Sizing Up Philosophy Samples

I came across a Philosophy outlet in Bangkok but I didn’t have a close look at the products although I have heard of the brand long before. I like the packaging, maybe I am drawn to all the words on the products. Each product has a summary of what the product is about and what results you can expect on bottle/jar.

No, I wasn’t invited for the Philosophy launch but I was fortunate enough to be passed some skincare samples which thankfully aren’t in tiny amounts.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser For Face and Eyes

I understand that this is the brand’s star product, a bestseller and it’s multi-purpose because it removes all make-up including eye make-up as well as having a toning effect so you don’t need to apply toner afterwards. It contains about 12 different oil extracts which means it smells wonderful. It’s light and soothing, non-stinging to eyes. I massaged it all over my face and then used a cotton pad to remove the excess before rinsing. It works better this way to remove all traces of make-up than if I were to just rinse off straight away. This one has meadowfoam seed oil which is natural oil that lightly hydrates the skin to leave it comfortable, not pulled or tight. It truly leaves skin so clean that a toner is not necessary to pick up any makeup residues.

It’s excellent and I love it as it leaves my skin thoroughly cleansed and smooth. After trying it, I am itching for the full size product. In case you are wondering why there is still lipstick on, I intentionally didn’t have it removed.

The Microdelivery Peel

Now this is an interesting exfoliator as it’s a 2-step peel offering home microdermabrasion treatment. What makes this next generation microdelivery peel so revolutionary is that unlike peels of the past that only exfoliated, this peel delivers peptides and vitamin c to the skin as it is being rapidly exfoliated. It is resurfacing and replenishing the skin at the same time, which is a new approach to skin rejuvenation.

This is how it works (courtesy of Philosophy website):-

step 1 – vitamin c/peptide resurfacing crystals – apply a teaspoon amount to clean, dry skin. once applied, crystals should appear almost like a mask. gently massage in a circular motion over entire face for up to 60 seconds, avoiding eye area. do not scrub. (use less pressure for sensitive skin.)
step 2 – lactic/salicylic acid activating gel place a generous teaspoon amount in the palm of your hand. massage gel onto fingertips, and apply on top of crystals. as activator is applied, a warming sensation will occur. white foam will appear, indicating activation. leave foam on 2-3 minutes to infuse vitamin c and peptides into the skin. (you can massage foam for extra exfoliating benefits or let it sit for sensitive skin.) rinse thoroughly. (you can use a washcloth for removal, to avoid getting the peel in your hair).

When I applied Step 1 : vitamin c/peptide crystals, it felt so warm and I was careful not to scrub it like I would an exfoliator as I’d been advised to gently apply it. It was slightly runny and I had to wash my hand before proceeding to Step 2 : lactic/salicylic acid activating gel which is just a clear and rather liquid gel.

When Step 2 is applied over Step 2, the combination foams up slightly and it felt even warmer although not uncomfortable. I left it on for 3 minutes. It’s best to use this in a fairly cool room or not to move around too much while using this product as it may drip down with movement. I was walking around doing some household stuff during the 3 minutes (maximize time!) and I realized I should have sat down during that time as I felt the peel dripping down slightly although not on to my clothes.

No wonder some call this the 3 minute miracle worker. After rinsing off, skin feels incredibly smooth, so much brighter and glowing even till the next day! It’s a superb product and I wouldn’t mind having the full size product which comes in 2 tubs.

There is a stronger version of this peel (which isn’t recommended if you have acne) in the form of pads, perhaps that would be less messy yet deliver the same results? I think the pads would be great for travelling since you don’t have to lug around 2 tubs. So much more convenient and practical. In any case, I am now a fan of The Microdelivery Peel, impressive & I like the warm sensation.

When Hope Is Not Enough

The names of Philosophy’s products are truly witty. You get “Hope In A Jar”, “Hands Of Hope”, “Live and Dream In Hope”, “When Hope Is Not Enough”, the last one being essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 and unsaturated omega-9 to help stimulate the skin’’s natural process of renewal and regeneration, while maintaining its suppleness and elasticity. It is a lightweight oil that hydrates dry skin, while helping to protect it against environmental attack. the nurturing formula also helps maintain skin’s elasticity.  Ideally used in the p.m., this oil helps fight moisture loss and free radical attack, while nurturing the skin’s natural barrier and inspiring a healthy glow. It also serves as a great post peel or exfoliation treatment to soothe irritated skin and provide overall conditioning benefits.

This a rather runny and light oil, much lighter in consistency than the Jurlique and NYR versions. It hydrated my skin so much that I didn’t feel a moisturizer was necessary and I didn’t apply a moisturizer after patting this in. My skin still felt hydrated hours later and next morning, my skin looked nourished and bright. Have a look at this product if you prefer lighter oils, this one fits the bill perfectly.

Overview
This is a new brand (to Malaysia) definitely worth checking out the next time you are at Sephora outlets. Having tried some of their skincare, I am looking forward to having a look at their bodycare especially the Raspberry Sorbet which is a shampoo, bubble bath and shower gel, a product which would be great for travelling. Although the packaging looks simple, I am already won over by the usage of words on their products. It’s like feeding the body and the mind products.