-Quality Brand?
When I think of Burt’s Bees, I usually think of those little beeswax lip balms that seem to have been around forever. But Burt’s Bees has grown well beyond lip care, and its makeup range has become an interesting option for anyone who wants beauty products with a more natural-leaning approach.
So, is Burt’s Bees makeup actually high quality, or is the brand simply relying on its familiar name and natural image?
I decided to take a closer look.
The short answer is yes, Burt’s Bees makes good-quality makeup, particularly if you like lightweight, comfortable products and prefer formulas that focus on naturally derived ingredients.
However, I wouldn’t say every product is going to suit everyone. If you’re looking for extremely high coverage, dramatic colour payoff or a huge shade selection, there are other brands that may do a better job.
For everyday, fresh-looking makeup, though, Burt’s Bees is definitely worth considering.
What Is Burt’s Bees?
Burt’s Bees is an American personal-care brand best known for its use of ingredients such as beeswax, botanical oils and plant-based ingredients.
The company began with products inspired by nature and has developed a wide range of personal-care and beauty products over the years.
Its makeup line includes complexion products, blush, bronzer, eye makeup, mascara, lipstick and other colour cosmetics.
One thing I particularly like about the brand is that Burt’s Bees doesn’t position makeup as something that needs to completely transform your face.
The overall philosophy feels much more like enhancing what you’ve already got.
And honestly, that’s something I appreciate more and more as I get older.
Is Burt’s Bees Makeup Good Quality?
In my opinion, yes.
But I think it’s important to define what we mean by “high quality.”
If high quality means highly pigmented, full-coverage, long-wearing and designed for a glamorous evening look, Burt’s Bees isn’t necessarily the first brand I’d choose.
If it means comfortable formulas, attractive everyday colours, good-quality ingredients and makeup that feels pleasant on the skin, Burt’s Bees becomes much more appealing.
The brand’s makeup tends to suit a natural or understated beauty look.
Think:
Fresh-looking skin
Soft blush
Natural-looking lips
Defined lashes
Subtle eyeshadow
A healthy-looking glow
It’s makeup I can imagine reaching for when I want to look polished without looking as though I’ve spent an hour painstakingly applying layer after layer.
Burt’s Bees Foundation and Complexion Products
One of the most important tests for any makeup brand is its complexion range.
Burt’s Bees has offered complexion products designed to provide a natural-looking finish rather than an obviously heavy layer of foundation.
This is where I think the brand has a particular appeal.
I don’t always want foundation that completely covers every little thing. Sometimes I just want my skin to look a little more even, rested and polished.
Burt’s Bees complexion products are generally better suited to that kind of look.
What I Like
The lightweight approach can be particularly appealing if you dislike the feeling of heavy foundation.
I also like the idea of letting some natural skin texture remain visible. In my experience, very heavy foundation can sometimes make mature skin look more noticeable rather than less.
A lighter base can look much fresher.
What I Don’t Like
The downside is that if you have significant blemishes, pigmentation or redness that you want to completely conceal, you may need additional concealer.
Shade availability is another consideration.
This is an area where larger mainstream makeup brands often have the advantage, particularly if you’re looking for a very specific undertone or a broad range of deeper shades.
So, before buying a Burt’s Bees complexion product, I’d definitely check the current shade range carefully.
Burt’s Bees Blush
Blush is one area where I think natural makeup really comes into its own.
A little blush can make an enormous difference to the face. It can bring back colour after applying foundation and instantly make you look more awake.
Burt’s Bees blush products tend to fit nicely with the brand’s overall natural aesthetic.
Rather than an intense, highly pigmented colour that takes a lot of blending, I generally prefer a blush that can be built up gradually.
That’s especially useful when I’m getting ready in a hurry.
I can apply a small amount, blend it, check the result and add more if necessary.
And let’s be honest, that’s much easier than trying to rescue an overly enthusiastic application of bright blush!
Burt’s Bees Eye Makeup
The eye makeup collection is another area worth exploring.
Burt’s Bees offers products such as eyeshadows, eyeliner and mascara, depending on the current range.
The overall approach is again fairly natural.
I wouldn’t necessarily choose Burt’s Bees if I wanted a spectacular, intensely pigmented smoky eye. But for everyday makeup, the softer approach can be lovely.
Neutral eyeshadows are particularly versatile because they can take you from a casual daytime look to something slightly more polished in the evening.
What About Mascara?
Mascara is one of those products where everyone has different priorities.
Personally, I want a mascara that separates my lashes, gives them definition and doesn’t leave me looking as though I’ve accidentally glued several lashes together.
If you want a natural lash appearance, Burt’s Bees is an interesting option.
However, if your number-one priority is enormous volume or dramatic false-lash effects, I’d probably look at specialist mascara brands as well.
Natural-looking mascara and dramatic mascara aren’t necessarily the same thing.
Burt’s Bees Lipstick
Now we come to the category that feels particularly appropriate for Burt’s Bees: lip colour.
The company has a long history with lip products, so it makes sense that its makeup range includes lipsticks and other lip colours.
I like lip products that feel comfortable enough to wear for hours without constantly thinking about them.
Burt’s Bees has a reputation for creating lip products with a nourishing, comfortable feel, which is one of the reasons the brand appeals to people who don’t enjoy very dry, matte lipstick.
The colours tend to work nicely for everyday makeup.
You can find shades that add a little colour without necessarily looking overly dramatic.
And for me, that’s often exactly what I want.
Is Burt’s Bees Makeup Suitable for Mature Skin?
This is probably one of the biggest questions I’d ask when considering the brand.
As skin matures, my makeup preferences have changed.
I don’t necessarily want thicker coverage. In fact, I’ve often found that heavy, dry-looking makeup can emphasise fine lines and texture.
Instead, I’m more interested in:
Lightweight formulas
Comfortable makeup
A natural finish
Buildable coverage
Moisturising or nourishing ingredients
Soft, flattering colours
That makes Burt’s Bees an interesting brand for mature makeup users.
The more natural aesthetic can work beautifully when the goal is to look fresh rather than heavily made up.
That said, everyone’s skin is different. If your skin is particularly dry, oily, sensitive or prone to reacting to botanical ingredients, it’s still important to check the individual product’s ingredient list.
Are Burt’s Bees Products Really Natural?
This is where I think it’s important not to get carried away by the word “natural.”
Natural doesn’t automatically mean better, safer or suitable for everyone.
Burt’s Bees has long emphasised naturally derived ingredients and ingredients inspired by nature, but individual formulas can contain a mixture of naturally derived and other cosmetic ingredients.
So I wouldn’t choose a product purely because the packaging gives me a natural impression.
Instead, I’d look at the actual ingredients.
This is especially important if you know that your skin doesn’t tolerate certain fragrances, essential oils or botanical ingredients.
Is Burt’s Bees Makeup Cruelty-Free?
Burt’s Bees has a long-standing cruelty-free position, which will be an important consideration for shoppers who want to avoid cosmetics tested on animals.
However, cruelty-free, vegan and natural aren’t interchangeable terms.
This is particularly relevant with Burt’s Bees because beeswax and other bee-derived ingredients are associated with some of the brand’s products.
If you’re vegan, don’t assume every Burt’s Bees makeup product is vegan.
Instead, check the individual product and the manufacturer’s current information before purchasing.
Burt’s Bees Makeup Pros and Cons
After looking at the brand as a whole, here’s how I’d sum it up.
Pros
Natural-looking makeup
Comfortable everyday formulas
Good choice for a fresh, understated look
Interesting plant-derived ingredients
Particularly appealing for people who dislike heavy makeup
Good selection of everyday lip colours
Suitable products for a more minimalist makeup routine
Cruelty-free positioning
Established beauty brand with a long history
Cons
Not necessarily the best choice for full-coverage makeup
Some products may not provide the dramatic pigmentation some makeup lovers want
Shade availability can be more limited than major mainstream brands
Natural or botanical ingredients aren’t automatically suitable for every skin type
Not every product is vegan
Availability of individual products and shades can change
Is Burt’s Bees Makeup Worth the Money?
For me, the answer depends on what I’m expecting from my makeup.
If I want a lightweight foundation, natural blush, comfortable lip colour and a mascara that gives me a more understated everyday appearance, I’d definitely consider Burt’s Bees.
If I’m looking for a very high-performance foundation with extensive shade matching, extreme coverage or highly dramatic eye makeup, I’d probably shop around.
That’s not necessarily a criticism.
A brand doesn’t have to be everything to everybody.
I actually think Burt’s Bees has carved out a nice niche for people who want makeup that sits somewhere between conventional cosmetics and a more natural beauty routine.
Who Should Try Burt’s Bees Makeup?
I’d particularly recommend investigating Burt’s Bees if you:
Prefer natural-looking makeup
Don’t like a heavy foundation feel
Enjoy botanical or naturally derived ingredients
Want a simple everyday makeup routine
Prefer subtle rather than dramatic makeup
Like comfortable lip products
Are interested in cruelty-free beauty
Want makeup that complements rather than completely disguises your skin
I’d be less likely to recommend it as your first choice if you’re a full-glam makeup enthusiast who needs extremely high coverage, intense pigment or a very extensive shade range.
My Final Verdict
So, is Burt’s Bees a high-quality makeup brand?
I’d say yes, with a few qualifications.
I think Burt’s Bees does a particularly good job when it comes to natural-looking, comfortable everyday makeup. Its products appeal to me because they don’t seem to be about covering up every tiny imperfection or creating an incredibly complicated makeup routine.
Instead, the brand fits nicely into the kind of beauty routine where I want to look polished, healthy and fresh.
I particularly like this approach for daytime makeup and for mature skin, where too much product can sometimes work against us.
However, I wouldn’t buy Burt’s Bees simply because something is labelled natural. I’d still check the individual ingredients, shade range and product reviews before purchasing, particularly if I have sensitive skin or specific ingredient preferences.
Ultimately, I see Burt’s Bees as a good-quality natural-leaning makeup brand rather than a high-performance professional makeup line.
And that’s perfectly okay.
For a soft, pretty, everyday makeup look, Burt’s Bees is definitely a brand I’d be happy to explore.
My overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
It loses a point mainly because the range may not satisfy everyone looking for extensive shades, heavy coverage or dramatic colour payoff. But for comfortable, natural-looking everyday makeup, Burt’s Bees is a very appealing choice.
How We Reviewed for This Burt’s Bees Makeup Review
This Burt’s Bees makeup review is an independent analysis of three comparable natural makeup products. In this Burt’s Bees makeup review process, we looked at ingredients as well as consumer comments and reviews.
We have no business or financial ties to any of the manufacturers mentioned on our list.
The goal of this Burt’s Bees makeup review is to provide you sufficient factual, unbiased information so that you can make a confident, informed, and easier decision on your next makeup purchase.
Beautifies the Face
Most of us know Burt’s Bees through their natural lip balms, but they have evolved into much more. Along with their well-known lip balms, Burt’s Bees now makes all-natural cosmetic products including cleansers, lotions, and skin treatments. As well as a full line of all-natural makeup.
Merriam-Webster defines makeup as “cosmetics (such as lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow) used to color and beautify the face.” So based on that definition, in this Burt’s Bees makeup review, we’ll take a look at Burt’s Bees lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow.
1. Burt’s Bees All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick
All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick is100 percent natural and gives your cheeks and lips a matching healthy-looking, natural glow. And it is available in six shades.
The ingredients in All Aglow include jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and a hydrating core made of coconut oil.
And it’s dermatologist-tested, formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
The majority of Amazon reviewers liked this product. Mostly the reviewers liked that it was all-natural, that All Aglow struck the right balance for lips and cheeks, and for its sheerness. Also, it is moisturizing without being greasy, and they like the glow and dual-use of this product.
For those unhappy with the product, they didn’t like the lack of pigment, the smell, or the greasiness. Also, some reviewers didn’t like that it didn’t last long on either the cheeks or lips and that the size was too big.
Amazon customers rated All Aglow 4.6 out of 5.0 stars. An impressive 63 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
2. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara is 100 percent natural with a brush and formula that work together to give long-lasting definition while nourishing lashes. And this mascara is available in brown and black.
The key ingredients are water, jojoba oil, beeswax, and glycerine. Nourishing Mascara is gentle enough for the delicate eye area and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Most of the reviewers loved the softness and coverage of this mascara, with many of them stating that it was a perfect mascara for daytime use. Those with sensitive eyes and allergies liked this mascara as it did not make their eyes itch or burn. And that it was easy to remove.
There were a significant number of reviewers that did not like this mascara because of flaking, clumping, and stinging eyes. Several people complained about the brush being prickly.
Amazon customers rated this mascara a 3.7 out of 5.0 stars. A fair 44 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
3. Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Trio
Their Eye Shadow Trio is 100 percent natural. Its long-lasting mineral formula blends easily and resists creasing, fading and smudging for all-day wear. It comes in four different color palettes and is safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers.
The key ingredients are bamboo, honey, and vitamin E. Burt’s Bees claims their eye shadow formulations nourish the skin with just the right amount of pigment.
The majority of reviewers liked this product because it was natural, did not crease, and does not include talc. Many love the sheerness of these shadows, and those with allergies loved that it did not make their skin itchy.
Most of the reviewers who gave this product a low rating complained about the lack of pigment. Many did not like the shimmer of the shadow, and several commented that the eye shadow arrived all broken. Plus several reviewers said that the colors did not match the pictures.
Amazon customers rated Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Trio 4.1 out of 5.0 stars. A creditable 54 percent of reviewers rated this product 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Spritz the Setting Spray
In this Burt’s Bees makeup review, we provided information about Burt’s Bees makeup products. They are all-natural, and they continue to make Burt’s Bees products with Burt’s true-to-nature philosophy.
But only you can decide if these products meet your definition of high quality. Fortunately, it won’t cost you a paycheck to choose a Burt’s Bees makeup item and give it a try.
While we only reviewed three of their makeup items in this Burt’s Bees makeup review, the company has a full line of all-natural makeup and cosmetic products.
Burt’s Bees says their full line of products will “make you feel your beautiful best because of how they’re made, not in spite of.”
Did this Burt’s Bees makeup review inspire you to try something new? Let us know in the comments below if you use Burt’s Bees makeup and what you like, or don’t like.
