How sweet. 🙂 Burt’s industrious bees made us a new scrub, and like his fabulous Cranberry & Pomegranate one, this one’s also 100% natural.
If there hadn’t been a warning on the side of Burt’s Bees Honey & Shea Sugar Scrub ($13 for an 8-oz. tub) stating that it’s “Not a food — do not consume,” I would have spread some on my toast.
Doesn’t it look delicious (a little like apple sauce)? And I think it smells yummy, too — fresh and light, like raw sugar and honey.
Following in the footsteps of its Cranberry & Pomegranate predecessor, which I first fell in love with a year ago this fall, Honey & Shea wasn’t tested on animals, and it doesn’t contain any parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. I’d been turning to Burt’s rich, moisturizing Pomo-Cran scrub whenever I needed to get my exfoliation on, but as much as my dry skin loves the hydrating heavy oils it contains, I know it’s not for everyone.
Would this Honey-sweetened recipe work just as well for me while perhaps appealing to a wider audience? I took it into the shower this week to try and find out.
After the wonderful scent, the first thing I noticed about it was the texture. It feels rougher (in a good way) than its Pomo-Cran cousin. The bees gave it gritty almond seed meal, which helps slough off the dragon scales from my dry elbows and heels.
INGREDIENTS: sucrose, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, mel (honey, miel), aloe barbadensis leaf juice, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) seed meal, parfum (fragrance), butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, aqua (water, eau), ascorbic acid, caramel, citric acid, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, glycerin, glycine soja (soybean) oil, lactic acid, sodium benzoate, tocopherol, zea mays (corn) starch, amyl cinnamal, linalool
Another thing I like about this scrub is how much lighter than the Pomo-Cran version it feels on my skin. After rinsing, it does leave behind a light layer of oil on my skin (and — CAUTION — a slippery layer at the bottom of the shower/tub), but it’s a much lighter layer than the one left by the Cranberry & Pomegranate one.
I do like both scrubs, though, and think the choice between them may come down to scent. Both are carried at most drugstores, and even some grocery stores, too. If you have normal to slightly dry skin and you’re looking for an exfoliating scrub made with all natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees Honey & Shea Sugar Scrub might be just the thing. 🙂
PRICE: $13 for an 8-oz. tub
AVAILABILITY: Available now at drugstores, many grocery stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Emergency: Flares!
What’s your stance on bootcut pants?
While I find the fact that I’ve already lived through a full fashion cycle of bootcut jeans coming in and going out of style a little … disconcerting, I’m glad to see them return.
Yeah, I still love my J. Brand skinnies, but I’ve never liked the way they look on me when I’m wearing running shoes. There’s just something about the juxtaposition of my clunky Saucony Grids against skin tight denim that doesn’t work for me. I feel like skinny jeans make my little feet look huge like a clown’s.
Flares, though, create that nice draping effect of the denim over the top of my tennies. I’m thinking about stopping by Old Navy later this week to try on a few pairs (since they’ve got jeans on sale right now for $19 a pair).
My muffin top and I hope to find something that stretches.
Hope you had a great day today. 🙂 Onward to Wednesday!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
This looks interesting! I’m currently using a sugar scrub from Fortune Cookie Soap, but I feel that there’s too much oil in it, and it’s about $12 for 5.5 ounces. So not only does this sound like it will work better, it’s more affordable! Thanks so much for this post!
Hi Gina,
You’re welcome! I hope you give it a go and like it. 🙂
I’mma gonna have to get this for me. Now that I am more active, I find that my skin needs more TLC. By your review, it sounds like a good investment.
Hi Marisol,
Totally — especially if you’re outside a lot. Do you have a good sunscreen for your outdoor workouts?
I got the Shiseido sun protection cream in spf55. I like that it doesn’t feel greasy.
That sunscreen is the BOMB.COM. It doesn’t leave a funky gray cast, stays on like a mo-fo, and doesn’t break you out! Good choice.
Oh good! i am glad that I picked well. To be honest, I just browsed Sephora and decided to try that one on a whim. I got the travel size and once I use it up I will probably order the full size bottle.
I’ve used Shiseido’s sunscreen on and off for the last few years and I really like it, especially for working out. The full size bottle is pricy, but lasts forever.
Yummm, that scrub really does look good enough to eat! The scent sounds delicious too, so I’ll definitely have to keep an eye out for this at the drugstore. I’ll look for its Cranberry & Pomegranate cousin, since my skin could probably use extra hydration right now.
I do like flares as long as they’re on the subtle side. Happy shopping, hope you can find something you like!
Hi Makeup Morsels,
You’ll love that scrub. It smells delish and is crazy hydrating!
word, my legs look like a mini desert, complete with the cracks, not deep but they are there
Hi Natalie,
You might really like the PomoCran version then. It’s VERY hydrating.
I really like the ingredients in this and the price isn’t bad considering it is all natural. In my mind, the more abrasive the exfoliant the better, and this sounds like it might for me. I think I’m a masochist when it comes to exfoliating, haha.
Hi Jessi,
LOL, I know what you mean. I go through phases when I feel like my skin needs some tough love. 🙂
The scent sounds delicious! Would love to try it, thanks for the review.
You’re welcome, Gio! Hope you’re having a lovely day.
I love Burt’s Bees products. Their Almond Milk hand cream is heavenly 🙂
Hi Jenn,
LOVE that one! It’s a staple!
Sounds great. Anything with shea butter is a win for me.
And I never *stopped* wearing bootcut jeans. I am of the opinion that classics never go out of style, and it’s a cut that just suits my figure better than any other (I have no patience for skinny jeans, although I own a couple because they fit inside winter boots. But other than that, they are only a step above leggings/jeggings in my sartorial nightmare.)
Hi Shannon,
If you like shea butter, you might want to check out the rest of the Honey & Shea collection. There’s also a body butter and a soap!
Certainly looks interesting! I love Burt’s Bees
Hi DalaLuz,
I love them too! What are your favorite products from the line?
I like Burt’s Bees Milk & Honey lotion; it has a nice honey scent. I can’t be down with the scrubs because of the slippery tub and having to clean the slippery tub! 🙂
As far as boot cut, I think the shape is flattering and I’m a fan of a slight flare. The Slim Flare and the Skinny Mini Flare look a liiiiiiittle too bell-bottom for my taste, though.
Hi Kim,
I like that lotion too, but I prefer the old school version in the bottle. They still have it on the website; I’ll be sad when they finally discontinue it! *tears*
That’s the one I have, too! I see they’re now changing over to tubes. I guess I don’t mind the tubes but I wonder if they can be recycled. I’ll have to check that out. It would be odd if a natural product company’s packaging couldn’t be recycled (despite being owned by Clorox).
Yup, they changed the packaging and the formula, and a lot of Burt’s fans don’t like the newer version. The consistency is different and some say it has a plastic-y, synthetic scent.
Oh, darn it. Thanks for letting me know!
The only problem with this is that I might eat it! Hahaha.
Speaking of eating, this morning I woke up to find the cats eating a Pop Tart. They actually hopped up onto the stove, opened the cabinet, and pulled the box down! Devious little creatures.
Hi Chris,
NO!!! Those tricky kitties. I guess they were really hungry. What flavor was the Pop Tart?
My boyfriend eats Pop Tarts. I think they were cherry. 😛
So do I. I’ve been trying to eat a healthier version from a brand I get from Trader Joe’s… it’s good, but not the same.
I hope the kitties stay out of the pantry tonight!
Seriously! How yummy does this look! It smells good just from the pictures!
Hi Pinky,
It’s even more delicious in person. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to eat it. 🙂
Hmm, this is a pretty cheap alternative to my Barielle 60 Second Mani-Pedi scrub. I love how it works, but there’s no scent other than oil and salt (I use the scrub before I lather in body wash just so I don’t leave the shower smelling like an italian dipping dish lol). Plus, at $25 for a 12 oz tub, it really makes me want to tap into this Burts scrub!
Hi Jess,
I used it on my hands the other day and really liked it. They were smooth and sufficiently exfoliated!
Love the scrub! Love it love it love it! I bought it on a whim and it has become my go-to Sunday scrubber. And those flares from Old Navy are so cute. Good think Old Navy is cheap!
Yes! I love affordable jeans. 🙂
It looks good enough to eat! Don’t leave it lying around in the kitchen lol! I’m glad to hear that it smells like sugar since I’ve had problems with some of the fragrances in Burt’s Bees stuff.
Seriously… I wouldn’t be surprised if El Hub tried to eat it. 🙂
Okay, I’m going to have to get that scrub today. And I love bootcut jeans and am glad to see them back “in.” My belly is going to be getting bigger and bigger, and skinny jeans with a baby belly are going to make me look top heavy. Boot cuts flatter all kinds of body shapes.
Didja end up getting the scrub, Betty? I hope you like it!
I had it in my hands, but I ended up getting the Pomo-Cran one instead, based on your review that it was heavier in hydration. I’m loving it, my hands especially.
Yay! I’m so glad to hear you like it. Isn’t the scent delicious? I’ve been tempted more than once to scoop it out and eat it, LOL!
I like bootcut jeans. I have wider hips so they balance my frame out better. Skinnies tend to give me an ice cream cone shape. Flares are good too but I feel very retro in them.
Hi Emily,
Ah, I know that ice cream shape all too well. 🙂
I have a question for you. Ballet flats + skinny jeans = 🙂 But what do you wear with your bootcut or flares? I feel like when I wear flats I end up swimming in the fabric.
Hi Emily,
I wish I could wear ballet flats! They hurt my feet, unfortunately. 🙁 And I need at least a 1.5 inch heel to feel comfortable, otherwise I look super duper short!
As for shoes to wear with bootcuts or flares, the sky’s the limit, You can do boots, a chunky heel, a skinny stiletto, sandals, tennies — I think as along as you get the length right, it’s all good.
The scrub sounds like a great option for the price! I’m a big fan of Bliss Hot Salt Scrub, but I never buy it because it’s absurdly expensive! I also love shea butter in almost anything!
I support having more than one kind of jean in my arsenal, bootcut or straight leg (I love the Real Straight cut from Gap) for sneakers and skinny (or straight) to tuck into boots! I don’t like jeans with too big a flare, though, I just can’t handle the 70’s (pretty sure it’s psychological backlash from being in high school in the 80’s)! 😛
Hi Glosslizard!
So nice to see you. 🙂 I haven’t tried the Real Straight jeans from Gap… I’ll have to check them out. Hopefully they’ll have lengths for the shorties. 🙂
I hear you having pant trauma from school. I can’t stand anything that’s high waisted! Brings back too many memories of eighth grade.
supposedly, the bootcut is the perfect cut of pant for us gals …. i like it but its hard for me to find the right bootcut pants.
i almost always need to have my pants cut and hemmed and the bootcut disappears when i do that. ive stuck to straight cut pants because of that.
i am totally interested in the scrub! ill try and find it!
Hi Nina,
Totally with you on having a hard time finding the right cut. I prefer something with a slightly higher waist… I find it lessens the muffin top effect!
As for the scrub, I know you’re a Burt’s fan. I think you’ll love it!
You’re right – it does look edible! I’ve never tried a body scrub before – this may be the first.
They’re great! I prefer the sugar ones over the salt ones; if I have any cuts on my legs from Tabs, then the sugar ones don’t sting!
Oh, that’s a good point! I never even thought about that. Thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome! Also, if you really want to get a good scrub, try using it on dry skin before you turn on the shower. 🙂
When you apply the scrub do u use ur hands or a wash cloth? Also do u do it before cleaning your self or after?
Hi Mel,
I just use my hands. I usually do a dry scrub with it in the shower before I turn the water on (for even more exfoliation), then I turn the water on and rinse it right off.
Ok…thank you…I will definitely be buying that scrub and trying it out. It will be my first body scrub! 🙂
I love body scrub!
I use it all the time!
and burts bees is so cool! I love this stuff!
xoxo 🙂
Glad to hear you like the line, Karo!
There is NOTHING that I hate more that skinny jeans and tennis shoes! I have a very strict rule against it. And you are totally right! It’s the clown feet effect! I am totally on the boot cut train.
YES!!! I’m so glad that you “get” this. I feel like my feet look 10 times larger than they really are.
I have been looking for a good scrub (ideally from the drugstore) that is also moisturizing. I will have to give this one a try! As for the flares go, I’m usually a skinny jeans gal but I recently bought a pair of 70s flares from the Gap and am loving them with wedges. They make my legs look so long! (I’m only 5’3)
Hi Liza,
I hope this one works for you! If you need more moisture definitely check out the CranPomo version. It’s great for extra dry skin.
wow you were reading my mind regarding skinnies! Love my skinnies, but skinnies + gym shoes (i’m from chicago, we call them gym shoes 🙂 ) wont look so hot for a RV/Motorcycle road trip to Colorado. I have the same problem with sneakers looking like clown shoes with skinnies… and i basically only own shoes with heels…. hence my dilemma. Conversation with my boyfriend tonight:
Me: i’m having a hard time finding cute closed toe, flat shoes for the trip
BF: It’s called gym shoes
Me: But they don’t look good with skinny jeans (sad face)
BF: It’s not a fashion show (laughs)
and i love Old Navy jeans… i own many pairs of jeans and the Old Navy Flirt skinnies (sadly discontinued!) are my fave (and least expensive) pairs! Will have to check out the new jeans at ON. Let us know how they are!
Hi VM,
Hmm, how about low top Converse? I’d wear them with my skinnies, but I have an issue with flat shoes (they hurt my feet).
That’s convo with your BF is so funny… I’m pretty sure El Hub and I have the same exchange a few hundred times. 🙂 Boys just don’t get it!
Sorry to hijack this convo, but this: (i’m from chicago, we call them gym shoes ) totally made me smile b/c I never realized that this phrase isn’t used by non-Chicagoans.
And I love bootcut jeans…my calves are pretty muscular and I don’t like the feel of most skinny jeans on them, so I’ve been liking bootcut jeans for a long time.
Thanks for the review, Karen! This scrub is on my to buy list. I’ve been using Clinique Sparkle Skin but it has a SERIOUS menthol thang going on that makes you feel cold. While it’s kind of nice to get the cooling effect when you live in “Hotlanta”, it’s almost too cool and kind of odd. I like the idea of just a nicely scented scrub with conditioning oils instead of a York Peppermint Patty for your bod!
I have never stopped wearing bootcut jeans! I knew skinnies were all the rage, but I just never liked the look of them. Kind of how I felt when pointy-toed shoes were the hottest things on Earth. I think I’m just a classic person when it comes to fashion; I don’t stray too far off my comfort doppler! 🙂 I actually have come around to seeing other people in skinny jeans and liking it on them; I like the way they look with boots a lot!
Cheers to you all!
I LOVEEE burts bees idk how i missed this post!! i havent tried out the scrubs, but you convinved me!!
I really liked the Pomegranate one and now I will have to try this one too! I’m glad Burt’s is extending their range in scrubs xoxo