The Beauty Drop – Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Collection

In our new weekly feature we're picking a highlight that's landed on the Her.ie beauty desk and giving you the lowdown on the beauty break-through, the budget and the reasons you should buy....  __________________________________  The Beauty Buzz

The latest drop from the good folks at Burt's Bees is the Intense Hydration Collection. The magic ingredient in the new line is an extract from the clary sage plant, noted for its ability to trap and retain moisture in a harsh environment. With so many of us suffering from dry and dehydrated skin - could this be the solution? 

The Beauty Brand The first thing that springs to mind when we hear Burt's Bees is still the iconic beeswax lip care products. During an Irish winter, (and spring, summer and autumn), they've proven to be a makeup bag must-have. Since we first discovered the brand, though, we've come across quite a few more favourites, not least the divine Almond & Milk hand cream. This time out, we're putting three Intense Hydration products to the test: Cream Cleanser, Day Lotion and Night Cream. The Beauty Break-though The key ingredient in the new product line is Clary Sage. According to Burt's Bees, this is a plant found in the windswept hills of the Mediterranean, fighting for its life against the elements and notable for its exceptional ability to trap and retain moisture. The Beauty Budget We trialled the: Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser €12.95 Intense Hydration Day Lotion €19.95 Intense Hydration Cream Night Cream €19.95 They Say: Deep in the windswept hills of the Mediterranean, a lone plant fights for its life against the elements. Clary Sage not only survives, but thrives in its harsh environment because of its fierce will and exceptional ability to trap and retain moisture. This remarkable botanical is the inspiration behind Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration, our natural ode to soft, supple skin. Infused with Clary Sage, Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Collection is clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enhanced with Probiotic Technology and formulated with nourishing Tucuma and Mafura Butters, this collection works to gently reduce the appearance of line and wrinkles, for a youthful, healthy glow. We Say: One big problem often associated with products for dry or dehydrated skin is the consistency. Often, products are incredibly rich, thick and difficult to absorb. Not so here. We started with the Cream Cleanser, which easily removed dirt, oil and makeup without leaving a residue or leaving that "squeaky-clean" tight and scrubbed feeling (a bad thing, contrary to popular belief - you're stripping your skin of its essential oils!). The Day Lotion was a happy follow up for our daytime hours (funnily enough). Light and easily absorbed, it was suitable to use in the morning rush before slapping on some makeup, but kept our skin feeling moisturised throughout a day of environmental assaults like central heating (even in June, thanks Ireland). Finally, we wed to bed with an application of the Night Cream on our visage. This definitely has the feeling of a more concentrated formula and is heavier, but was still easily absorbed and didn't have our face slipping of the pillow like some of its competitors may have in the past. Everything smells amazing, the products are a generous size and a fair price - and after a few days use we're already feeling the effects. A winner all round!