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?