Product Review: Burt's Bees Pore Refining Mask and Garden Tomato Toner

L-R: Pore Refining Mask, Garden Tomato Toner

I am a fan of Burt's Bees lip balm for years now. I keep it in my purse all the time. I wear it when I sleep, and I swear I wake up with moisturized lips. However, I haven't really had a chance to try their skincare line (I am a Murad user).  While browsing drugstore.com, these two products caught my attention- Pore Refining Mask and Garden Tomato Toner for oily skin. After reading some product information, I decided to purchase them. (by the way, drugstore.com or its beauty affiliate, beauty.com offers free shipping for $25 purchase. They don't arrive fast, but the items are nicely packed and protected).

At more than half the price of a- 6 Fl. oz Murad Clarifying Toner, this 8- Fl. oz Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner claims to control surface shine and remove dead skin cells. It is made with tomato, cucumber and parsley extracts.  Sounds delicious! Seriously, I am drawn to try products that are made from natural ingredients. The bottle is made of glass (so be careful handling it) with a red cap to differentiate it from  its other product lines. The scent is refreshing- reminiscent of a tiny herb garden (and so I thought). Not overwhelming. With a piece of cotton, I applied it like a regular toner, avoiding the eye area. So soothing, it makes me wanna snooze again. After two hours, my skin is still oil-free. Five hours, still no shine. Hmm, I'm loving this. Eight hours- Not much shine. Okay I'm sold. It indeed controlled surface shine. And to top it all, I didn't break out after a week of regular use.

Burt's Bees Pore Refining Mask, or the Green Goddess Clay Mask, as written in its packaging box, is made with a combination of french clay and mostly natural herb extracts. It claims to cleanse pores and draw out skin's impurities. It comes in a 28 g- bottle jar. It is made of powder (yes), and the application is a little tricky. Following the directions, mix 1 tablespoon ( I did 1 teaspoon, that's enough for my small face) with a few drops of water, just right to create a thin paste. The mixture will turn to greenish-gray. Apply onto your face like a mask, avoiding the eye are. Leave it on for ten minutes. As the solution dries up, my skin slowly tightens up (much like the same feeling of having a  mask done in a spa). After washing it off with warm water, I noticed that my pores shrunk a bit. I like how it feels- sort of a matte finished after. This is going to be a keeper.

Now on to my Kissmark analysis:

Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner

Burt's Bees Pore Refining Mask

Disclaimer: As in my previous post, please note that my skin type is different from yours. What worked for me might not for you and vice versa. This review is based from my personal experience. I will not be liable if you achieved a less than desirable effect or if you experience breakouts. For severe skin or acne issues, please see a dermatologist. Always read the label to check if you have allergies. You might want to do a patch test before using.