PRODUCT REVIEW: PHILOSOPHY BRIGHTEN MY DAY, RENEWED HOPE IN A JAR, PURITY CLEANSING GEL AND WIPES, AND HANDS OF HOPE

A brand that has long been on my wish list to try, simply because I've read nothing but rave reviews about the products, is Philosophy, so needless to say that I was very happy when a selection of products landed on my desk. 

If you're not aware, Philosophy is an American brand founded in 1996. the brand believes in inspiring women to look, live and feel their best, and enhancing the health and beauty of the skin through multi-tasking skin care and feel-good scents. With are made with a combination of dermatological science and biomedic treatment to crate products that are simple and clean, and with the best skin-care technologies available.

Let's start with the Purity Made Simple Foaming 3-in-1 Cleansing Gel for Face and Eyes. This daily cleaner is made to gently cleanse, tone and wash away all makeup while purifying the skin, making it perfect for oilier skin types including my combination skin. And it really does quickly and easily lift remove my makeup, though I do feel - and also prefer to use a specific eye makeup remove to remove my waterproof mascara. But everything else, including long-wearing foundation and lipstick is lifted. And afterwards my skin is left feeling soft and clean, and without feeling dried out. It has a subtle yet very lovely floral scent and it is a very simple cleanser, but it is very efficient, and I also love using it with my Clairsonic for an even deeper clean. The cleanser is very concentrated so you only need a little, so the large tube will last you a long time, also making it great value.

Then there's the Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths. These cloths are larger than most wipes and are infused with 12 essential oils to balance the skin's PH level and leave it deeply cleansed, soft and comfortable. I admit that I am not a huge fan of facial wipes, but mostly because I prefer to not only splash water in my face after cleansing it, but also because I often do not find facial wipes completely remove my makeup - and with a skin prone to breakouts, I know that is essential for the health of my skin. But I am surprised at how effective these wipes were and I did actually feel that my makeup was completely removed, without having to rub too much, and while leaving my skin soft afterwards. I am still much preferring the Purity Foaming Cleanser, but wipes really are perfect when you're on the go, and I will certainly bring them with me when I head overseas on a long haul flight next time, where they'll be perfect to freshen up the skin mid-flight.

Then there's the Philosophy Brighten My Day All-Over Skin-Perfecting Brightening Essence - phew what a name!! Anyway, this serum aims to help brighten the skin, by minimising the appearance of dark spots, while reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pores. The essence contains among others Vitamin C, niacinamide, along with algae and daisy extract to brighten, tighten and refine the complexion.

The essence can be used twice daily, after cleansing and toning, by padding a few drops into the dry skin - than letting it absorb into the skin, before applying your usual moisturiser. The essence has a light milky white colour and a light lotion consistency, and a slightly odd scent, but one that I can certainly tolerate as it disappears quickly. After two pregnancies, and a past as a sun-worshiper, I do have increasing pigmentation, along with acne scarring, and at my age, also increasing lines and wrinkles. And after using this for several weeks I have to say that I am really loving it as I can see that the overall appearance of my skin has improved. It is less dull, and the skin tone is also more even, and some minor pigmentation and redness, along with marks from recent breakouts have also reduced. With my combination skin, I am also prone to breakouts, so I am also pleased to say that this essence hasn't made my skin feel greasier or oilier, nor has it caused any extra breakouts. In fact, I think it has actually helped balance out my oil production somewhat. As for lines and wrinkles, I am not sure I can see any major difference as yet, but honestly just pleased that my skin looks more even and more radiant.

At $80 it is not cheap, but that said, it is very concentrated, so even with twice daily use, this little bottle, which also comes with a nifty dropper so you don't dispense anymore product than you really need, will last you for months!

Then there's the Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturiser. This is a quite light moisturiser which is also oil-free so it is perfect for combination skin such as mine. The cream contains among others a triple blend of alpha hydroxy acids to refine skin texture and reduce pores, and three forms of hyaluronate to smooth and hydrate skin. It also contains triple-action illuminators to improve skin’s micro-circulation and re-energise the complexion. The moisturiser can be used both morning and evening, but personally I prefer to use it as a night cream due to the AHA's which can make the skin a little more sensitive to sunlight. And I really really love this cream. I often wake in the morning and my skin feels greasy, but not with this cream - over the few weeks I've been using it, I feel my skin is more balanced and generally feel less greasy. And as the AHA's also gently help lift away dead skin cells, I also feel that using this cream, in general has helped reduce the amount of breakouts that I get. I will definitely be repurchasing this again and again!

Finally, there's the Philosophy Hands of Home Hand & Cuticle Hand Cream. This hand cream contains among others sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, linseed oil, and rice brand oil, and promises to provide the hands with intense long-lasting moisture to keep them soft. I really enjoy this hand cream, and the small tube is perfect for popping into the handbag. And in the time I've been using it, I feel my hands, and dry cuticles too, have been softer and smoother. I also love that it I a non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and easily into my hands, and that it has a gorgeous, yet very subtle almond scent.


So there you have it, my thoughts on a selection of Philosophy skincare. I really enjoyed using all, and can see myself repurchasing all, though particularly loving the Renewed Hope in a Jar. So I am also very keen on exploring more from their huge range, especially things like treatment products and peels.


Philosophy Purity Made Simple Foaming 3-in1 Cleansing Gel for Face and Eyes - RRP: $30 / 225ml
Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths - RRP: $18 / 30 cloths
Philosophy Brighten My Day All-Over Skin-Perfecting Brightening Essence - RRP: $80 / 30ml
Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturiser - RRP: $55 / 60ml
Philosophy Hands of Home Hand & Cuticle Hand Cream - RRP: $14 / 30ml

Available from Adore Beauty, David Jones, Mecca Maxima, Sephora

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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