Philosophy • Hope in a Jar - for all skin types • Moisturizers

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*TOP REVIEWER* rossjen on 2/12/2004 10:24:00 AM more reviews by rossjen

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

A sample of this was my first venture into this line, and I don't want to continue. A shame too, since this is probably the best cream that I have ever put on my face. I have never seen such instant results with anything before, my face was instantly brighter. But the horrible smell was enough to turn me away from it for good. This smells like rotting perm solution, and it stays around until you wash it off. So absolutely vile, it literally made me feel sick. I just could not take it, no matter what the results were. I'm glad I didn't purchase it.

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treedee23 on 2/3/2004 11:44:00 AM more reviews by treedee23

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

This is one of the worst things I've ever put on my face. It was slimey and took forever to absorb into my skin. Then it left the worst smell of all time. Blech.

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riapot on 2/1/2004 12:37:00 AM more reviews by riapot

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Okay, the smell aside (and personally, I don't mind it) - this is really good stuff. After my skin goes through a hard day, i apply this at night and the next morning i have radiant, elastic, cushy skin! It doesn't feel heavy on, either, which is weird because you'd think a cream that makes the skin look and feel so lovely would have to be thick. One warning - keep away from your eyes. No one else really seems to complain about this, but if I get it anywhere near my eyes it really stings! Other than that - this is really a wonderful product.

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clembert on 1/30/2004 4:06:00 PM more reviews by clembert

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Wow! Philosophy is my new favorite skin care line. After seeing Christina (the owner/creator)coutless times on QVC and getting turned off by her "holier-than-thou" attitude, I decided to see what all of her fuss was about. I am *so* glad I did! I thought this product might be too light-weight for my normally dry skin, but it was just right. It moisturized without feeling overly heavy on my face. It also sinks right into the skin and a little tiny bit goes a LONG WAY!!! Used in conjunction with other Philosophy products, I have witnessed an enormous improvement in my skin, and so have my friends and family. I highly recommend this whole line to others!

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darkmuffet on 1/30/2004 2:53:00 AM more reviews by darkmuffet

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I purchased this based on the companies claims that this was basically a miracle in a jar. The packaging states that it is for all skin types. I have combination(oily T-zone, dry face), blemish prone skin. I really did not want another moisturizer with salicylic acid though. There is lavender oil in it which can be an irritant to some skin and mine apparently falls into this category. It is entirely too thick too be used on my T-zone and really just seems to sit on the dry ares of my face. It does work better than some low end brands so I have kept it as a winter night cream. This is probably a good moisturizer for drier skin types. The cost seemed high compared to the performance. I am still looking for my HG moisturizer.

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Agusia on 1/28/2004 12:45:00 PM more reviews by Agusia

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Great moisturizer for my oily and prone to monthly breakouts skin. I'm a regular user of acne treatments which can cause flakiness. This moisturizer is very light in consistency and yet moisturizes better than anything else I've tried (and I've tried many). It does have an unpleasant smell, but I have gotten so used to it that I don't even notice it anymore. I'm on my third jar and will keep purchasing.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Dr_Luna on 1/24/2004 4:16:00 PM more reviews by Dr_Luna

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I am extremely sensitive to smell -- in fact, that's why I can't wear Benefit's face cream called something like Touch Me Then Try to Leave Me. But the scent of Hope in a Jar is faint, and it's a clean, somewhat soapy medicinal scent, easily overlooked given the strong performance of this cream. I only use it at night but after only 3 days had already noticed a persistent soft quality to my skin even when I wasn't wearing it. I swear by Estee Lauder's Idealist, and will continue to use it every day, but that product only works while you are wearing it. Hope in a Jar seems to provide cumulative effects -- like if I skip a day, I still have the dewy smoothness it imparts on my skin. But nightly use yields the best results -- keeps my skin unbelievably soft and plumped, and is a very gentle but effective cream.
UPDATE After a month of nightly use, 2 things: 1) the smell everyone mentions disappears from the product after a couple of weeks and 2) I was right about the cumulative effects -- definitely improves skin for a few days even when you're not wearing it. But I am getting incredible results from nightly use, and I really love the moist plumping effect. Please note that I am 47 with dry to normal "good" skin -- when I was a teenager or in my 20s, this may have been too much for me. But I'm thinking anyone 35+ will LOVE it.

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sashimigirl on 1/19/2004 9:56:00 PM more reviews by sashimigirl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I have super oily, sensitive, acne prone skin that went combination this winter. So I was a bit wary about this moisturizer since it is thicker and more emollient than what I would usually use. But since I got the sample size as part of a Christmas gift I decided to give it a try. I was really surprised at how soothing it was to my skin! It really moisturizes the dry skin while not over-moisturizing the T-zone -- no oil slicks here! I've been using this for almost a month with the Purity cleanser and have noticed that my skin's moisture level has evened out (T-zone less oily, rest of face less dry) and I even break out less. As for the smell I kind of like it -- I assume it comes from the lavender oil. The price tag is a bit steep but for results like these I might just be willing to repurchase, if I can find a decent deal on ebay ;) I do worry about how it will work in warmer weather if my skin morphs back to oily...

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RileyKate on 1/18/2004 3:20:00 AM more reviews by RileyKate

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I don't understand all the bad reviews?! - But I understand that everyone's skin is different - This is becoming my HG moisturizer (and Oprah's LOL) - I swear my skin looks better and better every day - I seem to have softer, clearer, brighter & rosier skin - It did not make me break out (which can sometimes be a problem for me) - It absorbs almost instantly and has a light whipped texture - Seriously, my skin is "makeup-optional" and I don't *need* any blush anymore since I have this rosy glow now (not ruddy, rosy, I swear!) .. but I am a blush addict and can not help myself - (((I also use alot of other Philosophy products - I mix the Vitamin C powder (Hope & a Prayer) w/ my moisturizer in the am - and I think the cleanser is the best ever!))) - oh, and I really don't notice any bad smell?!

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Faustina on 1/16/2004 1:17:00 PM more reviews by Faustina

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this moisturizer! It is perfect. Not greasy, but gives just the right amount of moisture. It disolves fast into the skin and makes it ready for my make-up. $35.00 is not bad for 2oz if you have compared other high end moisturizers. I would recomend.

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*TOP REVIEWER* blush223 on 1/16/2004 6:58:00 AM more reviews by blush223

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

Made me break out; upset my skin. Test it first. Smells a little like ammonia to me, wonder what ingredient in it smells like ammonia? I can see how others may like it, though. Good consistency. If you're oily and/or sensitive/prone to breakouts, might try Hope in a Bottle or another product instead. I just don't have much luck with Philosophy. Re packaging: Think, for sanitary reasons, they should either make this a pump package or include a little scoop to discourage contamination of the product. Make sure your hands are just washed and really clean if you're scooping with your fingers.

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theunblonde on 1/16/2004 2:28:00 AM more reviews by theunblonde

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

So it smells a little funny. That just means they're not adding any fragrance to possibly irritate skin, just to make it smell more pleasant! This silky-smooth, excellent moisturizer is my holy grail. I have rosacea, and it doesn't irritate-- but it makes my dry spots soft, and my oily spots don't get oilier. I mix this with Hope and a Prayer, and I'll never go back to my previous products.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Imanaddict on 1/15/2004 6:47:00 PM more reviews by Imanaddict

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I happen to really like Hope in aJar and my sister swears by it...great for sensitive skin, and I dont find the smell repulsive at all...I tend to stay away from sweet, overperfumed smells and this just smells clean to me..no perfumes added

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zerodatura on 1/15/2004 2:01:00 PM more reviews by zerodatura

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

I really like this moisturizer. I have noticed a decrease in fine lines and my skin tone is rosy and bright, just as the product promises. My little forehead wrinkles used to be really noticable, but now you can barely see them. I especially like how quickly the cream is absorbed into my skin...it leaves it completely soft without feeling heavy or greasy. I am on my second jar, so obviously I would purchase this again.

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SkyCandyGirl on 1/13/2004 6:30:00 AM more reviews by SkyCandyGirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I started using this product because a friend of mine w/ beautiful skin recommended it. I love the way it works! It's light and smooth. My skin is soft and bright and looks so much better . . .but I also noticed the not so pleasant smell . . .especially when you put it on then blow dry your hair! The heat from the dryer makes it even worse. Oh well, the product works so wonderfully, I've decided to get used to the smell of it and I won't use anything else.

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maltomeel on 1/7/2004 9:02:00 PM more reviews by maltomeel

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this cream. I am a Darphin junkie but just didn't have the funds post-holiday...so i ordred this from QVC, knowing the return policy is excellent. Well, I love it. I agree that the smell is odd, although not offensive....reminds me of how my hair smells the first few days after a professional colouring....an underlying plastic-y odor. For $35 for a generous 2 oz. I can't complain. This cream works and leaves my skin feeling smooth and "elastic". I've saved myself $100!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Blueness on 1/6/2004 8:25:00 PM more reviews by Blueness

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This stuff smelled like pee! I cant believe I actually went thru the whole sample package- I used it day and night for 3 days and I'm still trying to get my face to forgive me. I have combi/oily skin but suddenly my cheeks and mouth area are parched and my undereyes are dry and flakey and they look WRINKLY- and that is *never* ok. Sure, no breakouts, but at the cost of ugly skin? I'm praying to the Estee Lauder Perfectionist god to make it all go away- it took only 6 uses to ruin years of work; hopefully it wont take that long to repair it.

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cclark02 on 1/5/2004 9:20:00 PM more reviews by cclark02

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased this last month and I have to say that I am turning into a Philosophy girl. I love this moisturizer! I am in my mid-thirties and have oily skin (less oily in the winter) and find that this product does not leave me feeling greasy with this at all. I have had no breakouts and I love the texture of this product.

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JohannaFi on 1/3/2004 4:44:00 PM more reviews by JohannaFi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I know I´m not the first - or the last - one to say that the smell of this product is strange; once a friend of mine politely asked if I hadn´t had a shower for a couple of days =) The smell is not the only thing I find odd in this cream; for some reason, on my skin, this product sort of melts, so that it feels almost liquid. Don´t know if that´s supposed to happen, but it feels strange until it soaks in. Not sure if I´d buy this again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* chelsear on 1/2/2004 6:14:00 PM more reviews by chelsear

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

It's unfortunate so many people have dismissed this product based entirely on the smell. It does smell a little odd - lavender and ozone, almost - but that is more than made up for by how it performs. My combo skin looks brighter, less red, more even, has no flakes, and is less oily since I started using this. Get past the smell and try this!

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