June 23, 2010

Burt’s Bees Premium Grab Bag Review: What’s Inside Burt’s Bees Premium Grab Bag?

‘ello there!

I think owe some of you a major apology. I recently raved the Burt�s Bees Premium Grab Bags that were on sale for $24.99. Now it’s been years since I’ve seen this but was every so delighted they were back again. I ordered three bags total, one for myself, one for my sis, and one for my friend Sue.

The last time I ordered there bags had to be 2 or 3 years back and at the time I was simply delighted with all the goodies they included which far exceeded the $25 price tag but this year I got my order and was very, very disappointed. I hope those of you who ordered weren’t too disappointed by the bag which is why I owe you each an apology if you were as I recommended this assuming they’d be as good as year’s past and sadly…they just weren’t.

Sigh.

Jump ahead for a brief babble, photos, and find out what was in my Burt’s Bees Grab Bag. Who knows maybe after reading this you MIGHT want to purchase one.

The first thing I noticed about the items in the bag is they had a dusty, sticky feel. I’m blaming this to the fact that Burt’s included a big giant pumice stone. The stone was thrown in the bag without packaging and it kicked up some dust and caused general havoc with the rest of the goodies in the bag. I think the largest item in the big was 4 oz in size, utterly disappointing. My last experience with the bags included at least 6 lip shimmers, full size deodorants, toner, hand creams and facial creams, etc….this time I got some of that stuff but all in REALLY small sizes.

Here’s a break down:

  • Burt’s Bees Radiance Lotion (2.5 oz)
  • Burt;s Bees All in One Wash (4 oz)
  • Burt’s Bees Mini Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar
  • Burt’s Bees Mini Natural Skin Care for Men Bar Soap
  • Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Nappy Ointment
  • Burt’s Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystal (Small Envelope)
  • Burt’s Bees Muscle Mend Sore Muscle Balm (Tiny Smidge of a Sample)
  • Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cutcutle Cream (Sample Size)
  • Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm (Full Size)
  • Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer (Full Size)
  • Burt’s Bees Healthy Healing Body Lotion (Travel Size)
  • Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Body Lotion (Travel Size)
  • Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser (Tiny Travel Tube)
  • Burt’s Bees Nail File
  • Burt’s Bees Peppermint and Rosemary Body Bar
  • Burt’s Bees Tin (This has me puzzled, it’s empty with little bees on it. Kinda shaped like a band aid box of some sort but nothing inside????)
  • Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss (Full Size)
  • Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Hand Creme (Small Sample)
  • Burt’s Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Cleansing Cream (Small Tube)
  • Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (Full Size
  • Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Creme (Small Sample Size)
  • Pumice Stone
  • Makeup Bag

Basically I feel like I just purchased a bunch of samples. I guess $25 isn’t TOO much to pay for all this but going into this expecting what I have gotten in the past is disappointing to say the least.

I really am terribly sorry for those who ordered and expected more. I had no idea that Burt’s cut down so much on the bags.

Anyone contemplating an order, I’d skip, unless you REALLY love everything I listed and don’t mind really tiny sizes. Anyone who did order, I can’t apologize enough, because this was a bust. I’m hopeful some of you were pleased but sadly I know I wasn’t.

My friend Sue had asked me to estimate shipping via airmail and I had said $30-$40 dollars due to the weight of the product but honestly I could easily ship this for $15-$20 or less. Everything is so small!

Anyway….

The bags are still available if you’re interested but I’d personally skip.

Feeling crushed at how bad this turned out.

Did you get your bag?

Happy?

Pretty disappointed like me?

Share it!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Stephanie

    That’s too bad! 🙁 Maybe the bags were so popular the last time they did it and they lost too much money.
    That tin is really weird/random now that you mention it, haha.

    • the Muse

      lol isn’t it Stephanie?! Not sure what its for? tuck lip balms inside? band aids?

  • Christine

    Awww… that’s so sad to hear. I ended up ordering one after your last post – I’ll see what it’s like once it arrives. Definitely appreciate that you share any good (or seemingly good) deals you come across, though! I’m sure I can still make some good use out of these sample sizes 🙂

    • the Muse

      hey christine stop back tell me whatcha think. curious how u feel about it 😀 *hugs*

      • Christine

        Hi Muse!

        I got my grab bag yesterday – luckily after reading your review, I was able to lower my expectations, and I’m still happy I got it – really wish the pumice stone was better wrapped, though – it totally got dust everywhere, and scratched up a couple of the items 🙁 Oh well… I’m thinking I can probably use it in my garden as a decoration LOL. The diaper lotion and the tin can are so random. Still trying to figure out what I’m going to do with those; maybe use the tin for storing some gift cards and credit cards? One thing I really liked was how everything smelled of peppermint as soon as I opened the box – I really love the fresh scent of those peppermint soaps! haha. I kept getting my husband to sniff them. In any case, thank you so much for keeping all of us so well informed; I hope the grab bags will improve next year!

  • Jayme

    The tin may be a bar soap tin for travel and storage. That is my best guess at least

    • the Muse

      hey jayme I guess you can use it for anything 😀 but def not wet soap haha. tint would rust!

  • Lenna

    I ordered it and got it today. However, I’ve never actually used Burts Bees anything before so…I’m not really disappointed. I’m just glad I didn’t buy two because the site made it sound like each of the gift bags would have different things in them. ^^;;

    • the Muse

      hey Lenna! I think it’ll be a nice way to get a feel for the brand 😀 but damn I was kinda let down as the original bags I ordered had ALOT more stuff!

  • JoElla

    Oh bummer! I didn’t order last time or this time, but knew bunch of people were excited about this. 🙁

  • peri

    i ordered one…i havent gotten it yet. but despite your disappointment, im still pretty excited about it. the only thing ive ever tried of theirs was the chapsticks, so ill get to try some new things. ill use the tin for bandaids, its pretty cute. when you get a grab bag you never know whatll show up so my expectations weren’t that high, but the thought of going through and trying new things not really knowing what you’re gonna get is a fun thing.

    • the Muse

      I agree peri 😀 and I’m happy to hear you’re excited. I think I went in expecting more and was shocked it was a little less but it’s still a nice bag for newbies to Burt’s!

      • peri

        i can totally see where it would have been disappointing to you though, since they were better back then and youd had them before. kinda lame that they did that to all the people that knew how much more awesome they were lol

          • peri

            i just got mine, and going through it was fun. but this pumice stone thing? it looks kinda dangerous lol. it looks like a decorative rock for a reptile cage lol. and i LOVE the makeup bag. almost everything smells yummy and i cant wait to try it all. i know you feel bad but i still thank you for the recommendation, im happy 🙂

          • the Muse

            LOL peri agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!!! aw I’m so glad peri! *hugs*

  • Kate

    Actually I’m not going to be disappointed. (Except the reviews online said there were going to be a shower cap! I want a shower cap with bees on it dangit!)

    My skin is so weird and I’m so picky with my lotions I think this will work out pretty well for me. I can try a bunch of products without worrying about buying a full sized product and having an adverse reaction. Plus, I’m always needing more of their lips balms.

    I just hope the lip shimmer isn’t a horrible color! lol

    • the Muse

      oh a shower cap Kate wants LOL! it’ll be fun trying a ton of new stuff for ya 😀 no..it’s a dusky raspberry shade! so not bad 🙂

      • Kate

        I know, I’m weird! lol

        I think I’ve had that lip shimmer in the past–not my favorite but not as bad as the coffee one. (yes I’m pale and bought the coffee shade lip shimmer. I looked dead.)

        • the Muse

          LOL Kate love the “I looked dead” comment 😀 I always look bad in browns/nudes LOL my face looks HUGE when I wear ’em!

  • Alyssa

    I just received mine an hour ago and I got the same things as you. I’ve never ordered one of their grab bags before but after reading so many great reviews on them from numerous sites I ordered one. I was a little disappointed as well, the bandaid tin was useless (though you can fit the sample lotions inside) and all the lip items I already owned (same shades too ironically enough). Everything was coated in dust from the pumice stone that was thrown in but none of it was sticky, just dusty. To give anyone reading this an idea of the size of items, everything but the tin, pumice stone, 4.8 oz all in one wash, and 2.5 oz radiance body lotion could fit into the small makeup bag included (8 in wide, 4 inch tall, tapered three inch depth at fattest section) I also received a $1 off coupon that was hidden in the casing of pomegranate lib balm. That’s something right?

    • the Muse

      ahh alyssa couldn’t agree more. same prob dusty and a bit sticky for some reason. Couldn’t they wrap the stone? I’m SO sorry 🙁 truly year’s before the bags were something to ADORE! but this is a buncha of rubbish for me le sigh 🙁

      • Alyssa

        Shame they couldn’t stick with what was good. New use for pumice stone though. My cat loves it, she currently laying next to it on the couch batting at it and purring. Surprise cat toy inside apparently.

        • the Muse

          LOL alyssa lmao! perfect! gonna lay it down for my cat! I can’t picture myself scrubbing my foot with it, DAMN it’s hard!

          • Alyssa

            Yep both my cats love it. Apparently we ordered it too late. I just went to their website to write a review and now they are including a bonus honey and bilberry foot creme. Damn…

          • the Muse

            damn alyssa! you’re kidding. But how big is it? the size of a pea?! hehe!

  • Alyssa

    I wish I was kidding, but if it’s the same size as the muscle balm I am not disappointed I didn’t get it. That was ridiculous. I guess just hope it’s a small muscle that’s sore when you try it out.

    • the Muse

      lmao aly! that muscle balm was obscene!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you’re a holler! lol have me in stitches here!

  • Steph

    The muscle balm is the size of a dime & I agree, it sucks that the full size products were small, and that diaper ointment was so random! All of the other products were for general skincare concerns, so why add a product that isolates so many people? The men’s soap would be disappointing to some women who bought the grab bag but it’s still useable IMO however not all women will find a use for the ointment. I read a review on their site stating that the bags were filled to the brim with products…I guess this was when it was full price. Now that it’s half off, the bag was filled halfway. I can see how a loyal Burt’s Bee’s fan would be disappointed but since I’ve never owned any of the products, I can’t say I wasn’t worth the $25 overall.

    • the Muse

      steph agreed on the muscle balm and the diaper ointment? wth!? you prob read reviews from the past maybe as the bag was never at full price? it’s always been $25 😀

  • Steph

    I forgot to mention that the tin confused me too but I found it stores four 0.15 oz lip balm tubes with ease

  • Janine

    Sorry Muse! I almost ordered it but am glad I didn’t! It would probably be good for someone new to burt’s bees and wanting to try it out. Might also be good to “split” with a friend or sibling. Thanks so much for the post; glad I didn’t order; going to save that $25 for UD’s next FF! 😉

    • the Muse

      hey janine I’m GLAD you didn’t PHEW! def nice to split with a friend or for newbies but god I expected so much more. yay for you saving $$$! 😀

  • Cindy

    I think the tin is for the lipbalm/chapsticks. I think they sometimes sell them in sets of 3 or 4 inside the tin?

  • Cindy

    I believe that thin is for the chapstick/lipbalm things? I think they sell them in sets of 3 or 4 in that tin in some stores.

  • Chix

    Burts Bees was bought by the Clorox company a few years back. NOTHING has been the same since then. I used to buy TONS of these grab bags & they were fab!!! It was full size stuff that mostly had packaging issues (crooked labels, dented tubes etc) and I was never disappointed. Big corporate has really taken this great company and crapped all over it. The newest products they release and no where as good in quality as the old were. I was a long time fan too 🙁

    • the Muse

      hey chix-nuggets! how are you!? Long time no see 😀

      OMG me too! Remember how awesome they were!? Honestly I never even noticed dented tubes and what not, it was always freaking awesome stuff! But this, this is pure crap..I’m insulted they included muscle balm the size of a dime…seriously?!

      • Chix

        Hi!!!

        Yeah it as great stuff! I got a jar of Banana hand cream before it was released, a tube of some Marshmallow fluff body stuff that I LOVED that was never released and tons of other stuff that was full size. There was always a small bag inside crammed full of samples too. It was like Christmas when these came in the mail. I am so sorry to see how bad hey suck now. I wonder what they do w/ all the outlet-y type things now. Buffoons!!

        • the Muse

          OMG I even forgot about that chix! Me too!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t believe you remember all this. the last bag I ordered was…mm 2 to 3 years ago and it came loaded with full size products. I even got a Rosewater toner! Love that stuff! plus 6 lip shimmers and a to of other stuff. I can’t believe this was what I got this time around. I was shocked how BAD the bags were. I felt awful that I recommended people go buy them 🙁 I was under the assumption these would be crazy awesome as they were years ago. Damn shame they suck it hard now 🙁

          Hmm good question…!!!!

  • Bonnie

    Like Chix, I’m not happy that they were bought out by a large corporation. One reason that I really liked the Burt’s Bees brand is that I felt like I was supporting an independent company. I think her reasoning is correct about the grab bags. Muse, I’ve tried a few items from the Alba Botanicals brand lately (a few items are carried at Target) and love it. Esp. their natural sunscreen with SPF 45!! I also just hauled some Kiss My Face products in the never-ending search for something that will clear my breakouts for good! 🙂

    • the Muse

      hey bonnie great recs particularly the kiss my face one 😀 have you tried badger balms as well by chance? think you’ll love!

  • Marley

    Yep, mine was the exact same…I wasn’t terribly disappointed- I’ll use most of it, and what I don’t use, I can put in stockings at Christmas. My pumice didn’t make anything dusty, so I’m grateful for that! I’m planning to try out the bath crystals tonight, and I just took the all-in-one wash on a camping trip…plus I adore the pomegranate lip balm, so it was worth it for me- I don’t think I’d order it next year, but I’m not disappointed.

    • the Muse

      hey marley I’m glad you weren’t too badly disappointed dear 🙂

  • kiwikiwidragon

    This is actually a good one. Years ago when i bought them last, it was right after their lipglosses had just come out, the slim ones in the crank up tube, not the squeeze tube. It was those and their lipsticks and a few other things I could have done without. I had those damn lipglosses for years and I wish they hadn’t disco-ed their regular lip sticks. Sigh…

  • Pam

    hello, i was thinking of buying one of these as a gift and am glad i didn’t some of those items are very random. so, thank you for the follow up ! Also, the tin looks like it is supposed to hold your chapstick tubes so they don’t roll around in your bag, maybe ?