Friday, May 23, 2008

Beauty Review: Hope In A Jar Was Not Hope Enough!

I don't usually like to write bad reviews but I felt the need to vent my dislike towards "cult classic" Philosophy's Hope In A Jar moisturizer. Months ago, my skin was going through some tough times - dry, flaky, fine lines, breakouts, you name it. I read review after review raving about Hope In A Jar so I thought my chances were really good at scoring THE perfect moisturizer. Here is what it promises:

"Healthy, radiant skin is yours. Smooth this moisturizer on the face morning and night for skin that looks like you turned back time—without the wishing. The antioxidant soufflĂ© formula hydrates to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration while improving texture."


Here is what really happened: After I washed my face with Philosophy's Purity Made Simple (LOVE!), I couldn't wait to slather on Hope In A Jar. From the first twist of the jar I smelt a faint odor that smelled a bit off, like sweaty feet. The offending odor became stronger and stronger until the cap came off. I thought it was a bit odd because I had heard it smelt like lavender. I decided to brush it off and went ahead slathering it on. My skin immediately looked rosy and healthy. Then suddenly my skin started to tighten and started flaking everywhere! I decided my skin needed a month to adjust to my new skincare products, but three months later my skin was still flaking and tight. I saw no noticeable difference in my fine lines and the texture of my skin was not glowy or soft.

I figured the combo of Purity Made Simple and Hope was too harsh for my skin. I tried washing my face with Cetaphil and using Hope but it made no difference. My skin hated me and I didn't blame it. After I trashed the cream, I stuck with Purity Made Simple and my Cetaphil moisturizer. All was not lost and my skin is looking more radiant, healthier and clearer than it has ever looked! Yay!

Although it didn't work for me, it probably works for a lot of other people. Beauty products are personal to everyone's needs. But seriously, they really need to do something about the scent! It made me gag every time I put it on! Tried it? What did you think? Love it? Hate it?

5 comments:

yummy411 said...

darn what a shame. i have a sample and i haven't used it all.. no adverse reactions but not impressed either.

Karin said...

Did you smell other jars? Was this one bad?

I've never tried it.

Make-up Junkie said...

yah I don't know - I think there's definitely too much hype around it but I know a lot of women can't live without it! to each their own. I actually haven't tried smelling other ones. I asked in a few forums if I maybe got a bad batch and a few people said they had the same experience with the smelliness. who knows...

psychoexgirlfriend said...

I just bought Purity Made Simple last Wednesday. We'll see how it goes. At the moment it's great and I'm using it with LinaCare which is amazing. Hope in a Jar was one I was eyeing but I remember your previous mini-review on it before so I passed. My skin tends to react to a lot of things so I avoid most items that can be irritating.

hklover86 said...

ya it smells bad! i have tried it and now i am ordering my second jar. I agree about the smell tho, it smells so...medicinal? if u know what i mean, but i ignore it because i think its a great product! i ordered purity made simple as well and i am hoping that will be good as well!