Philosophy Beauty Products

Adored by Oprah Winfrey, long-standing cosmetics company Philosophy has the medical background, the word-of-mouth buzz and inspirational lifestyle philosophy behind it.

The History of Philosophy

The Philosophy cosmetics story begins with the medically-based skincare company Bio-Medic, founded by Cristina Carlino. A high-tech, frill-less skincare line specifically designed for distribution by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists, Bio-Medic was intended for the intensely sensitive/cosmetically damaged skin of their patients.

The move to a less-specialized market was made when Carlino founded Philosophy. Using the research of Bio-Medic, Philosophy cosmetics has years of revolutionary formulations and ingredients behind it.

Today, the brand is sold at Sephora, department stores such as Bloomingdales and Macy's in the US and smaller specialty boutiques as well as on QVC. The product line runs the gamut from serious skin care products such as facial peels and serums to fun, colourful shower gels and "un-make-up" make-up.

Philosophy's Packaging

Simple and effective is the idea behind the product packaging as well at the brand. Frosted or clear plastic bottles hold the colourful shower gels, cleansers, scrubs and skincare and small glass bottles hold the fragrances.

Each container is decorated with inspirational messages such as this one, found on their popular facial moisturizer Hope In a Jar: "Philosophy: Where there is hope there can be faith. Where there is faith miracles can occur." or on their deep conditioning hair mask Shear Splendour: "Philosophy: Begin to define shear splendour in the simplest of terms. Ask yourself is this a choice that is good for my soul? By doing so the splendour of life and living become yours."

Philosophy's Skincare

The idea behind Philosophy's skincare is that the best make-up is no make-up. Using extensive medical knowledge, the Philosophy skincare line is designed to give you the best possible complexion and ideally to make make-up optional.

Easily their most famous skincare product is the Hope line of facial moisturizers. Chockfull of rich antioxidants, the original Hope In a Jar facial moisturizer for all skin types is designed to smooth, hydrate and even skintone while giving the skin a natural rosy, youthful glow. There is also the Hope In a Bottle moisturizer that contains salicylic acid (a deeply exfoliating agent that helps to clear acne, clogged pores and soften fine lines) and the restorative and protective When Hope Is Not Enough moisturizer for dehydrated skin.

Another noted and bestselling skincare product is Philosophy's Purity Made Simple, a 4-in-1 gentle but effective facial cleanser that removes eye make-up, cleanses, tones and lightly hydrates the skin all in one step.

Philosophy's Shower Gels

In something of a contrast to the serious effectivity of the skincare lines, sit the brightly coloured and deliciously fragranced Philosophy shower gels. Designed as a guilt-free way to indulge in treats we're told not to, the 3-in-1 gels work as a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, and come in scents such as Cinnamon Bun, Frozen Lemon Custard, Pumpkin Pie, Senorita Margarita and Powdered Sugar Cookie.

And just to go one step further, each bottle is printed with a recipe for the treat the shower gel is named for.

Philosophy's Fragrances

In line with their simple and clean branding, Philosophy's offers three fragrances: the best-seller Amazing Grace, Inner Grace and Pure Grace - each soft, feminine and clean-smelling.

Philosophy's Make-Up

While they tout their skincare line as giving you skin that doesn't need make-up, Philosophy also carried a line of "Un-make-up Make-Up" called The Supernatural. They offer Airbrushed Canvas, a powdered mineral foundation that gives your skin a soft, glowing, airbrushed quality, The Supernatural Lipgloss, a richly tinted, minty, moisturizing gloss that looks soft and natural and their best-selling lip plumper Big Mouth.

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