BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Philosophy Field of Flowers Shower Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I have been known to tease loved ones about their use of granny perfumes, since, right out of the bottle at least, I can't imagine wearing most of them. So this review of Philosophy Field of Flowers Shower Gel ($16) was really interesting. Reader hippiecowgirl says:

"I found this product in my mom's bathroom when I was visiting and decided to check it out. When I took a sniff from the bottle, I thought it smelled like old-lady perfume and teased my mom mercilessly for liking it. About a week later, I actually gave it a try. My opinion immediately did a 180. The smell turns fresh and floral when used in the shower, not perfumey at all the way I expected. It lathers nicely, as is customary for Philosophy shower gels, and I love the consistency. Not only did I use it as a shower gel, but also as a shaving gel. My skin felt soft afterward with just a hint of fragrance."

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Reader Review of the Day: Philosophy Old Fashioned Eggnog Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:00:30 -0700

Whoops, it's already that time of year again - the holiday products are emerging in all their spicy, cinnamony, nutmegy goodness. This year Philosophy's offering Old Fashioned Eggnog Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath ($16), and while I'm still waiting for a special Hanukkah sufganiyah shampoo or something, eggnog is pretty delish as well. Superstar reviewer stef42678 can't get enough of the 'nog, either, and says:

"I love this scent for a holiday product. I use this as a gift, and something for myself, because the formula is great as a shampoo and body wash. The liquid is pure eggnog indulgence, and it really makes your skin soft and your hair nice. It lathers up well, rinses clean, and leaves a great scent."

Is your holiday product mojo already in full gear and you want to tell us what you're loving? Are you on the hunt for nom-worthy seasonal scents? Then please do visit the Product Reviews pages to write a review or take a look at what other readers are trying and loving/hating. We've got over 50,000 products reviewed, and the awesome Bella community writes more every day (thanks, ladies!).

Reader Review of the Day: Philosophy Hope in a Jar For Dry, Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Sometimes you run into a nasty case of product fatigue. You buy something, it works well for a little while, and then one day totally lets you down. This seems to be the case for reader Yoiebear when it comes to Philosophy Hope in a Jar for Dry, Sensitive Skin ($38). She says:

I still can't decide what I think about this moisturizer. It works great the first couple of weeks, then suddenly becomes oily and won't absorb. When it just sits on my face, I start to break out more than normal (adult acne is not a good friend), and I have to stop using it. The smell is also a turn-off, but I could get past it if the product didn't seem to have a greasy base.

Love something so much you want to shout it from the rooftops? Just broke out from something not so nice? Maybe you want to see how well that moisturizer you're about to buy works for other people? Get thee to our Product Reviews pages, then. It's a great way to inform others about the products you try and find out for yourself before you purchase, too.

Philosophy Gets Natural With a New Makeup Line

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:00:03 -0700

Philosophy, a brand known for its thoughtful product names and clean-lined packaging, has now officially entered into the makeup realm with its Supernatural collection. Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, and fragrance, the items are what you'd expect from your typical makeup line, complete with blushes, glosses, and bronzers. While the products in the collection tend to skew on the higher end of the price spectrum, they do deliver a pleasantly pretty, natural, and healthy-looking effect. Highlights include Instant Sunshine ($28), a perfectly toned rosy warm bronzer with a built-in spongy applicator brush; Mineral Blush Duo ($25), particularly in Sunny/Bright, which includes a soft, warm bronzer along with a flattering bright pink cheek color; and Moonlight ($28), a complexion-boosting powder that adds a subtle radiance to the skin. Have you had or do you plan on having a supernatural experience?

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Reader Review of the Day: Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:00:11 -0700

The benefits of vitamin C are plenty. Not only does this antioxidant protect skin from free radical damage, it also smooths and helps to fade hyperpigmentation. Reader Bellaressa recently reviewed Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder ($35), and here's what she had to say about it:

I had hyperpigmentation and it was suggested that I try this product. I started using this in the a.m. with my Oil of Olay and I am amazed. Since I started using this six weeks ago, the brown spots have started to fade more rapidly. It used to take me a full 15 months to 24 months to fade spots. My skin in brighter, I haven't had severe hormone breakouts in the last six weeks, and my skin looks just fabulous.

Let us know what you find to be fabulous these days, and perhaps you'll be featured on this daily featured post. You know the drill. Head over to the Product Reviews section and fill us in.

Reader Review of the Day: Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:00:11 -0800

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser ($32) is marketed as a deep pore cleanser, makeup remover, and toner. Whew, that means there should be high expectations on a product like this, right? So when reader Leafgirl said it was "the best," I wanted to hear more. This is what she had to say:

"My sister is a spa and salon buyer for a high end resort so we have tried lots of cleansers. This is by far the best, and I don't mean just in this price range. [It] cuts through any and all makeup without leaving your skin dry and tight. Cetaphil leaves my skin feeling over moisturized [and] other cleansers make me red, dry, and blotchy. Purity cleans and soothes - love it. I think my husband has been using it when I'm not looking."

If you'd like the opportunity to be featured on this daily post, here's how it's done. Simply head over to our Product Reviews website and submit your opinion. Don't forget that by writing just three reviews per week, you could be entered in our contest to win a $500 gift certificate from Benefit Cosmetics. The more beauty opinions you write, the more entries you'll receive. Good luck!

Hold the Foam!

BellaSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:47 -0700

I wonder if the rise in coffee shops that serve frothy-topped cappuccinos and lattes is what's causing this sudden boom in cleansing foams. OK, it's a stretch, but Philosophy has just come out with a new version of its best-selling face wash called Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser ($21.50 - $34.50).

This light and thin (it's almost watery-looking) liquid cleanser comes out of the pump in a surprisingly lush and sudsy consistency. It has a fresh and slightly floral scent and contains tocotrienol, a more powerful version of vitamin E, for soothing purposes. What it doesn't contain anymore is sodium lauryl sulfate - hooray!

My favorite part is that it's strong-acting, but you don't have that awful, tight feeling on your skin after you wash it off. Instead, your face is clean, soothed, and soft. Also, it's suitable for all skin types. I have sensitive skin and it didn't cause any irritations for me. Do you think you'd be into checking out this new self-foaming cleanser?

A Philosophical Approach To Shine-Free Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:20 -0700

Brand-new from Philosophy is a range of mattifying skincare products called Never Let Them See You Shine. Each of the three items aim to cut down sebum production and reduce the look of oily skin, while leaving your face feeling refreshed. The light blue formulas have a minty, sea-inspired scent and are best suited for those with oily and acne-prone sensitive skin.

After trying everything out, I really liked the way my face reacted to the scrub the best. It's thick, but it spreads easily and the beads are smooth as opposed to feeling grainy and rough - so they don't irritate your skin. Plus, the menthol is the strongest in the scrub; after you wash it off, your face feels soft, smooth and cool.

For an up-close look at each of the products, read more.
Oil And Shine Control Cleanser ($20) gently breaks down deep-seeded dirt and grime in your pores without drying out your skin. It leaves your face feeling moisturized, clean and thanks to some added menthol, also a little bit tingly (in a good way).

Oil And Shine Control Scrub ($20) helps remove dead skin cells with the help from small blue polishing beads. To use, simply massage a little bit into your skin in small circles for one minute and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Oil And Shine Control Velvet Touch Primer ($20) is a mattifying pre-foundation, pre-powder primer that helps keep your face looking dry and oil-free all day long. It also calms, soothes and eases any redness and inflammation. It has a super-soft texture that leaves skin ultra smooth and helps reduce the look of large pores.

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Product Review: Philosophy's The Oxygen Peel

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Last night I tried Philosophy's The Oxygen Peel and let's just say I felt like I was participating in a high-school science experiment. This kit involves breaking open capsules, and stirring liquid that rises, and it has foam that undergoes a chemical reaction, and there is some sort of enzymatic infusion that occurs, and, well, I think the only thing I was missing was a Bunsen burner. But after spending 10 minutes with the directions, I was ready to give it a whirl.

The first step involves breaking open an enzyme capsule, pouring the contents into a tiny container (included) and filling it halfway with water. You shake rigorously and then allow one minute for the gel to form and rise. You then apply to your face. After that you apply a separate oxygen foam directly on top of the gel. This is when the two parts collide and provide a blast of oxygen to your skin. After waiting three minutes, you scrape the cream off of your face with a spatula.

So, now that the process is spelled out, what was my reaction to this science experiment? At first I was annoyed that it was so labor intensive, but once both parts were on my face, I enjoyed the sensation. It was sort of cooling, but it bordered on ticklish. The real magic came when I scraped the product off of my face. My pores felt like they could breathe, and overall my face felt clean. I say, if you've got the time, this one is worth the effort.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Product Review: Philosophy Handmade Lemon Custard Hand Cream

BellaSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:00:42 -0700

I'm a big fan of Philosophy products. I love the packaging, the cutesy names and the way the company always creates such festive items for holidays and celebrations. However, I've found one product that I just can't stand behind. Their Handmade Lemon Custard Hand Cream ($10-$18) has a milky, lemon scent that has a past-its sell-by-date food smell. Mom always told me never to mix lemon with milk, and this is a perfect example why it's a bad idea.

The formula is outrageously thick and although most of the lotion absorbs quickly, what remains is a fair amount of white, waxy residue that looks like clotted curdle in your cuticles. Not only are you left with an itching desire to wipe your hands on your legs (anything nongreasy), but when the smell sets in, you'll be running for the hills to find a sink. I've told you before that I'm a big hand cream gal, but this shea, mango, and cocoa-butter lotion leaves me with nothing but a sour taste in my mouth.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!