Product Review: Philosophy - Hope in a Jar

By Mle_vnc @Backlist_Books
If you've got an interest in beauty products, you've heard of this moisturizer. It's a cult fave and cited as the fountain of youth by beauty bloggers and product reviewers the internet over. I've been curious about it for ages, but hesitant to dole out the money - it's pretty pricey! But this winter my skin seems to drink up any hint of moisture I put on it and still be thirsty for more. So when I had a gift card and nothing else at the top of my list, I thought okay, let's give it a go.
Legend has it that this cream was originally developed for use in the medical field. It worked so well that it was evolved into a skin cream that, according to Sephora's website, "is a 99.9% oil-free, deeply hydrating, lightweight wonder designed to smooth the complexion while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration."
I wouldn't know. I couldn't use it for long enough to find out.
If you've tried the product or read reviews online (even just on Sephora's website), you'll know that in addition to apparently being magic, this cream is known to have an unpleasant odor. That's stating it mildly. It's like a powerful antiseptic was mixed in with old cream cheese. The worst part is that it doesn't fade over time after application - it sticks around. It was so unpleasant that every time I moved my head and caught a wiff I wrinkled my nose.
In addition to the unbearable smell, it did the same thing as Reversa cream - caused my face to feel very warm and a minor headache to come on. I can't explain it, but after trying it for a few nights with the same results, I gave up. All I can say for it is that it went on smoothly, didn't feel greasy, and performed pretty much the same as any other halfway decent moisturizer.
The verdict? It might be excellently effective. It might even turn back the clock and erase all visible imperfections. But I'll never find out, because there's no way I'm going near this again. If for no other reason than if I'm wearing this, no one else will want to come near me!
Ratings:
Packaging: 4/5 (I always prefer moisturizers not in tubs for hygienic reasons)
Product quality: 2/5 for smell! Worth the price? If you have no sense of smell, maybe. 
Would I purchase again? NO!

Cruelty-Free? Not sure.Where to find it: Sephora in store and online.