Philosophy Lilac Blossom Shower Gel
A Swing & a Miss with Lilac Blossom
Philosophy Lilac Blossom 3-in-1 Shower Gel ($16.00 for 16 fl. oz.) showed up as new, exclusive, and limited edition when I was casually (err, stalking) Sephora’s site, and so it somehow managed to leap into my basket…
Philosophy describes the scent as:
inspired by the alluring essence of lilac blossoms, this shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath embodies beauty and enchantment. the extra rich and creamy formula provides a moisturizing lather that caresses your body as it gently cleanses and softens skin and hair. the sweet floral, alluring scent of lilac blossoms captivates the senses for a charming, mesmerizing experience that makes a lasting impression.
The bottle is so prettily packaged, and I love how the gel itself is a thick, luxurious lilac purple, but the problem with this particular scent is exactly that–the scent. It doesn’t smell like lilac at all; there’s not even a hint of lilac in it. Instead, it’s a soft, slightly sweetened floral concoction that’s not at all displeasing, but it’s also not the “scent of lilac blossoms” as described. It is also notably subtle when Philosophy scents usually burst in the shower with their fragrance.
my thoughts on the formula: They lather up well and leave skin feeling clean without any tightness or dryness. If you prefer your body wash to leave behind a long-lasting scent, these won’t be for you, but if you like to enjoy the scent while you shower but don’t want it to linger heavily beyond, then these are perfect. (I belong to the latter category!) I don’t find them to lather quite as well in the hair, and they work in a pinch to clean hair, but I prefer many other shampoos over this one. It does, however, work well as a bubble bath, too–a little goes a long way.
final thoughts: Even though the formula itself performs as well as other Philosophy scents, the fact that the scent itself really misses the mark is a downside. Again, I think the scent is pleasant in a generic, floral scent kind of way, but if you’re looking for lilac blossom you won’t find it in this bottle.
where to buy: Philosophy
Philosophy Crispy Marshmallow 3-in-1 Shower Gel
Anyone for a rice krispie treat?
Philosophy Crispy Marshmallow Bars 3-in-1 Shower Gel ($16.00 for 16 oz.) is a sugary-sweet confection of rich, decadent creamy and vanilla and butter. It is a definite food scent, and if you aren’t into sweet scents, pass on this particular version of the 3-in-1 Shower Gel.
my thoughts on the formula: Philosophy Shower Gels are one of my personal favorites for body washes, because they come in an assortment of scents, with new ones each season. They lather up well and leave skin feeling clean without any tightness or dryness. I wouldn’t call these a moisturizing body wash nor do their scents linger. If you prefer your body wash to leave behind a long-lasting scent, these won’t be for you, but if you like to enjoy the scent while you shower but don’t want it to linger beyond, then these are perfect. (I belong to the latter category!) I don’t find them to lather quite as well in the hair, and they work in a pinch to clean hair, but I prefer many other shampoos over this one. It does, however, work well as a bubble bath, too–a little goes a long way.
If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ! 
- Product: 27/30
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Packaging: 4/5
final thoughts: If you love the scent of rice krispie treats, you’ll adore this!
where to buy: Philosophy
Philosophy Melting Marshmallow
Quick Review: Philosophy Melting Marshmallow
Philosophy Melting Marshmallow Shower Gel ($16.00 for 16 oz.) is a sweet, marshmallow and chocolate kind of scent. It’s a bit like s’mores, a bit like a toasted marshmallow. Very sweet, very foodie, though it doesn’t linger so you won’t get the urge to gnaw off an arm as an afternoon snack.
Philosophy Shower Gels are one of my personal favorites for body washes, because they come in an assortment of scents, with new ones each season. They lather up well and leave skin feeling clean without any tightness or dryness. I wouldn’t call these a moisturizing body wash nor do their scents linger. If you prefer your body wash to leave behind a long-lasting scent, these won’t be for you, but if you like to enjoy the scent while you shower but don’t want it to linger beyond, then these are perfect. (I belong to the latter category!) I don’t find them to lather quite as well in the hair, and they work in a pinch to clean hair, but I prefer many other shampoos over this one. It does, however, work well as a bubble bath, too–a little goes a long way.
Welcome to Swatch-all-idays! To start 2011 off on the right foot (or post, as it may be!), Temptalia is going through a backlog of products we have photographed, swatched, and often tested but in a slightly different manner. Quick reviews may be partially incomplete, such as a blush may only be swatched on the arm rather than shown on the face. It is our hope that what we are able to provide is still helpful!
If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!
- Product: 27/30
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Packaging: 4/5
FINAL THOUGHTS: Best for those who love very sugary sweet scents, as this one is true to its name but meant for someone with a sweet tooth.
WHERE TO BUY: Philosophy
Philosophy Silent Night 3-in-1 Shower Gel
Philosophy Silent Night 3-in-1 Shower Gel
Philosophy Silent Night 3-in-1 Shower Gel
($16.00 for 0.16 oz.) is an earthy lavender-scented multi-purpose product (body wash, shampoo, or bubble bath). It really smells like… well, lavender. If you’re used to sweeter, more vanilla-based lavender scents, you might find this too earthy. I love lavender, and it’s one of my favorite scents to use before I go to sleep, so it’s great for a night time bath or shower.
Philosophy Shower Gels are one of my personal favorites for body washes, because they come in an assortment of scents, with new ones each season. They lather up well and leave skin feeling clean without any tightness or dryness. I wouldn’t call these a moisturizing body wash nor do their scents linger. If you prefer your body wash to leave behind a long-lasting scent, these won’t be for you, but if you like to enjoy the scent while you shower but don’t want it to linger beyond, then these are perfect. (I belong to the latter category!) I don’t find them to lather quite as well in the hair, and they work in a pinch to clean hair, but I prefer many other shampoos over this one. It does, however, work well as a bubble bath, too–a little goes a long way.
If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!
- Product: 27/30
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Packaging: 3/5
FINAL THOUGHTS: If you like more earthy, herb-inspired scents, I think you’ll like Silent Night (given you enjoy lavender as a base, of course).
WHERE TO BUY: Sephora
Philosophy Peppermint Bark
Quick Review: Philosophy Peppermint Bark
Philosophy Peppermint Bark Shower Gel
($11.00 for 16 oz.) is a rich, chocolaty scent with an underlying peppermint sweetness. The coolest part about this seasonal scent is really the color of it. It looks like scarlet silk! It’s not overwhelmingly sweet, though it’s certainly a foodie scent.
Philosophy Shower Gels are one of my personal favorites for body washes, because they come in an assortment of scents, with new ones each season. They lather up well and leave skin feeling clean without any tightness or dryness. I wouldn’t call these a moisturizing body wash nor do their scents linger. If you prefer your body wash to leave behind a long-lasting scent, these won’t be for you, but if you like to enjoy the scent while you shower but don’t want it to linger beyond, then these are perfect. (I belong to the latter category!) I don’t find them to lather quite as well in the hair, and they work in a pinch to clean hair, but I prefer many other shampoos over this one. It does, however, work well as a bubble bath, too–a little goes a long way.
Welcome to Swatch-all-idays! To start 2011 off on the right foot (or post, as it may be!), Temptalia is going through a backlog of products we have photographed, swatched, and often tested but in a slightly different manner. Quick reviews may be partially incomplete, such as a blush may only be swatched on the arm rather than shown on the face. It is our hope that what we are able to provide is still helpful!
If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!
- Product: 27/30
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Packaging: 4/5
FINAL THOUGHTS: If you love peppermint bark, peppermint chocolate, or mint chocolate, this might be worth picking up.
WHERE TO BUY: Sephora
Philosophy Hot Buttered Rum
Quick Review: Philosophy Hot Buttered Rum
Philosophy Hot Buttered Rum Shower Gel ($16.00 for 16 oz.) is a rich, buttery scent of caramel and sweetness; it’s a little sweeter than butterscotch but has the same sweetness of syrup without being overwhelming. It’s a very foodie scent, but it has quickly become one of my favorite holiday scents from Philosophy this year.
Philosophy Shower Gels are one of my personal favorites for body washes, because they come in an assortment of scents, with new ones each season. They lather up well and leave skin feeling clean without any tightness or dryness. I wouldn’t call these a moisturizing body wash nor do their scents linger. If you prefer your body wash to leave behind a long-lasting scent, these won’t be for you, but if you like to enjoy the scent while you shower but don’t want it to linger beyond, then these are perfect. (I belong to the latter category!) I don’t find them to lather quite as well in the hair, and they work in a pinch to clean hair, but I prefer many other shampoos over this one. It does, however, work well as a bubble bath, too–a little goes a long way.
Welcome to Swatch-all-idays! To start 2011 off on the right foot (or post, as it may be!), Temptalia is going through a backlog of products we have photographed, swatched, and often tested but in a slightly different manner. Quick reviews may be partially incomplete, such as a blush may only be swatched on the arm rather than shown on the face. It is our hope that what we are able to provide is still helpful!
If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!
- Product: 27/30
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Packaging: 4/5
FINAL THOUGHTS: If you are a fan of sweet, buttery scents like butterscotch and caramel, you may like this.
WHERE TO BUY: Philosophy
