Philosophy Under The Mistletoe Ornaments

Philosophy always seems to have the cutest packaging for their gift sets. They are so cute that they probably wouldn’t even need to be wrapped. This year is no exception. The Philosophy Under The Mistletoe Ornament is just too cute for words. The packaging has a touch of nostalgia to it if you ask me. The ribbon on top makes it able to be hung from your Christmas tree. And what’s inside the ornament is even better. Philosophy is offering its lip shines in three scrumptious holiday flavors: Gingerbread, Orange Cranberry Spritzer, and Spicy Pear Cobbler.

I love Philosophy’s lip shines. Let me just tell you, boy do they ever shine. Especially the ones that have shimmer in them like this trio does. Not only do they shine, but they are very emollient too. Although it may not feel like it when you apply the gloss being as it is a gloss and not a balm, this product is so moisturizing. You quickly learn this when you see how great your lips feel after wearing this product. The name of this set completely fits the bill because after using these glosses you are going to be ready to meet your sweetie under the mistletoe!

This limited edition trio available now at Sephora.com for $28. Happy Shopping!

Philosophy's Cookie Exchange

Want to have a cookie exchange without all of those calories??? No problem, just pick up Philosophy's The Cookie Exchange. This collection of four 3-in-1 shampoo, bubble bath, and shower gels in the yummy scents Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, Sugar Cookie, and Chocolate Chip are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without putting on any extra pounds. Just picture a cold winter night with you in a toasty bubble bath surrounded by the scent of Chocolate Chip cookies. I’m ready to jump in the tub right now!

I’m frequently asked by people who have not yet tried Philosophy’s 3-in-1 products why I would want to smell like food all day long. Let me tell you, this is not the case when you use the 3-in-1s. As much as you might here Cristina Carlino and the Philosophy spokes people blab on and on about how the scents last and last on QVC, that is so not the case. While the scent does last in the bathtub, your skin is not left to smell like a giant chocolate chip cookie all day long. If anything, you simply smell clean.

If you are looking for a scent that does last from the bathtub/shower, I would suggest looking at Philosophy’s fragrance line for the Amazing Grace and Falling In Love products. Those scents must have stronger essential oils as just the 3-in-1s linger on your skin. Couple those with the same scent in the lotion and perfume and you are good to go. The fragrance lasts all day. The same cannot be said for the food scented 3-in-1s. Hope that clears it up for those of you who are wondering!

The Cookie Exchange gift set is a limited edition and is currently available at Sephora.com for $30. Happy Shopping!

Happy Birthday Sephora

It's hard to believe that Sephora has only been around for 10 years. What did we do before Sephora??? I can remember being frustrated when certain Marshall Fields (oh how I long for those days before Macy's took over) only carried certain brands forcing me search all over for coveted cosmetics. I remember the first time I ever walked into a Sephora. It was like Charlie walking into the chocolate factory. Everything shined and seemed to call my name. I wanted one of everything, but surprisingly, I managed to walk out with only a single palette. Now, I'm lucky if I can walk out spending less than $100.

To celebrate Sephora's 10th birthday/anniversary, some of the top cosmetics companies have put together limited edition beauty products and gift sets at great prices. Most of these products are even "Best of Sephora" award winners.

Bare Escentuals has created Mineral Veil On The Go Mineral Veil for the occassion. For the first time, the best selling Mineral Veil is available in a portable device. For those of you who have yet to try Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, it is a sheer translucent powder that you apply as a finishing powder on your face. It gives skin a flawless, airbrushed look while absorbing oil from your face. I absolutely love the packaging. I will say this though, it is a bit big and bulky. This is not a product that would fit easily in your clutch for touchups during a night on the town. This is a limited edition item that is available for $28.

TIP - If you already have a ton of Mineral Veil (I know I do because it is included in a lot of Bare Escentuals kits) and don't want to pick up this product, but want to have the on the go ability I have a suggestion. Simply take a retractable fact brush, brush it in the Mineral Veil, retract it, put the cap on it, and you're ready to go. Also, most retractable brushes I have seen are smaller than the On The Go product currently available so this tip may prove helpful if you're looking for something smaller to fit in a clutch.

No Sephora celebration would be complete without a gift set from Stila. Stila offers its Stila Loves Sephora 10th Anniversary Can. The can is filled with some Stila's fan favorites including Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, Convertible Color in Peony, Kajal Eyeliner in Onyx, Mini Multi-Effect Mascara, and Brown Sugar Lip Glaze. There was a time when I would never leave Sephora without getting a new shade of Stila Lip Glaze! This kit totally takes me back to that time. Even if you don't get this kit, I highly, highly, highly recommend the Convertible Color in Peony. This is a multitasker that every beauty addict needs. Use it on you lips, eyes, and cheeks. Its dusty rose hue is perfect for the fall. This kit is a limited edition priced at $40 (with a $90 value).

Another Sephora shoppers favorite brand is Philosophy. Who amongst us hasn't spent many an hour at Sephora smelling her way through the entire Philosophy display telling her girlfriend that the products smell good enough to eat?!?! I know I'm guilty!!! And then comes the dilema of trying to select just one scent to take home. For Sephora's 10th Birthday Philosophy has helped us out with that problem. Introducing the Philosophy Classic Cookbook, a collection of ten of Philosophy's favorite scents. The Classic Cookbook includes 2 oz. bottles of Strawberry Milkshake, Red Velvet Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Senorita Margarita, Coconut Frosting, Cinnamon Buns, Double Rich Hot Cocoa, Raspberry Sorbet, Vanilla Birthday Cake, and Melon Daiquiri. This is a great gift for any Philosophy addict as well as for the person who has never tried Philosophy but has always wanted to. How could you go wrong with 10 of Philosophy's best scents??? This limited edition set is available for $40.

There are many more 10th Anniversary gifts from companies like Fresh, Clinique, Urban Decay, Too Faced, and, of course, Sephora. These were just a few of my favorites that I could personally recommend. All of the 10th Anniversary items are limited edition and are obviously only available at Sephora. Happy Shopping!

Philosophy's Kiss Kiss Kiss Lip Gloss Trio

Before we go jumping into the Christmas/Winter Season, let’s relish the Fall Season shall we? Philosophy’s Kiss Kiss Kiss collection is the perfect set of fall lip glosses. This trio features lip shines in Eggnog Latte, Caramel Apple, and Pumpkin Spice Muffin. Do those scents scream fall scents or what? These lip glosses are a triple threat…they pack the shine, the flavor, and the scent. It’s currently available at Sephora.com for $28. Happy Shopping!

Philosophy The Haunted House Gift Set

Can you believe that it's almost September??? Summer has just flown by this year. As I sit at my computer, I see the school bus stopping to pick up kids across the street. I can't believe that it's back to school time already. Halloween is also quickly approaching as I found out yesterday during a quick run to Menards. They already had all of their Halloween decorations out. And I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Target takes down their back to school displays and replaces it with aisles upon aisles of Halloween candy and costumes! Crazyness.

It appears that decorations are not the only Halloween themed items available. Philosophy has gotten on the Halloween bandwagon and has released The Haunted House Gift Set. This set inclues three 6 oz bottles of 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath in the spooky scents of Black Licorice, Caramel Apple, and Pumpkin Spice Muffin. The bottles are housed in a cute box made to look like a haunted house.

One of my dear friends has a Halloween party every year. I think this would make a fabulous hostess gift for her.

Philosophy - The Soda Fountain Collection

Lately I have been obsessed with the scent of Root Beer. It all started with a Yankee Candle that my Sweetie bought from their Summer Collection: Root Beer Float. Not being a fan of Root Beer soda, I didn't really think I would love the scent of this candle, but I do! We lit it in the spare bedroom and one day as I typed away in the computer room, my nose was overtaken by a glorious scent. Was that the Root Beer Float candle I thought to myself? I couldn't believe it. It smelled just like root beer and just made me happy that summer was finally here.

So why am I telling you about my Root Beer Float candle story? Because I am ecstatic to report that Philosophy's latest collection is Soda Fountain Collection featuring a Root Beer scent: Barrels of Root Beer. Since this scent is my current obsession it couldn't have come at a better time. I will admit, had I not been in love with the scent thanks to that candle, I probably would have passed on this collection. This would have been one of those where I would have thought who wants to smell like a can of Root Beer? Let me just tell you, I do!

The scent of Root Beer is amazingly realistic. It has this amazing sweetness to it that just screams Summertime. I will say, it's not the most appealing color to be lathering you skin with (I don't think I need to delve further into the graphic image other than to say the gel is brown...use your imagination). Root Beer has all of the other qualities of past Philosophy 3-in-1 products so nothing new and exciting here other than the scent. It's available for only $16.

The Soda Fountain Collection features 3-in-1's in Not The Pits Cherry Cola and Fruit Punch as well. As of right now, Sephora doesn't even have Fruit Punch listed as a single 16 oz. 3-in-1. I don't know if they even plan on ever offering it as a single 16 oz. product. However, it is available in the gift set for $30.

I'm also happy that the Soda Fountain Collection does not stop with the 3-in-1's. The folks at Philosophy were also kind enough to include matching lip shines. Take your pick of Barrels of Root Beer or Not The Pits Cherry Cola. Each is priced at $12. I suggest picking up the Soda Fountain Lip Set so that you get both of those flavors plus the Fruit Punch flavor for only $28. If you haven't tried a Philosophy Lip Shine you are totally missing out. This collection doesn't feature any shimmer, but it is packed full of shine. On top of it, they are so moisturizing; something you wouldn't think you would get from a gloss that is all about the shine.

The Soda Fountain Collection is a Limited Edition, Sephora only release. Happy Shopping!

Nordstrom Exclusive??? I Don't Think So!!!

It's almost mid-July, so you know that Nordstrom's Beauty Exclusives are about to drop. I heard rumors that the products were already available online for pre-order so I made my way over to Nordstrom.com last night to check it out. There are some must have products that I will be posting about next, but there was one product that really stood out.

The second product listed is "philosophy 'purity made simple' one step facial cleanser (Nordstrom Exclusive)". That is exactly what it says on the Nordstrom website. I wondered to myself, "how could it be a Nordstrom exclusive when I have ordered the 32 oz. sized bottle of Purity at least 3 times from QVC?" So I mosey on over to QVC.com and what do I find??? Not only the very same 32 oz. sized bottle of Purity, but at a better price of $36.38 compared to Nordstrom's price of $42.50. So what's the deal???

This isn't the first time I've seen this happen. There's actually been a few times things have been available at Sephora as a "Sephora Exclusive" that I've found on other websites or stores. However, it is really aggrivating when this happens, especially when you can get a better price on the product some place else.

Purity Made Simple High Foaming Daily Cleanser

Have you guys heard about Philosophy's newest product??? I'm so excited to say that they have created a foam version of Purity Made Simple! Purity is my staple facial cleanser. I absolutely love it. It is so gentle that I can rub it on my eyes to take my make-up off and there is no irritation. My skin is clear and soft. I am even more in love now that they've made it in foam form. I absolutely love foam products. The hand soaps in my bathrooms are the foaming ones from Bath and Body Works. They are so light and airy and just feel really clean, which is really what you want in a facial cleanser. Of course Philosophy must have known that I just bought a mother sized 32 oz. bottle of the old fashioned Purity and just wanted to tease me with the new release since I will definately have to use up what I have before I buy anything new. This new product is currently available at Sephora and retails for $21.50 for a 6 oz. bottle and $34.50 for a 12 oz. bottle.

Sephora Coupon Codes

Hey girls...I've got two more Sephora.com coupon / promo codes for you, and let me just tell you they are fantabulous freebies! First up, use coupon / promo code HOPE and receive a FREE PHILOSOPHY HOPE IN A JAR DELUXE SAMPLE with any purchase through October 31st. Not only do I love this product, but it is also a Best of Sephora winner so that means tons of other people love it too. Next, use coupon / promo code AMBER and receive a FREE FULL SIZE BARE ESCENTUALS BUXOM LIP POLISH IN AMBER with any $50 purchase. Amber is a gorgeous soft shimmering peach. My love for Bare Escentuals is pretty well known and my love for the Buxom line is no exception. The color and texture of this gloss is amazing. My lips feel so saturated whenever I put a Buxom gloss on. Love it! I did receive this coupon code in a Beauty Insiders email, so I'm assuming that you have to be a Sephora Beauty Insider to take advantage of it, but I'm not 100% sure. If you're still not a Beauty Insider yet, what are you waiting for?!?!?! It's free to sign up and you get awesome freebies with every $100 you spend as well as a free gift for your birthday, the opportunity to buy exclusive items, and other exclusive deals. Happy shopping!

Philosophy Skincare

Someone posted a comment asking for recommendations on what to use to combat adult acne. I responded in the comment, but thought it would also be useful to write an actual post as well. My sweetie is 31 year and has dealt with acne since his early 20s. Unfortunately for him, his mother always told him to simply wash his face with regular old soap!!! Can you believe that??? When we began dating and he would complain to me about his skin and told me that he was just using soap I literally let out a load gasp. I told him he should at least be using Noxzema to wash his face. When he started using Noxzema, at least half of his acne went away. After that, I told him he needed to use something a little stronger and he began using my skin regimen which pretty much cleared him up. He still has the occassional outbreak (don't we all), but that's nothing in comparison to what he used to have to deal with. So what is my skincare regimen? Philosophy products.

While a lot of people think of great 3-in-1 shower gels when they hear the name Philosophy, the company actually started out as a skincare company. Creator and founder, Cristina Carlino first founded BioMedic, a medically based skincare line that catered solely to physicians. Soon afterwards, she realized that she wanted to make these products available to people at home. And so, Philosophy was created. Everything from cleaners to microderm abrasion treatments to peels to moisturizers are available from Philosophy. They have something for every age. Whether you're in your 20s looking to combat acne or take preventative measures against aging or you're in your 50s and you want smoother looking skin with less fine lines and wrinkles, Philosophy has the product for you.

To my comment poster, Philosophy Acne Kit may be what you are looking for. "Philosophy offers a four-step approach to treating acne that is benzoyl peroxide free. Step 1 - suppress excessive oil production, Step 2 - shed the pore wall (exfoliate), Step 3 - help sanitize the skin to protect against bacteria, and Step 4 - seal the skin to help keep the good treatments in and the bad elements out. The result? Clear, glowing skin that's free from blemishes and impurities."

I personally use the items available in the Philosophy Makeup Optional Set. "Set includes an 8 oz Purity Made Simple cleanser, 2 oz Hope In A Jar moisturizer, 1 oz When Hope Is Not Enough A.M. Serum, and a .5 oz Hope in a Tube Eye and Lip Firming Cream, plus two (two-applications) Microdelivery Vitamin C Foils." The Purity Cleanser is my staple skincare product. Even on those late nights when I just am too tired to go through moisturizing and what not (I know, shame on me), I at least cleanse my face with Purity. The Hope in a Jar moisturizer is like a drink of water for my skin. I love it. My skin always feels so soft and nice when I wake-up the morning after putting this on. This kit is also available for dry, sensitive skin and congested skin.

If you're not sure if Philosophy is for you, you might want to check out the Philosophy Best of Sephora Beauty Insider Kit. It's essentially a try me sampler of Philosophy's greatest hits. "Filled with four pint-sized portions of Philosophy favorites—the pH balanced, pore-purging cleanser, Purity Made Simple; the cult favorite, skin brightening moisturizer, Hope in A Jar; two at-home facial Microdelivery Peel packets; and the multitasking, floral and musk-infused Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel—this sought-after sampler has everything you need to get glowing." You do have to be a Beauty Insider to get this deal, but it's free to sign up at Sephora.com.

These are just a few of the highlights of Philosophy's Skincare Collection. You can check out their full line of products here. Not only do I swear by these products, but my best friend, my sister, and my mom all do as well. Personally, I have never heard a negative word about Philosophy, but I also realize that everyone's skin is different. So while it may do wonders for me, you may not love it as much as I do.

One other tip when it comes to cleansing your face, always rinse your cleanser off with a damp wash cloth, do not simply splash water on your face. By wiping your face with the damp cloth you are exfoliating your skin. It's much more effective to wipe the dead and dry skin cells and impurities off of your skin than to simply splash water on them.

New Philosophy Products

Everyone who knows me knows that I am a Philosophy girl. I swear by their face products (Which now that I think about it, I've never blogged about! Add that to the to do list!), love their bubble baths, and would die without their 3-in-1 bath products. When I saw Cristina Carlino, founder of Philosophy, talking about their bubble bath product and the fact that it "produces bubbles like you see in the movies with only a cap full," I immediately ordered a bottle. Now, I must say, the bubbles were more abundent and lasted longer than any other bubble bath product I have ever used, however, it did take a little more than a cap full. That didn't bother me that much though, because it still didn't take that much product to produce amazing results. The only downside to the product was that it was only available in Philosophy's perfume scents: Amazing Grace and Falling In Love. While I love both of those scents, when I'm in the bath/shower I want to use the fruity and sweeter fragrances that are found in their 3-in-1 products.

The powers that be at Philosophy must have heard my complaining because they have finally expanded their bubble bath line to include other scents. Red Delicious Apple, Old Fashioned Lemonade, Sweet Coconut Milk, and Empowerment are now all available in bubble bath form. At the moment, I am obsessed with the Red Delicious Apple scent. It makes me ready for spring. The scent is so fresh and clean and although it does smell like a fresh, ripe apple, it lingers on your body as simply as fresh, clean, sweet smell so no worries about smelling like a giant apple. I picked up the Philosophy Apple Circle Duo and love the scent layering affect. The body scrub makes me skin feel divine. Word of warning...the rich red color may make your shower look the the shower scene in Psycho! If you're in a rush to get to summer, try the Sweet Coconut Milk scent. It reminds me of loading up with suntan oil and laying out by the pool or on the beach.

I'm really hoping that Philosophy continues to expand their bubble bath product and also continues to add such great fragrances.