ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Serum Review

When Hope is Not Enough Serum is a thick gel serum with a clean medicinal scent.  The formula contains peptides and several antioxidants to help fight the signs of aging.  The water-based serum absorbs easily into the skin and provides lightweight hydration.  The serum leaves skin brighter and adds a subtle glow.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar Advanced Skin Smoothing Body Lotion Review

Hope in a Jar Advanced Skin Smoothing Body Lotion is a lightweight yet emollient lotion with a clean lavender scent.  The formula contains multiple emollients, shea butter, niacinamide, antioxidants, and other skin conditioners.  The lotion has a rich, silky texture that absorbs easily into the skin.  The formula instantly softens and smoothes the skin, leaving behind a non-sticky veil of moisture.

Philosophy Eyes Wide Open Instant Refreshing and Depuffing Eye Gel Review

Eyes Wide Open is a clear treatment gel for the eye area.  The gel combines lightweight hydrators with caffeine and glucosyl hesperidin to minimize puffiness and dark circles.  When applied sparingly, the gel dries quickly and without a sticky residue.  The formula instantly refreshes and smoothes the eye area while reducing morning puffiness.  The gel does not visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Eye Cream Review

Miraculous Anti-Aging Eye Cream is a pale yellow cream with a strange waxy texture.  The cream is slow to absorb and it leaves behind a shiny finish.  The strange texture aside, this product does a good job of smoothing and hydrating the eye area.  The formula contains a good array of anti-aging ingredients that include niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoids, and peptides.  The niacinamide and retinoids may be irritating to sensitive skin.

Philosophy The Supernatural Lit from Within Healthy Cream Blush (Bare Your Soul) Review

Bare Your Soul is a natural pink cream blush.  The formula is enriched with natural oils, shea butter and antioxidants.  The blush has a smooth texture that blends easily on the skin and dries to a non-greasy, natural finish.  The blush deposits a whisper of pink on the skin that would work best on fair complexions.  The color deepens slightly with multiple applications.  The blush is housed in a sleek black compact with a small mirror. 

Philosophy Eternal Grace Eau de Toilette Review

Eternal Grace is a fresh floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a green-citrus note that quickly gives way to a clean, slightly rosy aroma.  Gradually, the composition reveals a tender violet flower with fresh powdery undertones.  The violet eventually disappears into a barely-there musk base.  Notes include: Bergamot, Neroli, Geranium, Lavender, Violet, Passion Fruit, Musk, Amber.

Philosophy Summer Grace (Limited Edition) Eau de Toilette Review

Summer Grace is a subtle fruity-floral scent.  The opening is clean with touches of citrus, gardenia and perhaps a hint of melon.  The composition quickly mellows into a sheer, slightly musky floral bouquet warmed by pear and a whisper of coconut.  The floral notes gently fade to a soft musk base.  Notes include: Blooming Flowers, Sun-Ripen Fruits.

Philosophy Shelter Sunscreen for Face and Body (untinted) SPF 30 Review

Shelter is a pasty yellow cream with a clean lavender scent.  The formula combines chemical sunscreens with a mineral sunblock (titanium dioxide), antioxidants and peptides.  The cream spreads easily and absorbs quickly to a semi-matte, velvety finish on the skin.  The yellow tint is not noticeable on the skin.

Philosophy The Microdelivery One-Minute Purifying Enzyme Peel Review

The Microdelivery One-Minute Purifying Enzyme Peel is a gooey gel with a refreshing citrus scent.  The peel combines lactic acid, salicylic acid, fruit acids and natural enzymes in a hydrating glycerin base.  The peel can tingle slightly upon application but if feels comfortable on the skin.  You are directed to leave the treatment on the skin for 1-3 minutes and rinse thoroughly.  The peel feels sticky coming off but it rinses completely with plenty of water and cleanser.  The exfoliating acids and the enzymes gently resurface the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. 

Philosophy Hope in a Jar (original formula) Review

Hope in a Jar is a lightweight moisturizer with a whipped, soufflé-like texture.  The formula is rather basic but it includes lactic acid for gentle exfoliation.  The moisturizer glides easily over the skin and soaks in readily.  The formula leaves the skin lightly hydrated and with a dewy finish.  This product has a herbal-lavender scent. 

Philosophy Miracle Worker ™ Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads and Solution Review

Miracle Worker ™ Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads and Solution includes a 60-count container of textured pads and a 2-oz bottle of solution. The solution’s key ingredient is retinoid, but it also contains vitamin C, vitamin E and anti-irritants. You pour the entire solution into the container of pads and then wipe your face each night with a single moistened pad. The solution feels slightly oily going on but absorbs quickly into the skin. The retinoid pads help to smooth and brighten the complexion without much redness or irritation. Individuals with sensitive skin should use the product every other night until the skin adjusts.

Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder Review

Turbo Booster C Powder is a moist white powder packaged in a 0.25 oz brown glass bottle.  Enclosed with the product is a small measuring scoop.  The powder is mostly vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with a minuscule amount of other beneficial skincare ingredients.  You are instructed to mix ½ to 1 scoop of the powder with your favorite serum or moisturizer before applying it to the skin.  This unique delivery system ensures that the vitamin C is always fresh and stable.  Sensitive skin types could experience redness when using vitamin C and should use less of the powder until the skin adjusts.  This product imparts a rosy glow and brightens the complexion overtime. 

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Cloths Review

The Microdelivery Exfoliating Cloths feel like paper and measure 3.25 inches by 4.5 inches. Each cloth comes with two slits (i.e., one for your thumb and one for your fingers) but they are awkward to use. Philosophy suggests using a moistened cloth with the Purity Made Simple cleanser (for light exfoliation) or the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (for thorough exfoliation). The Purity Made Simple cleanser softens the cloth and makes it less effective at exfoliation. The moistened cloth alone gently resurfaces the skin’s texture but it’s not superior to a plain washcloth.

　

Philosophy Unconditional Love Eau de Toilette Review

Unconditional Love is a fruity floral scent with hints of musk and vanilla.  The fragrance opens with a medley of sweet berries.  After the fruit notes soften, they are paired with sheer white florals and soft musk.  The base of the fragrance is a subtle blend of musk, vanilla and a whisper of berries.  The fragrance quietly lingers on the skin throughout the day.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Cleanser Review

Purity Made Simple is a runny liquid cleanser with a luxuriously silky feel and a fresh rosewood scent.  The formula is low-foaming and contains gentle cleansing agents, meadowfoam seed oil and a blend of essential oils and plant extracts.  The cleanser thoroughly removes dirt, oil and makeup and rinses clean without over-drying the skin.  This product is suitable for all skin types. 

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel Review

The Microdelivery Peel is very similar to Olay’s Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System (reviewed separately).  Both treatments feature a vitamin-enriched crystal scrub/mask and a clear gel acid peel (Philosophy’s scrub also contains peptides).  The leave-on crystal scrub is applied first to polish and condition the skin.  In the second step, the acid peel dissolves the scrubbing crystals to deliver more nutrients to the skin.  The lactic and salicylic acids gently slough off dead skin cells for a smoother, fresher appearance.

Philosophy Falling In Love Fragrance Review

This fragrance is soft, sweet and uncomplicated.  This harmonious blend of blackberry, soft florals, vanilla and musk will please someone looking for a subtle, comforting scent.