Philosophy • when hope is not enough spf • Skincare - Face

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catherine112 on 12/5/2010 4:27:00 AM more reviews by catherine112

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I tried this at Sephora and I couldn't stand the fragrance. I'm more of a fragrance-free type of gal.

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catsuperhero on 11/14/2010 10:03:00 PM more reviews by catsuperhero

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

As a 27-year-old with normal, whiter than snow skin, and the occasional zit, I needed a moisturizer that did the following:

--provide anti-aging benefits (at least some antioxidants to make me feel proactive)
--provide SPF (because I'm so pale I swear you can see through me)
--not clog pores (my skin is nearly perfect, but one big red pimple on white skin...you get the idea)

I'm no stranger to Sephora, but even so, a skincare regimen involving 150 dollar serums, 90 dollar creams, and 60 dollar supplements is just not going to happen. I knew, though, that cosmetic-based moisturizers are (generally) different than doctor-created ones (cosmeceuticals), and that for my money I'd rather have a cream with some scientific backing.

Enter Philosophy's When Hope is Not Enough moisturizer with SPF 20. Now I'm sure it's not as good as something from La Mer or Cle de Peau Beaute, but for the money (2 ounces for 38 dollars) I have found that the results are excellent. At 27 I'm not worrying about fine lines just yet, but my skin does feel fresh and moist (and clean!) after applying this lotion. It absorbs beautifully (I use it in the morning under makeup, and at night, too), protects well against the sun, and I can't ascribe any breakouts to it. I've knocked off a lippie for the smell, which doesn't last, but is a bit botanical (and not in that soothing nature mother kind of way). And it's certainly not as cheap as something you'd find in a drugstore, but for the price, I think it's well worth it. I'm on my third tube, and will likely stick with it until I decide to pony up the cash to try a truly high-end product. If you've been wondering where you can find an anti-aging moisturizer with SPF, this is Philosophy's best-kept secret.

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endlessly on 4/24/2010 5:01:00 PM more reviews by endlessly

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I've been using this moisturizer with SPF 20 for about 3 almost 4 weeks now and it's pretty good. Goes on smooth and doesn't leave the greasy feeling like other SPF moisturizers do. My skin does feel hydrated when I use this in the mornings before school. In addition, I don't think 20 SPF is enough. Because it's the only SPF I have on my face, I feel like I have to use a generous amount to make sure my face gets enough coverage to protect it from sun damage.

PROS: doesn't smell bad (unlike Hope in A Jar), smooth application, not greasy at all, and feels very light.

CONS: too expensive for my taste ($38USD) and it's not sensible to be used at night

I'll probably return this if I don't find a better alternative.

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kimberlyball on 2/24/2010 8:01:00 PM more reviews by kimberlyball

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Gives a great luminosity to my dry skin. Sinks right in. Smells kinda weird...I don't really like it. SPF 20 is not enough for me! Also, has alcohol in it...not horrible and not great. Average moisturizer at a high price.

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lolito on 10/26/2009 4:15:00 PM more reviews by lolito

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Its too oily for my oily skin I'm not particulary fond of the smell either. So, no rebuy for this one.

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valacy on 7/31/2009 1:10:00 AM more reviews by valacy

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using this for well over a year now. I'm 33, have very sensitive skin, subject to breakouts and psoriasis. I have had no problems with this moisturizer. I love the consistency, lack of harsh fragrance and SPF. I'm never without it.

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Kate_NS on 7/24/2008 1:00:00 PM more reviews by Kate_NS

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

A very decent moisturizer. Although after 2 weeks continuous use I don't see that there is any lifting or age-benefit (and my skin is starting to show signs of needing just that!). Some of the most positives are the other things that this product DOESN'T do: it doesn't clog pores, doesn't cause breakouts and most of all, doesn't allow or give any hint of shine ALL DAY! It's rich enough to leave skin feeling refreshed and supple, and I love the subtle scent. The higher-than-usual SPF is a big bonus, as is the travel-friendly tube! Continued use would mean using my age-busting products in the p.m. or underneath.

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kissncole on 5/22/2008 3:19:00 PM more reviews by kissncole

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is definitely my HG spf moisturizer. Thick enough to feel like a moisturizer, but doesn't burn my eyes at all. Doesn't feel or smell like sunscreen at all. And with a generous 2 oz it will last you awhile.

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noelle198311 on 5/17/2008 1:32:00 PM more reviews by noelle198311

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

First of all, as a sunscreen it's NOT good. it's too heavy. also, having said that, to get the full spf of this product (which is in this case pretty low) you have to apply it thickly as with all sunscreens. how that should be done with this heavy sunscreen is beyond me.

However, it did not cause me any breakouts. it was also not too strong as some neutrogena sunscreens are. but the reason i give it 3 lippies is because it's an excellent moisturizer. but it is very heavy to use in the daytime. so for it's intended purpose, i think it's awful. and to use it as a heavy nighttime moisturizer, there are so much more cheap drugstore brands that do the job. definitely not worth $38.

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pelikandaughter on 5/13/2008 5:45:00 PM more reviews by pelikandaughter

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I've only been using this for a week, but so far I'm impressed. I started using it two days before TOM and I did not get a single zit, which is unusual for me. No breakouts or irritation yet, and I love the smell. My skin soaks it up instantly and leaves me with a good moisture balance - no oiliness or residue, and my skin feels supple and soft. The BF likes the smell, too. My skin is pretty dry, though. I doubt this alone would be moisturizing enough for me in the winter, but we'll just have to see if it works for me all summer.
Edit: So far, so good - but I am only using this in the early evening hours or on days I am mostly indoors, as I need serious sun protection for my outdoor activities - this is a good product for a morning commute, not a morning by the pool!

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lexymiss on 3/22/2008 12:10:00 AM more reviews by lexymiss

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I waited about three weeks to review this, just to make sure I’m as enthusiastic about it now as I was when I first started using it. And I am. I really like this product a lot. Normally, all the UVA lotions leave my skin greasy looking, are too thick, or leave a pasty white residue on my face. But not this. It is pretty runny (consistency), so application is a breeze: no tugging or pulling on my delicate facial skin. Also, no irritation whatsoever (no breakouts nor facial redness)! It absorbs, so I don’t look like I haven’t washed my face in days! Even after I slather my moisturizer underneath; an added bonus for me!!! And no white film left on my skin afterwards! I also love the SPF 20. Granted, it’s not as good as 30, but it’s better than 15!!! ;)


The only part I don’t like about this product is how much of it comes out. No matter how lightly I squeeze the tube (love the tube packaging BTW), a lot more comes out than what I need. Considering the size of the tube and the price, I really do not want to waste this! True, it does have that herbal lavender smell to it, but it does wear off in my opinion. Will definitely keep repurchasing!

UPDATE: Just found out this is not photostable and ppd of this product is very low!!! UGH..... Off to find another HG sunscreen. Took two lippies off for this.

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pam3 on 1/18/2008 7:37:00 PM more reviews by pam3

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I wanted to like this since my sister swears by it. However, it gave me clogged pores and red bumps on my forehead and along my hairline. It's back to RoC Age Diminishing Daily Moisturizer for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* tiara98 on 1/3/2008 9:58:00 PM more reviews by tiara98

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i have a bit of a moisturizer fetish, since my skin is dry no matter where i am. i recently moved back to new england from the mid atlantic and i don't remember ever being THIS ashy/itchy! nothing i had on hand was keeping my face hydrated, so out i went to sephora to pick this bad boy up, based on the reviews here.

i've only been using this for a week, and i hate the lavender scent, but i hafta say, so far so good. it doesn't feel creamy enough going on, but somehow a little bit is enough. it gives me a little kick of radiance, and it's not breaking me out. in fact, i think this may even be making my skin clearer?

i'll update when i've used this item for longer, but now i can't get through my other night creams fast enough so that i can rationalize buying the non-SPF when hope is not enough (in a jar) for night!

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*TOP REVIEWER* addysmom on 12/8/2007 8:53:00 PM more reviews by addysmom

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

THis is my staple during the winter months. I do find that I am too oily for it during the summer. l Love it>

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zoecook on 8/4/2007 9:04:00 PM more reviews by zoecook

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

In contrast to the Purity cleanser which I did not like at all - this product is fabulous.
The tinted cream is incredibly smooth and moisturising and has a wonderfully delicious light lavender scent (I couldn't think of what it was until i read the ingredients - and there it was 'lavender oil'.
I suffer occasionally from dry skin and eczema and since using this product it has improved - I will not say the eczema has disappeared as it hasn't, but it is definately much improved. Perhaps it will disappear with longer-term use.
It gives my skin a lovely glowing look and it a delight to apply, feeling rich and creamy, yet sinks into the skin soon after application and leaves my skin feeling richly hydrated all day.
I do not wear foundation so I do not know how this will combine with that thick paint a few people insist on coating their skin with (people you need to allow your skin to BREATHE!) but the light tint certainly aids in evening out my complexion.
I highly recommend this product - especially for use here in Australia with the SPF20 rating.

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*TOP REVIEWER* cosmokid on 7/10/2007 6:41:00 PM more reviews by cosmokid

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I used to use HIAJ in the am mixed with the Philosophy Hope and a Prayer Vitamin C powder, and then a tinted moisturiser with SPF. Using this product, it does it all in one - it's got the Vitamin C, SPF, it's moisturising and has a slight tint to it. Has really streamlined my morning routine and I love not having to put as many products on my face. Absorbs quickly. My only concern is that the active ingredient is the sunscreen is avobenzone which apparently is not stable.

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*TOP REVIEWER* strawberrytaurus on 6/9/2007 11:29:00 AM more reviews by strawberrytaurus

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

After I finished my jar of Hope in a Jar I knew I needed to get something with SPF. I never wore sunscreen on my face and I decided that I needed to start so I looked into When Hope is Not Enough spf 20 and wow this does wonders! First off, it's a great moisturizer, I stay looking fresh all day like I did with HIAJ but now I feel even better bc I have spf on as well! I don't care either way that it's tinted because it blends very easily into my skin. I also love the tube that it comes in. It's easier for travel than HIAJ and just easier to tote around. The only minor thing I can complain about is the price but the $35 price tag is well worth it. HIAJ lasted me over a year and that was with wearing it everyday, sometimes twice a day so I hope that When Hope is not Enough lasts just as long although it will be harder to get the last of the product out when I'm close to finishing the tube.

Just for reference I'm pretty oily especially in the summer. This does not curb the oiliness--I still have to use MAC blot for that but it does keep me feeling fresh all day long.

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*TOP REVIEWER* tressab on 5/13/2007 4:52:00 AM more reviews by tressab

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I've tried both the clarins and the shisheido moisturizer/sunscreen combos with bleh results. This, however, is my HG. It isn't greasy, doesn't break me out, gives a nice glow and keeps me moisturized all day. Gotta have it.

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HRH084 on 4/29/2007 12:30:00 AM more reviews by HRH084

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I got a sample of this in a kit and really love it. It's got SPF 20, soI don't have to worry about not having sunscreen on. And it's got a peach-pink color to it that melts right in, perfect for blinding white skin like mine. It makes my skin look so much better, even before I put my makeup on. It makes it more smooth and even and gives a nice healthy glow, not like a sunkissed one but a more fresh-scrubbed look. I have acne, I broke out REAL bad from using Weleda Skinfood, so I was worried how this non-natural stuff would compare. It does great, I don't think I can contribute any pimples to it even though I still get them around that time of the month or if I don't get all my makeup off right before I go to sleep. My old acne scars seem to be fading pretty well with this routine. I attribute this to this moisturizer since I'd been using the other products for months but hadn't seen effects like I'm seeing now. My only gripe is that I have sensitive skin that flakes, and it still flakes on the chin area during the day when I use this stuff. I'm hoping that this might be part of the process of getting my skin back under control, since most of my acne and scars are on my chin area. So I'll continue to use this stuff, and hopefully my skin will decide to stop trying to ruin my early 20s. I recommend this to people who have wrinkles, acne...whatever.

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Holly13 on 3/9/2007 5:53:00 PM more reviews by Holly13

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Recommend this 100%. Thankfully, does not have the same weird rotten milk smell as the When Hope Is Not Enough regular without SPF - has a nice citrusy one instead. Light peach tint does not affect your skintone or interfere with makeup. Very light but skin stays moist - makeup adheres pretty well. I don't get that funky built up feeling you can get from wearing sunblock under makeup - so far no meltdowns or breakouts, either. Normally "light" lotions are not enough for me and my dry skin. Great product. CORRECTION: The bad-milk smell comes from Hope In A Jar, not from When Hope Is Not Enough. Sorry for the slip!

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