The makers of Hope in a Jar moisturizer, the Philosophy skincare company, describes itself as "a lifestyle brand that celebrates feeling well and living joyously". Their website goes on to explain their origins: "The story of Philosophy begins with the story of BioMedic, a medically-based skincare line distributed by the world's leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists and the first company started by philosophy brand creator and founder, Cristina Carlino. Philosophy skincare was inspired by years of medical research that has helped shape the skincare treatments, peels and protocols currently offered in top plastic surgery and dermatology practices world-wide."
These are products that do no just talk the talk, so to speak. They are recommended by doctors and dermatologists, people that are focused on not just making skin appear pretty, but actually boosting the health of it so the beauty comes from the inside out.
This beauty from the inside out philosophy is what makes their products stand out. Their bubble baths, shower gels, and body lotions come in delectable flavors that entice each of the senses, not something often accomplished with a bath product. With flavors ranging from raspberry sorbet, with swirling pink hues of the creamy liquid, to classic fudge cake, a deep rich chocolate concoction, it is difficult to know if you are supposed to wash with the products or eat them.
While the brand's Hope in a Jar facial moisturizer has a more mundane fragrance, what it lacks in culinary appeal, it makes up for in effectiveness. A few months ago in Las Vegas, I picked up a jar of the cream on a whim. I had just left the Canyon Ranch Spa, and was feeling particularly focused on keeping the hydrated, supple look that had just been created by three hours of expensive and very worthwhile treatments. I had not planned to stop in the Sephora store on my way back to the hotel, but as is usually the case, it sort of called out to me as I walked past. I chose a chocolate flavored shower gel, giving me something to look forward to after the vacation had ended, and a .5 ounce jar of the facial moisturizer. I had heard good things, more or less all from those responsible for selling the product, but I knew I had been pleased with Philosophies other items.
In the past, I have not been overly concerned with the ingredients in products. Lately though, I have begun to question how the things I put on and in my body are effecting my health. The ingredient list for Hope in a Jar was hidden beneath a UPC sticker on the bottom of the jar. Peeling it back was not an easy task, and caused me a bit of concern. Finally separating the two labels revealed that the product was made up of primarily water, and a whole lot of -ates, -ines, and -ityls. I suppose since it claims to be medically-based, one should not expect it to be all natural, nor did Philosophy ever claim it was. I do not think the ingredient list would have deterred me from buying and using it, but since I was about half through the jar when I bothered with the list, I can never be sure.
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After several weeks of using the moisturizer, almost nightly, I am pleased with the results. I have sampled a wide variety of face creams, ranging from the ultra expensive La Mer, to over the counter creams like Oil of Olay. While Hope in a Jar is not exactly comparable to La Mer, it is far less expensive, and definitely better than OTC bottles. I have sensitive skin and it has reacted poorly to a variety of products, but there were no flare-ups while using Hope in a Jar. I think the best thing about this moisturizer is its souffle texture. There is no trace of grease after using the product, and it does not have a runny, liquidity like many moisturizers. When you put it on your skin, it feels like it is penetrating and hydrating, as opposed to just sliding along the surface. It also dries quickly, almost immediately, which means you do not have to wait to put on makeup.
Over the time I used Hope in a Jar, I saw a diminishment in the ruddy, red blotches on my cheeks. While the product claims to reduce the look of sallowness and boost its rosiness, it did the opposite for me, which is exactly what I wanted. The red blotches appear when my skin is dehydrated, so I knew the moisturizer was working. I can not say that my skin was glowing, but I am willing to credit Hope in a Jar with a slight near-glow. With bi-monthly facials and the use of Hope in a Jar, I think I would be very happy with my skin's health and appearance.
On the Philosophy website, Hope in a Jar is recommended for people with normal skin and a traditional t-zone area. It is for those with sun damaged skin, that want makeup application to be optional. It is a daily moisturizer, and the jar says it can be used twice a day if necessary. The product was also reviewed on the website as being a quality complement to acne medication.
Hope in a Jar moisturizer claims "Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles occur." While not entirely miraculous, I would recommend the moisturizer to those with sensitive skin, that suffer from mild dryness. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and very effective. Prices range from $15-105.00, and it comes in containers of .5 ounce to 8 ounces. Hope in a Jar can be purchased at a variety of department stores, at Sephora stores, and on the Philosophy website.
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