Philosophy Microdelivery Face Wash

I just love this cleanser! At first whiff, I have to confess to being slightly put off - I have never had an issue with the scent of any of the Philosophy Skincare products, although I know some do - and at first whiff, this has a weird smell.

So, I just thought of all the good results I have had and carried on. Although I will be frank and say that if this was someone's first Philosophy Skincare item, I could see where they might be totally put off the product and the line. Which would be a shame, cause this ROCKS!

I have used it with and without the Microdelivery Cleansing Cloths. Without - it is a wonderful exfolitating cleanser. It does lather slightly, and really leaves the skin feeling very clean, very toned and very exfoliated. This has become my daily, in the shower facial cleanser. I apply it when I turn the shower on, (we have to let it warm up a bit) and massage into my skin. Then I hit the shower and while I wet my hair, I continue to massage. Then rinse. Then wow - I can't believe how great my skin feels!

With the Microdelivery Cleansing Cloths - Just WOW! What a wonderful feeling. Using the cloths with this cleanser, you can definitely feel the exfoliating action while you cleanse (see my other review of the cloths with Purity Cleanser). I am very impressed with this. It isn't quite the exfoliation one gets with the Microdelivery 2 step Peel, but damn is it good.

For many people the cleanser with or without the cloths might be all the exfoliation you need.

I really don't understand how Philosophy keeps coming up with such great products, but I hope they keep at it.

The Beauty Buyble

The Beauty Buybleby Paula Conway (pictured right) is one of of the greatest books I have encountered in recent memory. This is a wonderfully up to date book, but it is so much more. Here is a synopsis of the book from Powells.com

"

Going to the cosmetic counter can be one of the most abusive experiences in a woman's daily routine. Where else do you pay for the privilege of being told, You need a new look? You're sold $150 worth of makeup and skin care products you don't need or that may irritate your skin, and the salesperson doesn't have a clue about what's right for you. How do you know which mascara truly lengthens, curls, or offers the blackest black? Which lipstick really does stay on all day without drying your lips? The Beauty Buyble gives consumers a one-stop reference to the year's best beauty buys and products. It takes out the guesswork, making it easier for women to find the best hair care, makeup, skin care, and beauty tools available on the market. This helpful, accessible book lists products in the low-, middle-, and high-end ranges so that you can find the product that's right for you and will truly enhance your beauty. The clean, concise format helps women on the go find the products they need, and the authors offer advice from celebrity makeup artists to help readers get the best out of their beauty purchases. Complete with dozens of actual samples and coupons for the products, The Beauty Buyble will be the first book to offer the very best beauty products, describe why they work, quote the experts, and tell the consumer how and where to buy. The book and bag of beauty goodies will come nestled inside a gorgeous box."

Okay, did you read that bit in bold? Bag of beauty goodies? Yes, there is a great bag of goodies - most samples, but, some full size and it all comes in a cute bag inside the nicest box. The box reminds me of an oversize pink cigar box with a ribbon tie and will find some good use. Did I ever tell you all I am nuts about cute boxes? Tis true. And the bag of goodies! Great samples of products you will love trying.

Included are products from MD Skincare, Freeze, Cetaphil, ELF (!!!!) Mentholatum Lip Balm, Biosilk, Nivea, Schwartzkopf, Profoot, Banana Boat, DHC (lots of DHC which has some really great skincare), Borba, Selona, Vitabath, Lipmints, Yu-Be, Jelly Bath, Cat Cosmetics (watch for a separate post on Cat Cosmetics, I love them so much!) NYC, Canyon Ranch, Chupa Chupa and at least one or two other suprises - all names you love or want to know more about. The samples are great, there are pencils and full sized lip products.

This is a great treat, can you imagine, you order it (or you can find it at Target or other fine stores) and you get it home and you can read some really right on reviews of some of the major most talked about companies and products. And you can then play with all your goodies. This just fantastic. I haven't had a pile of samples like this, in, well, maybe never. Go on get one (and this makes a really wonderful gift, especially for teens, but, really for anyone who likes looking great). You deserve it!

http://www.powells.com/partner/31636/biblio/9780060851637