REVIEW: Philosophy Skincare Range

Riding up the escalator into your favourite beauty department store is like riding up the stairway to a heaven for make-up fanatics. The scent of designer perfume samples, the make-up counters surrounded by glammed-up shop assistants giving potential customers pretty makeovers, and the pristine white floor tiles so shiny you can almost see your reflection.  This is how I felt visiting the Liverpool One Debenhams last week, eyeing up everything unaffordable yet fantasising about the possibilities of shopping there anyway.

Whilst occasionally browsing through the freebies, discounts and special student offers available on studentbeans.com, I came across a code last week to receive a free goody bag from a brand I have been dying to try ever since first setting my eyes on the products – Philosophy!

 If you haven’t before heard of this franchise, Philosophy was founded in 1996 by Cristina Carlino, a cosmetic industry expert with over 30 years’ experience in clinical skin care and beauty. Since then, Philosophy have been devoted to providing products scientifically aided to care for your skin, and at the same time, inspire happiness and well-being with uplifting messages printed on every product.

You can only imagine my excitement (and slight disbelief), then, when I ventured down to the big and beautiful Debenhams right after college to collect the free products and see what all the hype is really about.

Luckily, a few goody bags still remained on my arrival, and to my delight contained 4 different skincare products to try – a tester of one of their new fragrances, an exfoliating facial wash, an all-in-one facial cleanser, and high-performance moisturiser.

After never before trying a product from a high-market, pricey skincare range, I wasn't sure what to expect. But to say the least, I was not disappointed. Here’s what I thought about each individual sample! 

HOPE IN A JAR: HIGH PERFORMANCE MOISTURISER

First off, let me just say that I love the packaging for Philosophy products. I think the little quotes and messages they have on everything is a brilliant marketing idea (I kinda wish I’d thought of it myself). But, they fulfil their purpose – inspiring and make you smile!

What it does:

·         Hydrates & refines skin

·         Provides gentle exfoliation

·         Helps restore a rosy glow

I apply this in the morning and evening as it suggests, and it really is an amazing moisturiser – it glides on so easily, the consistency isn't too thick or oily, and it makes my skin feel so smooth. The only improvement I would suggest is a nicer smell. I'm not sure what in the ingredients contributes to the main scent of this best-selling moisturiser, but I find it a little overpowering! Despite that, I also thinks this works great as a primer for make-up.

MICRODELIVERY EXFOLIATING FACIAL WASH

What it does: Designed to effectively cleanse, replenish, and resurface the skin.

At long last, I had been waiting for an exfoliating facial wash that delivers like this one! Have you ever found that cheaper exfoliator brands have a tendency to be too harsh on the skin? Thankfully, this one is gentle whilst still doing its job, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Again, the scent is a little overpowering, but otherwise I can’t complain. I would definitely learn to live with it if it meant I could use this stuff every day. Application only needed in the morning.

PURITY: ALL-IN-ONE FACIAL CLEANSER

What it does:

·         Offers perfectly clean skin

·         Tones and lightly hydrates

·         Washes away make-up and stress

I love an all-in-one product - when you get home after a long day, the least thing you feel like doing is spending an unnecessarily long time washing away your make-up. This cleanser does it all for you! It’s a lovely, creamy consistency on the skin, and works a real treat before you go to bed. I could tell instantly that all traces of my make-up were safely cleansed away, and it left my skin with a lovely glow and soft touch. I often have to refrain from touching my face so much now!

LIVING GRACE: FRAGRANCE

A uniquely feminine blend of soft, floral blossoms accented by a hint of light musk. 

Whilst I wouldn't normally go for a floral fragrance (my personal favourites are fruity smells) this one is delightfully light and pretty. It’s musky, but if you’re into that, you’ll love it!

 MY VERDICT:

At first, I wasn't immediately taken aback by the products. Whilst they did feel nice on the skin, there was no noticeable improvement or drastic change. However, saying that, a week later my skin has begun to change – I’ve noticed a significant improvement in not only the texture, but also the appearance of my skin! It’s difficult to assess a skincare product’s effectiveness when you already have moderate acne as I do, but if it can make my skin look a little better, it’s bound to work well on normal/less blemish-prone skin. 

 Wise words: Philosophy's philosophy!

Check out the huuuge range of products on philosophy.com

What do you think of the Philosophy skincare range? Have you tried any of their products? I’d love to try some of their bath & body care!

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