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Product Review: Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:00:58 -0800

Philosophy first came out with a Strawberry Milkshake 3-in-1 Cleanser - and all the boys came to the yard. Now with the release of the Raspberry Sorbet version ($16), I can barely keep the boys from banging down my door!

Ahh, if only this were really the case. But seeing as all jokes stem from a little bit of truth I'll have you know that after a few showers with my Raspberry Sorbet (sing along with me and Prince!) my beau has commented on how lovely I smell.

What I like about this sweet smelling shower gel, shampoo and bubble bath is that it leaves my skin feeling silky. The scent isn't overpowering, but it lingers just enough that you can skip wearing perfume if you like. I've also used it to shave my legs, and because it lathers well, it prevents nicks.

The downside: I wish that I could be more positive in my shampoo review. Although it claims to "smooth and condition the hair," mine needed heavy-duty conditioning to soften and detangle after just one use. That's not to say that those of you with oily hair won't like it, but anyone with semi dry to dry hair will appreciate the warning. After trying this and Amazing Grace, I think it's safe to say that Philosophy's three-in-one products work best when you don't use them as shampoos.

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

Happy Hanukkah Beauty Treats

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:00:49 -0800

Tonight marks the start of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. I've gotta tell you, I love this holiday. The menorah is beautiful, the food is scrumptious, and how catchy is the dreidel song? If you want to add to the celebration with a few beauty treats, you're in luck - I've found three.

The scent of Say It With Suds bath and shower gel ($14) is unusual but pleasing. It's supposed to have a cinnamon doughnut scent, but to me, it smells more like the cinnamon buns at Ikea - kinda savory more than sugary sweet. It bubbles up well, and I was happy that it didn't dry out my skin or make it itchy.

For two more Hanukkah treats, read more

This Hanukkah lip balm ($4) has cute retro packaging along with a beeswax-based balm. I haven't tried it, but it's scented like Sufganiyot, the jelly-injected doughnut that's often eaten during the holiday. Again with the doughnuts - not that I'm complaining.

Finally, there's this honey-scented Menorah soap ($12). It's vegan, kosher, and handmade in Los Angeles. The woman behind the soap says she made it after noticing a lack of Hanukkah-related goodies, and her quote is priceless: "My grandmother would've just pounded her chest and said it was a shanda if I hadn't done something."

Product Review: Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:00:23 -0700

To smell Amazing Grace shower gel is to love the scent. It's soft, slightly sweet, and it somehow reminds me of that wonderful clean-baby smell. (Oprah loves it so much that she named it one of her favorite things in 2005!) But as much as I love the scent, I don't love this shower gel. It's supposed to be a three-in-one body cleanser, shampoo and bubble bath. Unfortunately, it's a good bubble bath, only an adequate shower gel, and a lousy shampoo.

First, I tried Amazing Grace as a shower gel. I was so excited about smelling good afterward, and I happily lathered myself up. During the shower, everything was great, but the scent didn't linger. A few days later, I used it as a bubble bath and was happy with the bubbles, but found that my skin got a little dried-out. Until this point, it was no big deal. But then I made the mistake of using the gel as a shampoo. Quelle horreur! Despite thoroughly rinsing my hair, it was left with a dirty, greasy feeling. Amazing Grace smells wonderful and I'd like to try it in a different form, but as a shampoo, it's just amazingly yech.

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

Doing Drugstore: Red Water Hydrating Shower Gel with Olive

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 05:00:00 -0700

When Walgreens began carrying European beauty lines, I was thrilled. Sure, I'm always happy to browse the aisles for the old standby brands, but who doesn't like a little bit of Continental cosmetics when they pick up their prescriptions?

One of my favorite products is by Red Water Laboratories, a Greek brand that uses thermal spring water from the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Its Hydrating Shower Gel with Olive ($14) is more expensive than your average Calgon soak, but it provides qualities of premium products at a much smaller price. To find out why this green gel has found a home in my shower, read more

The olive oil helps moisturize skin, and the fresh, clean scent is refreshing. It's a little outdoorsy, which makes it guy-friendly for those of us who share a bathroom with a man. Plus, the modern packaging reminds me of another Greek brand, Korres, so it looks as good in your shower as it makes you feel. Has anyone else tried this gel? What do you think about Walgreens' foray into international beauty?

Brand-New Brand: J. Blossom

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 10:33:54 -0700

J.Blossom is a brand with a clear mission, and a warm, fuzzy one at that. Founder Jamila White created the bath and body products with children of color in mind, looking to keep kids both clean and carefree. In a recent interview with Afrobella, White explains her motivation:

"I felt like little girls’ self-esteem was under an all-out assault. Every message was telling them that something was wrong with them; that they needed to have long, straight hair; that their skin wasn’t the right shade; that their noses were too big; that their body wasn’t the right shape ... "

To that end, every product in the J. Blossom line - including bubble bath, lip balm, and body lotion - comes with an "affirmation" on the label, such as "I have a beautiful smile" and "Beautiful skin comes in all shades – yummy chocolate, smooth caramel, or creamy vanilla!" For details on the products, read more

J. Blossom's products are free of artificial colors and mineral oils, and each item comes in two kid-friendly scents: Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Great Big Grape. These products are also a bargain, which is great when shopping for fickle kids.

The Lip Balm, made from shea butter and jojoba oil, costs $3, while the Body Lotion and Bath and Shower Gel are just $12 each. You can also get an adorable little J. Blossom gift sets ($12) with a bath pouf and gift bag.

Cheers To Vinotherapy!

BellaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:22 -0700

Vinotherapy is a term coined by Caudalie founders Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. It's the process of pampering your skin with products made from grade seeds and grape skins. Grape Seed strengthens blood vessels as well as contains polyphenols (antioxidants that combat free radicals).

Other properties of vinotherapy include reservatol, which promotes skin cell renewal and viniferine, an ingredient that reduces dark (liver or sun) spots. Here are a couple of products from the Caudalie product range that contain vinotherapeutic properties. The best part is that there's no hangover whatsoever!

Caudalie Sauvignon Scrub ($35) is a soft, whipped, creamy scrub that smells like grapefruit, essential oils and honey. It provides a matte finish. It's great for sensitive skin (since the formula is very gentle) and it is safe for both the body and the face. Use up to twice a week on wet skin for a buffed, silky smooth and glowing complexion.

For one more vinotherapeutic product, read more

Merlot Shower Gel ($19) is a skin-softening body cleanser that leaves a gentle smell of blackberry, blackcurrant leaf, tarragon and fresh bergamot behind. It is paraben-free, phenoxyethanol-free and soap-free, so it won't irritate sensitive skin.

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."

Been pleasantly surprised by a product lately? Wanna get the lowdown on a product you're not sure about? Check out our Product Reviews pages. We have more than 50,000 products for review, and readers add new ones daily.

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!).

Monday Giveaway! Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel

BellaSugar — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:30:19 -0800

This month, we're again pairing up with Sephora to bring you daily giveaways to help you get ready for the holiday season ahead.

Today's giveaway is for Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel. (I love, love, love this scent.) Philosophy expanded its Amazing Grace line to include this product that's a bath, shampoo, and shower gel all-in-one. This gel is a lovely way to wear Grace, either by itself for a subtle scent or layered for longer wear. Spend $25, and you'll get 13 samples, too.

To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment in the comments section below by 5 p.m. (PST) / 8 p.m. (EST) Monday, Nov. 26, and we'll announce the winner tomorrow. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will be discarded, so commenting more than once won't up your chances of winning. You must be a TeamSugar member to comment, so if you're not a member, please register here for an account. For all of the rules and regulations, click here.

Wednesday Giveaway! Bliss Blood Orange Body Butter & Shower Gel

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:30:47 -0700

My friends, the birthday belles at Sephora, are celebrating their 10th anniversary in a most Bliss-ful manner! Today's giveaway is for Bliss Blood Orange Body Butter & Shower Gel - a lovely pair that happens to be what I'm loving in the shower these days.

This unisex scent is a little spicy, very fresh, and completely unique. White pepper adds to a fresh orange scent, making it a perfect choice for Autumn and beyond.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your vote to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

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