Philosophy Hope In A Jar

RRP: £34/56.7g

--What does the promo say?--

"Recommended for all skin types, this intensive facial moisturiser contains lactic acid to exfoliate and Beta Glucan to help give skin a healthy glow. The light texture means it's easily absorbed."

--Packaging--

Clean, light and minimalist in design and colour, using black and white to get the product's message across simply. Shame it's all made of plastic; for the price, more is perhaps expected.

--Application--

Smooth on a small amount of the product after cleansing and toning.

--Appearance--

A creamy yellow product that blends invisibly with the skin.

--Scent--

A slightly milky/creamy smell - given the presence of lactic acid, this isn't exactly surprising.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and luxurious; glides on and blends in effortlessly.

--Effects on the skin--

Redness is reduced, oiliness is reduced, spots don't seem to last as long, and the cream gives a really nice glow to the skin. Skin is also softened and calmed. Top stuff.

--Value for money--

This product seems to really polarise critics, with users on MakeUpAlley.com giving it as many 5-star reviews as 1-star reviews. One size therefore probably does not really fit all as the company tries to claim, and so my opinion of 'suitable for all skin types' products remains the same; I reckon I just got lucky this time. I also balked at the price when I saw it (THIRTY-FOUR QUID?! ARE YOU HAVING A GIRAFFE?!?!), but consider that if it really is effective on my poor acne-plagued skin (which, so far, it is) then it must be worth paying. The effects are also visible within even a few days of use, meaning that even the most disheartened can take something from it. Would buy again, and would encourage other acne sufferers to give it a go too - a surprise contrast to my disappointing experiences with other Philosophy products.

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