Top Five Philosophy Products

With all the many, many skincare/cosmetic companies out there, how does one choose what products to use? Aside from trial and error - word of mouth and recommendations are always a great way to try new things. Philosophy products, created in 1996 by Cristina Carlino, were introduced to me by a friend - and over the years have continued to use and love their products.

Carlino originally developed a skin care line called biomedic, a medically based skincare line that was used and recommended by doctors and surgeons. Because of the success of biomedic, Carlino went back to the lab to create Philosophy so that similar products could be available to the general public. Hope in a jar was the first product released and has seen enormous success over the years (especially with multiple plugs from Oprah as part of her "favorite things"). Philosophy was created as a "lifestyle brand" and currently offers skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and bath and body products.

It's hard to narrow down all of their products into a top 5 list - but these are the best of the best - products that everyone can use (great for all skin types) and are affordable.

Purity Made Simple

Purity is a 3-in-1 product that has won many different awards including the 2007 winner of the Best of Sephora. It is light weight with a clean, fresh smell. Purity works as a cleanser, toner, and make-up remover - designed to save you time. Why use three different products when you can use one. Only a small amount of the product is necessary - a nickel size twice a day - so the product lasts a long time. Available in 8oz, 16 oz, and 24 oz bottles. Pricing starts at $20.

Microdelivery Peel

This product, developed to bring the average consumer the opportunity to get the results of microdermabrasion at home. Exfoliation is one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin looking youthful and soft. The amazing thing about Philosophy's microdelivery peel two step process is that it exfoliates the skin while infusing it with Vitamin C. It also contains peptides to rebuild the skin to improve the skin's firmness and elasticity, salicylic acid to slough away dead skin, and lactic acid to help exfoliate. The product sells for $65, which is a lot less expensive than many other similar products on the market. Your skin will feel differently immediately after one use.

Body wash/shampoos

Philosophy is known for their variety of "flavors" of their body Shampoo/body wash/bubble bath products. There are so many different scents available, I have only tried about 10 of them - but I haven't been disappointed yet. (Although the Senorita Margarita makes me crave margaritas all day long). This is also an award winning product that leaves your hair and skin feeling soft and smelling delicious. A few of my favorite scents are Mimosa, Raspberry Sorbet, Cinnamon Buns, and the ever popular Amazing Grace. (The scents are light enough that they won't overpower you throughout the day). 16oz bottles start at $16.

Hope in a Jar

One of the reasons that Philosophy is so successful - Hope in a Jar - the multiple award winning, Oprah loving moisturizer. This product is chock full of antioxidants, and leaves your skin feeling fresh and moisturized, without feeling too heavy. Hope in a Jar, with beta glucan and lactic acid to help exfoliate and leave the skin with a healthy rosy glow, was designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dehydration, and even skin discoloration. The product is truly amazing (available for normal, dry and oily skin types) and starts at only $28 for a 1oz jar. Believe the hype - this one is worth trying.

The Present

Not necessarily one of Philosophy's best known product - but I think it is amazing. It is a product that evens out skin tone and makes you look like you have flawless skin. It can be worn on its own, or under your make-up. It gives you that "airbrushed appearance." It can also be worn at night to keep the moisture and any treatment products sealed in. The reason this product works is the main ingredient - dimethicone copolyol (a silicone derivative) which is in many of the make-up base/skin smoothing products on the market. Unfortunately silicone products and my skin don't get along, so I can't use The Present. But when I did use it - I loved it. $25 for a 2 oz tube.

Again, it is hard to narrow down the Philosophy line into 5 of their best products - but you won't be disappointed with these 5.